May 31 birthdays and deaths:

KK (singer)

Karthik, also known as Krishnakumar Kunnath, is an Indian playback singer, songwriter, and television personality born in 1968. With aCareer spanning over three decades, he has sung over 4,000 songs in various languages, winning numerous awards, including multiple Filmfare Awards.

Deathyear: 2022

Robert Pickton

Robert Pickton, a Canadian pig farmer, was convicted of murdering six women in the early 2000s. He allegedly murdered dozens more, primarily targeting sex trade workers and vulnerable women. His real estate and pig farm in British Columbia were discovered to be dumping grounds for his victims' bodies.

Deathyear: 2024

Timothy Leary

Timothy Leary, a renowned psychologist and author, was born in 1920. He gained fame for his pioneering work on the therapeutic use of LSD and psilocybin mushrooms, and wrote extensively on the topics of consciousness expansion and personal growth.

Deathyear: 1996

Jack Dempsey

Jack Dempsey was a legendary American boxer who reigned as the World Heavyweight Champion from 1919 to 1926. He was also a decorated World War I veteran, earning the Bronze Star for bravery during the war. His boxing record stands at 62 wins and 6 losses.

Deathyear: 1983

Jean Stapleton

Jean Stapleton, a beloved American actress, was born in 1923. She is best known for her iconic portrayal of Edith Bunker on the classic TV series "All in the Family" (1971-1979), earning her a record 11 Emmy nominations.

Deathyear: 2013

Joseph Haydn

Joseph Haydn was a renowned Austrian composer and pianist of the Classical period. Born in 1732, he was a prominent figure in the development of symphonic music, writing over 100 symphonies and notable operas like "The Creation" and "The Seasons". His music is characterized by its wit, elegance, and melodic charm.

Deathyear: 1809

Gilberto Rodríguez Orejuela

Gilberto Rodríguez Orejuela, also known as "The Kingpin", was a Colombian drug lord who rose to prominence in the 1980s. As the leader of the Cali cartel, he was responsible for smuggling vast amounts of cocaine to the United States and other countries. He was imprisoned in 1995.

Deathyear: 2022

Frederick William I of Prussia

Frederick William I, also known as the "Soldier King," ruled Prussia from 1713 to 1740. He strengthened the military, expanded trade, and reorganized the government. His descendants, the Hohenzollerns, went on to shape European history.

Deathyear: 1740

Mary Soames

Lady Soames was an English author, daughter of Winston Churchill. She wrote about her father's life, including "The Mother of the Vicar General" and "Cyril Connolly: A Life". She was a renowned author and daughter of the famous Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

Deathyear: 2014

Évariste Galois

Évariste Galois, a brilliant French mathematician and theorist, pioneered abstract algebra and group theory. Despite his short life (1811-1832), Galois laid the foundation for Galois theory, developing methods for determining solvability of polynomial equations.

Deathyear: 1832

Louise Bourgeois

Louise Bourgeois was a renowned French-American artist known for her innovative and psychologically charged sculptures and paintings. Born in 1911, Bourgeois explored themes of femininity, identity, and the human experience, leaving a lasting impact on modern and contemporary art.

Deathyear: 2010

Martha Hyer

Martha Hyer was an American actress known for her stunning looks and versatility in films. Born in 1924, she appeared in over 60 films, including "Some Came Running" (1958) and "The Carpetbaggers" (1964). She was a Hollywood darling, nominated for a Golden Globe and an Academy Award.

Deathyear: 2014

Arlene Francis

Arlene Francis was a talented American actress, talk show host, and TV personality born in 1907. She appeared in numerous films, plays, and TV shows, and also hosted the TV show "What's My Line?" and appeared on various game shows as a panelist.

Deathyear: 2001

Spuds MacKenzie

Here is 40 words about Spuds MacKenzie, the iconic Bud Light mascot: Spuds MacKenzie, a fictional bull terrier named, was the charismatic face of Bud Light in the 1980s. Debuted in 1987, Spuds captivated audiences with its charming smile and rugged good looks, becoming a cultural phenomenon and symbol of carefree fun.

Deathyear: 1993

Elizabeth Blackwell

Elizabeth Blackwell (1821-1910) was a pioneering English-American physician and educator. She founded the first women's medical school in the US and became the first female doctor in New York State, breaking down barriers in medicine and paving the way for future generations of women in medicine.

Deathyear: 1910

Danny La Rue

Danny La Rue, the renowned Irish-British drag queen, burst onto the scene in 1950s London. With his impeccable wit and harmonious voice, he entertained audiences for over five decades, earning the title "Queen of British Drag".

Deathyear: 2009

Tim Samaras

Tim Samaras was a renowned American engineer and storm chaser, known for his innovative tornado trap and camera systems. He appeared on the Discovery Channel's "Jetty" documentary series, capturing stunning footage of severe weather events.

Deathyear: 2013

George Tiller

George Tiller was an American physician known for his work providing abortion services at his clinic in Wichita, Kansas. A strong advocate for reproductive rights, he faced controversy and violence, ultimately being assassinated on May 31, 2009.

Deathyear: 2009

Terry Sawchuk

Terry Sawchuk was a legendary NHL goaltender, originally from Winnipeg, Canada. He played for the Detroit Red Wings, Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, and St. Louis Blues, earning five Stanley Cup championships and being inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1972.

Deathyear: 1970

Billy Strayhorn

Billy Strayhorn was a renowned American pianist and composer, best known for his work with Duke Ellington's orchestra. He wrote many iconic jazz standards, including "Take the 'A' Train" and "Lush Life". His distinctive playing style and harmonies greatly influenced jazz and classical music.

Deathyear: 1967

Tintoretto

Tintoretto, born Jacopo Comin, was a renowned Italian painter and educator known for his dramatic and emotionally charged works. Born in 1518, he was a key figure in the Venetian Renaissance, celebrated for his vivid colors and innovative techniques.

Deathyear: 1594

Jan Crouch

Jan Crouch was a pioneering American televangelist and co-founder of the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), the largest Christian television network in the world. She and her late husband Paul Crouch launched TBN in 1973, promoting Christianity through television broadcasts and music performances.

Deathyear: 2016

C. L. R. James

C.L.R. James was a Trinidadian journalist, historian, and Marxist theorist who wrote extensively on topics including cricket, the Haitian Revolution, and the African diaspora. His influential works include "Minty Alley" and "The Black Jacobins".

Deathyear: 1989

Jean Lannes

Jean Lannes, born 1769, was a French general who played a key role in Napoleon's military campaigns. Known for his bravery and tactical genius, he fought in numerous battles, including Austerlitz, Jena, and Borodino, earning him the nickname "The Brave of the Empire".

Deathyear: 1809

Odilo Globocnik

Odilo Globocnik was an Italian-Austrian SS officer who served as a key figure in the Holocaust. Born in 1904, he was responsible for the extermination of hundreds of thousands of Jews, Romani people, and others during World War II.

Deathyear: 1945

William Castle

William Castle was a prolific Hollywood professional, directing over 40 films and creating innovative marketing gimmicks. He helmed classics like "House on Haunted Hill" and "Stranger on the Third Floor," often incorporating suspense and horror elements in his work.

Deathyear: 1977

Petronius Maximus

Petronius Maximus was a Roman emperor from 455 to 456. Born in 408, he seized power from the Visigothic king, but was soon killed by the rebels. His brief reign was marked by decline and chaos, marking the end of the Roman Empire's Western government.

Deathyear: 455

Walther Funk

Walther Funk was a German economist, journalist, and politician born in 1890. He served as German Minister of Economics from 1933 to 1938 and was a prominent figure in the Nazi Party. He was later tried and convicted of war crimes at the Nuremberg Trials.

Deathyear: 1960

Joseph Grimaldi

Joseph Grimaldi was a renowned English actor, comedian, and dancer. Born in 1779, he revolutionized the art of whiteface clowning and is considered the "father of modern clowning." His skillful performances enthralled audiences and solidified his place in the history of comedy.

Deathyear: 1837

Orlando Woolridge

Orlando Woolridge was a talented American basketball player and coach, born in 1959. He played in the NBA for 12 seasons, scoring over 12,000 points, and went on to coach professionally, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of basketball.

Deathyear: 2012

Carla Lane

Carla Lane is a renowned English television writer, producer, and director, born in 1928. She is best known for creating successful British sitcoms such as "Butterflies", "Bread", and "The Witch of Canterbury Street", which showcased her talent for crafting relatable characters and storylines.

Deathyear: 2016

Robert Quine

Robert Quine, born 1941, was a pioneering American guitarist known for his innovative, atonal playing style. He collaborated with artists like Richard Hell, Tom Waits, and Frank Zappa, and released several solo albums, earning recognition for his unique, dissonant approach to the guitar.

Deathyear: 2004

John Abraham (director)

John Abraham is a renowned Indian director and screenwriter, born in 1937. Known for his work in Telugu cinema, he directed films like "Apur Sansar" and "Seethakoka Chowardiwarama", earning him critical acclaim and iconic status in Indian cinema.

Deathyear: 1987

Martin of Aragon

Martin I of Aragon, also known as Martin the Humane, was King of Aragon and Count of Barcelona from 1409 to 1410. Born in 1356, he was a member of the Trastámara dynasty and is notable for his efforts to maintain peace and stability in the Pyrenees region.

Deathyear: 1410

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu (1358-1408) was the third shōgun of the Muromachi period, ruling from 1368 to 1394. He implemented the Ōnin War peace treaty, expanded trade with China, and promoted cultural exchange. He built the famous Zen temple, Kinkaku-ji in Kyoto, which he called his "retirement home."

Deathyear: 1408

Géza II of Hungary

Géza II, King of Hungary (1130-1162), succeeded his uncle Béla II. As a loyal pawn of the Holy Roman Emperor, he fought to expand Hungary's borders, launched crusades, and restored the country's power and prestige.

Deathyear: 1162

Jacques Monod

Here is 40-word write-up about Jacques Monod: Jacques Monod, a French biologist and geneticist, won the 1965 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. He discovered the lac operon, a key mechanism for regulating gene expression. Monod's work revolutionized our understanding of genetics and gene regulation, shaping modern biology and medicine.

Deathyear: 1976