May 6 birthdays and deaths:

Edward VII

Edward VII, also known as the Peacemaker, was the son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. He ascended the throne in 1901 upon his mother's death and was known for his diplomatic efforts, particularly in improving relations between European powers during the early 20th century.

Deathyear: 1910

Marlene Dietrich

Marlene Dietrich was a pioneering German-American actress, singer, and fashion icon, known for her captivating voice, sultry on-screen presence, and androgynous style. She was a true Hollywood legend, captivating audiences in classics like "The Blue Angel" and "Morocco."

Deathyear: 1992

Henry David Thoreau

Henry David Thoreau was an American essayist, poet, and philosopher who advocated for simple living and individualism. His magnum opus, Walden, explores themes of self-reliance, nature, and social critique, reflecting his iconic experiments in solitude and self-discovery.

Deathyear: 1862

Kentaro Miura

Kentaro Miura is a celebrated Japanese manga artist, born in 1966. He is best known for his dark fantasy series "Berserk", which has sold over 25 million copies worldwide. His intricate artwork and haunting storytelling have captivated readers worldwide, solidifying his status as a manga legend.

Deathyear: 2021

L. Frank Baum

"L. Frank Baum, a prolific American novelist and playwright, is best known for his beloved children's book series, "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz". Baum's whimsical tales have enchanted readers for generations, transporting them to fantastical worlds of magic and wonder. His imagination has left a lasting legacy in literature.

Deathyear: 1919

Maria Montessori

Maria Montessori (1870-1952) was a trailblazing Italian-Dutch physician and educator who pioneered Montessori education. Breaking gender barriers, she became the first female doctor in Italy and developed innovative teaching methods, empowering children to learn independently and fostering self-directed discovery.

Deathyear: 1952

Alexander von Humboldt

Alexander von Humboldt, a German geographer and explorer, was born in 1769. He traveled extensively throughout South America, making groundbreaking discoveries about the Amazon and the Andes. His writings sparked widespread interest in geography and inspired further exploration.

Deathyear: 1859

Pim Fortuyn

Pim Fortuyn was a charismatic Dutch sociologist, academic, and politician who founded the party "List Pim Fortuyn" in 2002. He was known for his conservative and populist views, advocating for stricter immigration laws and criticizing Islam.

Deathyear: 2002

Giulio Andreotti

Giulio Andreotti, a prominent figure in Italian politics, served as Prime Minister from 1976 to 1979 and held various ministerial positions throughout his career. He was also a respected journalist, known for his sharp intellect and wit.

Deathyear: 2013

Wilfrid Hyde-White

Wilfrid Hyde-White was a renowned English actor, born in 1903. He gained international fame for his iconic portrayal of W.C. Fields in the 1946 film "The More the Merrier" and other notable roles in stage and screen.

Deathyear: 1991

George Pérez

George Pérez is a legendary American comic book artist and writer, best known for his work on The Avengers, Justice League of America, and Wonder Woman. His detailed and dynamic artwork has inspired generations of fans and creators, earning him a reputation as one of the industry's all-time greats.

Deathyear: 2022

Theodore von Kármán

Theodore von Kármán was a Hungarian-American mathematician, physicist, and engineer who made significant contributions to the fields of aerodynamics, rocket propulsion, and computational fluid dynamics. He is considered one of the most important figures in the development of theoretical aerodynamics and fluid mechanics of the 20th century.

Deathyear: 1963

William J. Casey

William J. Casey was the 13th Director of Central Intelligence, serving from 1981 to 1987. As CIA Director, Casey played a crucial role in shaping US foreign policy during the Cold War era, leading the agency during the height of the Soviet Union's influence.

Deathyear: 1987

Ann Todd

Ann Todd was a renowned English actress and producer, born in 1909. She began her career on stage in the 1920s and transitioned to film, starring in over 20 movies, including the iconic "Magnificent Obsession." She also produced several films and was a prominent figure in the British film industry.

Deathyear: 1993

Monty Woolley

Monty Woolley, a charismatic American entertainer, was born in 1888. Known for his wit and charm, he made a mark in Hollywood as an actor, director, and raconteur. His films, including "The Yearling" and "Alice in Wonderland," showcased his versatility.

Deathyear: 1963

Jim Wright

Jim Wright, a decorated American soldier, lawyer, and politician, served as the 56th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives from 1987 to 1989. Born in 1922, Wright went on to become a prominent figure in American politics, known for his moderate progressive ideology and leadership skills.

Deathyear: 2015

Farley Mowat

Farley Mowat is a renowned Canadian environmentalist and author, born in 1921. He has written numerous books on wildlife and the environment, earning him the nickname "Canada's conscience". His works often highlight the impact of human activities on the natural world, prompting advocacy for conservation efforts.

Deathyear: 2014

Jimmy Ellis (boxer)

Jimmy Ellis, an American boxer, was born on May 24, 1940. He compiled a professional record of 41 wins, 19 losses, and 1 draw. Ellis was the WBA Heavyweight Champion from 1978 to 1981, holding the title during his reign.

Deathyear: 2014

Maurice Maeterlinck

Maurice Maeterlinck was a Belgian-French poet and playwright who dominated the Symbolist movement. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1911. His works, such as "Pelléas and Mélisande," explored themes of love, death, and the mysteries of life.

Deathyear: 1949

Otis Blackwell

Otis Blackwell, a renowned American singer-songwriter and pianist, was born in 1932. He wrote hits for Elvis Presley, such as "Don't Be Cruel" and "All Shook Up", and his own songs like "Great Balls of Fire" and "Breathless" have become rock 'n' roll classics.

Deathyear: 2002

Barney Kessel

Barney Kessel was an American jazz guitarist and composer, renowned for his lyrical and swinging style. He was part of the "Golden Age of Jazz" and collaborated with prominent musicians, including Charlie Parker and Oscar Peterson, while also leading his own trio and recording numerous albums.

Deathyear: 2004

Robin Roberts (baseball)

Robin Roberts was an American baseball player, coach, and sportscaster. A thrower, he played 13 seasons in the majors with the Phillies, finishing with a 286-245 record. Post-retirement, he worked as a broadcaster and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1976.

Deathyear: 2010

Charles Farrell

Charles Farrell was an American actor who rose to fame during the 1920s-1930s. Born in 1900, he co-starred with Janet Gaynor in 11 films, including "Seventh Heaven" and "Sunrise," earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.

Deathyear: 1990

Virginia Capers

Virginia Capers was an American actress and singer born in 1925. She gained fame for her roles in film and television, including "The Sammy Davis Jr. Show" and "The Amati Girls." Her smooth, velvety voice led to numerous jazz and pop recordings.

Deathyear: 2004

Charles III, Duke of Bourbon

Charles III, Duke of Bourbon, was a French nobleman born in 1490. As Dauphin of Auvergne, he played a key role in the French monarchy, ascending to the throne in 1527 following Louis XII's death.

Deathyear: 1527

József Mindszenty

József Mindszenty was a Hungarian cardinal who played a significant role in the country's 20th-century history. Born in 1892, he served as Archbishop of Esztergom and Primate of Hungary from 1944 until his death in 1975. Mindszenty resisted Soviet communism and refused to condemn Hungarian uprising.

Deathyear: 1975

Francisco de Paula Santander

Francisco de Paula Santander was a Colombian general and politician who played a key role in the country's struggle for independence from Spain. He served as the 4th President of the Republic of the New Granada from 1841 to 1845.

Deathyear: 1840

Ezra Jack Keats

Ezra Jack Keats was a celebrated American author and illustrator of children's books. Born in 1916, he is best known for his beautifully illustrated tales of multiculturalism and diversity, including "The Snowy Day" and "Whispers". His works continue to delight readers of all ages.

Deathyear: 1983

Élie Cartan

Élie Cartan was a French mathematician and physicist born in 1869. He made significant contributions to mathematical physics, particularly in the areas of differential geometry and theoretical physics. His work on exterior calculus and the Cartan-Maurin theory helped shape the modern understanding of spacetime and gravity.

Deathyear: 1951