May 8 birthdays and deaths:

Dana Plato

Dana Plato was an American actress born on January 7, 1964. She rose to fame as Kimberly Cunningham on the sitcom "Diff'rent Strokes" and later appeared on "The Love Boat" and "Barnaby Jones". She passed away on May 8, 1999, at the age of 35.

Deathyear: 1999

George Peppard

George Peppard was an American actor and producer, best known for his iconic roles in the TV series "Banacek" and "The A-Team". With a career spanning over three decades, he won hearts with his charming smile and debonair performances.

Deathyear: 1994

Dennis Waterman

Dennis Waterman is a renowned English actor and singer, born on February 24, 1948. He's best known for his roles in TV shows like "Minder" and "New Tricks," as well as his appearances in various films and stage productions.

Deathyear: 2022

Robert A. Heinlein

Robert Anson Heinlein was a renowned American science fiction writer and screenwriter, born in 1907. He is best known for his impactful works "Stranger in a Strange Land" and "Starship Troopers", blending social commentary with extraterrestrial adventures.

Deathyear: 1988

Paul Gauguin

Paul Gauguin (1848-1903) was a pioneering French painter and sculptor who revolutionized modern art with his bold, expressive use of color and exploration of primitivism. Known for works like "Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going?", he's considered a precursor to Expressionism.

Deathyear: 1903

Helena Blavatsky

Helena Blavatsky was a Russian-English mystic and author, known for her spiritualist writings and teaching of Theosophy, a mystical and philosophical movement that sought to illuminate the mysteries of the universe and the nature of the human soul through meditation and spiritual practices.

Deathyear: 1891

Gilles Villeneuve

Gilles Villeneuve was a Canadian Formula One driver, born in 1950 in Berthierville, Quebec. He won the 1978 Canadian Grand Prix and came close to winning the World Championship in 1979 before a fatal accident in 1982 at the age of 32.

Deathyear: 1982

Kamehameha I

Kamehameha I, born around 1738, united the Hawaiian Islands through military victories and shrewd diplomacy. He established the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1795, ruling until his death in 1819. His legacy has endured, with his name becoming synonymous with Hawaiian culture and history.

Deathyear: 1819

Antoine Lavoisier

Antoine Lavoisier, French chemist and biologist, pioneered the field of modern chemistry. He discovered oxygen and its role in combustion, formulated the modern system of chemical nomenclature, and wrote the first modern textbook on chemistry, "Elements of Chemistry".

Deathyear: 1794

Dirk Bogarde

Dirk Bogarde was a renowned English actor and screenwriter, born in 1921. He gained international recognition for his captivating performances in films like "The Damned" and "The Night Porter", showcasing his range as a dramatic and versatile actor.

Deathyear: 1999

Teresa Teng

Teresa Teng, a Taiwanese singer-songwriter, captivated audiences worldwide with her soulful voice and emotive performances. Born in 1953, she rose to fame in the 1970s and 1980s, known for her velvety tone, and iconic hits like "Zuiliang Shan" and "Wang Feng".

Deathyear: 1995

Oswald Spengler

Oswald Spengler was a German historian and philosopher born in 1880. He is best known for his influential book "The Decline of the West", in which he explores the cyclical nature of human civilizations and cultures.

Deathyear: 1936

Gustave Flaubert

Gustave Flaubert, a leading figure in 19th-century French literature, is known for his detailed and nuanced descriptions of everyday life in his novels, particularly in his masterpiece "Madame Bovary".

Deathyear: 1880

Jeanne Cooper

Jeanne Cooper was an American actress, best known for her 40-year role as Katherine Chancellor on the CBS soap opera "The Young and the Restless." She won numerous awards for her portrayal, including a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress.

Deathyear: 2013

Maurice Sendak

Maurice Sendak, a renowned American author and illustrator, was born in 1928. He is best known for his beloved children's book "Where the Wild Things Are", which has become a classic of modern children's literature.

Deathyear: 2012

William Schallert

William Schallert was a renowned American actor, with a career spanning over six decades. He also served as President of the Screen Actors Guild from 1979-1981. Born in 1922, he made a lasting impact in the entertainment industry.

Deathyear: 2016

Harry Gordon Selfridge

Harry Gordon Selfridge was a pioneering American-English businessman who founded the iconic Selfridges department store in London in 1909. Born in 1858, Selfridge revolutionized retail by creating an immersive shopping experience, marrying flashiness with customer service.

Deathyear: 1947

Eddy Arnold

Eddy Arnold was a country music icon, known for his smooth baritone voice and massive hits like "Make the World Go Away" and "I'll Hold You in My Heart (Till I Can Hold You in My Arms)".

Deathyear: 2008

Avery Brundage

Avery Brundage was an American businessman and art collector, born in 1887. He served as the President of the United States Olympic Committee from 1945 to 1952, played a crucial role in the development of the Olympic movement, and was a prominent figure in the equestrian world.

Deathyear: 1975

Neil Bogart

Neil Bogart was a renowned American record producer, co-founding Casablanca Records. Born in 1943, Bogart rose to fame in the 1970s and 1980s, launching the careers of iconic acts like Donna Summer, KISS, and Giorgio Moroder, earning his title as a shrewd and innovative record executive.

Deathyear: 1982

Dolph Sweet

Dolph Sweet was an American actor born in 1920. He appeared in numerous TV shows and films, including "All the President's Men" and "Roots". Known for his distinctive voice and authoritative presence, Sweet's acting career spanned over three decades.

Deathyear: 1985

Bryan Forbes

Bryan Forbes was a British actor, director, producer, and screenwriter, born in 1926. He co-wrote the Academy Award-winning screenplay for "The Stepford Wives" and directed films like "The Raging Moon" and "International Velvet".

Deathyear: 2013

William Fox (producer)

William Fox was an Austrian-born entrepreneur who founded Fox Theatres in 1905. Born in 1879, he built a chain of cinemas across the US and the world, revolutionizing the film industry with his innovative business model and groundbreaking films.

Deathyear: 1952

Josef Terboven

Josef Terboven was a German lieutenant and politician who served as the Reichskommissar of Nazi-occupied Norway during World War II. He was born on July 23, 1898, and was executed by firing squad in 1945 for his role in implementing the Nazi occupation.

Deathyear: 1945

Ahmad Sanjar

Ahmed Sanjar, Seljuk Sultan of Khwarezm (b. 1086), ruled from 1118-1156. He expanded the empire, capturing territories in Asia Minor and the Middle East. He founded the city of Samarqand and promoted trade, culture, and architecture.

Deathyear: 1157

Theodore Sturgeon

Theodore Sturgeon (1918-1983) was a renowned American author and critic, known for his imaginative and often unconventional science fiction and fantasy work. He wrote for numerous publications, including Astounding Science Fiction, and was a prominent figure in the science fiction community.

Deathyear: 1985

Luis Miguel Dominguín

Luis Miguel Dominguín (1926-2013) was a renowned Spanish bullfighter known for his bravery and skill in the bullring. Considered one of the greatest toreros of all time, he won numerous awards and was respected for his artistry and matador's skill.

Deathyear: 1996

John Fante

John Fante was an American author and screenwriter born in 1909. He is best known for his novels and short stories that chronicle the lives of Italian-Americans in Los Angeles. His writing often explores themes of identity, family, and the immigrant experience.

Deathyear: 1983

Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo, 1st Marquis of Pombal

Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo, 1st Marquis of Pombal, was a Portuguese diplomat and statesman who served as Prime Minister from 1756 to 1777. He played a key role in the Qing dynasty's reform and expansion in Asia.

Deathyear: 1782

Bebe Rebozo

Charles G. Boano, known as Charlie "Bebe" Rebozo, was an American banker and businessman born in 1912. He was best known for his close relationship with President Richard Nixon, serving as a trusted advisor and friend.

Deathyear: 1998

Dom DiMaggio

Dom DiMaggio, a 10-time All-Star, played 13 seasons with the Boston Red Sox (1940-1953). A speedy centerfielder, he won three World Series titles and holds the franchise record for most seasons played with 14.

Deathyear: 2009

Frank Bourne

Frank Bourne, a British soldier, was the last surviving veteran of the Battle of Rorke's Drift (January 22, 1879). Born in 1854, Bourne served in the 24th Regiment of Foot, participating in the conflict that saw British troops defend against Zulu forces in South Africa.

Deathyear: 1945

John Stark

John Stark (1728-1822) was a renowned American general during the French and Indian War and the American Revolutionary War. He led New Hampshire troops and played a key role in the Battle of Bennington, earning the moniker "Hero of Bennington."

Deathyear: 1822

Mordechai Anielewicz

Mordechai Anielewicz was a Polish Jewish commander who led the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising in 1943. Born in 1919, he died during the uprising at age 24. Anielewicz is remembered as a symbol of Jewish resistance and heroism in the face of Nazi occupation.

Deathyear: 1943

Pete McCloskey

Pete McCloskey, a California Republican congressman (1967-1983), was known for his moderate views and independent streak. He advocated for environmental causes, opposed the Vietnam War, and fought for greater government transparency.

Deathyear: 2024

Lionel Rose

Lionel Rose was a pioneering Australian boxer who became world champion in 1968. Born in 1948, he was the first Indigenous Australian to hold a world title. During his 27-year career, he won 71 fights, including 43 knockouts.

Deathyear: 2011

Jimmy Johnson (cornerback)

Jimmy Johnson is a legendary American football coach and former player, born in 1938. He led the Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins to multiple championships, earning a reputation for his innovative tactics and ability to motivate players.

Deathyear: 2024

Ed Gilbert

Ed Gilbert (1931-1999) was an American actor, boasting a versatile career in voice-over, television, and film. He's perhaps best known for his iconic roles in cartoons like "DuckTales" ("Launchpad McQuack") and "Batman: The Animated Series" ("Mayor Hill").

Deathyear: 1999

Nancy Malone

Nancy Malone is a renowned American actress, director, and producer, born in 1935. She began her career in the 1960s, and went on to work in film, television, and theater. Malone is also a respected advocate for women's roles in the entertainment industry.

Deathyear: 2014

Ramón Fonseca Mora

Ramon Fonsea Mora is a Panamanian novelist and lawyer, born in 1952. He is best known for his thought-provoking and critically acclaimed novels that delve into the country's complex history and social issues, earning him recognition as a prominent literary figure in Latin America.

Deathyear: 2024

Beryl Burton

Beryl Burton was a British cyclist born in 1937, whose impressive career spanned over two decades. She held multiple world records, including the 12-hour and 24-hour distance records, and was a British Empire Games gold medalist, earning her a place among the greatest women's cyclists of all time.

Deathyear: 1996

Helmut Jahn

Helmut Jahn is a renowned German-American architect, born in 1940. He is known for his bold and futuristic designs, including the James R. Thompson Center in Chicago and the United Center stadium.

Deathyear: 2021

Pope John II

Pope John II (533-535 AD) was the briefest-reigning pope in history, serving from January 2, 533, until his death on May 8, 535. He was a Roman priest and deacon before his election, and his papacy was marked by internal church conflicts and external threats from the Byzantine Empire.

Deathyear: 535

Emperor Taizong of Song

Tai Zong of the Song Dynasty (939-997 CE) was a renowned Chinese emperor known for his military conquests, administrative reforms, and policy Initiatives. He reunified China after a period of fragmentation, establishing a strong and stable empire that would last for over 400 years.

Deathyear: 997