November 2 birthdays and deaths:
Famous people who died on November 2:
George Bernard Shaw
George Bernard Shaw, Irish playwright, and critic, born in 1856, was a Nobel Prize laureate. Known for his wit, social criticism, and satire, Shaw's works, like "Pygmalion" and "Man and Superman," challenged societal norms and championed human rights. His influence on theatre and literature remains profound.
Deathyear: 1950
Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, born 1918, was the UAE's first president and founder. A visionary leader, he united seven emirates, fostering economic growth, infrastructure development, and cultural preservation. His legacy continues to shape the UAE's progress and prosperity.
Deathyear: 2004
Eva Cassidy
Eva Cassidy, born in 1963, was an American singer and guitarist, renowned for her soulful voice and emotive performances. Despite her untimely death in 1996, her posthumous albums have garnered critical acclaim, making her a beloved figure in the music industry.
Deathyear: 1996
Pier Paolo Pasolini
Pier Paolo Pasolini was an influential Italian filmmaker, poet, and intellectual. Born in 1922, he challenged societal norms through his provocative works, including "The Gospel According to St. Matthew" and "Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom." His artistic vision and controversial themes left a lasting impact on Italian cinema.
Deathyear: 1975
Jenny Lind
Jenny Lind, born in 1820, was a renowned Swedish operatic soprano, known for her exceptional vocal range and emotive performances. She captivated audiences worldwide, earning the nickname "the Swedish Nightingale." Her international tours and record-breaking concerts solidified her status as a global music icon.
Deathyear: 1887
Thomas Midgley Jr.
Thomas Midgley Jr., born 1889, was an American chemist and engineer. He invented tetraethyl lead, a gasoline additive, and Freon, a refrigerant. Despite their initial benefits, both substances later proved harmful to health and environment, leading to significant controversies. Midgley's work had lasting impacts on industry and public health.
Deathyear: 1944
Ngo Dinh Diem
In 1963, a military coup in South Vietnam overthrew President Ngo Dinh Diem, ending his autocratic rule. The coup, led by General Dương Văn Minh, aimed to address political corruption and instability, but it also escalated the Vietnam War.
Deathyear: 1963
The Fabulous Moolah
The Fabulous Moolah, born Moolah Johnson in 1923, was a pioneering American professional wrestler. She dominated the 1950s and 1960s, becoming the first female wrestler to hold a world championship. Known for her charisma and in-ring skills, she left a lasting legacy in the wrestling world.
Deathyear: 2007
Theo van Gogh (film director)
Theo van Gogh, born 1957, is a renowned Dutch actor, director, and producer. He gained fame for his roles in films like "The Assault" and "The Reader." Van Gogh's work often explores complex human emotions and societal issues, making him a respected figure in the Dutch film industry.
Deathyear: 2004
Hal Roach
Hal Roach, born in 1892, was a prolific American filmmaker, actor, director, and producer. He founded the iconic Roach Studios, producing classics like "Our Gang" and "The Three Stooges." Roach's innovative techniques and comedic genius significantly influenced early Hollywood.
Deathyear: 1992
Matilda of Flanders
Matilda of Flanders, born in 1031, was a powerful medieval queen consort of England. Known for her political acumen, she played a crucial role in the Norman Conquest, strengthening ties between England and Normandy. Her legacy includes the founding of the Abbey of Holy Trinity, Canterbury.
Deathyear: 1083
Walter Mercado
Walter Mercado, born 1932, was a Puerto Rican television personality, astrologer, actor, and dancer. Known as "El Hombre de las Estrellas," he captivated audiences with his charismatic presence and insightful astrological predictions, leaving a lasting impact on Latin American pop culture.
Deathyear: 2019
Henry Stafford, 2nd Duke of Buckingham
Henry Stafford, 2nd Duke of Buckingham (1454-1521), was a prominent English politician and Lord High Constable. Known for his political influence and military prowess, he played a significant role in the Wars of the Roses, ultimately falling victim to King Henry VIII's wrath.
Deathyear: 1483
James Thurber
James Thurber, born in 1894, was an American humorist and cartoonist known for his wit and satire. His works, including "My Life and Hard Times," showcased his unique storytelling and clever humor, making him a beloved figure in American literature and entertainment.
Deathyear: 1961
Irwin Allen
Irwin Allen, born in 1916, was a prolific American director, producer, and screenwriter. Known for his disaster films, he created iconic series like "The Poseidon Adventure" and "The Towering Inferno." His work significantly influenced the thriller and adventure genres.
Deathyear: 1991
Acker Bilk
Acker Bilk, born in 1929, is a renowned English singer and clarinet player. Known for his smooth, velvety tone, he popularized the "Acker Bilk Sound" with hits like "Stranger on the Shore." His distinctive style and charismatic performances earned him international acclaim and a lasting legacy in jazz music.
Deathyear: 2014
Madelyn Dunham
Madelyn Dunham, born in 1922, was an accomplished American banker and business executive. She played a pivotal role in supporting her daughter, Barack Obama, during his early years, contributing to his political journey and eventual presidency. Her legacy extends beyond her professional achievements.
Deathyear: 2008
Mississippi John Hurt
Mississippi John Hurt, born in 1892, was an influential American singer-songwriter and guitarist. Known for his bluesy, fingerstyle guitar playing, Hurt's music, rooted in Delta blues, captivated audiences worldwide. His unique sound and poignant lyrics earned him posthumous recognition as a blues legend.
Deathyear: 1966
Ngô Đình Nhu
In 1963, a military coup in South Vietnam overthrew President Ngo Dinh Diem, ending his autocratic rule. The coup, led by General Dương Văn Minh, aimed to address political corruption and instability, but it also escalated the Vietnam War.
Deathyear: 1963
Walt Bellamy
Walt Bellamy, born 1939, was a legendary American basketball player. A center for the Harlem Globetrotters and NBA's New York Knicks, Bellamy won two NBA championships and was a 1966 NBA All-Star. His powerful dunks and charismatic personality made him a basketball icon.
Deathyear: 2013
Wally Wood
Wally Wood, born in 1927, was an influential American author, illustrator, and publisher. Known for his work in comics, he co-created the iconic character Swamp Thing. Wood's innovative artistry and entrepreneurial spirit left a lasting impact on the comic book industry.
Deathyear: 1981
Raymond Chow
Raymond Chow, born 1927, was a renowned Hong Kong film producer, co-founder of the legendary Shaw Brothers Studio. His visionary leadership and innovative storytelling shaped the Golden Age of Hong Kong cinema, producing iconic martial arts films and pioneering the industry's global success.
Deathyear: 2018
Robert Cormier
Robert Cormier, born in 1925, was an influential American journalist and author. Known for his gripping young adult novels, Cormier's works, like "The Chocolate War," explore complex themes of morality, power, and individuality, leaving a lasting impact on literature.
Deathyear: 2000
Saint Malachy
Saint Malachy, born in 1094, was an Irish bishop and saint. Known for his pious life, he served as Archbishop of Armagh and later as Archbishop of Dublin. Malachy's prophecies, though controversial, have left a lasting impact on Irish history and Catholicism. He died in 1148.
Deathyear: 1148
Kinjarapu Yerran Naidu
Kinjarapu Yerran Naidu, born 1957, is an influential Indian politician. A member of the YSR Congress Party, he has served as a Member of Parliament and held various ministerial positions, contributing significantly to Andhra Pradesh's development and governance.
Deathyear: 2012
Peter Debye
Peter Debye, a renowned Dutch-American physicist and chemist, was born in 1884. He made significant contributions to the understanding of molecular structure and intermolecular forces, earning him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1936. His work continues to influence modern science.
Deathyear: 1966
Mort Shuman
Mort Shuman, born in 1936, is a renowned American singer-songwriter and pianist. He co-wrote hits like "Walking in the Sand" and "Rainy Night in Georgia," contributing significantly to the music industry's landscape. Shuman's talent and creativity continue to inspire artists worldwide.
Deathyear: 1991
Han Suyin
Han Suyin, born in 1916, was a renowned Chinese-Swiss physician and author. Her captivating novels, such as "A Many-Splendoured Thing," explore complex relationships and historical events, blending personal narratives with political intrigue. Her literary contributions have left a lasting impact on world literature.
Deathyear: 2012