May birthdays and deaths:
Famous deaths in May: (Top 50)
Joseph Goebbels
Joseph Goebbels was a politician and a propagandist. He served as the Reich Minister of Propaganda and National Enlightenment, not Chancellor of Germany.
Death: 1945, May-1
Ayrton Senna
Ayrton Senna was a Brazilian Formula One driver who dominated the sport in the 1980s and early 1990s. He won three World Drivers' Championships and is widely regarded as one of the greatest drivers in F1 history.
Death: 1994, May-1
Gordon Lightfoot
Gordon Lightfoot is a celebrated Canadian singer-songwriter and guitarist, known for his folk-based music and poetic lyrics. With a career spanning over six decades, he has released numerous albums and is credited with penning iconic songs like "If You Could Read My Mind" and "Sundown".
Death: 2023, May-1
Miss Elizabeth
Miss Elizabeth, born Elizabeth Hulette, was an American wrestler and manager born in 1960. She was a key figure in the WWF (now WWE) in the 1980s, managing wrestlers Bret Hart and Randy Savage, and was a fan favorite for her charismatic presence and beauty.
Death: 2003, May-1
Kris Kross
Chris Kelly, born April 11, 1978, was an American rapper, songwriter, and record producer best known as half of the rap duo Kris Kross. With Chris "Mac Daddy" Smith, he had a string of hits in the 1990s, known for his energetic stage presence and signature gold chains.
Death: 2013, May-1
Olympia Dukakis
Olympia Dukakis was a renowned American actress born in 1931. She won an Academy Award for her supporting role in "Moonstruck" (1987) and was also recognized for her work on stage and television.
Death: 2021, May-1
Antonín Dvořák
Antonín Dvořák was a renowned Czech composer and academic, born in 1841. He combined folk and classical music styles, creating iconic works like his Symphony No. 9 "From the New World". He was also a professor at the Prague Academy of Music.
Death: 1904, May-1
David Livingstone
David Livingstone, a Scottish-English missionary and explorer, was born in 1813. He converted to Christianity at 28 and became a missionary in Africa. He explored the Zambezi River, discovered Victoria Falls, and fought against the slave trade, sacrificing his life for his convictions.
Death: 1873, May-1
Magda Goebbels
Magda Goebbels was the wife of Joseph Goebbels, Germany's Propaganda Minister, and first lady of Nazi Germany. Born Magda Quandt in 1901, she married Goebbels in 1931 and was known for her beauty and social charm. She died in 1945, allegedly shooting her children to avoid Soviet captivity.
Death: 1945, May-1
Steve Reeves
Steve Reeves was an American bodybuilder and actor, born in 1926. He won the Mr. Universe title seven times and was one of the most successful bodybuilding champions in the 1950s. He went on to become a popular actor, starring in numerous sword-and-sandal films.
Death: 2000, May-1
Grace Lee Whitney
Grace Lee Whitney was an American actress, best known for her role as Janice Rand in the original Star Trek series. Born in 1930, Whitney had a long and varied career in television, film, and theater, appearing in over 100 productions before her passing in 2015.
Death: 2015, May-1
Eldridge Cleaver
Eldridge Cleaver, a prominent figure in the Civil Rights Movement, was an American author, activist, and politician. He wrote the influential book "Soul on Ice" and was actively involved in the Black Panther Party, advocating for black power, self-defense, and social justice.
Death: 1998, May-1
Spike Jones
Spike Jones was an American singer and bandleader born in 1911. He was known for his unique brand of comedy music, featuring bizarre lyrics and surreal arrangements. His quartet, "Spike Jones and His City Slickers," was a huge success in the 1940s and 1950s.
Death: 1965, May-1
Aram Khachaturian
Aram Khachaturian was a renowned Armenian composer and conductor, born in 1903. He is best known for his iconic ballets "Spartacus" and "Gayaneh", as well as his "Cello Concerto" and "Piano Sonata".
Death: 1978, May-1
Princess Margaret of Connaught
Princess Margaret of Connaught (1882-1920) was the wife of Gustaf Adolf, Crown Prince of Sweden. Born in London, daughter of Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught, she married into the Swedish royal family and was a cherished member of the royal family until her premature death at 26.
Death: 1920, May-1
Henry Cooper
Henry Cooper, a legendary English boxer, was born in 1934. He had a successful amateur career, winning 250 fights without a loss, and turned pro in 1958. He was known for his powerful left hook and held the British and European heavyweight titles during his reign.
Death: 2011, May-1
Matilda of Scotland
Matilda of Scotland, born around 1080, was the only surviving child of King Malcolm III of Scotland and Saint Margaret of England. She married King Henry I of England and had three daughters, ultimately becoming the mother of the future King Stephen of England.
Death: 1118, May-1
Arcadius
Arcadius, Byzantine emperor, ruled from 395 to 408 CE. Born in 377, he was the son of Theodosius I and expanded Constantinople's walls. Despite his reputation for incompetence, he oversaw significant administrative and economic reforms, including the creation of the Asclepieum of Abydos hospital.
Death: 408, May-1
Pope Pius V
Pope Pius V, born Antonio Ghisi, was a French-Italian Catholic priest who served as Pope from 1566 to 1572. He was known for his strong stance against Protestantism and his role in the Council of Trent, which aimed to reform the Catholic Church.
Death: 1572, May-1
María Elena Velasco
María Elena Velasco is a renowned Mexican actress, singer, director, and screenwriter, born in 1940. She is best known for her iconic portrayal of the Virgin of Guadalupe in her famous film, " María de Guadalupe".
Death: 2015, May-1
Isabella of Portugal
Isabella of Portugal (1503-1539) was a Portuguese princess and Duchess of Braganza. She married Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, and was a patron of the arts and architecture. Her marriage was marked by numerous scandals and mistreatment, ultimately leading to her early death at 36 years old.
Death: 1539, May-1
Ranasinghe Premadasa
Ranasinghe Premadasa was the 3rd President of Sri Lanka, serving from 1989 to 1993. A prominent politician, he was the Prime Minister from 1977 to 1978 and again from 1989 to 1991. He played a key role in Sri Lankan politics from the 1970s until his assassination in 1993.
Death: 1993, May-1
Yi Un
Yi Un was a Korean prince born in 1897 as the ninth son of King Gojong, the founder of the Korean Empire. He received a Western-style education and spoke fluent English and Japanese. Yi Un underwent two failed assassination attempts during his lifetime.
Death: 1970, May-1
Harold Nicolson
Harold Nicolson was a renowned English author and politician, known for his literary works, diplomatic efforts, and wit. Born in 1886, he served as a Conservative MP and wrote acclaimed novels, including "Somebody for Helen" and "Portrait of a Politician".
Death: 1968, May-1
Hylda Baker
Hylda Baker was a renowned English comedian, actress, and music hall performer, born in 1905. Known for her vivacious stage presence and impressive mimicry skills, she delighted audiences with her impressions of celebrities and political figures throughout the 20th century.
Death: 1986, May-1
Albert I of Germany
Albert I of Germany, also known as Albert the Good, was the King of the Romans from 1298 to 1308. He was born in 1255 and was a member of the House of Habsburg. He was a strong advocate for the Church and played a significant role in the Second Council of Lyon.
Death: 1308, May-1
T. R. M. Howard
T.R.M. Howard was a renowned American surgeon and civil rights activist. Born in 1908, Howard was a leader in the March on Washington and a close friend of Medgar Evers. He advocated for social justice and equality, becoming a prominent figure in the American landscape.
Death: 1976, May-1
Ben Lexcen
Ben Lexcen was a renowned Australian sailor and architect, born in 1936. He is famous for designing the iconic Australia II yacht, which won the 1983 America's Cup. As an architect, he left a lasting impression on Australian design.
Death: 1988, May-1
Jean-Baptiste Bessières
Jean-Baptiste Bessières was a prominent French general during the Napoleonic Wars. Born in 1768, he fought in several battles, including Austerlitz and Wagram, and rose to the rank of Marshal of France. He was known for his bravery and military prowess.
Death: 1813, May-1
Kenneth and Mamie Clark
Kenneth Clark was an American psychologist and academic born in 1914. He is best known for his groundbreaking work on developmental psychology, particularly in the areas of cognitive and social development. He was also a prolific researcher, publishing numerous papers and books throughout his career.
Death: 2005, May-1
Pope Marcellus II
Pope Marcellus II was born Alessandro de' Medici in 1501. He reigned for only 22 days in May 1555, before succumbing to a long illness. He was known for his piety and simplicity, and was beatified in 1888.
Death: 1555, May-1
Lope K. Santos
Lope K. Santos was a prominent Filipino lawyer and politician born in 1879. He served as the Speaker of the Philippine Assembly from 1907-1909 and was a key figure in the country's struggle for independence.
Death: 1963, May-1
Sergio Franchi
Sergio Franchi was an acclaimed Italian-American tenor and actor, born in 1926. Known for his powerful voice and charming stage presence, he appeared in numerous operas, concerts, and musicals, captivating audiences worldwide.
Death: 1990, May-1
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The art of texting has revolutionized the way we communicate. With just a few taps on the screen, we can share our thoughts, feelings, and ideas with others across the globe, fostering connections and communities in an instant.
Death: year, May-2
Leonardo da Vinci
Leonardo da Vinci was a renowned Italian master of arts and sciences. He painted iconic works like the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, sculpted famous statues, and designed innovative buildings and machines. His curiosity and genius knew no bounds, earning him a lasting legacy in art and history.
Death: 1519, May-2
Osama bin Laden
Osama bin Laden was a Saudi Arabian terrorist and founder of Al-Qaeda. Born in 1957, he is widely believed to be responsible for numerous terrorist attacks, including the 1998 United States embassy bombings and the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center.
Death: 2011, May-2
J. Edgar Hoover
Here is 40-word summary about J. Edgar Hoover: J. Edgar Hoover, born in 1895, was the first director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) from 1935 to 1972. He transformed the agency into a modern law enforcement institution, emphasizing forensic science and intelligence gathering. His tenure was marked by controversy and allegations of abuse of power.
Death: 1972, May-2
Jack Kemp
Jack Kemp was a trailblazing athlete and politician. As a quarterback, he led the Buffalo Bills to two AFL championships. Later, he served as US Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President George H.W. Bush, advocating for housing reform and community development initiatives.
Death: 2009, May-2
Oliver Reed
Oliver Reed was a renowned English actor, born in 1938. With a career spanning over six decades, he appeared in numerous films, including "The Party's Over" and "Tom Jones". Known for his powerful performances and striking presence, he remains a legendary figure in British cinema.
Death: 1999, May-2
Joseph McCarthy
Joseph McCarthy was a controversial American politician who served as a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin from 1947 until his resignation in 1957. He gained notoriety for his accusations of communist infiltration in the U.S. government and military during the Red Scare of the 1950s.
Death: 1957, May-2
Afeni Shakur
Afeni Shakur, born 1947, is an American music businesswoman, activist, and former Black Panther. She co-founded Tupac Shakur Productions with her late son, the rapper Tupac Shakur, and advocated for social justice and Black empowerment.
Death: 2016, May-2
Martin Bormann
Martin Bormann was a high-ranking Nazi Party official, serving as Adolf Hitler's personal secretary and head of the Nazi Party Chancellery. He played a crucial role in implementing the Nazi regime's policies, particularly in propaganda and ideology.
Death: 1945, May-2
Lynn Redgrave
Lynn Redgrave was a talented English-American actress and singer, born in 1943. She conquered stage and screen with her expressive performances in film and television, earning critical acclaim for her versatility and depth.
Death: 2010, May-2
Franz von Papen
Franz von Papen was a German general and politician who served as Chancellor of Germany from 1932 to 1933, appointing Adolf Hitler as Vice Chancellor. He was a conservative, aristocratic Catholic with a pragmatic approach, aiming to stabilize the country through a grand coalition with the Nazi Party.
Death: 1969, May-2
Justin Fashanu
Justin Fashanu, a trailblazing English footballer, broke grounds for black players in the sport. Born in 1961, he played for various clubs, including Norwich City and Leeds United. He was also England's first black international player. His life and career were marked by both triumph and scandal.
Death: 1998, May-2
Efrem Zimbalist Jr.
Efrem Zimbalist Jr. was an American actor, born in 1918, best known for his roles in the TV series "77 Sunset Strip" and "Tales of Wells Fargo". He had a long and illustrious acting career, appearing in over 140 films and TV shows.
Death: 2014, May-2
Jeff Hanneman
Jeff Hanneman was a pioneering American guitarist and songwriter, best known as the co-founder of the thrash metal band Slayer. With his distinctive playing style and heavy riffs, Hanneman crafted iconic songs like "Angel of Death" and "Raining Blood".
Death: 2013, May-2
Paulo Freire
Paulo Freire was a renowned Brazilian philosopher and academic, born in 1921. A pioneering thinker on education and social justice, he advocated for critical pedagogy, empowering marginalized communities, and combating oppression through dialogue, love, and action.
Death: 1997, May-2
Nancy Astor, Viscountess Astor
Nancy Witcher Langhorne Astor, Viscountess Astor, was an American-English politician who was the first woman to take her seat in the British House of Commons in 1919. She served as a Conservative MP from 1919 to 1945.
Death: 1964, May-2