All the People

If you just want to see the people in our database you can browse them here.

Madalyn Murray O'Hair

American atheist activist and founder
Born
April 13th, 1919 107 years ago
Died
September 29th, 1995 31 years ago — 76 years old

An activist and founder of the American Atheists organization. Championed the separation of church and state and was a notable voice in the fight for atheistic rights. Gained national attention for legal battles against school-sponsored prayer, resulting in the landmark Supreme Court case Engel v. Vitale. Her activism contributed significantly to the visibility of the atheistic movement in the United States.

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Madam C. J. Walker

Businesswoman and philanthropist with success in hair care products
Born
December 23rd, 1867 158 years ago
Died
May 25th, 1919 107 years ago — 51 years old

Developed a line of beauty and hair products specifically for African American women. Founded the Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company, achieving significant commercial success in the early 20th century. Active in social and political causes, Walker used her wealth to support education and civil rights initiatives. Became one of the first female self-made millionaires in the United States, known for advocating economic independence for women.

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Madame de Brinvilliers

French aristocrat and poisoner
Born
July 22nd, 1630 396 years ago
Died
1676 350 years ago — 46 years old

A French aristocrat engaged in a notorious series of poisonings. Active in the 17th century, she was implicated in the deaths of family members and others through the use of poison. Her actions raised significant alarm in French society and led to a high-profile trial. Captured in 1676, she escaped from prison and fled to England before being recaptured and ultimately executed in 1676. The case drew attention not only for its sensational nature but also for the broader implications regarding poison and intrigue among the French nobility.

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Madame de La Fayette

French author of 'La Princesse de Clèves'
Born
March 18th, 1634 392 years ago
Died
1693 333 years ago — 59 years old

An influential French novelist, she played a significant role in the development of the modern novel in France. Born in 1634, she became a prominent figure in literary circles of her time. The publication of 'La Princesse de Clèves' in 1678 is a notable landmark in French literature, often considered one of the first psychological novels. This work offered insights into the complexities of love and personal conflict within the constraints of society. Her writing style combined elegance with a deep understanding of characters' emotions, establishing her as a key figure in the literary movement.

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Madame de Pompadour

Mistress of King Louis XV
Born
December 29th, 1721 304 years ago
Died
April 15th, 1764 262 years ago — 42 years old

A prominent figure at the French court, served as the official chief mistress of King Louis XV. Played a crucial role in the political and artistic life of France during the 18th century. Engaged in the patronage of the arts, contributing to the commissioning of various works and fostering the development of the Rococo style. Established a significant cultural salon that attracted many influential thinkers and artists of the time.

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Madame du Barry

French royal mistress of Louis XV
Born
August 19th, 1743 283 years ago
Died
1793 233 years ago — 50 years old

Born in 1743, served as the mistress of Louis XV of France. Started her relationship with the king in 1763 at a time when the monarchy faced political and social challenges. Became a prominent figure at the French court, known for her influence and connection to the king. Engaged in various cultural and social activities, hosted salons, and contributed to the arts during her time. Following the king's death in 1774, faced challenges in maintaining her status and ultimately lived in exile after the French Revolution.

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Madame Sul-Te-Wan

American actress in film and theater
Born
March 7th, 1873 153 years ago
Died
February 1st, 1959 67 years ago — 85 years old

An actress with a prominent career in film and theater during the early 20th century, recognized for significant roles in various productions. Featured in 'The Scandal of Fatima' and 'The Birth of a Nation', contributing to the representation of African American women in the arts. Active in the theater community, and involved in various performances, she broke ground for future generations of actors.

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Madan Bhandari

Nepalese politician and leader
Born
June 27th, 1952 74 years ago
Died
1993 33 years ago — 41 years old

A prominent Nepalese politician, actively involved in shaping the country's political landscape during the late 20th century. Bhandari played a crucial role in the formation of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) and became a significant figure in Nepalese politics. He served as the Minister of Education and was influential in advocating for democratic reforms and social justice. Bhandari's leadership was characterized by his efforts in mobilizing grassroots support and promoting ideological unity among leftist factions. His untimely death in a plane crash in 2001 cut short a promising political career, leaving a lasting legacy within the party and among supporters.

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Madan Lal Dhingra

Indian activist; assassination attempt
Born
1883 143 years ago
Died
August 17th, 1909 117 years ago — 26 years old

An Indian activist engaged in the struggle for India's independence from British rule. Dhingra studied in London, where he became involved with revolutionary groups advocating for Indian self-rule. He assassinated a British government official in 1909, an act aimed at attracting attention to the independence movement. Following the assassination, Dhingra was arrested and put on trial, where he defended his actions as a means of fighting imperialism. He was executed by hanging, and his actions are remembered as part of the early 20th-century revolutionary movement in India.

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Madan Mohan Malaviya

Educator and President of Indian National Congress
Born
December 25th, 1861 164 years ago
Died
November 12th, 1946 79 years ago — 84 years old

Originated from India, an educator, lawyer, and politician. Contributed significantly to the Indian independence movement and served as the President of the Indian National Congress multiple times. Instrumental in founding Banaras Hindu University in 1916, a pivotal institution for higher education in India. Advocated for various social causes and worked towards uplifting the principles of education and nationalism.

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Mädchen Amick

Actress and director from 'Twin Peaks'
Born
December 12th, 1970 55 years ago

An American actress and director, she gained fame through the role of Shelly Johnson in the television series 'Twin Peaks'. The series, which originally aired in the early 1990s, became a cultural phenomenon and earned critical acclaim. In addition to 'Twin Peaks', she also starred in the series 'Riverdale' as Alice Cooper. Her career includes various roles in television and film, showcasing a range of characters across different genres. Amick's directorial efforts have included episodes of series in which she has acted.

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Maddalena Laura Sirmen

Italian violinist and composer
Born
December 9th, 1745 280 years ago
Died
1818 208 years ago — 73 years old

Born in 1745, composed numerous works for violin and contributed to the violin repertoire of the 18th century. Worked in Venice and gained recognition for performances across Europe. Her compositions included concertos, sonatas, and chamber music, which showcased advanced techniques and musical skill. Collaborated with prominent musicians of the time and performed at various courts, establishing a reputation as a leading female composer.

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