Abe Burrows

Playwright and director: 'Guys and Dolls'

Abe Burrows - Playwright and director: 'Guys and Dolls'
Born

December 18th, 1910
114 years ago

Died

May 17th, 1985
40 years ago — 74 years old

Category

Artists & Creatives

Country

United States

Links & References

An author and playwright who contributed significantly to American theater. Early works included 'Coney Island' and 'The Guy Who Came Back'. Achieved acclaim with the musical 'Guys and Dolls', which won the Tony Award for Best Musical. Also wrote the book for the musical 'How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying', which garnered the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Established a reputation for witty dialogue and engaging narratives.

Wrote the book for 'Guys and Dolls'

Co-created 'How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying'

Other People Born on December 18th

Charles Oakley

Basketball player and coach
Born
December 18th, 1963 61 years ago

A professional basketball player and coach, he played in the NBA primarily as a power forward. His career spanned from 1985 to 2000, with a significant portion of years spent with the Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, and the Toronto Raptors. He was recognized for his rebounding ability and toughness on the court. After retiring, he transitioned into coaching roles and served as an assistant coach for various teams in the NBA.

Continue Reading

Willi Wülbeck

German middle-distance runner Olympic medalist
Born
December 18th, 1954 70 years ago

Achieved prominence as a middle-distance runner specializing in the 800 meters. Secured a silver medal at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Won multiple championships, including the European Athletics Championships in 1982 and the World Championship in 1983. Competed for the SC Köln club, establishing a legacy in German athletics during the 1980s.

Continue Reading

Ashley Benson

American actress known for Pretty Little Liars
Born
December 18th, 1989 35 years ago

An actress and singer, gained recognition for portraying Hanna Marin in the television series Pretty Little Liars, which aired from 2010 to 2017. Additionally, appeared in the films Spring Breakers and Pixels. Involved in music, releasing several singles. Gained a significant fanbase through social media platforms.

Continue Reading

Lizzie Deignan

Professional road racing cyclist
Born
December 18th, 1988 36 years ago

A professional road racing cyclist, achieved significant success in women's cycling. Won the UCI Women’s Road World Championships in 2015. Competed for Team Trek-Segafredo and has participated in multiple Grand Tours. Achieved podium finishes in several prestigious one-day races, including the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix.

Continue Reading

Shawn Christian

Actor in Days of Our Lives
Born
December 18th, 1965 59 years ago

An American actor and director, recognized for portraying the character Daniel Jonas in the long-running daytime soap opera Days of Our Lives. In addition to acting, engaged in directing and screenwriting, contributing to various film and television projects. Throughout his career, participated in different television series and films, demonstrating versatility in performance.

Continue Reading

Daniel Cleary

Ice hockey player, Stanley Cup champion
Born
December 18th, 1978 46 years ago

Born in 1978, a Canadian professional ice hockey player played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for several teams, prominently on the Detroit Red Wings. Originating from Kingston, Ontario, played junior hockey with the Belleville Bulls. Drafted in 1997, played for the Chicago Blackhawks and the Edmonton Oilers before joining the Red Wings in 2005. Contributed significantly to the team's success, helping secure the Stanley Cup in 2008.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on May 17th

Paul Dukas

French composer, author of The Sorcerer's Apprentice
Born
October 1st, 1865 159 years ago
Died
May 17th, 1935 90 years ago — 69 years old

Born in Paris in 1865, a significant composer and music critic emerged. Dukas studied composition at the Paris Conservatoire, where he won the prestigious Prix de Rome in 1888. He gained recognition for orchestral works, particularly 'The Sorcerer's Apprentice,' which gained fame through its adaptation in Disney's 'Fantasia.' Besides composition, served as a teacher at the Paris Conservatoire and contributed to music criticism, influencing many future composers. Known for a meticulous approach to orchestration, the influence extended into the 20th century. Dukas's career, although not extensive, showcased a deep commitment to musical integrity and expressive orchestration.

Continue Reading

Matthew Parker

English Archbishop and reformer
Born
August 6th, 1504 521 years ago
Died
May 17th, 1575 450 years ago — 70 years old

Served as the Archbishop of Canterbury from 1559 until death, leading the Church of England during the Elizabethan era. Oversaw the establishment of the Book of Common Prayer and supported religious reform in line with Protestant principles. Played a vital role in the Elizabethan Religious Settlement, which shaped the direction of the Church of England. Contributed to the development of Anglican theology and church governance, while also engaging in scholarly work, including the editing of early texts and biblical manuscripts.

Continue Reading

William Heberden

Physician and scholar, established cardiology
Born
1710 315 years ago
Died
May 17th, 1801 224 years ago — 91 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of medicine, especially in cardiology. Described angina pectoris and distinguished it from other heart-related conditions. Authored 'Commentaries on the History and Cure of Diseases', a seminal work in clinical medicine. Served as a physician to the Royal Family and held membership in the Royal Society, reflecting a respected academic career.

Continue Reading

Li Maozhen

Chinese warlord and king
Died
May 17th, 924 1101 years ago — None years old

Li Maozhen served as a powerful warlord and king during the late Tang dynasty. He established control over the region of Shuzhou in what is now Sichuan province. His reign was marked by significant military and political maneuvers aimed at maintaining autonomy amid the fragmented power structure of the dynasty. Li claimed the title of king and held sway over the local populace through both military force and political alliances. His authority extended until his death in 924, a period characterized by the disintegration of centralized power in China.

Continue Reading

Boris Borisovich Golitsyn

Russian physicist and seismologist
Born
1862 163 years ago
Died
May 17th, 1916 109 years ago — 54 years old

Significant contributions made to the fields of physics and seismology. Developed methods for predicting earthquakes and improved understanding of seismic waves. Conducted research that laid groundwork for future advancements in geophysics. Participated in exploration of seismic phenomena, advancing the field's scientific rigor.

Continue Reading

Ziya Pasha

Greek author and translator of literature
Born
1826 199 years ago
Died
May 17th, 1880 145 years ago — 54 years old

An influential Greek author and translator, contributed significantly to modern Greek literature during the 19th century. Engaged in the translation of notable works from various languages into Greek, enhancing the accessibility of foreign literature. Served as an important figure in the Greek literary scene, shaping literary movements and ideas through original works and adaptations.

Continue Reading