Adolf Frederick

King of Sweden

Adolf Frederick - King of Sweden
Born

May 14th, 1710
315 years ago

Died

February 12th, 1771
254 years ago — 60 years old

Category

Leaders & Politicians

Country

Sweden

Links & References

Ruled as King of Sweden from 1751 until death in 1771. The reign included efforts to balance power among the monarchy, nobility, and bourgeoisie. Aimed for a neutral foreign policy to preserve Sweden’s autonomy. Celebrated for a focus on domestic stability and economic reforms, which contributed to a stronger central government. Notable for abolishing certain taxes and introducing state-controlled monopolies for trade.

Established a peace treaty with Prussia

Promoted agricultural advancements in Sweden

Other People Born on May 14th

Pokimane

Internet personality and Twitch streamer
Born
May 14th, 1996 29 years ago

A prominent internet personality and Twitch streamer. Gained recognition for streaming video games and creating content on platforms like YouTube and Twitch. Played a significant role in popularizing gaming content and online streaming culture. Has received multiple awards for streaming and content creation, including Streamy Awards and a Shorty Award.

Continue Reading

George Macartney

Irish-English politician, diplomat, Governor
Born
May 14th, 1737 288 years ago
Died
1806 219 years ago — 69 years old

Served as the 1st Earl Macartney and played a significant role in British politics during the late 18th century. Held the position of Governor of Grenada, where administrative and governance challenges arose following the island's capture from the French during the Seven Years' War. Led a mission to China in 1792, which aimed to establish diplomatic relations and open trade. The mission concluded with the unsuccessful request to the Qing dynasty for greater trade rights, marking an important moment in British-Chinese relations.

Continue Reading

Ethel Johnson

Professional wrestler and pioneer
Born
May 14th, 1935 90 years ago
Died
September 14th, 2018 6 years ago — 83 years old

Born in 1935, the individual made significant contributions to women's professional wrestling. The career began in the 1950s, during a time when women's wrestling faced substantial challenges and limited recognition. This wrestler competed in numerous promotions, establishing a prominent presence in the ring. Known for strength and skill, performances captivated audiences across the United States. The individual helped pave the way for future generations of female wrestlers, breaking gender barriers and elevating the visibility of women's sports. The influence extended beyond the ring, contributing to changing perceptions of women in athletics.

Continue Reading

Amber Tamblyn

Actress from 'Rosemary's Baby' and '2 Broke Girls'
Born
May 14th, 1983 42 years ago

An American actress, author, model, and director. Played the role of 'Joan of Arcadia' in the television series named after the character. Gained recognition for performances in the film 'The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants' and in the horror remake 'Rosemary's Baby'. Directed the film 'Paint It Black', based on the novel by Janet Fitch. Tamblyn is also an accomplished author, having published several works of poetry and fiction.

Continue Reading

Otto Klemperer

Conductor of Mahler and Beethoven works
Born
May 14th, 1885 140 years ago
Died
July 6th, 1973 51 years ago — 88 years old

Born in Germany, a prominent conductor and composer, focused on classical music, particularly the works of Mahler and Beethoven. Klemperer studied at the Royal Academy of Music and gained recognition for his interpretations of orchestral music. In the early 20th century, Klemperer held positions with several esteemed orchestras, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Philharmonia Orchestra in London. His conducting style emphasized clarity and precision, contributing to his reputation as a master of the symphonic repertoire. Klemperer was also involved in opera, conducting productions at the Vienna State Opera and the Berlin State Opera. Throughout his career, Klemperer made significant recordings that remain influential in the classical music community.

Continue Reading

George Lucas

Film director and producer, Lucasfilm founder
Born
May 14th, 1944 81 years ago

An American director, producer, and screenwriter, this individual founded Lucasfilm in 1971, a company that produced the iconic Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises. The first Star Wars film, released in 1977, revolutionized special effects and became a cultural phenomenon. In 1980, the sequel The Empire Strikes Back was released, gaining critical acclaim and commercial success. Additionally, this individual played a crucial role in developing new technologies for film making, particularly in sound and visual effects, which have been widely adopted in the industry. In 2012, sold Lucasfilm to The Walt Disney Company, ensuring the continuation of Star Wars and other franchises.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on February 12th

Grant Wood

American painter known for American Gothic
Born
February 13th, 1891 134 years ago
Died
February 12th, 1942 83 years ago — 50 years old

An American painter and academic played a significant role in the development of Regionalism, a movement that focused on depicting rural American life. The most recognized artwork is the iconic painting 'American Gothic', which features a farmer and his daughter in front of a Gothic-style house. Wood’s work often reflected themes of American identity and Midwestern values. In addition to painting, he taught at the University of Iowa, influencing many younger artists. His artistic contributions established a distinctive American aesthetic during the early 20th century.

Continue Reading

Anna Marguerite McCann

Underwater Archaeologist, female pioneer
Born
1933 92 years ago
Died
February 12th, 2017 8 years ago — 84 years old

First female American underwater archaeologist, McCann contributed significantly to the field of maritime archaeology. She completed groundbreaking work on shipwrecks and underwater sites along the East Coast of the United States. McCann also became a prominent advocate for the inclusion of women in archaeology and underwater research. She conducted extensive studies and published research that advanced techniques in underwater excavation and preservation. Her efforts led to a greater understanding of the historical significance of submerged cultural resources.

Continue Reading

Thomas Bernhard

Austrian author and playwright
Born
February 9th, 1931 94 years ago
Died
February 12th, 1989 36 years ago — 58 years old

An influential Austrian author, poet, and playwright, contributed significantly to German literature. Works often explore themes of existentialism, identity, and the absurdity of life. Major plays include 'The Force of Habit' and 'Woodcutters.' Notable novels such as 'The Loser' and 'Correction' highlight complex characters and deep philosophical inquiries.

Continue Reading

Jodocus Hondius

Flemish cartographer and globe maker
Born
October 14th, 1563 461 years ago
Died
February 12th, 1612 413 years ago — 48 years old

Born in the late 16th century, a Flemish cartographer contributed significantly to mapmaking. Established a printing office in Amsterdam, specializing in geometrical maps. Produced several world maps and atlases, most notably the 'Atlas Minor,' which enjoyed widespread distribution. Employed innovative engraving techniques, leading to detailed and accurate representations of geography. His work facilitated navigation and knowledge of the world during the European Age of Exploration, influencing cartography for future generations.

Continue Reading

Gary Owens

Radio host and voice actor
Born
1934 91 years ago
Died
February 12th, 2015 10 years ago — 81 years old

Worked extensively in radio, serving as a host and voice actor. Gained recognition for work on programs such as 'Laugh-In' and 'The Gary Owens Show'. Contributed voice work to various cartoons, notably 'Space Ghost' and 'The Addams Family'. Spent several decades in the entertainment industry, becoming a prominent figure in voice acting and radio broadcasting.

Continue Reading

Benedict of Aniane

French monk and saint overseeing reforms
Died
February 12th, 821 1204 years ago — None years old

A significant figure in the establishment of monastic reform, focusing on the Rule of Saint Benedict. Founded the Abbey of Flavigny and later became the abbot at the Abbey of Aniane, where extensive reforms were implemented to improve the adherence to Benedictine principles. Engaged in promoting discipline among monks, fostering educational initiatives, and creating a standardized approach to monastic life that influenced future generations. Played a crucial role in the Carolingian reform movement endorsed by Charlemagne, furthering the spread of Benedictine monasticism throughout the Frankish Empire.

Continue Reading