Alexander Dale Oen
Norwegian competitive swimmer and champion
Became a prominent figure in Norwegian swimming, specializing in breaststroke events. Achieved significant recognition after competing in the 2004 Summer Olympics held in Athens. Won a gold medal at the 2012 World Swimming Championships in Istanbul, marking a high point in career. Additionally, earned multiple national titles and set several Norwegian records in swimming. Tragically passed away in 2012 while preparing for the upcoming Olympics, leading to an outpouring of tributes from the sports community and fans.
Gold medal at the 2012 World Championships
Competed in the 2004 and 2008 Summer Olympics
Multiple Norwegian national records in swimming
Other People Born on May 21st
Carl Johnson
American long jumper with Olympic title
Born
May 21st, 1898 127 years ago
Died
1932 93 years ago — 34 years old
Competed in the long jump and achieved significant success in the sport during the early 20th century. Won a gold medal at the 1920 Summer Olympics held in Antwerp. Set multiple records in long jump during competitive career, demonstrating exceptional athletic ability. Participated in various national and international competitions, making notable contributions to the field of athletics.
Continue ReadingPrincess Stéphanie of Belgium
Belgian Royal Family member
Born
May 21st, 1864 161 years ago
Died
1945 80 years ago — 81 years old
Born into Belgian royalty, Stéphanie became the daughter of King Leopold II and Queen Marie-Henriette. In 1881, she married Crown Prince Rudolf of Austria, the only son of Emperor Franz Joseph I. The marriage was tumultuous and ended with Rudolf's death in 1889 under tragic circumstances. After this event, she lived in Belgium and later returned to Austria. Stéphanie was involved in various social initiatives, particularly focusing on welfare and education, reflecting her royal duties.
Continue ReadingPete Sandoval
Drummer for Morbid Angel
Born
May 21st, 1964 61 years ago
Born in 1964, contributed as a drummer in the influential death metal band Morbid Angel. Sandoval joined the band in the 1980s and played on their landmark albums, including 'Altars of Madness' and 'Blessed Are the Sick.' His drumming style became a defining characteristic of the band's sound and the genre itself. In addition to his work with Morbid Angel, Sandoval has also performed with other bands and artists, further establishing a reputation in the metal music scene. He faced challenges with a serious injury that affected his ability to play but made a notable recovery to continue performing.
Continue ReadingEdson Buddle
Soccer player and MLS star
Born
May 21st, 1981 44 years ago
A professional soccer player who primarily played as a forward, achieved recognition in Major League Soccer. Played for several teams including the Los Angeles Galaxy, with whom won the MLS Cup in 2012. Competed for the United States national team and participated in the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Continue ReadingPhilip II of Spain
Spanish King and ruler of a vast empire
Born
May 21st, 1527 498 years ago
Died
September 13th, 1598 427 years ago — 71 years old
Reigned as King of Spain from 1556 until 1598. Oversaw the Spanish Empire at its height, which included territories in Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Fought in several military conflicts, including the Anglo-Spanish War. Launched the Spanish Armada in 1588 in an attempt to invade England. Acted as a staunch defender of Catholicism during the Reformation, supported the Inquisition, and sought to consolidate power over his vast domains. His reign was marked by administrative reforms and a focus on strengthening the monarchy.
Continue ReadingRichard Hatch
Actor in Battlestar Galactica series
Born
May 21st, 1945 80 years ago
Died
February 7th, 2017 8 years ago — 71 years old
An American actor became well recognized for portraying Captain Apollo in the original Battlestar Galactica television series, which aired from 1978 to 1979. Later, he reprised this role in the 2004 reimagining of the series. Throughout his career, work included appearances in various other television shows and films. In addition to acting, involvement in producing and directing projects occurred. Hatch's contributions to the science fiction genre remained notable, and his performances left a lasting impression on fans.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on April 30th
Muddy Waters
Blues singer-songwriter and guitarist
Born
April 4th, 1913 112 years ago
Died
April 30th, 1983 42 years ago — 70 years old
Pioneer of the Chicago blues sound. Began his career in the 1940s, recording a number of influential tracks that shaped blues and rock music. Key works include 'Hoochie Coochie Man' and 'Frozen Assets'. Credited with bringing the electric guitar to the forefront of blues music, leading to its wider popularization. Received multiple Grammy Awards for his contributions to music. Migrated from Mississippi to Chicago, where he became a central figure in the blues scene.
Continue ReadingTony Allen
Basketball player and NBA champion
Born
January 11th, 1982 43 years ago
Died
April 30th, 2020 5 years ago — 38 years old
Played as a shooting guard in the NBA, primarily with the Boston Celtics and the Memphis Grizzlies. Contributed to the Boston Celtics' 2008 NBA Championship victory. Recognized for defensive prowess, earning NBA All-Defensive First Team honors multiple times. Transitioned to a prominent role within Memphis, becoming a key player for the team's identity and success during the 2010s.
Continue ReadingJock Zonfrillo
Television presenter and chef
Born
1976 49 years ago
Died
April 30th, 2023 2 years ago — 47 years old
A Scottish television presenter and chef, built a reputation in the culinary world through various television shows. Worked as a head chef in prestigious kitchens in Australia and returned to Scotland to reflect his roots in his cooking. Hosted the popular cooking competition program MasterChef Australia, showcasing culinary talent. Founded multiple restaurants that celebrated contemporary Australian cuisine and Scottish influences. Authored several cookbooks that emphasized personal stories and recipes inspired by travels and experiences.
Continue ReadingJoseph Leidy
Paleontologist and academic researcher
Born
September 9th, 1823 202 years ago
Died
April 30th, 1891 134 years ago — 67 years old
Contributions to paleontology included the first scientific descriptions of numerous dinosaur fossils, as well as work on various prehistoric vertebrates. Leidy played a significant role in the development of comparative anatomy and paleontology in the United States. He served as a professor at the University of Pennsylvania and was a key member of the Academy of Natural Sciences, influencing generations of scientists. His studies provided insights into the evolutionary history of life on Earth and advanced the understanding of extinct species.
Continue ReadingPaul Auster
American novelist and essayist
Born
February 3rd, 1947 78 years ago
Died
April 30th, 2024 1 years ago — 77 years old
An American novelist, essayist, and poet, this writer has contributed significantly to contemporary literature. Known for exploring themes of identity, existentialism, and urban life, the author's work often blends mystery and metafiction. Notable works include the novels 'The New York Trilogy' and 'Moon Palace,' both of which exhibit a unique narrative style and philosophical depth. Besides fiction, the author has penned several essays that reflect on the nature of storytelling and the challenges of life.
Continue ReadingMino Raiola
Italian football agent and intermediary
Born
1967 58 years ago
Died
April 30th, 2022 3 years ago — 55 years old
A prominent football agent, significantly influenced player transfers and contract negotiations in international football. Managed notable players such as Zlatan Ibrahimović, Paul Pogba, and Gianluigi Donnarumma. Established a reputation for securing lucrative deals and demonstrating strong negotiation skills. Actively engaged in the football community, advocating for players' rights and interests. His extensive network within the sport allowed for impactful collaborations and partnerships.
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