Alistair McAlpine
Businessman and British politician
Born
Died
Category
Leaders & Politicians
Country
United Kingdom
Links & References
Established a career in business and finance, serving as a prominent figure in the Conservative Party. Played a key role in the political landscape of the UK during the Thatcher administration. Held the title of Baron McAlpine of West Green after being appointed a life peer in 1979. Actively engaged in political advisory roles and contributed to various governmental initiatives.
Served as Treasurer of the Conservative Party
Played a significant role in the establishment of the National Heritage Memorial Fund
Other People Born on May 14th
Rob Gronkowski
American football tight end, Super Bowl champion
Born
May 14th, 1989 37 years ago
A professional football player, played as a tight end in the National Football League (NFL). Played for the New England Patriots, contributing to three Super Bowl victories. Later joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, winning another Super Bowl. Known for exceptional receiving abilities and a dynamic playing style.
Continue ReadingBlake Brockington
Transgender activist and public speaker
Born
May 14th, 1996 30 years ago
Died
2015 11 years ago — 19 years old
An American activist focused on transgender issues. Engaged in advocacy for transgender rights and visibility. Facilitated discussions around gender identity and inclusion. Played a significant role in raising awareness about challenges faced by transgender individuals, particularly in educational settings. Actively participated in initiatives supporting LGBTQ+ youth and community outreach.
Continue ReadingDan Auerbach
Singer-songwriter and guitarist
Born
May 14th, 1979 47 years ago
A prominent figure in the music industry, contributed extensively to rock music as a singer-songwriter and guitarist. Formed the Grammy Award-winning duo The Black Keys in 2001, gaining recognition for its garage rock sound. Released solo albums including 'Keep It Hid' and 'Waiting on a Song', showcasing a blend of blues, rock, and folk influences. Produced and collaborated with various artists across genres, enhancing musical projects in the contemporary scene.
Continue ReadingClinton Morrison
Irish international footballer
Born
May 14th, 1979 47 years ago
A prominent footballer, skilled as a forward. Played for multiple clubs, including Birmingham City and Crystal Palace, in the English leagues. Represented the Republic of Ireland in international competitions, earning over 30 caps and scoring goals in key matches. Participated in the UEFA European Championship.
Continue ReadingJack Hughes
Ice Hockey Player, New Jersey Devils Center
Born
May 14th, 2001 25 years ago
Born in 2001, a professional ice hockey player, achieved prominence in the NHL. Drafted first overall by the New Jersey Devils in 2019, contributed significantly to the team's offensive plays. Played in various international competitions, representing the United States in the IIHF World Junior Championships. Developed into one of the league's standout centers, displaying remarkable skills and speed on the ice.
Continue ReadingRúben Dias
Portuguese footballer, Manchester City defender
Born
May 14th, 1997 29 years ago
Rúben Dias is a professional footballer who plays as a central defender. At Benfica, contributed to the team’s success in domestic competitions. Transferred to Manchester City in 2020, quickly established himself as a key player. Played a vital role in Manchester City’s 2020-2021 Premier League title win and their UEFA Champions League run. Won the FWA Footballer of the Year award in 2021 for outstanding performances.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on January 17th
Elizabeth Simcoe
English-Canadian painter and author
Born
September 22nd, 1762 263 years ago
Died
January 17th, 1850 176 years ago — 87 years old
An English-Canadian artist and writer, this individual contributed significantly to the visual records of early 19th-century life in Canada. Works include detailed sketches and paintings depicting landscapes and Indigenous peoples, providing insight into the life and environment of the time. As the wife of John Graves Simcoe, the first Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, interactions with prominent figures in colonial history influenced artistic output. The published writings include travel narratives that reflect personal experiences and observations of Canadian geography and society.
Continue ReadingMateiu Caragiale
Romanian journalist and author
Born
1885 141 years ago
Died
January 17th, 1936 90 years ago — 51 years old
A Romanian journalist, author, and poet contributed significantly to literature and journalism in the early 20th century. Prominent works include novels and essays that capture the essence of Romanian society and culture. His writing style blended modernist influences with local traditions, showcasing profound psychological insights and witty commentary. Active in literary circles, he also engaged in various cultural movements of the time. The intertwining of personal experiences and broader societal observations characterized much of the literary output, making a notable mark on the Romanian cultural landscape.
Continue ReadingMatthäus Daniel Pöppelmann
German architect known for Zwinger Palace
Born
May 3rd, 1662 364 years ago
Died
January 17th, 1737 289 years ago — 74 years old
An accomplished architect, primarily active in the early 18th century, contributed significantly to the Baroque architectural landscape in Germany. Most recognized for the Zwinger Palace in Dresden, this structure exemplifies the grandeur of Baroque design. Pöppelmann also played a prominent role in the construction of other notable buildings in Dresden, incorporating intricate designs and elaborate ornamentation. His works reflect the artistic trends of the time, blending functionality with aesthetic appeal.
Continue ReadingWalther von Reichenau
German Field Marshal during WWII
Born
October 8th, 1884 141 years ago
Died
January 17th, 1942 84 years ago — 57 years old
Served as a field marshal in the German Army during World War II. Commanded the 6th Army and participated in significant operations, including the Battle of Stalingrad. Noted for strategic decisions and operational leadership in the Eastern Front campaigns. Held a prominent position within the Nazi military hierarchy until death in 1942.
Continue ReadingZhao Ziyang
Chinese politician and premier
Born
October 17th, 1919 106 years ago
Died
January 17th, 2005 21 years ago — 85 years old
Served as the 3rd Premier of the People's Republic of China from 1980 to 1987. Played a significant role in economic reforms and opening up China's economy in the 1980s. Advocated for more political openness and was involved in the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989, which led to his removal from power and subsequent house arrest until his death in 2005.
Continue ReadingBetty Smith
American author of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
Born
December 15th, 1896 129 years ago
Died
January 17th, 1972 54 years ago — 75 years old
An American author and playwright, contributed significantly to literature through the exploration of themes such as poverty, resilience, and the pursuit of the American Dream. The novel A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, published in 1943, achieved critical acclaim and has been a staple in American literature classes. The narrative details the coming-of-age of a young girl in Brooklyn, focusing on her experiences and challenges during the early 20th century. The work was celebrated for its profound portrayal of family dynamics and the socioeconomic hardships faced by immigrants at the time. Other works include the novel Joy in the Morning, which further delves into personal and familial struggles. Smith also wrote plays that showcased her literary talents beyond novels.
Continue Reading