Andrea de Cesaris
Race car driver with extensive Formula One career
Debuted in Formula One in 1980, driving for several teams including Alfa Romeo, Brabham, and Minardi. Competed in 208 Grands Prix, achieving a total of five second-place finishes. Participated in various racing series including endurance racing and the American CART series, showcasing versatility in different racing formats. Continued to be involved in motorsport after retiring from Formula One, contributing to various racing teams and drivers.
Competed in 208 Formula One Grands Prix
Achieved five second-place finishes in F1
Participated in endurance racing and CART series
Other People Born on May 31st
Robert Richards
Australian politician, 32nd Premier
Born
May 31st, 1885 140 years ago
Died
April 24th, 1967 58 years ago — 81 years old
Served as the 32nd Premier of South Australia from 1944 to 1947. Held the position of Minister for Health and Minister for Education prior to becoming Premier. Led the Liberal and Country League party during his political career. Focused on post-war recovery and development in South Australia. Involved in various legislative reforms during tenure as Premier.
Continue ReadingWoo Jin-young
South Korean singer and rapper
Born
May 31st, 1997 28 years ago
Began a career in music through participation in survival shows. Gained recognition as a member of the boy group MYTEEN, which debuted in 2017 under the Mana Entertainment label. Transitioned to solo activities, showcasing versatility in music styles. Released multiple singles, contributing to the South Korean pop scene with a distinct sound that resonated with fans. Also involved in songwriting, adding a personal touch to musical works.
Continue ReadingMarlies Schild
Austrian alpine ski racer and champion
Born
May 31st, 1981 44 years ago
An alpine ski racer specialized in slalom, competed for Austria. Achieved great success in the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup, securing multiple victories throughout her career. Won the World Cup slalom title in 2010 and 2011. Also earned medals at World Championships, including a gold medal in slalom in 2011. Retired from competitive skiing in 2017.
Continue ReadingChien-Shiung Wu
Physicist and experimental researcher
Born
May 31st, 1912 113 years ago
Died
February 16th, 1997 28 years ago — 84 years old
A prominent physicist who contributed significantly to the field of nuclear physics, conducted pioneering experiments that provided critical evidence for the theory of weak interaction proposed by Yang and Lee. Worked at Columbia University and contributed to the Manhattan Project during World War II. Recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the National Medal of Science and the first female president of the American Physical Society. Published over 200 research papers and had a long academic career.
Continue ReadingSteve Bucknor
Jamaican cricket umpire and player
Born
May 31st, 1946 79 years ago
Played cricket for Jamaica and officiated in international matches. As an umpire, officiated in over 100 Test matches and 150 One Day Internationals. Contributed to significant events, including the Cricket World Cup. His career spanned several decades, with notable performances in both playing and umpiring roles.
Continue ReadingWalt Whitman
American poet and author of Leaves of Grass
Born
May 31st, 1819 206 years ago
Died
March 26th, 1892 133 years ago — 72 years old
A key figure in American literature, this poet and essayist is celebrated for his groundbreaking work that explored themes of democracy, nature, and the human experience. The publication of 'Leaves of Grass' marked a significant innovation in poetic form and structure, embracing free verse and celebrating individuality and humanity. Throughout a prolific career, the author worked as a journalist and editor, contributing to the discourse of his time. The literary style and themes influenced generations of writers and poets.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on October 5th
Vojin Dimitrijević
Croatian-Serbian lawyer and activist
Born
1932 94 years ago
Died
October 5th, 2012 13 years ago — 80 years old
A prominent lawyer and activist, focused on human rights and international law. Served as a lecturer at several universities and contributed to various legal initiatives. Actively participated in the establishment of the Yugoslav legal system after the breakup of Yugoslavia. Advocated for social justice and the rule of law, becoming influential in the region's legal transformations.
Continue ReadingJames W. Holley III
Dentist and politician in Virginia
Born
1926 100 years ago
Died
October 5th, 2012 13 years ago — 86 years old
Practiced dentistry in Portsmouth, Virginia. Served as the first African American mayor of Portsmouth from 2006 to 2010. Contributed to the local community through various initiatives and programs. Held multiple positions within the Virginia Dental Association, advocating for dental care and education.
Continue ReadingHenning Mankell
Swedish author of Wallander series
Born
February 3rd, 1948 78 years ago
Died
October 5th, 2015 10 years ago — 67 years old
An influential Swedish author and playwright, gained recognition for crime fiction. Mankell created the character Kurt Wallander, a detective in the Swedish police force. The Wallander series became internationally acclaimed, resulting in adaptations for television and film. Mankell's works often explored social issues, the human psyche, and morality. In addition to crime novels, he wrote plays and children's books, contributing to Swedish literature.
Continue ReadingJohanna Döbereiner
Czech-Brazilian agronomist and academic
Born
November 28th, 1924 101 years ago
Died
October 5th, 2000 25 years ago — 75 years old
An agronomist and academic focused on sustainable agriculture, contributions included pioneering work in soil biology and promoting the use of legumes in Brazil's agricultural systems. Implemented innovative methods to improve soil fertility and crop yield. Played a significant role in the establishment of the Brazilian Soil Science Society and served as a professor at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro.
Continue ReadingChantal Akerman
Filmmaker and director of 'Jeanne Dielman'
Born
1950 76 years ago
Died
October 5th, 2015 10 years ago — 65 years old
A prominent figure in cinema, contributed significantly to the medium with a focus on women's experiences and narrative structure. Directed the acclaimed film 'Jeanne Dielman, 23 quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles', which is recognized as a landmark in feminist film. Explored themes of time, domesticity, and identity in various works. Integrated avant-garde techniques into filmmaking, influencing future generations of filmmakers.
Continue ReadingGloria Grahame
American actress in film and theater
Born
November 28th, 1923 102 years ago
Died
October 5th, 1981 44 years ago — 57 years old
An actress who gained prominence in the 1940s and 1950s, recognized for performances in both film and theater. Starred in the film 'It's a Wonderful Life' and received an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in 'The Bad and the Beautiful'. Appeared in various other notable films including 'Oklahoma!' and 'Human Desire'. Her work spanned various genres, and her unique presence contributed to the Golden Age of Hollywood.
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