Angela Carter
English novelist and short story writer
A prominent English novelist and short story writer, this individual gained recognition for exploring themes of feminism, sexuality, and mythology in her works. The collection of stories titled 'The Bloody Chamber' reimagined classic fairy tales through a feminist lens. The novel 'Nights at the Circus' presented a magical realist narrative that intertwined elements of circus life and gender. Influenced by the surreal and the gothic, her writing style blended fantasy with poignant social commentary, and she was integral to the literary landscape of the late 20th century.
Published 'The Bloody Chamber'
Wrote 'Nights at the Circus'
Received the James Tait Black Memorial Prize
Other People Born on May 7th
John III of the Palatinate
Archbishop of Regensburg
Born
May 7th, 1488 537 years ago
Died
1538 488 years ago — 50 years old
Served as Archbishop of Regensburg during the early 16th century. Played a significant role in the religious and political landscape of the Holy Roman Empire. Participated in the Diet of Augsburg in 1530, which addressed issues of Protestantism and Catholicism. Promoted education and the establishment of schools in the diocese. Contributed to the Catholic Church's resilience during the Reformation.
Continue ReadingFrank J. Selke
Ice hockey coach and manager, created the Selke Trophy
Born
May 7th, 1893 132 years ago
Died
July 3rd, 1985 40 years ago — 92 years old
Served as an influential ice hockey coach and manager, shaping the game in Canada. Held managerial positions with the Montreal Canadiens and was pivotal in their success during the mid-20th century. Established the Selke Trophy, awarded to the NHL's top defensive forward, to honor excellence in defensive play. Contributed to the expansion of the game both on and off the ice through innovative strategies and management techniques.
Continue ReadingTim Russert
Television journalist and lawyer
Born
May 7th, 1950 75 years ago
Died
June 13th, 2008 17 years ago — 58 years old
An American television journalist and lawyer, contributed significantly to political reporting. Served as the moderator of NBC's 'Meet the Press' from 1991 until 2008. Engaged in extensive interviews with political leaders, providing insights into political events and issues. Authored 'Big Russ & Me,' a memoir exploring personal and family influences.
Continue ReadingAlbert Frederick
Duke of Prussia and state leader
Born
May 7th, 1553 472 years ago
Died
1618 408 years ago — 65 years old
Duke of Prussia reigned from 1568 until death in 1618. Initiated Protestant Reformation in Prussia and established the secularization of church lands. Played a significant role in the development of the Duchy. Worked to strengthen the central authority of the duchy and managed relations with neighboring territories.
Continue ReadingNikolai Arkharov
Russian police officer and general
Born
May 7th, 1740 285 years ago
Died
1814 212 years ago — 74 years old
Served as a prominent police officer and general in Russia during the 18th century. Oversaw law enforcement operations and played a crucial role in maintaining order in urban areas. Actively engaged in military service and contributed to strategic planning during his tenure. His leadership and organizational skills were integral to the stability of the regions he administered.
Continue ReadingStephanus Van Cortlandt
American politician, 10th Mayor of NYC
Born
May 7th, 1643 382 years ago
Died
November 25th, 1700 325 years ago — 57 years old
Served as the 10th Mayor of New York City from 1677 to 1678. Played a significant role in the development of the city during the late 17th century. Contributed to the governance and administration of New York at a time when it was consolidating its importance in North America. Also held the position of an assemblyman and was involved in various civic duties and land development efforts.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on February 16th
Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada
Spanish Conquistador and Explorer
Born
1509 517 years ago
Died
February 16th, 1579 446 years ago — 70 years old
Led the Spanish expedition that established the city of Bogotá in modern-day Colombia. Set out from Santa Marta in 1536, traversing the Andes mountains and the challenging terrain of the region. Explored the territories expanded by the indigenous Muisca civilization, which led to significant territorial claims for Spain. Jiménez de Quesada's journey contributed to the early Spanish colonization efforts in South America, and he served as the first governor of the New Kingdom of Granada.
Continue ReadingAfonso III of Portugal
King of Portugal and Algarve
Born
May 5th, 1210 815 years ago
Died
February 16th, 1279 746 years ago — 68 years old
Ruled as King of Portugal from 1248 until death in 1279. Expanded the territory significantly, particularly through the conquest of the Algarve. Consolidated royal authority and established the Kingdom's administrative structure, contributing to the centralization of governance. Promoted the growth of the Portuguese economy and the establishment of trade routes. His reign marked a significant period in the development of the Portuguese state.
Continue ReadingHerman Wold
Economist and statistician; established structural econometrics
Born
1908 118 years ago
Died
February 16th, 1992 33 years ago — 84 years old
A prominent economist and statistician, contributed significantly to the development of structural econometrics. Emphasized the importance of models in understanding economic phenomena and introduced concepts regarding multivariate time series analysis. Held academic positions in both Norway and Sweden, influencing generations of economists and statisticians through teaching and research. Published numerous influential papers and worked extensively on the causal inference in econometric models.
Continue ReadingLen Lesser
American actor; played Uncle Leo
Born
December 3rd, 1922 103 years ago
Died
February 16th, 2011 14 years ago — 88 years old
An American actor had a career spanning several decades in television and film. Most recognizable for the role of Uncle Leo in the television series Seinfeld, which aired from 1989 to 1998. Additionally appeared in several films and shows, contributing to a 30-year career in entertainment. Made guest appearances on other popular television shows, including The Twilight Zone, The Monkees, and M*A*S*H.
Continue ReadingGertrude of Hohenberg
Queen consort of Germany, marriage alliance
Died
February 16th, 1281 744 years ago — None years old
Born around 1225, Gertrude of Hohenberg was the queen consort of Germany as the wife of King Henry VII. The marriage was part of a strategic alliance that solidified political ties in the Holy Roman Empire. Gertrude's royal status brought significant attention to her lineage and connections, which played a role in the political landscape of her time. She remained a prominent figure during her husband's reign, contributing to the royal court and its affairs until her death on February 16, 1281.
Continue ReadingWalter Winterbottom
Football manager and England coach
Born
1913 113 years ago
Died
February 16th, 2002 23 years ago — 89 years old
Football manager built a notable career in English football. Served as the first manager of the England national football team from 1946 to 1962. Under management, the team reached the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup in 1950 and 1954, and reached the quarter-finals in 1962. Managed Manchester United in the late 1930s, achieving notable successes. Played a significant role in developing youth talent and implementing training programs that influenced English football management.
Continue Reading