Archibald Cox
American lawyer and 31st Solicitor General
Practiced law after graduating from Harvard Law School. Served as the 31st United States Solicitor General from 1961 to 1965, representing the federal government before the Supreme Court. Appointed as special prosecutor during the Watergate scandal, overseeing the investigation of the Nixon administration's role in the affair. His tenure included the critical moment known as the Saturday Night Massacre, when he was dismissed by President Nixon, which intensified public outcry and led to further investigations.
Served as Solicitor General of the United States
Oversaw the Watergate investigation as special prosecutor
Dismissed during the Saturday Night Massacre
Other People Born on May 17th
Will Clyburn
Basketball player, EuroLeague champion
Born
May 17th, 1990 35 years ago
This American basketball player played college basketball at Iowa State University. Clyburn began his professional career in 2013 and played for several teams in Europe, including Real Madrid and AEK Athens. Notable achievements include winning the 2018 EuroLeague championship with Anadolu Efes. Clyburn has demonstrated significant skills at the shooting guard and small forward positions, contributing to the success of his teams in various leagues.
Continue ReadingPassenger
Singer-songwriter and musician
Born
May 17th, 1984 41 years ago
Born in England, this individual gained prominence as a singer-songwriter and musician. The career began in 2007 with the release of the debut album. Achieved significant recognition with the single 'Let Her Go', which topped charts internationally. The style blends folk and acoustic elements, appealing to a broad audience. Continued to release multiple albums, showcasing a distinctive voice and storytelling ability.
Continue ReadingKevin Kingston
Rugby league player at Penrith Panthers
Born
May 17th, 1983 42 years ago
A rugby league player with a professional career spanning over a decade. Played predominantly as a hooker. Represented the Penrith Panthers in the National Rugby League (NRL) and contributed to the team's performance during his tenure. Joined the Panthers in 2003 and played until 2012, demonstrating consistent skills and knowledge of the game. Also played for the Cronulla Sharks and had stints in lower grade teams throughout his career. Kingston's contributions extended to representative selections, showcasing talent at various levels of competition.
Continue ReadingMatt Cassel
NFL quarterback and Pro Bowl player
Born
May 17th, 1982 43 years ago
Drafted in the 7th round of the NFL Draft, played as a quarterback in the National Football League. Initially served as a backup quarterback for the New England Patriots. Took over as the starting quarterback during the 2008 season, leading the team to an 11-5 record. Played for several teams including the Kansas City Chiefs, where he was selected for the Pro Bowl in 2010. Featured in his lengthy career as a reliable signal-caller.
Continue ReadingChristine Ohuruogu
Olympic Gold Medalist Runner
Born
May 17th, 1984 41 years ago
A prominent runner specialized in the 400 meters. Won the gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and also secured a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Achieved significant success at the World Championships, securing multiple titles and medals throughout the career. Competed for Great Britain in various international competitions, achieving personal bests and establishing a reputation as a leading athlete in the discipline.
Continue ReadingAleandro Rosi
Italian footballer and defender
Born
May 17th, 1987 38 years ago
Born in 1987, a professional career in football commenced with his debut for Parma. Rosi played as a right-back and gained attention during his time at several clubs, including a significant stint at Roma. He also had loan spells at various other teams, contributing defensively and offensively. Internationally, he represented Italy at various youth levels, showcasing talent that marked his early development. Rosi's career included notable appearances in Serie A, which highlighted his skills on the pitch and solidified his role in the teams he played for.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 29th
Humphry Davy
Chemist known for isolating elements
Born
December 17th, 1778 247 years ago
Died
May 29th, 1829 196 years ago — 50 years old
A renowned chemist and physicist, contributions spanned several fields including electrochemistry and spectroscopy. Developed the Davy safety lamp which improved mining safety, and conducted pioneering work on the isolation of various elements such as sodium and potassium through the process of electrolysis. Investigated nitrous oxide, exploring its potential as an anesthetic. His lectures and writings influenced the academic landscape of chemistry, establishing concepts that were fundamental to the field.
Continue ReadingWinfield Scott
American general and Civil War leader
Born
June 13th, 1786 239 years ago
Died
May 29th, 1866 159 years ago — 79 years old
A military figure who played a significant role in multiple conflicts including the War of 1812 and the Mexican-American War. Developed the Anaconda Plan during the American Civil War, aiming to suffocate the Confederacy through blockades. Held the rank of general-in-chief of the United States Army during the Civil War, overseeing strategies that influenced wartime tactics. Also served as a presidential candidate for the Whig Party in 1852.
Continue ReadingMordechai Tzipori
Israeli politician and soldier
Born
September 15th, 1924 101 years ago
Died
May 29th, 2017 8 years ago — 92 years old
A soldier and politician, played a significant role in the early defense of Israel. Participated in the War of Independence and served in various military capacities. Entered politics and served as a member of the Knesset, contributing to policy-making and governance. Held leadership roles in several political parties and was influential in shaping Israel's political landscape.
Continue ReadingMartin Gottfried Weiss
SS Officer involved in war crimes
Born
June 3rd, 1905 120 years ago
Died
May 29th, 1946 79 years ago — 40 years old
Served as an SS officer during World War II, overseeing various administrative roles within the Nazi regime. Involved in implementing policies that facilitated wartime atrocities. Captured after the war and sentenced for war crimes. His actions during the conflict contributed to the broader landscape of Nazi atrocities across German-occupied territories.
Continue ReadingCarl Fredrik Pechlin
Swedish General and Politician
Born
August 8th, 1720 305 years ago
Died
May 29th, 1796 229 years ago — 75 years old
Born in Sweden in 1720, Pechlin served as a general in the Swedish army and held significant political positions. Pechlin played a role during the Great Northern War, which shaped the Baltic region's geopolitical landscape. He also contributed to political discussions and military strategies that influenced Sweden's policies during his time. His involvement in military command and governance positions allowed him to influence Sweden's military and political direction.
Continue ReadingJames Whale
English film director of horror classics
Born
July 22nd, 1889 136 years ago
Died
May 29th, 1957 68 years ago — 67 years old
Directed iconic horror films during the early 20th century. Achieved prominence in the 1930s with classic works that set standards for the genre. 'Frankenstein' (1931) became a benchmark in horror cinema, showcasing innovative techniques and storytelling. Followed with 'The Invisible Man' (1933), further establishing a legacy in the film industry. Contributions to the genre influenced filmmakers for decades.
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