Arnold Rüütel
Estonian politician and President
An agronomist and politician, served as the President of Estonia from 2001 to 2006. Elected to the Riigikogu, the Estonian parliament, in 1990, played a significant role in Estonia's transition to independence from the Soviet Union. During presidency, focused on strengthening national identity and international relations. Prior to presidency, held various positions in the agricultural sector, contributing to the country's development in post-Soviet times.
Served as President of Estonia from 2001 to 2006
Elected to the Riigikogu in 1990
Other People Born on May 10th
Kateřina Siniaková
Czech professional tennis player, double champion
Born
May 10th, 1996 29 years ago
A professional tennis player from the Czech Republic, achieved prominence in women's doubles. Won multiple Grand Slam titles in doubles, highlighting a successful partnership with Barbora Krejčíková. Competed in singles, reaching a career-high ranking of world No. 31. Made significant contributions to the Czech Republic's Fed Cup team, aiding in their victory in 2018.
Continue ReadingJon Schofield
Canoe Racer; World Championship Medalist
Born
May 10th, 1985 40 years ago
A canoe racer achieved success in international competitions, primarily in the discipline of slalom. Competed in the men's canoe single event, showcasing skills at various championships. Highlighted participation includes the World Canoe Slalom Championships.
Continue ReadingBrittany Broski
Comedian and internet personality
Born
May 10th, 1997 28 years ago
Gained recognition for creating viral content on platforms such as TikTok, particularly a video featuring a Kombucha beverage that led to widespread popularity. Transitioned into stand-up comedy, performing in various venues and events. Released music singles that showcase a blend of humor and personal storytelling.
Continue ReadingNancy Walker
Actress and director of TV and film
Born
May 10th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
March 25th, 1992 33 years ago — 69 years old
An American actress, singer, and director, she gained prominence through a variety of television and film roles. Significant contributions include performances in the Broadway production of 'On the Town' and the television series 'McMillan & Wife.' As a director, she worked on several television shows, showcasing her versatility in the entertainment industry. Her career spanned several decades, leading to a well-recognized presence in both acting and directing.
Continue ReadingAlex Tuch
Ice hockey player with the Vegas Golden Knights
Born
May 10th, 1996 29 years ago
A professional ice hockey player, competed in the National Hockey League (NHL) primarily as a right winger. Drafted by the Minnesota Wild in the first round of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. Played an important role for the Vegas Golden Knights after being traded in 2017. Contributed to the team's success during the 2017-2018 season, where the team reached the Stanley Cup Final in its inaugural year. Continued to be a key player with consistent performance in subsequent seasons.
Continue ReadingAdam Lallana
English footballer and Premier League player
Born
May 10th, 1988 37 years ago
Played as a midfielder for several clubs in the English Football League, most notably for Southampton and Liverpool. Garnered reputation through technical skill and creativity on the pitch. Contributed significantly to club successes, including a UEFA Champions League win with Liverpool in 2019. Represented the national team, playing in several international competitions.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on December 31st
Donald E. Westlake
Author and screenwriter of crime novels
Born
July 12th, 1933 92 years ago
Died
December 31st, 2008 16 years ago — 75 years old
An American author and screenwriter contributed significantly to the literary world through over 100 published works. Primarily recognized for writing crime and mystery novels, influenced the genre with clever plots and sharp wit. His most notable work includes the Parker series, featuring the character Parker, a professional thief. Westlake also achieved acclaim in screenwriting, particularly for writing the screenplay for the film adaptation of Richard Stark's novel. He received the Edgar Award multiple times, solidifying his reputation in crime fiction. His writing style combined humor and suspense, appealing to a broad audience.
Continue ReadingBarry Lane
Professional Golfer with numerous titles
Born
1960 65 years ago
Died
December 31st, 2022 2 years ago — 62 years old
A professional golfer who enjoyed a successful career primarily in the European Tour and Champions Tour. Achieved notable success in the 1990s and 2000s, securing multiple tournament victories. Lane had a reputation for consistency on the course and represented England internationally, including participation in the World Cup of Golf. His career spanned over three decades, during which he competed against many top players in the sport.
Continue ReadingJohn Flamsteed
English astronomer and the first Astronomer Royal
Born
August 19th, 1646 379 years ago
Died
December 31st, 1719 305 years ago — 73 years old
Contributed significantly to astronomy in England during the late 17th century. Held the position of the first Astronomer Royal, a title established by King Charles II in 1675. Created meticulously detailed star catalogs that included the positions of over 3,000 stars. Published the influential work 'Historia Coelestis Britannica', detailing precise observations of celestial bodies. His observations enhanced navigation and understanding of the solar system.
Continue ReadingWoody Strode
American football player and actor
Born
July 25th, 1914 111 years ago
Died
December 31st, 1994 30 years ago — 80 years old
Played in the National Football League as a linebacker and later transitioned to acting. Starred in films such as "Spartacus" and "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance". Achieved recognition for both athletic and cinematic contributions. Strode's career in football began in the early 1940s, playing for teams including the Los Angeles Rams and the Calgary Stampeders in the Canadian Football League. His film career spanned several decades, often portraying strong supporting characters that reflected his athletic background.
Continue ReadingMarshall McLuhan
Media theorist, wrote 'Understanding Media'
Born
July 21st, 1911 114 years ago
Died
December 31st, 1980 44 years ago — 69 years old
An influential media theorist and author, focused on the effects of media on communication and culture. Played a significant role in the study of media ecology and its impact on human perception. Introduced concepts such as 'the medium is the message' and 'global village'. Published seminal works including 'Understanding Media: The Extensions of Man' and 'The Gutenberg Galaxy'.
Continue ReadingAbdullah Hussain
Malaysian author of literary works
Born
1920 105 years ago
Died
December 31st, 2014 10 years ago — 94 years old
Contributed significantly to Malaysian literature through novels and essays. Gained prominence with literary works that explored themes of identity, culture, and history in Malaysia. Received accolades for contributions to Malay literature, including the prestigious Southeast Asia Write Award. His writings often reflected the complexities of modern Malaysian society, and he played a key role in the development of contemporary Malay narratives.
Continue Reading