Bill Paxton
Actor in Titanic and Aliens
An American actor and filmmaker, recognized for performances in significant films and television series. In the film 'Aliens', played the role of Private Hudson, delivering memorable lines and contributing to the movie's cult status. Starred in 'Titanic' as Brock Lovett, participating in a major box office success. Appeared in the television series 'Big Love' as Bill Henrickson, showcasing a powerful performance across multiple seasons. Directed the film 'Frailty', which received critical acclaim. Garnered a reputation for versatility across genres, from action to drama.
Starring in 'Aliens' as Private Hudson
Role in 'Titanic' as Brock Lovett
Leading role in 'Big Love' as Bill Henrickson
Directed the film 'Frailty'
Other People Born on May 17th
Antonio Aguilar
Mexican singer-songwriter and actor
Born
May 17th, 1919 106 years ago
Died
June 19th, 2007 18 years ago — 88 years old
A prominent figure in the Mexican music and film industry, contributed to the mariachi genre and traditional Mexican music. Wrote and produced numerous successful songs and albums while appearing in many films during the Golden Age of Mexican cinema. His collaborations and performances helped popularize the mariachi style in both Mexico and the United States. Managed a successful career that included acting, producing, and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Mexico through music.
Continue ReadingTodd Redmond
Baseball pitcher with Toronto Blue Jays
Born
May 17th, 1985 40 years ago
Played professional baseball primarily as a pitcher. Made MLB debut with the Atlanta Braves in 2013. Joined the Toronto Blue Jays, contributing to the team's pitching rotation. Spent time with other teams in minor league affiliations and earned recognition for strong performances in various games during his career.
Continue ReadingNapoleon Zervas
Greek general and politician
Born
May 17th, 1891 134 years ago
Died
December 10th, 1957 68 years ago — 66 years old
Served as a general during the Greek Civil War and later became a prominent politician. Led Greek resistance movements against Axis occupation during World War II and was instrumental in the establishment of post-war Greek political structures. Held significant political positions in the immediate aftermath of the war, contributing to national policy and military organization.
Continue ReadingSir John St Aubyn
English politician and 5th Baronet
Born
May 17th, 1758 267 years ago
Died
August 10th, 1839 186 years ago — 81 years old
Served as a prominent English politician during the late 18th century. Held the title of 5th Baronet after inheriting it from his father. Engaged in parliamentary proceedings, contributing to discussions and decisions that shaped the political landscape of the time. Represented the constituency of Truro in the House of Commons, actively participating in legislative matters.
Continue ReadingNewton Moore
Australian politician, Premier of WA
Born
May 17th, 1870 155 years ago
Died
October 28th, 1936 89 years ago — 66 years old
Served as the 8th Premier of Western Australia from 1910 to 1911. Represented the Liberal Party in the Western Australian Legislative Assembly. Contributed to the development of infrastructure in the state, including railways and roads. Played a significant role in the politics of Western Australia during the early 20th century.
Continue ReadingStefano della Bella
Italian engraver and etcher
Born
May 17th, 1610 415 years ago
Died
July 12th, 1664 361 years ago — 54 years old
Born in 1610, this artist specialized in engraving and etching, producing works that showcased intricate detail and vivid imagery. Primarily associated with the Baroque style, contributions included landscape and genre scenes. Developed a unique approach to printmaking that influenced future generations of artists. His works often depicted historical events and figures, reflecting the culture of the time. A significant part of the career involved collaborations with other artists and printmakers, expanding the reach of the medium.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on February 25th
Harve Bennett
Screenwriter and producer for Star Trek
Born
August 17th, 1930 95 years ago
Died
February 25th, 2015 11 years ago — 84 years old
Contributed as a writer and producer to multiple Star Trek films and television series. Engaged in the production of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, which became one of the most successful films of the franchise. Involvement with Star Trek III: The Search for Spock and Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home further solidified a prominent role in the development of the franchise. Worked extensively in television and produced shows including The Six Million Dollar Man and The Bionic Woman, both of which gained significant viewership during their runs.
Continue ReadingDmitry Yazov
Last Marshal of the Soviet Union
Born
November 8th, 1924 101 years ago
Died
February 25th, 2020 6 years ago — 95 years old
Served in the Soviet military, rising through the ranks to become Marshal. Held the position of Minister of Defence from 1987 to 1991 during a turbulent period for the Soviet Union. Participated in the events surrounding the August Coup in 1991, which aimed to reverse the reforms of Mikhail Gorbachev. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, transitioned to a political career, serving in various roles including as a member of the Federation Council.
Continue ReadingJoseph Beech
Methodist missionary and educator
Born
October 3rd, 1867 158 years ago
Died
February 25th, 1954 72 years ago — 86 years old
Served as a Methodist missionary and educator during a career that spanned several decades. Focused efforts on education and religious outreach in various communities. Contributed to the development of educational institutions that sought to improve accessibility to learning. Engaged in mission work that aimed to spread religious teachings and foster community growth.
Continue ReadingAndrei Sinyavsky
Russian journalist and publisher
Born
1925 101 years ago
Died
February 25th, 1997 29 years ago — 72 years old
A prominent journalist and publisher, this individual contributed significantly to dissident literature and political thought in the Soviet era. Authoring numerous works, including the acclaimed novels "Goodnight" and "The Trial Begins," offered critical perspectives on Soviet society and governance. Emigrated to France in 1973, continuing to write and publish in exile. Engaged actively in literary circles, influencing generations of writers and thinkers through insightful criticism and exploration of themes related to freedom of expression.
Continue ReadingPeter Benenson
Human rights lawyer, founded Amnesty International
Born
July 31st, 1921 104 years ago
Died
February 25th, 2005 21 years ago — 83 years old
A lawyer initiated the founding of Amnesty International in 1961 to advocate for human rights globally. The organization focused on preventing and addressing cases of unjust imprisonment and torture. Through commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, efforts contributed to the awareness of political prisoners and abuses. The organization's campaigns led to the release of numerous individuals and shifted perspectives on state-sponsored violence.
Continue ReadingWilliam O'Brien
Irish journalist and political leader
Born
1852 174 years ago
Died
February 25th, 1928 98 years ago — 76 years old
An Irish journalist and politician, played a significant role in the early 20th-century political landscape of Ireland. Helped found the Irish Parliamentary Party, promoting Home Rule while advocating for the rights of workers and farmers. Contributed to several publications, including the 'United Irishman' and 'The Irish World,' advancing nationalist ideologies. Served as a Member of Parliament, focusing on rural issues and land reform.
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