Billie Burke
American actress in The Wizard of Oz
Active in the early to mid-20th century, this performer gained acclaim for roles in theater and film. Notably portrayed Glinda the Good Witch in the classic film 'The Wizard of Oz' (1939). Alongside a successful film career, she also had significant contributions to the Broadway stage, performing in productions such as 'The Royal Family'. This actress was recognized for her comedic talent and distinctive presence, becoming a prominent figure in both the theatrical and cinematic communities.
Portrayed Glinda the Good Witch in 'The Wizard of Oz'
Starred in 'The Royal Family' on Broadway
Other People Born on August 7th
Stratos Perperoglou
Professional basketball player and Olympian
Born
August 7th, 1984 41 years ago
Professional basketball player played as a small forward and is recognized for contributions in domestic leagues and international competitions. Competed for major Greek clubs including Panathinaikos and Olympiakos. Earned accolades on the European stage, contributing to championship wins. Represented Greece in the Summer Olympics, showcasing skills and teamwork on an international level.
Continue ReadingMiguel Llera
Spanish footballer and defender
Born
August 7th, 1979 46 years ago
Played as a central defender for several clubs in Spain and England. Primarily associated with teams such as Rayo Vallecano, Swansea City, and Brighton & Hove Albion. Contributed to the achievements of his teams in domestic leagues. Transitioned to a coaching role after retiring from professional football.
Continue ReadingWout Weghorst
Dutch footballer and Wolfsburg striker
Born
August 7th, 1992 33 years ago
A professional footballer, played as a forward and had significant spells in various European leagues. Started the career at FC Groningen, later transferring to AZ Alkmaar, where performance garnered attention. Moved to VfL Wolfsburg in 2018 and became a key player, helping the team achieve qualification for European competitions. Additionally, contributed to the national team during international competitions, including the UEFA European Championship and FIFA World Cup.
Continue ReadingSidney Crosby
Ice hockey player, three-time Stanley Cup champion
Born
August 7th, 1987 38 years ago
Professional ice hockey player achieved significant success in the NHL. Drafted first overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2005, played a pivotal role in leading the team to multiple championships. Earned accolades as the league's Most Valuable Player (MVP) and secured numerous individual honors throughout a career marked by skill and leadership on the ice. Represented Canada in international competitions, contributing to gold medal victories in the Olympics.
Continue ReadingRyan Lavarnway
Baseball player and World Series champion
Born
August 7th, 1987 38 years ago
Played as a catcher in Major League Baseball, contributing to several teams including the Boston Red Sox. Achieved a World Series championship title with the Red Sox in 2013. Also played for the Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, and others during a professional career that spanned over a decade. Aside from his catching duties, Lavarnway demonstrated significant batting skills, particularly in the minor leagues where he earned All-Star selections.
Continue ReadingErik Pieters
Dutch footballer and national team player
Born
August 7th, 1988 37 years ago
A professional footballer from the Netherlands, played primarily as a left-back. Started his career at FC Utrecht before moving to PSV Eindhoven, where he contributed to multiple league titles. Later transferred to the English Premier League, joining Stoke City, and participated in over 150 matches. Additionally, represented the national team, earning numerous caps and playing in international competitions, including the UEFA European Championship.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 14th
Goh Keng Swee
Singaporean politician and deputy prime minister
Born
October 6th, 1918 107 years ago
Died
May 14th, 2010 16 years ago — 91 years old
Held significant positions in the Singaporean government, Goh Keng Swee served as the second Deputy Prime Minister from 1973 to 1984. Contributed to Singapore's economic strategies and education reform. Played a crucial role in the establishment of the Economic Development Board, which fostered industrial growth. Served as Minister for Defence and Minister for Finance during pivotal moments in the nation's development.
Continue ReadingDon Perlin
Comic book artist and writer
Born
1929 97 years ago
Died
May 14th, 2024 2 years ago — 95 years old
A prominent comic book artist and writer, contributions included work for Marvel Comics and various independent publishers. Gained recognition for illustrating The Tomb of Dracula and co-creating the character Ghost Rider. His career spanned several decades, with a significant role in the development of comic book storytelling and art. Served as both an artist and editor, influencing the direction of numerous comic titles and series.
Continue ReadingPowers Boothe
American actor in films and television
Born
June 1st, 1948 78 years ago
Died
May 14th, 2017 9 years ago — 68 years old
Born in 1948, an American actor had an extensive career in film and television. The performance in the miniseries 'True Grit' garnered significant attention, solidifying a reputation in dramatic roles. Received an Emmy Award for his role in the 1995 miniseries 'Into the West.' Appeared in films such as 'Tombstone' and 'The Last Supper,' demonstrating versatility across genres. Voiced characters in animated series, including 'Justice League' and 'The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes.'
Continue ReadingTom Wolfe
Journalist and author of 'The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test'
Born
March 2nd, 1930 96 years ago
Died
May 14th, 2018 8 years ago — 88 years old
A prominent American journalist and author, this individual played a significant role in the development of New Journalism, combining literary techniques with traditional reporting. The work featured vivid storytelling and immersive reporting, often exploring counterculture and social issues in America during the 1960s and 1970s. Books such as 'The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test' chronicled the experiences of Ken Kesey and the Merry Pranksters, using a narrative style that blurred the lines between fiction and non-fiction. The author also published 'The Right Stuff', which focused on the early days of the U.S. space program and the test pilots involved. This individual received numerous accolades for literary contributions, cementing a legacy within American literature.
Continue ReadingWilliam Randolph Hearst Jr.
Journalist and publisher of Hearst
Born
January 27th, 1908 118 years ago
Died
May 14th, 1993 33 years ago — 85 years old
Worked as a journalist and publisher, contributing to the legacy of the Hearst media empire. Served as the president of Hearst Corporation and played a pivotal role in the expansion and modernization of the company's operations. Influenced American journalism and publishing industries through innovative practices and widespread distribution of print media. Supported various philanthropic initiatives and contributed to the arts.
Continue ReadingJimmy Martin
American singer and guitarist
Born
August 10th, 1927 98 years ago
Died
May 14th, 2005 21 years ago — 77 years old
A prominent figure in bluegrass music, contributed significantly to the genre as a performer and songwriter. Formed the Sunny Mountain Boys, a celebrated band that gained recognition in the 1950s and 1960s. Recorded numerous albums and singles, showcasing a distinct style that combined traditional bluegrass with personal storytelling. Also made appearances on television programs, including 'The Grand Ole Opry' and 'The Porter Wagoner Show', further popularizing bluegrass music.
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