Bobby Sands
PIRA volunteer and hunger striker
A member of the Provisional Irish Republican Army, advocated for the rights of political prisoners during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Sands led a hunger strike in 1981 while imprisoned, which garnered significant international attention and brought awareness to the conditions faced by Republican prisoners. Sands wrote poetry and a diary during his time in prison, expressing his thoughts on the political situation in Ireland. Sands died on May 5, 1981, after 66 days without food.
Led a hunger strike at Long Kesh prison
Elected as a Member of Parliament while imprisoned
Authored the book 'Writings from Prison'
Other People Born on March 9th
Chika
American rapper and songwriter
Born
March 9th, 1997 29 years ago
A rapper and songwriter, known for blending elements of hip-hop and spoken word. Gained prominence with the EP 'Industry Games' in 2020, which showcased lyrical skill and personal storytelling. Received a nomination for Best New Artist at the 2021 Grammy Awards. Gained attention through social media platforms, where original content and freestyles garnered a large following.
Continue ReadingBrian Redman
Race Car Driver and 1969 Le Mans Winner
Born
March 9th, 1937 89 years ago
An English race car driver, active primarily during the 1960s and 1970s, competed in numerous endurance races, earning recognition in the world of motorsport. Achieved significant success, particularly in sports car racing and was a part of multiple notable racing teams. Achieved victory at the 1969 24 Hours of Le Mans driving for the John Wyer Automotive Engineering team, showcasing skill in navigating the challenging race conditions. Participated in other major events including the Formula One World Championship, where participation highlighted versatility in driving various types of racing vehicles.
Continue ReadingÉrika de Souza
Brazilian basketball player and champion
Born
March 9th, 1982 44 years ago
Professional basketball player participated in multiple international competitions and had a successful club career. Played for Brazil in the FIBA World Cup, winning medals and contributing significantly to the team’s performance. Competed in various domestic leagues, gaining recognition for significant achievements in club competitions.
Continue ReadingSunisa Lee
Gymnast; 2020 Olympic all-around champion
Born
March 9th, 2003 23 years ago
Born on March 9, 2003, an American gymnast excelled in artistic gymnastics. Competed in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and achieved significant recognition by winning the gold medal in the women's individual all-around event. This performance solidified a place in gymnastics history. Additionally, participated in team events, contributing to the overall success of the United States gymnastics team. Showcased great talent and resilience throughout competitive career.
Continue ReadingAlexandra Bastedo
English actress in The Champions
Born
March 9th, 1946 80 years ago
Died
January 12th, 2014 12 years ago — 67 years old
An English actress gained prominence through roles in television and film. Starred in the 1960s ITC series The Champions, portraying a member of a team of secret agents with extraordinary abilities. Appeared in several other television shows and films throughout her career, including guest roles in popular series. Also involved in animal welfare and expressed a passion for animal rights.
Continue ReadingKimberly Guilfoyle
Lawyer and journalist at Fox News
Born
March 9th, 1969 57 years ago
A lawyer and journalist with a prominent role in media, served as an assistant district attorney in San Francisco. Transitioned to television, becoming a co-host on 'The Five' and 'Outnumbered' on Fox News. Initially worked at the network in 2006, gaining national attention for commentary on political issues. Advocated for various legal and social matters throughout career.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 5th
Dana Wynter
British actress in classic films
Born
June 8th, 1931 95 years ago
Died
May 5th, 2011 15 years ago — 79 years old
Born in 1931, this British actress gained prominence in the 1950s. She appeared in several classic films, with significant roles in 'Invasion of the Body Snatchers' and 'The Good Life'. Her career spanned both film and television, contributing to productions such as 'The Thin Man' and 'The Invaders'. Despite a decline in on-screen appearances by the 1970s, she remained active in the industry and attended film festivals. Her performances earned recognition among critics and audiences alike.
Continue ReadingBernard Hill
English actor known for 'Titanic'
Born
December 17th, 1944 81 years ago
Died
May 5th, 2024 2 years ago — 79 years old
An English actor gained prominence through numerous performances in film and television. Striking roles include the portrayal of King Theoden in 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy and Captain Edward Smith in 'Titanic'. Hill's career spans several decades, with work in both dramatic and comedic roles. Early career involvement in both theater and television laid a strong foundation for a notable film career. Recognition for performances in various productions led to a significant reputation within the acting community.
Continue ReadingBret Harte
Short story writer and poet
Born
August 25th, 1836 189 years ago
Died
May 5th, 1902 124 years ago — 65 years old
This American writer gained prominence during the 19th century for his contributions to literature, particularly in the genre of short stories and poetry. Harte's works often depicted life in the Western United States and captured the spirit of the Gold Rush era. His most famous work includes 'The Luck of Roaring Camp.' Harte also served as the editor of several periodicals and wrote essays and poems reflecting on society and frontier life.
Continue ReadingJeannie Epper
Stuntwoman in Hollywood action films
Born
1941 85 years ago
Died
May 5th, 2024 2 years ago — 83 years old
An accomplished stuntwoman and actress, contributions spanned several decades in the film industry. Gained recognition for work in various action films including ‘The Terminator’ and ‘Die Hard’. Participated in high-profile productions, showcasing expertise in stunts and fight choreography. Worked alongside notable actors and filmmakers, establishing a reputation in Hollywood. Achievements included performing stunts for prominent lead actors, making a significant mark in the stunt community. In addition to stunts, also acted in various television shows, further diversifying contributions to the entertainment industry.
Continue ReadingBinyamin Elon
Israeli Orthodox rabbi and politician
Born
1954 72 years ago
Died
May 5th, 2017 9 years ago — 63 years old
Served as a member of the Knesset and held the position of Minister of Tourism in Israel. Participated in the formation of the National Religious Party and was influential in various political initiatives concerning religious and national issues. Advocated for religious education and Jewish settlement in the West Bank. Contributed to discussions on Israeli identity and cultural heritage.
Continue ReadingGeorge Sidney
American director of film musicals
Born
October 4th, 1916 109 years ago
Died
May 5th, 2002 24 years ago — 85 years old
A prominent film director and producer, was key in the production of musicals during the mid-20th century. Directed a number of significant films, particularly in the genre of musical comedy. Collaborated with major studios to create works that showcased vibrant choreography and memorable music. His films often featured well-known actors and helped shape the landscape of American cinema during the 1950s and 1960s.
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