Carroll Shelby

Race car driver and automotive designer

Carroll Shelby - Athletes & Sports Figures born January 11th, 1923
Born
Died
Category

Athletes & Sports Figures

Country

United States

Links & References

Achieved prominence as a race car driver and automotive designer. Competed in various race events, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Developed the Shelby Cobra sports car, which became an iconic symbol of American automotive performance. Established Shelby American, a company that manufactures high-performance cars and parts. Collaborated with Ford to create the Mustang Cobra and the GT350, contributing significantly to the automotive industry.

Won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1959

Developed the Shelby Cobra

Created the Ford Mustang GT350

Other People Born on January 11th

Emperor Kōmyō of Japan

Emperor of Japan and Buddhist supporter
Born
January 11th, 1322 703 years ago
Died
1380 645 years ago — 58 years old

Born in 1322, served as the 96th emperor of Japan from 1336 to 1351. His reign occurred during the tumultuous period of the Nanboku-chō wars, a civil conflict between rival factions for imperial authority. Kōmyō was noted for his strong support of Buddhism, especially the Pure Land sect, which gained prominence during his reign. The emperor sought to establish a stable government amid ongoing conflicts and led efforts to promote religious practices, enhancing the role of Buddhism in society. His rule reflected the complexities of the era, balancing imperial ambitions with the realities of war and governance.

Continue Reading

Darryl Dawkins

Basketball player, Chocolate Thunder
Born
January 11th, 1957 68 years ago
Died
August 27th, 2015 10 years ago — 58 years old

An American basketball player and coach, gained recognition during the 1970s and 1980s. Played as a center and power forward, primarily for the Philadelphia 76ers and the New Jersey Nets in the NBA. Known for his powerful dunks and flamboyant personality, earned the nickname 'Chocolate Thunder.' Innovated the game with his expressive approach to dunking, including shattering backboards, which led to the NBA adopting new rules regarding backboard breakage. Transitioned into coaching after his playing career, mentoring young athletes and contributing to basketball at various levels.

Continue Reading

Holly Brisley

Australian actress with TV show roles
Born
January 11th, 1978 47 years ago

Acted in television series and film, gaining recognition for roles in popular productions. Rose to prominence in the Australian entertainment industry. Featured in the long-running soap opera "Home and Away" and participated in various television projects.

Continue Reading

Don "Red" Barry

American actor in B-Western films
Born
January 11th, 1912 113 years ago
Died
July 17th, 1980 45 years ago — 68 years old

Active in the film industry from the early 1940s, the individual starred in numerous B-Western films and became a prominent figure in the genre. Made a significant contribution as a producer and screenwriter alongside acting. Gained a reputation for performances in a series of films including 'The Lone Rider' series. Worked with a variety of studios and was involved in many production roles throughout a career spanning several decades.

Continue Reading

Bayard Taylor

American poet and author of 'El Dorado'
Born
January 11th, 1825 200 years ago
Died
December 19th, 1878 146 years ago — 53 years old

Born in 1825, this individual excelled as a poet, author, and literary critic. Active in the literary circles of 19th century America, this person traveled extensively across Europe and Asia, documenting experiences in popular travel narratives. The publication of 'El Dorado' highlighted the themes of adventure and exploration. Additionally, involvement in promoting literature was significant, as this individual served as a cultural ambassador during a pivotal time in American literary history.

Continue Reading

Pierre Mendès France

French politician and Prime Minister
Born
January 11th, 1907 118 years ago
Died
October 18th, 1982 43 years ago — 75 years old

Served as the 142nd Prime Minister of France from 1954 to 1955. As a member of the Radical-Socialist Party, played a significant role in post-World War II French politics. Advocated for decolonization and negotiated the end of the Indochina War, leading to the Geneva Accords in 1954. Focused on social reforms and economic stability during tenure.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on May 10th

John Wayne Gacy

American serial killer and rapist
Born
March 17th, 1942 83 years ago
Died
May 10th, 1994 31 years ago — 52 years old

Engaged in criminal activities starting in the 1960s, a series of murders occurred across Illinois. Worked as a contractor and was involved in local politics. Arrested in 1978, investigations uncovered numerous bodies buried on his property and in nearby areas. Convicted of the murders of 33 young men and boys, sentenced to death in 1980, and executed in 1994.

Continue Reading

Leyla Gencer

Turkish soprano with operatic acclaim
Born
October 10th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
May 10th, 2008 17 years ago — 79 years old

A prominent Turkish soprano, this artist gained recognition for powerful performances in major operas. Debuted at La Scala in 1954 and became a pivotal figure in the operatic world, known for roles in works by Puccini and Verdi. Achieved critical acclaim for interpretations of characters such as Tosca and Lady Macbeth. Participated in various international festivals and received numerous accolades throughout a lengthy career, establishing a legacy in the realm of classical music.

Continue Reading

Leonid Kravchuk

Ukrainian politician, 1st President
Born
January 10th, 1934 91 years ago
Died
May 10th, 2022 3 years ago — 88 years old

First President of Ukraine, serving from 1991 to 1994. Played a significant role in Ukraine's independence from the Soviet Union. Previously held positions as Chairman of the Supreme Soviet of Ukraine and was involved in the development of the country's new constitution. His leadership helped establish Ukraine's political framework in the post-Soviet era.

Continue Reading

Shel Silverstein

Poet and illustrator, 'The Giving Tree'
Born
September 25th, 1930 95 years ago
Died
May 10th, 1999 26 years ago — 68 years old

A poet and illustrator, gained prominence through children's literature. Authored widely read books including 'The Giving Tree' and 'Where the Sidewalk Ends'. Worked as a cartoonist and songwriter, contributing music to notable artists such as Johnny Cash. Established a unique style combining whimsical stories with profound themes, making a lasting impact on children's poetry.

Continue Reading

Peter Weiss

German playwright and painter
Born
1916 109 years ago
Died
May 10th, 1982 43 years ago — 66 years old

A prominent figure in German literature, Weiss specialized in theater and visual arts. Contributions included significant plays that explored themes of oppression, war, and existentialism. 'The Investigation', a play based on the Frankfurt Auschwitz Trials, critically examined the Holocaust. Also engaged in surrealist painting, showcasing complex imagery and social critique.

Continue Reading

Jim Simons

Hedge fund manager and mathematician
Born
1938 87 years ago
Died
May 10th, 2024 1 years ago — 86 years old

A prominent hedge fund manager and mathematician, contributed significantly to quantitative finance. Founded Renaissance Technologies, a highly successful hedge fund firm known for its Medallion Fund, which utilized mathematical models and algorithms for trading. Worked at Stony Brook University as a mathematics professor. Made significant contributions to the field of mathematics, particularly in geometry and topology.

Continue Reading