Catherine Labouré
French nun and visionary of the Miraculous Medal
Born in France in 1806, became a member of the Daughters of Charity. Received a vision of the Virgin Mary in 1830, leading to the creation of the Miraculous Medal. Dedicated life to serving the poor and supporting the spiritual needs of her community. After death, her body was found incorrupt, which contributed to her canonization in 1947.
Received visions of the Virgin Mary
Established the Miraculous Medal
Canonized as a saint in 1947
Other People Born on May 2nd
Roscoe Lee Browne
Actor in television and film
Born
May 2nd, 1922 103 years ago
Died
April 11th, 2007 18 years ago — 84 years old
An American actor and director with a distinctive voice and commanding presence, contributed significantly to theater, television, and film. Played a variety of roles in significant productions. Appeared in the television series 'The Cosby Show' and 'Baa Baa Black Sheep.' Also featured in films such as 'The Trial of the Chicago 7' and 'The Last Goodbye.' Directed and acted in several stage plays, influencing the performing arts community.
Continue ReadingHuang Zitao
Chinese singer and rapper with successful albums
Born
May 2nd, 1993 32 years ago
Born in 1993, this artist began a career in music as a member of the South Korean-Chinese boy band EXO. Following his departure from the group, pursued a solo career and released several successful albums, showcasing a blend of pop and hip-hop styles. This artist has also acted in various television series and films, contributing to a diverse entertainment portfolio.
Continue ReadingVăn Tiến Dũng
Vietnamese general and Minister of Defence
Born
May 2nd, 1917 108 years ago
Died
March 17th, 2002 23 years ago — 84 years old
Served as the sixth Minister of Defence of Vietnam from 1974 to 1987. Played a significant role in the Vietnam War, commanding the North Vietnamese Army during key offensives. Participated in various military strategies leading to the reunification of Vietnam. After the war, contributed to the military reform policies within the country until retirement. Influenced defense policies during a pivotal time in Vietnam's history.
Continue ReadingKay Panabaker
American actress and film producer
Born
May 2nd, 1990 35 years ago
An American actress gained recognition for roles in television series and films. Featured in the Disney Channel's "Phil of the Future" as a main character, portrayed the lead in the movie "Summerland," and appeared in various film projects. Transitioned into film production, contributing to the movie industry behind the camera after establishing a successful acting career.
Continue ReadingLucy Dacus
Singer-songwriter with acclaimed albums
Born
May 2nd, 1995 30 years ago
Started her music career in 2015 and gained recognition with the debut album 'No Burden' released in 2016. Released several albums that received critical acclaim, including 'Historian' in 2018 and 'Home Video' in 2021. Noted for blending personal narratives with introspective lyrics, influencing the indie rock genre. Collaborated with other artists and formed the supergroup Boygenius with Phoebe Bridgers and Julien Baker.
Continue ReadingSchuyler Bailar
Swimmer and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights
Born
May 2nd, 1996 29 years ago
First openly transgender man to compete on a men's NCAA Division I swimming team. Competed for Harvard University and participated in various championships. Advocated for LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports and raised awareness about transgender issues in athletics.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on December 31st
S. Arthur Spiegel
American captain and federal judge
Born
1920 105 years ago
Died
December 31st, 2014 10 years ago — 94 years old
Served as a captain in the United States Army during World War II. Later pursued a legal career, becoming a notable lawyer in Ohio. Appointed as a federal judge for the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, serving from 1973 until retirement in 1997. Made significant contributions to the legal system and presided over various important cases throughout tenure.
Continue ReadingHenry Maitland Wilson
English Field Marshal and 1st Baron Wilson
Born
September 5th, 1881 144 years ago
Died
December 31st, 1964 60 years ago — 83 years old
Served as a British Army officer during World War I and World War II. Held prominent positions, including Commander of the British 8th Army during the Second Battle of El Alamein. Led Allied forces in the Mediterranean theater and contributed to significant military strategies. Became Chief of the Imperial General Staff in 1944, overseeing British military operations.
Continue ReadingThomas Erastus
Swiss physician and theologian
Born
September 7th, 1524 501 years ago
Died
December 31st, 1583 441 years ago — 59 years old
Contributed significantly to the fields of medicine and theology during the Reformation. Practiced as a physician in Basel, emphasizing the importance of empirical observation in medical practice. Engaged in theological debates, particularly in relation to the authority of the church and the role of civil government in ecclesiastical matters. Authored works that sought to bridge the gap between Protestant doctrine and civil authority, advocating for the separation of church and state functions. Influence extended into discussions on the intersection of faith and reason, shaping early thoughts on the integration of scientific inquiry within Christian contexts.
Continue ReadingOttokar III of Styria
Duke of Styria and noted ruler
Born
1124 901 years ago
Died
December 31st, 1164 860 years ago — 40 years old
Ruled as Duke of Styria from 1122 until death in 1164. Established the foundations for the later Duchy of Styria. Strengthened the power of the duchy and engaged in territorial expansion during the period. Played a significant role in regional politics and alliances within the Holy Roman Empire.
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 ReadingAleksis Kivi
Finnish author and playwright - Seven Brothers
Born
October 10th, 1834 191 years ago
Died
December 31st, 1872 152 years ago — 38 years old
An influential Finnish author and playwright, this individual wrote primarily in Finnish, contributing significantly to Finnish literature. Best recognized for the classic novel 'Seven Brothers', the work is notable for its depiction of rural life and the Finnish identity. This writer also penned several plays, such as 'Kullervo' and 'The Finnish Girl', which explored themes of folklore and societal issues. Through these writings, the use of the Finnish language in literature gained momentum during a time when the language was underrepresented.
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