Chien-Shiung Wu
Physicist and experimental researcher
A prominent physicist who contributed significantly to the field of nuclear physics, conducted pioneering experiments that provided critical evidence for the theory of weak interaction proposed by Yang and Lee. Worked at Columbia University and contributed to the Manhattan Project during World War II. Recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the National Medal of Science and the first female president of the American Physical Society. Published over 200 research papers and had a long academic career.
Conducted the Wu Experiment confirming parity violation
Contributed to the Manhattan Project
First female president of the American Physical Society
Other People Born on May 31st
Phil Wilson
English politician and MP for Sedgefield
Born
May 31st, 1959 66 years ago
Elected as the Member of Parliament for Sedgefield in 2007, served as a Labour Party politician. Contributed to various parliamentary committees, focusing on education and health issues. Retired from politics in 2019 after serving multiple terms in office, gaining experience in both local and national governance.
Continue ReadingEdgar Savisaar
Estonian politician and minister
Born
May 31st, 1950 75 years ago
Died
December 29th, 2022 2 years ago — 72 years old
Born in 1950, a prominent Estonian figure involved in politics during and after the Soviet era. Contributed to Estonia's independence movement in the late 1980s. Served as the Minister of the Interior in the first post-independence government. Played a key role in forming the first Estonian government after independence from the Soviet Union. Engaged in various political roles, including mayor of Tallinn. Established significant political parties influencing Estonian politics.
Continue ReadingRobert Torrens
Irish-Australian politician, 3rd Premier
Born
May 31st, 1812 213 years ago
Died
August 31st, 1884 141 years ago — 72 years old
Born in Ireland, served as a member of the Legislative Council and was a prominent figure in the establishment of South Australia. Played a critical role in the introduction of the Torrens title system, which simplified land ownership and transfer. Held the office of Premier of South Australia from 1857 to 1859. Contributed to the socio-political landscape of the colony through various reforms and initiatives that focused on governance and land legislation.
Continue ReadingAhilyabai Holkar
Ruler of Indore and builder of temples
Born
May 31st, 1725 300 years ago
Died
August 13th, 1795 230 years ago — 70 years old
A prominent queen and ruler, she governed the Malwa kingdom in central India from 1767 to 1795. Her reign is noted for the promotion of arts, architecture, and Hindu temple construction. Under her leadership, Indore prospered and emerged as a significant center for trade and culture. She established and rebuilt numerous temples across India, including the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi and the Mahalakshmi Temple in Kolhapur. Ahilyabai made efforts to improve the welfare of her subjects, focusing on irrigation and economic development.
Continue ReadingJohn Ringling
Circus entrepreneur and founder
Born
May 31st, 1866 159 years ago
Died
December 2nd, 1936 89 years ago — 70 years old
An entrepreneur who co-founded the Ringling Brothers Circus, which became one of the most influential and popular circuses in American history. In 1907, the circus purchased the Barnum & Bailey Circus, merging two of the largest touring companies in the United States. Ringling played a significant role in expanding the circus and modernizing its operations. The circus toured nationwide and showcased elaborate performances that entertained audiences for generations. Ringling's dedication to the circus industry not only shaped the world of entertainment but also established a cultural phenomenon in American leisure activities.
Continue ReadingAndy Hurley
American musician with Fall Out Boy
Born
May 31st, 1980 45 years ago
Musician gained recognition as the drummer for the band Fall Out Boy. The band achieved significant success with albums such as "From Under the Cork Tree," which included hits like "Sugar, We're Goin Down" and "Dance, Dance." The group's influence in the pop-punk and alternative rock scenes contributed to the resurgence of the genre in the 2000s. Additionally, participated in various side projects, showcasing versatility in musical styles, including the band The Damned Things.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on February 16th
Bruno Ganz
Swiss actor known for 'Downfall'
Born
March 22nd, 1941 84 years ago
Died
February 16th, 2019 6 years ago — 77 years old
An acclaimed Swiss actor with a career spanning over five decades, widely recognized for roles in German and international cinema. Gained significant attention for portraying Adolf Hitler in the film 'Downfall' which depicted the final days of the Third Reich. Worked with esteemed directors including Wim Wenders and Eric Rohmer, contributing to notable films such as 'Wings of Desire' and 'The American Friend'. Aside from film, contributed to theatre, particularly in productions of classic plays. Earned accolades for performances that showcased a deep understanding of complex characters and themes.
Continue ReadingDazzy Vance
Baseball pitcher and Hall of Famer
Born
March 4th, 1891 134 years ago
Died
February 16th, 1961 64 years ago — 69 years old
Played Major League Baseball from 1915 to 1935, primarily with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Achieved significant success as a pitcher, leading the National League in strikeouts for seven consecutive years. Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1955. His career spanned two eras of the game, and he was recognized for his strikeout ability and consistent performance on the mound.
Continue ReadingRoger Bowen
Actor best known for M*A*S*H role
Born
1932 93 years ago
Died
February 16th, 1996 29 years ago — 64 years old
An American actor and author, prominent for significant contributions to film and television. Gained recognition for portraying Colonel Henry Blake in the television series M*A*S*H, which aired from 1972 to 1983. The show became a cultural phenomenon, blending comedy with serious themes of the Vietnam War. Also engaged in various writing projects, showcasing versatility in arts. His career spanned multiple decades, influencing both audiences and fellow actors.
Continue ReadingGonzalo Fernández de Córdoba
Spanish general and politician, Governor of Milan
Born
December 31st, 1585 439 years ago
Died
February 16th, 1645 380 years ago — 59 years old
A significant military and political figure in Spanish history, served as the 24th Governor of the Duchy of Milan in the early 17th century. Played a crucial role in the military engagements of the Thirty Years' War and the Italian Wars. Demonstrated strong leadership in both military and governance, contributing to the stability of Spanish rule in Italy during a turbulent period. Oversaw various administrative reforms in the Duchy aimed at improving governance and economic conditions.
Continue ReadingTony Sheridan
English singer-songwriter and guitarist
Born
May 21st, 1940 85 years ago
Died
February 16th, 2013 12 years ago — 72 years old
Active in the music scene from the early 1960s, significant contributions to the rock genre occurred during a collaboration with The Beatles, providing guitar work and vocals on tracks. Recorded notable songs, including 'My Bonnie' and 'Ain't She Sweet.' Later performances included touring with the Band of Joy and releasing several solo albums throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Continued to perform until his death in 2013.
Continue ReadingDoris Troy
Singer-songwriter with hit 'Just One Look'
Born
January 6th, 1937 88 years ago
Died
February 16th, 2004 21 years ago — 67 years old
Born in 1937, this American singer-songwriter gained prominence in the 1960s. 'Just One Look' became a major hit and showcased her distinctive voice and emotive delivery. The artist worked with various influential musicians and contributed to the broader soul and pop music scene. Throughout the career, numerous songs were penned and performed, influencing generations of artists in the genre.
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