Dalida
Singer and actress, 'Bambino'
Born in Egypt and later moving to France, a significant career spanned several decades in music and film. Rose to prominence in the late 1950s with the hit single 'Bambino', which became a major milestone. Recorded songs in multiple languages including French, Italian, Arabic, and Spanish. Acted in films such as 'The Tontons Flingueurs' and 'Sirocco'. Achieved substantial success across the globe, earning numerous awards throughout a storied career.
Released the hit song 'Bambino'
Won the Grand Prix du Disque
Received the Francophone Artist of the Year award
Other People Born on January 17th
Dwyane Wade
Professional basketball player and champion
Born
January 17th, 1982 44 years ago
Played for the Miami Heat in the NBA from 2003 to 2016, with a brief return in 2018. Achieved three NBA championships in 2006, 2012, and 2013. Selected to the All-Star team 13 times and earned the NBA Finals MVP award in 2006. After retiring, became an analyst on the television show 'Inside the NBA.' Established a philanthropic foundation and engaged in various business ventures.
Continue ReadingMarcel Petiot
French physician and serial killer
Born
January 17th, 1897 129 years ago
Died
1946 80 years ago — 49 years old
A physician practiced medicine in France during the early 20th century. Associated with numerous suspicious deaths, allegations of his involvement circulated widely in Paris during World War II. Posing as a resistance fighter, facilitated the escape of several individuals under the pretext of aiding them. However, investigations revealed the grim truth of his actions when the remains of multiple victims were discovered in his home. In 1946, faced trial for his crimes, receiving a death sentence and executed the following year.
Continue ReadingChili Davis
Baseball player and hitting coach
Born
January 17th, 1960 66 years ago
Born in Jamaica, played in Major League Baseball for several teams, including the San Francisco Giants and the New York Yankees. Recognized for contributions as a switch-hitter and later transitioned to coaching. Served as hitting coach for various teams in MLB, leveraging playing experience to develop hitters.
Continue ReadingAnne Cutler
Australian psychologist and academic
Born
January 17th, 1945 81 years ago
Died
2022 4 years ago — 77 years old
Specialized in psycholinguistics and the study of speech perception. Contributed to understanding how children learn language. Held a position as a professor at the University of Queensland, focusing on cognitive processes involved in speech and language. Published extensively in academic journals and books, influencing the field of psychology and linguistics.
Continue ReadingJaved Akhtar
Indian poet and lyricist for films
Born
January 17th, 1945 81 years ago
A prominent figure in Indian literature and cinema, he has contributed significantly as a poet, lyricist, and playwright. With a career spanning several decades, he co-wrote popular Bollywood films such as 'Sholay' and 'Deewaar'. His lyrics have graced numerous films, earning accolades for their depth and emotion. Akhtar has also published several poetry collections and has been involved in various social and cultural initiatives. With a commitment to promoting Urdu literature and music, he has received multiple awards, including the Sahitya Akademi Award and the Padma Bhushan.
Continue ReadingJoshua Malina
Actor in The West Wing and Scandal
Born
January 17th, 1966 60 years ago
An American actor prominently featured in television series and films. Played a key role as Will Bailey in the political drama 'The West Wing.' Also portrayed David Rosen in the series 'Scandal.' Besides acting, engaged in writing and producing various projects, contributing to the entertainment industry through multiple platforms.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 3rd
Antipope Alexander V
Antipope during the Western Schism
Died
May 3rd, 1410 616 years ago — None years old
Served as antipope from 1409 until death in 1410. Elected during the Council of Pisa, which aimed to resolve the Western Schism and address issues of church leadership. His election was contested and led to a complex period of multiple claimants to the papacy. Although his tenure was brief, he was acknowledged by some Christian factions which sought to reunify the Church under one leader. His papacy contributed to the ongoing debates and conflicts over ecclesiastical authority in the era.
Continue ReadingBéla IV of Hungary
King of Hungary and founder of towns
Born
1206 820 years ago
Died
May 3rd, 1270 756 years ago — 64 years old
Ruled as the King of Hungary from 1235 until death in 1270. Béla IV faced numerous challenges from Mongol invasions, which devastated the territory during the 1241-1242 campaign. His reign is noted for rebuilding the kingdom's infrastructure and fortifications. Under his leadership, towns were established, including Buda and Pest, which later became significant urban centers. Béla IV also fostered the development of trade and agriculture within Hungary, encouraging the settlement of various groups.
Continue ReadingBill Downs
American journalist and WWII correspondent
Born
August 17th, 1914 112 years ago
Died
May 3rd, 1978 48 years ago — 63 years old
Contributed significant coverage of World War II as a war correspondent for the CBS network. Reported from various battlefronts, providing firsthand accounts of major events such as the liberation of Paris and the Normandy invasion. Played a pivotal role in the development of radio journalism during wartime, showcasing the power of live reporting. Continued to work in broadcasting post-war, influencing the field of journalism for decades.
Continue ReadingJessie Willcox Smith
Illustrator of children's books
Born
September 6th, 1863 163 years ago
Died
May 3rd, 1935 91 years ago — 71 years old
An American illustrator, recognized for work in children's literature and magazines during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Contributions included illustrations for well-known books such as 'Little Women' and 'A Child's Garden of Verses'. Collaborated with prominent authors and published illustrations in magazines like 'Ladies' Home Journal' and 'Scribner's'. Smith's distinctive style featured soft colors and emotional depth, appealing to both children and adults.
Continue ReadingGeorge Murphy
Actor and politician from the U.S.
Born
July 4th, 1902 124 years ago
Died
May 3rd, 1992 34 years ago — 89 years old
Born in 1902, an American actor transitioned into politics. Achieved prominence in the film industry during the 1930s and 1940s, featuring in musicals and comedies. Served as a Republican U.S. Senator from California from 1965 to 1971. Advocated for the arts and cinema during this tenure.
Continue ReadingZakir Husain
Indian politician and academic leader
Born
February 8th, 1897 129 years ago
Died
May 3rd, 1969 57 years ago — 72 years old
An influential academic and politician, served as the 3rd president of India from 1967 until death in 1969. Earned a reputation as a key figure in education and administration, contributing significantly to India's development in these areas. Also held the position of vice president of India prior to the presidency and was instrumental in various educational reforms.
Continue Reading