Daniel François Malan
South African Prime Minister
A South African minister and politician served as Prime Minister from 1948 to 1954. Played a significant role in the establishment of apartheid policies during his tenure. Held office during a period of intense political change and faced both domestic and international criticism regarding the system he supported. After leaving office, continued to be involved in South African politics until retirement.
Served as Prime Minister of South Africa
Implemented apartheid policies
Led the National Party during his tenure
Other People Born on May 22nd
Anthony Richardson
American football quarterback, Florida Gators
Born
May 22nd, 2002 23 years ago
Played college football as a quarterback for the Florida Gators. Achieved recognition for his athleticism and passing ability. Drafted in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts. Demonstrated strong performance during the NFL Combine, setting records for speed and agility at the quarterback position.
Continue ReadingHergé
Comic artist of The Adventures of Tintin
Born
May 22nd, 1907 118 years ago
Died
March 3rd, 1983 42 years ago — 75 years old
Belgian author and illustrator created the comic series The Adventures of Tintin, which first appeared in 1929. The series follows the adventures of a young reporter named Tintin, his dog Snowy, and a variety of supporting characters. Hergé developed a unique drawing style characterized by clear lines and meticulous attention to detail. The comics gained international popularity and were translated into numerous languages. Hergé's work significantly influenced the comic book industry and introduced a distinctive narrative style.
Continue ReadingMichael Sarrazin
Canadian actor in 'They Shoot Horses, Don't They?'
Born
May 22nd, 1940 85 years ago
Died
April 17th, 2011 14 years ago — 70 years old
Michael Sarrazin was a Canadian actor, prominent in the film industry during the 1960s and 1970s. Sarrazin gained recognition for starring in films such as 'They Shoot Horses, Don't They?' and 'The Sweet Ride.' He displayed versatility across various genres, including drama and comedy, earning a significant following and respect for his performances. Throughout his career, he appeared in numerous television series and films, solidifying his status in the entertainment landscape until his passing in 2011.
Continue ReadingGeorge H. Heilmeier
Engineer and LCD technology pioneer
Born
May 22nd, 1936 89 years ago
Died
April 21st, 2014 11 years ago — 77 years old
An engineer contributed significantly to liquid crystal display (LCD) technology. Served as director of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) from 1975 to 1977, influencing defense research and technology development. Played a pivotal role in commercializing LCDs through work at RCA and later as a founder of several technology companies. His research helped lead to the development of various display technologies that are widely used in electronic devices today.
Continue ReadingAston Webb
Architect and designer of the Victoria Memorial
Born
May 22nd, 1849 176 years ago
Died
1930 95 years ago — 81 years old
An English architect and academic, this individual played a pivotal role in the design and construction of several notable buildings in England. The most notable accomplishment includes the design of the Imperial Institute in London and the redevelopment of the façade of Buckingham Palace. His work spanned various architectural styles, particularly in the late Victorian and Edwardian periods, reflecting the cultural aspirations of the time. In addition to his architectural projects, contributions to architectural education and literature were significant aspects of this individual’s career.
Continue ReadingChen Jingrun
Chinese mathematician and academic
Born
May 22nd, 1933 92 years ago
Died
1996 29 years ago — 63 years old
Contributed significantly to number theory and prime number research. Achieved notable progress in Goldbach's conjecture, proving that every sufficiently large even integer can be expressed as the sum of a prime and a number with at most two prime factors. Worked at various educational institutions and published numerous papers in mathematics. Actively received recognition for advancements in analytical number theory.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on February 7th
King Hussein of Jordan
Jordanian King and peace advocate
Born
1935 90 years ago
Died
February 7th, 1999 26 years ago — 64 years old
Ruled as the King of Jordan from 1952 until death in 1999. Focused on modernization and economic development within the country. Played a significant role in the peace process in the Middle East, notably signing the Israel-Jordan Peace Treaty in 1994. Advocated for Arab unity and regional stability throughout his reign. Worked to maintain Jordan's sovereignty amid regional conflicts and showcased leadership during various crises.
Continue ReadingJin Mindi
Emperor of the Jin Dynasty
Died
February 7th, 318 1707 years ago — None years old
Ascended to the throne in 310 AD and ruled until death in 318 AD. As the emperor, implemented significant governance reforms aimed at consolidating power and stabilizing the Jin Dynasty during a tumultuous period. Efforts focused on securing borders and managing internal conflicts. His reign faced challenges, including war with nomadic tribes and civil unrest.
Continue ReadingWilliam V
Duke of Bavaria
Born
February 13th, 1602 423 years ago
Died
February 7th, 1626 399 years ago — 23 years old
Served as the Duke of Bavaria from 1579 until 1597. Managed the duchy during a period of significant conflict and reorganization. Actively participated in the counter-reformation efforts to strengthen the Catholic Church's influence in the region. Ruled during a time marked by internal strife and the broader European conflicts of the era. His reign included the construction of various fortifications and buildings to enhance Bavaria's defenses.
Continue ReadingCheikh Anta Diop
Senegalese historian and anthropologist
Born
December 29th, 1923 101 years ago
Died
February 7th, 1986 39 years ago — 62 years old
A prominent figure in African history and anthropology, contributed significantly to the study of African cultures and civilizations. His research challenged the Eurocentric narratives that dominated historical discourse. Diop's work emphasized the importance of African history in understanding global history. He advocated for the acknowledgment of Africa's contributions to world civilization, particularly through his major work, 'The African Origin of Civilization: Myth or Reality'. As a physicist, he also explored the connections between culture and science, establishing a multidisciplinary approach in his studies.
Continue ReadingMarie Louise Andrews
American story writer and journalist
Born
October 31st, 1849 176 years ago
Died
February 7th, 1891 134 years ago — 41 years old
A prominent figure in American literature, contributed significantly through stories and journalism in the late 19th century. Worked as a journalist for various publications and wrote short stories that reflected contemporary societal issues. Engaged in the literary community, focusing on themes relevant to the time and influencing discussions around gender and social conditions. Major works include contributions to periodicals and the publication of several short stories which garnered attention for their insight and relatability.
Continue ReadingVuk Karadžić
Serbian philologist and linguist.
Born
1787 238 years ago
Died
February 7th, 1864 161 years ago — 77 years old
A prominent philologist and linguist contributed significantly to Serbian language and literature. Focused on collecting and standardizing folk language, this individual initiated the reform of Serbian spelling and grammar. Published 'Rječnik srpskohrvatskog jezika' and established a modern Serbian orthography. Worked extensively on compiling folkloric tales, shedding light on Serbian cultural identity. Advocated for the use of the vernacular in literature.
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