David Koresh
American cult leader and Branch Davidian
Led the Branch Davidians, a religious sect in Waco, Texas. Advocated for his interpretations of the Bible and claimed to be the final prophet. Involved in a 51-day standoff with federal law enforcement in 1993. The standoff ended when the compound was consumed by fire, resulting in the deaths of many followers, including Koresh.
Led the Branch Davidians during the Waco siege
Claimed to be a prophet and the final messenger of God
Other People Born on August 17th
Phoebe Bridgers
Singer/songwriter with acclaimed albums
Born
August 17th, 1994 31 years ago
An American singer and songwriter gained recognition for poignant lyrics and distinctive sound. Debut album, 'Stranger in the Alps' released in 2017, received critical acclaim and showcased songwriting talent. Follow-up albums, 'Punisher' (2020) and 'Copycat Killer' (2021), further solidified artistic presence in the music industry. Collaborative work includes projects with Better Oblivion Community Center and Boygenius, alongside other notable artists. Bridgers' music often explores themes of heartbreak, anxiety, and introspection, resonating with a wide audience.
Continue ReadingMaru Teferi
Marathon runner and world record holder
Born
August 17th, 1992 33 years ago
Born in 1992, this marathon runner represented Israel in international competitions. Recognized for excellence in long-distance running, achievements include participation in multiple marathon events worldwide. A notable performance occurred during the 2022 Amsterdam Marathon, where a time of 2:04:58 was recorded, establishing a new national record. With a commitment to the sport, continued participation in major events contributed to an impressive competitive career.
Continue ReadingErika Toda
Japanese actress known for Death Note
Born
August 17th, 1988 37 years ago
Born in 1988, this actress gained prominence through her role as Misa Amane in the 'Death Note' film series. She starred in various television dramas including 'Nigeru wa Haji da ga Yaku ni Tatsu,' which received high ratings and critical acclaim. With a career spanning over a decade, she has been involved in numerous productions that showcase her versatility and talent.
Continue ReadingSaraya Bevis
English professional wrestler and champion
Born
August 17th, 1992 33 years ago
Began wrestling at a young age, training in the family business. Gained prominence in various wrestling promotions, including WWE, where achieved significant success. Won the Divas Championship and played a crucial role in the women's revolution within wrestling, advocating for greater visibility and opportunities for female wrestlers. Retired from in-ring competition due to health issues but remained active in the wrestling community, mentoring aspiring wrestlers and contributing to the sport's development.
Continue ReadingTaissa Farmiga
American actress in horror films
Born
August 17th, 1994 31 years ago
An actress born in 1994, recognized for performances in horror genre works. Debuted in the television series 'American Horror Story' in its first season and continued to appear in multiple subsequent seasons. Starred in films such as 'The Nun,' which is part of the 'Conjuring' universe. Received acclaim for her role in 'The Mule.'
Continue ReadingDallin Watene-Zelezniak
Rugby league player with New Zealand
Born
August 17th, 1995 30 years ago
A rugby league player from New Zealand, competed in the NRL as a member of the Penrith Panthers and the Canterbury Bulldogs. Played for the New Zealand national team and represented the country in international competitions.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on April 19th
Oliver Mowat
Canadian politician, Ontario Premier
Born
July 22nd, 1820 205 years ago
Died
April 19th, 1903 123 years ago — 82 years old
Served as the third Premier of Ontario from 1872 to 1896 and later became the eighth Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. During the tenure as Premier, worked on various reforms related to education and public works. Advocate for provincial rights and responsible government. Played a significant role in Canadian politics during the late 19th century, contributing to the development of Ontario's political landscape.
Continue ReadingJean-Pierre Cassel
French actor in French cinema
Born
October 27th, 1932 93 years ago
Died
April 19th, 2007 19 years ago — 74 years old
An accomplished actor featured primarily in French cinema, contributions spanned several decades, with a range of roles in film and television. Gained recognition for performances in popular works, including the film 'Le Grand Blond avec une chaussure noire' and the period drama 'The Great Spy Chase.' Demonstrated versatility across genres, portraying both comedic and dramatic characters throughout a prolific career.
Continue ReadingOctavio Paz
Mexican poet and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
March 31st, 1914 112 years ago
Died
April 19th, 1998 28 years ago — 84 years old
Born in 1914, a prominent Mexican poet and diplomat made significant contributions to literature and culture. His poetry often explored themes of solitude, identity, and love, reflecting the complexities of Mexican society. As a diplomat, served in various capacities, enhancing Mexico's cultural relations globally. Received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1990, recognizing a lifetime of poetic exploration and prose that shaped contemporary literature. Authored several influential works, including 'The Labyrinth of Solitude' and 'Sunstone', establishing a unique voice in 20th-century literature.
Continue ReadingPatricio Aylwin
Chilean politician and president
Born
November 26th, 1918 107 years ago
Died
April 19th, 2016 10 years ago — 97 years old
Served as the President of Chile from 1990 to 1994. Played a crucial role in the transition from military dictatorship to democracy following the regime of Augusto Pinochet. Introduced measures to address human rights violations and foster economic recovery. Aylwin's leadership helped stabilize the country and paved the way for democratic governance after years of oppression.
Continue ReadingEphraim Shay
Engineer who designed Shay locomotive
Born
July 17th, 1839 186 years ago
Died
April 19th, 1916 110 years ago — 76 years old
An engineer developed the Shay locomotive, a type of steam engine that proved vital for logging and freight transport on mountainous terrain. This innovative design featured a unique gear-driven system, providing better traction and stability on steep grades. The Shay locomotive became widely used in the timber industry, significantly impacting the efficiency of lumber transport. The manufacturing of Shay locomotives continued long after the initial design, with production spanning several decades.
Continue ReadingThomas Playford II
Politician, 17th Premier of South Australia
Born
November 26th, 1837 188 years ago
Died
April 19th, 1915 111 years ago — 77 years old
Served as the 17th Premier of South Australia from 1938 to 1941. Held various political positions, including Minister of Education and Minister of Industry. Contributed to the development of South Australian labor policies and infrastructure projects. His tenure included significant challenges posed by World War II and economic issues of the time.
Continue Reading