Earl Averill
Baseball player, All-Star outfielder
Born
Died
Category
Athletes & Sports Figures
Country
United States
Links & References
Played as an outfielder in Major League Baseball from 1929 to 1941. Averill debuted with the Cleveland Indians and later played for the Detroit Tigers and the Chicago White Sox. Earned a reputation as a power hitter and was selected as an All-Star multiple times. Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1975.
Selected as an All-Star in 1933, 1935, and 1936
Led the league in hits in 1936
Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1975
Other People Born on May 21st
George LeMieux
American lawyer and politician
Born
May 21st, 1969 56 years ago
Graduated from the University of Florida and received a law degree from the University of Florida College of Law. Served as the 34th Attorney General of Florida from 2007 to 2008. Appointed to the U.S. Senate in 2009 to fill a vacancy and served until 2010. Contributed to various legislative efforts during Senate tenure, particularly in education and health care. Worked as a partner at a prestigious law firm and engaged in numerous civic activities.
Continue ReadingDorothy Hewett
Australian feminist poet and playwright
Born
May 21st, 1923 102 years ago
Died
August 25th, 2002 23 years ago — 79 years old
Born in 1923, this individual contributed significantly to Australian literature as a feminist poet, novelist, and playwright. Engaging with themes of social justice and empowerment, they authored several acclaimed works. The poetry collection 'The Invisible Thread' and the play 'In Celebration' reflect personal and political struggles, promoting discourse around women's rights and identity. This individual's literary legacy continues to influence Australian culture and feminist thought.
Continue ReadingElizabeth Fry
Prison reformer and philanthropist
Born
May 21st, 1780 245 years ago
Died
October 12th, 1845 180 years ago — 65 years old
A prominent English prison reformer and philanthropist, focused on improving conditions for female prisoners. Actively worked in the early 19th century to advocate for humane treatment and rehabilitation strategies. Documented the appalling conditions within prisons through reports and founded initiatives to provide education and employment opportunities for incarcerated women. Played a significant role in the establishment of nursing and aid programs within the penal system.
Continue ReadingEdson Buddle
Soccer player and MLS star
Born
May 21st, 1981 44 years ago
A professional soccer player who primarily played as a forward, achieved recognition in Major League Soccer. Played for several teams including the Los Angeles Galaxy, with whom won the MLS Cup in 2012. Competed for the United States national team and participated in the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Continue ReadingJanet Dailey
Author of romance novels
Born
May 21st, 1944 81 years ago
Died
December 14th, 2013 12 years ago — 69 years old
An American author and entrepreneur, one of the first authors to successfully publish a series of contemporary romance novels. Began writing early in life and published the first book in the Cedar Cove series, which became a bestseller. Contributed significantly to the romance literature genre and inspired many writers. Expanded her brand with unique storylines and characters that resonated with readers. Authored over 100 novels with international sales reaching millions.
Continue ReadingAlexander Pope
English poet and essayist
Born
May 21st, 1688 337 years ago
Died
May 30th, 1744 281 years ago — 56 years old
A prominent English poet and essayist, recognized for the use of heroic couplets in his writings. Key works include the satirical poem 'The Rape of the Lock' and the philosophical poem 'An Essay on Man'. Engaged with themes of human nature, morality, and the role of poetry in society. Pope's translation of Homer's 'Iliad' and 'Odyssey' elevated him in literary circles, establishing him as a leading literary figure of the early 18th century.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 13th
Libert H. Boeynaems
Bishop and missionary in the United States
Born
August 18th, 1857 168 years ago
Died
May 13th, 1926 99 years ago — 68 years old
Born in Belgium, served as a bishop and dedicated missionary in the United States. Contributed to various church initiatives and outreach programs. Played a significant role in the establishment of Catholic communities in the Midwest. Involved in promoting education and social services within the church.
Continue ReadingSaad Al-Salim Al-Sabah
Kuwaiti Emir and ruler
Born
1930 96 years ago
Died
May 13th, 2008 17 years ago — 78 years old
Served as Emir of Kuwait from 2006 until 2008. Ascended to the throne following the death of his predecessor, Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. Prior to becoming Emir, held various governmental positions and played a role in the country's political landscape. Focused on domestic policies and was involved in initiatives aimed at providing social services and economic development.
Continue ReadingMalik Bendjelloul
Film director of 'Searching for Sugar Man'
Born
September 14th, 1977 48 years ago
Died
May 13th, 2014 11 years ago — 36 years old
Bendjelloul was a Swedish director and producer. He gained recognition for the documentary 'Searching for Sugar Man', which explored the life of musician Rodriguez and his unexpected fame in South Africa. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2012 and received critical acclaim. It was awarded the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2013. Bendjelloul's approach combined storytelling with a deep exploration of music's impact on culture and society.
Continue ReadingF. E. McWilliam
Irish sculptor and educator
Born
April 30th, 1909 116 years ago
Died
May 13th, 1992 33 years ago — 83 years old
An Irish sculptor and educator, this individual contributed significantly to the field of sculpture throughout the 20th century. Active in both London and Ireland, the sculptor's work reflected modernist influences, characterized by a unique approach to form and space. Educated at the Belfast School of Art, the sculptor also had a notable teaching career that involved influencing future generations of artists. Some works integrated figurative elements with abstract styles, showcasing an innovative interpretation of traditional sculptural techniques. The artwork remains celebrated for its aesthetic qualities and conceptual depth.
Continue ReadingJoseph Henry
American physicist and engineer known for electromagnetism
Born
December 17th, 1797 228 years ago
Died
May 13th, 1878 147 years ago — 80 years old
A prominent American physicist and engineer, contributed significantly to the field of electromagnetism. His research laid foundational principles for the development of the telegraph and other electrical devices. Henry made substantial advancements in the understanding of self-induction and mutual induction, which are crucial for the operation of inductors in electrical circuits. He also served as the first Director of the National Institute for the Promotion of Science, now part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology. An influential figure in the scientific community, engaged in extensive correspondence with contemporaries such as Michael Faraday.
Continue ReadingDoris Day
Singer and actress in musicals and films
Born
April 3rd, 1922 103 years ago
Died
May 13th, 2019 6 years ago — 97 years old
An American singer and actress, emerged in the late 1940s and became a leading figure in the entertainment industry. Achieved widespread fame during the 1950s and 1960s. Starred in iconic films such as 'Pillow Talk', 'Calamity Jane', and 'The Man Who Knew Too Much'. Transitioned seamlessly between music and acting, recording hit songs like 'Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)'. Established an animal welfare foundation later in life, advocating for animal rights and protection.
Continue Reading