Edward J. King
American politician, Governor of Massachusetts
Served as the 66th Governor of Massachusetts from 1979 to 1981. King was the first Democratic governor of Massachusetts in 20 years. His administration focused on issues such as education reform, fiscal policy, and urban development. King faced challenges dealing with a struggling economy and rising unemployment during his tenure. After leaving office, he continued to be active in politics and public service.
Served as Governor of Massachusetts
First Democratic governor in two decades
Other People Born on May 11th
Gelson Martins
Portuguese footballer, key player for Sporting CP
Born
May 11th, 1995 30 years ago
Born in 1995, played as a winger and began his professional career with Sporting CP in the Primeira Liga. His performances helped the team secure the 2015–16 Taça de Portugal. Later transferred to AS Monaco in Ligue 1, continuing to showcase his skills in European competitions. Also represented the Portugal national team, participating in international tournaments including the UEFA European Championship.
Continue ReadingViktória Kužmová
Professional tennis player, WTA rankings
Born
May 11th, 1998 27 years ago
Born in 1998, a tennis player competed on the WTA Tour. Achieved professional rankings in singles and doubles, with notable performances in Grand Slam tournaments. Participated in various competitions representing Slovakia, contributing to the national team in the Fed Cup. Graduated from junior to senior level, gaining recognition for match victories against top-ranked players.
Continue ReadingNene Macdonald
Rugby league player for Papua New Guinea
Born
May 11th, 1994 31 years ago
A rugby league player from Papua New Guinea, made a mark in the National Rugby League (NRL) and represented the national team. Played as a winger or center and showcased skills in various clubs within the NRL. Participated in international competitions, contributing to Papua New Guinea's representation on the world stage.
Continue ReadingNatasha Richardson
English-American actress in film and theater
Born
May 11th, 1963 62 years ago
Died
March 18th, 2009 16 years ago — 45 years old
Acclaimed for performances in stage productions and films, an accomplished actress gained recognition for roles in 'The Parent Trap' and 'God of Carnage'. Starred in various theatrical productions, including 'Anna Christie' on Broadway, earning a Tony Award for Best Actress. Contributed to numerous films and television projects, showcasing a range of characters in both dramatic and comedic genres.
Continue ReadingHagos Gebrhiwet
Ethiopian long-distance runner, World Champion
Born
May 11th, 1994 31 years ago
A long-distance runner specialized in the 5000 meters, achieved significant success in international competitions. Won the gold medal at the 2015 World Championships in Beijing in the 5000 meters. Set personal bests in various events, showcasing strong performances on the track. Competed in the 2016 Summer Olympics, finishing in the top ranks of the 5000 meters, solidifying standing as one of the leading athletes in the discipline. Grew up in Ethiopia, a country with a rich history of distance running.
Continue ReadingJohann Friedrich Blumenbach
Physician and anthropologist
Born
May 11th, 1752 273 years ago
Died
January 22nd, 1840 186 years ago — 87 years old
A prominent German physician, physiologist, and anthropologist. Blumenbach significantly contributed to the fields of anthropology and physiology in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He established a classification system that categorized human races based on skull shape, which played a foundational role in biological anthropology. A key figure in the development of comparative anatomy, he studied various physical characteristics of human populations. His work on the variation of human skulls led to the understanding of racial diversity and human classification. Blumenbach also authored several influential texts that addressed topics in medicine and biology, alongside his contributions to the understanding of human variation and species.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on September 18th
Frances Alda
Soprano celebrated for operatic roles
Born
May 31st, 1879 146 years ago
Died
September 18th, 1952 73 years ago — 73 years old
Born in New Zealand, a soprano achieved prominence in the early 20th century. Studied at the London Royal College of Music and joined the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. Gained fame in major operatic performances, particularly in works such as Puccini's 'La Bohème' and Verdi's 'La Traviata.' Moved to Australia, where involvement in the performing arts community continued. Later returned to Europe, performing with various opera companies and concerts across the continent. Made significant contributions to the music scene and mentored younger artists throughout the career.
Continue ReadingJohn Cockcroft
Physicist, Nobel Prize laureate
Born
May 27th, 1897 128 years ago
Died
September 18th, 1967 58 years ago — 70 years old
An English physicist contributed significantly to nuclear physics and particle acceleration. Developed the Cockcroft-Walton generator, which was the first device to accelerate protons to high energies. Led a team that achieved the first artificial nuclear reaction by bombarding lithium with protons, resulting in the release of alpha particles. Served as a professor and held leadership positions in various academic institutions, including the University of Cambridge.
Continue ReadingBob Hayes
Sprinter and NFL football player
Born
December 20th, 1942 83 years ago
Died
September 18th, 2002 23 years ago — 59 years old
Achieved Olympic success in sprinting and professional accolades in American football. Won a gold medal in the 100 meters at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and played for the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL. Contributed to the Cowboys' victory in Super Bowl VI and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009. Also excelled in college football at Florida A&M University.
Continue ReadingHippolyte Fizeau
French physicist and academic
Born
September 23rd, 1819 206 years ago
Died
September 18th, 1896 129 years ago — 76 years old
Contributed significantly to the field of physics in the 19th century. Developed innovative methods for measuring the speed of light and proposed the Fizeau formula for calculating the speed of light in a medium. Conducted experiments that solidified the wave theory of light. Fizeau also served as a professor of physics and played a major role in the advancement of scientific education in France.
Continue ReadingJimmy Witherspoon
Jump blues singer with hit 'Ain't Nobody's Business'
Born
August 8th, 1920 105 years ago
Died
September 18th, 1997 28 years ago — 77 years old
Born in 1920, this American jump blues singer gained recognition in the 1940s and 1950s. With a powerful voice and emotive delivery, this artist blended genres and influenced later musicians. Career highlights included performances at major venues and recordings that showcased a unique vocal style. A notable collaboration with prominent jazz musicians helped solidify a place in the music world. The singer's music addressed themes of love, heartache, and everyday life.
Continue ReadingFrank Morgan
American actor in 'The Wizard of Oz'
Born
June 1st, 1890 135 years ago
Died
September 18th, 1949 76 years ago — 59 years old
An American actor born in 1890, recognized for roles in early Hollywood films. Gained prominence with significant performances in the 1939 film 'The Wizard of Oz' as the Wizard. Had a prolific career in theatre and film during the 1920s to the 1950s. Played a variety of characters in comedies and dramas, showcasing a talent for both humor and pathos. His contributions to the film industry included various roles in classic films and stage productions.
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