Ethel Merman

Broadway actress and singer of musicals

Ethel Merman - Broadway actress and singer of musicals
Born

January 16th, 1908
117 years ago

Died

February 15th, 1984
41 years ago — 76 years old

Category

Performers & Entertainers

Country

United States

Links & References

A prominent Broadway actress and singer, celebrated for powerful vocals and dynamic performances. Starred in iconic productions including 'Annie Get Your Gun', 'Gypsy', and 'Anything Goes'. Embodied the essence of the American musical theater during the mid-20th century. Achieved recognition for a commanding stage presence with a career spanning over three decades. Notable for performing songs that became standards in American music.

Starred in 'Annie Get Your Gun'

Starred in 'Gypsy'

Starred in 'Anything Goes'

Other People Born on January 16th

Piercarlo Ghinzani

Italian racing driver and team manager
Born
January 16th, 1952 73 years ago

Competed in Formula One from 1981 to 1983, participating in multiple Grands Prix for teams including Osella and Toleman. Transitioned to a managerial role after retirement from driving, overseeing and mentoring young drivers in various racing series. Contributed to the development of future talents in motorsport, blending experience as a driver with managerial insights.

Continue Reading

Mary Ann McMorrow

American lawyer and judge
Born
January 16th, 1930 95 years ago
Died
2013 12 years ago — 83 years old

Graduated from the University of Chicago Law School, where a legal scholar, later became a prominent figure in the Illinois judicial system. Appointed as an Associate Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court, serving from 1992 to 2000. Achieved the distinction of being the first woman to hold this position. During tenure, contributed to major judicial opinions and reforms within the state's legal framework. Promoted legal education and women's rights throughout career.

Continue Reading

Alexander Knox

Actor and screenwriter in film classics
Born
January 16th, 1907 118 years ago
Died
1995 30 years ago — 88 years old

Born in Canada and later moving to England, a career spanned several decades in film and television. Achievements included playing Franklin D. Roosevelt in 'The Last Hurrah' and had significant roles in 'The Prisoner of Zenda' and 'The Tillman Story'. Contributed as a screenwriter as well, showcasing versatility in storytelling across different mediums.

Continue Reading

Francis George

American cardinal and church leader
Born
January 16th, 1937 88 years ago
Died
2015 10 years ago — 78 years old

Born in Chicago, a prominent figure in the Roman Catholic Church served as the Archbishop of Chicago from 1997 to 2014. Played a significant role in various church initiatives and addressed numerous social issues. Held the title of cardinal from 2001 and participated in the 2005 conclave that elected Pope Benedict XVI. Deeply involved in interfaith dialogue and was an advocate for Catholic education. Authored numerous works on theology and church practice.

Continue Reading

Katy Jurado

Mexican actress in film and television
Born
January 16th, 1924 101 years ago
Died
July 5th, 2002 22 years ago — 78 years old

A prominent figure in the film industry, this actress gained recognition for performances in both Mexican and American cinema. Notable roles include participation in the classic western 'High Noon' alongside Gary Cooper, and the film 'The Brave Bulls'. The actress won the Best Supporting Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival for her role in 'Mister Roberts'. With a career spanning several decades, this actress's contributions to film earned her accolades and paved the way for future Latin American actresses in Hollywood.

Continue Reading

Jonathan Allen

American football defensive end
Born
January 16th, 1995 30 years ago

Played college football at the University of Alabama, contributing to the team's success during his tenure. Drafted in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Washington Football Team. Established himself as a key player on the defensive line and earned recognition for his performance in multiple seasons. Has been selected to the Pro Bowl, reflecting his status as one of the premier defensive ends in the league.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on February 15th

Germinal Pierre Dandelin

Mathematician; Dandelin Spheres in Geometry
Born
April 12th, 1794 231 years ago
Died
February 15th, 1847 178 years ago — 52 years old

Contributed significantly to mathematics and engineering, particularly in the field of geometry. Developed the Dandelin spheres, which provide a geometrical proof of the relationship between conic sections and ellipses. Engaged in research involving the properties of geometric figures and their applications in engineering. Published works that influenced the understanding of conic sections and their properties.

Continue Reading

Henry Addington

Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
Born
May 30th, 1757 267 years ago
Died
February 15th, 1844 181 years ago — 86 years old

Served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1801 to 1804. Represented the Tory party during a period characterized by ongoing conflicts with France. Participated in the negotiations of the Treaty of Amiens in 1802, temporarily bringing peace between Britain and France. Held the position of Speaker of the House of Commons before becoming Prime Minister. Also served as Home Secretary and was elevated to the peerage as 1st Viscount Sidmouth later in life.

Continue Reading

Antonio Moreno

Actor and director in classic cinema
Born
September 26th, 1887 137 years ago
Died
February 15th, 1967 58 years ago — 79 years old

Antonio Moreno was a Spanish-American actor and director who became prominent during the silent film era and transitioned to sound films. Starting his career in Spain, he moved to the United States and appeared in many American films. Moreno was known for his roles in early cinema, featuring in productions such as 'The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse' and 'Wild Animals'. He contributed to both acting and directing, shaping the early Hollywood landscape with his work.

Continue Reading

Theodor Escherich

Pediatrician and microbiologist, Escherichia coli discoverer
Born
November 29th, 1857 167 years ago
Died
February 15th, 1911 114 years ago — 53 years old

A German-Austrian pediatrician and academic contributed significantly to microbiology. His work focused on intestinal bacteria, leading to the discovery of a specific bacterium named Escherichia coli, which plays a crucial role in understanding human gut flora. Emphasis was placed on children's diseases and nutritional disorders. Escherich published various scientific papers that laid the groundwork for future research in bacteriology and pediatrics, including studies on infantile diarrhea and dysentery.

Continue Reading

Minnie Maddern Fiske

American actress and playwright, 'The Laurel'
Born
December 19th, 1865 159 years ago
Died
February 15th, 1932 93 years ago — 66 years old

An influential American actress and playwright, contributed significantly to the staging of important works in American theater. Established a reputation for strong performances in the early 20th century. Played the title role in the successful production of 'The Laurel' and was instrumental in advancing the role of women in theater. Actively opposed the censorship of plays and fought for the rights of playwrights, creating a legacy that influenced future generations.

Continue Reading

Lew Wallace

American general and author of Ben-Hur
Born
April 10th, 1827 198 years ago
Died
February 15th, 1905 120 years ago — 77 years old

An author, general, and politician active during the 19th century, served as the 11th Governor of New Mexico Territory. Gained prominence as a Union general during the American Civil War, participating in notable battles such as the Battle of Shiloh and the Battle of Monocacy. Published the novel 'Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ' in 1880, which became one of the best-selling novels of all time and was later adapted into several successful film adaptations. Engaged in various political and artistic endeavors throughout his life, contributing to the development of the New Mexico Territory.

Continue Reading