Faten Hamama
Egyptian actress and producer
Renowned for significant contributions to Egyptian cinema, a career spanned over six decades. Gained success in the golden age of Egyptian movies and collaborated with notable directors and actors. Featured in films such as "The Dancer and the Police" and "The Assassin". Transitioned into production, helping shape the industry in Egypt. Played a crucial role in the cultural landscape of the nation through film and television.
Starred in 'The Dancer and the Police'
Produced influential Egyptian films
Other People Born on May 27th
Tyler Sash
American football player, Super Bowl champion
Born
May 27th, 1988 37 years ago
Died
September 8th, 2015 10 years ago — 27 years old
Played safety in the National Football League, primarily for the New York Giants. Drafted in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Contributed to the team during the 2011 season, culminating in a victory at Super Bowl XLVI. Played college football at the University of Iowa before entering the NFL, showcasing strong defensive skills.
Continue ReadingMaximilian I Joseph of Bavaria
King of Bavaria, Napoleonic reformation leader
Born
May 27th, 1756 269 years ago
Died
1825 200 years ago — 69 years old
Ruled as King of Bavaria from 1806 until death in 1825. Maximilian played a significant role during the Napoleonic Wars, aligning with Napoleon Bonaparte and implementing key reforms in the administration and military. Promoted the secularization and modernization of Bavaria, enhancing the state's infrastructure and education system. Also contributed to the emergence of Bavaria as a notable German state post-Napoleon.
Continue ReadingVontae Davis
American football cornerback
Born
May 27th, 1988 37 years ago
Died
April 1st, 2024 1 years ago — 35 years old
Played as a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL) for teams including the Miami Dolphins, Indianapolis Colts, and Buffalo Bills. Notable for his skills in pass defense and coverage, contributed to teams with key interceptions and tackles throughout his career. Achieved recognition as a top defensive player and earned Pro Bowl selections during tenure with the Colts.
Continue ReadingMile Sterjovski
Australian footballer, 2006 World Cup player
Born
May 27th, 1979 46 years ago
Born in 1979, a professional footballer represented Australia at the international level. Played in the 2006 FIFA World Cup and had a career in various clubs across Australia and Europe. Notable club stints included playing for Perth Glory in the A-League and several teams in the UK including the likes of Wolverhampton Wanderers and Fulham. Contributed significantly to team efforts during his career.
Continue ReadingMargrethe Munthe
Norwegian songwriter and children's author
Born
May 27th, 1860 165 years ago
Died
January 20th, 1931 94 years ago — 70 years old
A prominent songwriter and children's author, the individual contributed significantly to Norwegian culture through music. Created a collection of songs that captured the essence of childhood and were widely embraced in Norway. Compiled several songbooks aimed at children, emphasizing playful lyrics and engaging melodies. The songwriter's works have remained popular in Norwegian schools and households.
Continue ReadingJohn Barth
American novelist and author of 'Giles Goat-Boy'
Born
May 27th, 1930 95 years ago
Died
April 2nd, 2024 1 years ago — 93 years old
A prominent American novelist, contributions to fiction include postmodern works that explore metafiction and narrative structure. Significant works span several decades, with a critical approach to traditional storytelling. Notable titles include 'The Sot-Weed Factor', which parodies the 18th-century novel and 'Giles Goat-Boy', which combines satire with philosophical themes. Engaged in academia, held teaching positions at several universities, influencing literary studies and creative writing.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on January 17th
Betty Smith
American author of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
Born
December 15th, 1896 129 years ago
Died
January 17th, 1972 53 years ago — 75 years old
An American author and playwright, contributed significantly to literature through the exploration of themes such as poverty, resilience, and the pursuit of the American Dream. The novel A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, published in 1943, achieved critical acclaim and has been a staple in American literature classes. The narrative details the coming-of-age of a young girl in Brooklyn, focusing on her experiences and challenges during the early 20th century. The work was celebrated for its profound portrayal of family dynamics and the socioeconomic hardships faced by immigrants at the time. Other works include the novel Joy in the Morning, which further delves into personal and familial struggles. Smith also wrote plays that showcased her literary talents beyond novels.
Continue ReadingArt Buchwald
Journalist and Pulitzer Prize winner
Born
October 20th, 1925 100 years ago
Died
January 17th, 2007 18 years ago — 81 years old
A prominent journalist and author contributed to American cultural commentary through humor and satire. Buchwald wrote columns for the Washington Post and published numerous books. His writing often highlighted political and social issues, reflecting on contemporary American life. He garnered acclaim for unique storytelling and wit, which resonated with audiences. In 1982, won the Pulitzer Prize for his outstanding commentary, solidifying a significant legacy in journalism until death in 2007.
Continue ReadingAlexander Dargomyzhsky
Russian composer of operas
Born
1813 212 years ago
Died
January 17th, 1869 156 years ago — 56 years old
A notable Russian composer during the 19th century, focused on the development of Russian opera. His most famous work, the opera 'Rusalka', integrated Russian themes and folklore into the operatic tradition. Dargomyzhsky was instrumental in bridging the gap between classical and folk music, influencing future generations of Russian composers. He also contributed to the establishment of a distinctly Russian operatic style that emphasized national identity through music.
Continue ReadingFerdinand IV
Grand Duke of Tuscany
Born
1835 190 years ago
Died
January 17th, 1908 117 years ago — 73 years old
Ruled as Grand Duke of Tuscany from 1859 to 1860. Oversaw the transition of the duchy through significant political changes during the Italian unification. Administered reforms in various sectors, including education and infrastructure, which laid the groundwork for future developments in the region. Emphasized cultural patronage, supporting the arts and sciences throughout his reign.
Continue ReadingEdward Shepherd Creasy
Historian and jurist, author of 'Fifteen Decisive Battles'
Born
September 12th, 1812 213 years ago
Died
January 17th, 1878 147 years ago — 65 years old
Creasy was an English historian and jurist. Education included studying at the University of Oxford. He served as a member of the bar and held a position as a judge in the British legal system. Creasy’s written works contributed to historical scholarship, particularly in the analysis of military history. The book 'Fifteen Decisive Battles of the World', published in 1851, gained significant attention for its examination of key battles and their impacts on history. This work remains a reference for military historians and students alike. Later in life, he became involved in politics and served as a member of the House of Commons. Creasy's contributions to history and law are recognized through his published works and judicial roles.
Continue ReadingPercy Qoboza
South African journalist and author
Born
1938 87 years ago
Died
January 17th, 1988 37 years ago — 50 years old
Worked as a prominent journalist and editor in South Africa during the apartheid era. Served as the editor of The World and later The Sunday Post, becoming crucial in exposing social injustices. Wrote extensively about the struggles faced by black South Africans and advocated for democracy and equality. Received numerous awards for journalism, including the prestigious National Press Club's Journalist of the Year award in 1974. Continued to write after his exile and became a significant figure in South Africa’s media landscape until his death.
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