Gilbert Jessop
English cricketer and soldier
A prominent cricketer and soldier, played for Gloucestershire from 1894 to 1913. Achieved a reputation as a hard-hitting batsman and an exceptional fielder. Represented England in international matches, contributing significantly to the team's efforts during the early 1900s. Served in World War I, where military service took precedence over cricketing pursuits.
Played for England in Test matches
Scored over 2,500 runs in first-class cricket
Represented Gloucestershire for nearly two decades
Other People Born on May 19th
Sven Thofelt
Modern pentathlete and épée fencer
Born
May 19th, 1904 122 years ago
Died
February 1st, 1993 33 years ago — 88 years old
Competed in modern pentathlon and fencing, excelling in épée. Achieved success in multiple international competitions, representing Sweden. Was part of the Swedish team that participated in the 1960 Rome Olympics, achieving a notable ranking. Contributed to the sport through both competition and coaching.
Continue ReadingColin Chapman
British engineer and founder of Lotus Cars
Born
May 19th, 1928 98 years ago
Died
December 16th, 1982 43 years ago — 54 years old
An English engineer and businessman founded Lotus Cars, a marque synonymous with innovative automotive design. Established in 1952, the company gained recognition for its lightweight sports cars and Formula One racing vehicles. The innovative use of materials and engineering principles revolutionized the racing industry. Chapman played a significant role in the development of the Lotus 49, which was the first car to use a rear-mounted engine, leading to numerous successes in Formula One during the 1960s. His contributions to automotive engineering left a lasting legacy, influencing car design well beyond his time.
Continue ReadingMalcolm X
Minister and civil rights activist
Born
May 19th, 1925 101 years ago
Died
February 21st, 1965 61 years ago — 39 years old
A prominent figure in the civil rights movement, advocated for the rights of African Americans. Played a key role as a national spokesman for the Nation of Islam and later founded the Organization of Afro-American Unity. Emphasized black empowerment, self-sufficiency, and the need for racial justice. Assassinated in 1965, leaving a significant impact on civil rights discourse.
Continue ReadingMichele Camporese
Italian footballer and defender
Born
May 19th, 1992 34 years ago
Played as a defender in professional football, primarily for Fiorentina and other clubs. Camporese began his youth career at Fiorentina, advancing to the senior team where he made his Serie A debut. He later played for clubs such as Vicenza and Pisa in Serie B, contributing to defensive strategies and team performance.
Continue ReadingAndrew Johns
Rugby league player and sportscaster
Born
May 19th, 1974 52 years ago
One of the most accomplished rugby league players in Australian history. Played as a halfback primarily for the Newcastle Knights in the National Rugby League (NRL). His career spanned from 1993 to 2007, earning the title of Dally M Medallist on multiple occasions. Served as a representative for New South Wales in the State of Origin series and for Australia in international competitions. After retiring from professional play, transitioned to coaching and sports commentary, sharing insights and analysis on various media platforms.
Continue ReadingJim Lehrer
Journalist and News Anchor
Born
May 19th, 1934 92 years ago
Died
2020 6 years ago — 86 years old
An American journalist and author centered around public broadcasting and political coverage. Served as the executive editor and anchor of PBS NewsHour for over three decades. Moderated presidential debates, contributing to the discourse surrounding American politics. Authored several books, including memoirs and fiction.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 11th
Peggy Lipton
American actress and model, starred in 'Twin Peaks'
Born
August 30th, 1946 79 years ago
Died
May 11th, 2019 7 years ago — 72 years old
An American model and actress, Lipton gained fame for her role as Julie Barnes in the television series 'The Mod Squad' during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Lipton transitioned from modeling to acting, achieving significant success in television. She later starred in the cult series 'Twin Peaks' as Norma Jennings, contributing to the show's critical acclaim. Apart from her television work, Lipton appeared in several films, including 'The Clockwork Orange'. Lipton's contributions to the television industry earned her a place in pop culture history.
Continue ReadingFritz Pollard
Football player and coach, first Black coach
Born
1894 132 years ago
Died
May 11th, 1986 40 years ago — 92 years old
Played as a running back and coach in American football. Served as the first Black head coach in the NFL with the Akron Pros in 1921. Had a notable career at Brown University, where he became a star player. Contributed significantly to the sport both as a player and as a pioneer for Black coaches in football. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2005, recognizing contributions to the game.
Continue ReadingThomas Silverstein
American criminal and prisoner
Born
February 4th, 1952 74 years ago
Died
May 11th, 2019 7 years ago — 67 years old
A lifelong criminal, Silverstein's crimes primarily involved violence while incarcerated. Silverstein spent a significant portion of life in solitary confinement due to assaults on prison staff and other inmates. His actions led to multiple convictions, including murder. Silverstein became a well-documented figure within the criminal justice system, with discussions surrounding the treatment of inmates in isolation. Such situations drew attention to broader issues within prison systems, particularly concerning rehabilitation and human rights.
Continue ReadingKim Philby
British spy and intelligence officer
Born
January 1st, 1912 114 years ago
Died
May 11th, 1988 38 years ago — 76 years old
A notable figure in British intelligence, played a key role during the Cold War. Worked for MI6 while secretly cooperating with the Soviet Union. Philby's espionage activities led to critical intelligence breaches affecting Western security. His treachery was part of the infamous Cambridge Five spy ring. In 1963, defected to the Soviet Union, where he lived for the remainder of his life.
Continue ReadingSusan Backlinie
American actress and stuntwoman
Born
1946 80 years ago
Died
May 11th, 2024 2 years ago — 78 years old
Significant contributions to film as an actress and stuntwoman included roles in classic horror films. Achievements in performing stunts and acting complemented work in the entertainment industry, particularly in the realm of horror cinema. Gained recognition for performances that showcased both acting and physical skills, influencing the portrayal of female characters in action sequences. Collaborated with prominent filmmakers and participated in various significant projects throughout a career that extended over several decades.
Continue ReadingNorman Lloyd
Actor and director in film and television
Born
November 8th, 1914 111 years ago
Died
May 11th, 2021 5 years ago — 106 years old
An American actor, director, and producer had a career spanning over seven decades. Gained recognition for contributions to both television and film, appearing in notable works such as the series 'St. Elsewhere' and the film 'Dead Poets Society.' Served as an executive producer and director on several projects, showcasing versatility in various roles within the industry.
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