Gilda Radner
American actress and comedian on SNL
An actress and comedian, her work on Saturday Night Live established a foundation for future sketch comedy. Radner created several iconic characters, including Roseanne Roseannadanna and Baba Wawa. She was a pioneering female voice in comedy during the 1970s and gained recognition for her spontaneous humor and performances. Following her tenure on SNL, she starred in the film 'Haunted Honeymoon' and various television specials. Radner's personal struggle with cancer became a significant part of her legacy, inspiring the establishment of a cancer center in her honor.
Created iconic characters on Saturday Night Live
Starred in the film 'Haunted Honeymoon'
Founded the Gilda Radner Ovarian Cancer Detection Center
Other People Born on June 28th
John Meyers
American swimmer and water polo player
Born
June 28th, 1880 145 years ago
Died
July 25th, 1971 54 years ago — 91 years old
Born in 1880, a highly accomplished swimmer and water polo player. Competed at the 1900 Summer Olympics in Paris, contributing to the United States winning a gold medal in swimming events. Played water polo for the New York Athletic Club and was part of the National Water Polo Championship team.
Continue ReadingTadasuke Makino
Japanese racing driver and competitor
Born
June 28th, 1997 28 years ago
Competed in various racing series including the FIA Formula 2 Championship. Gained experience and recognition while driving for the Dallara F2, making significant contributions to team strategies and performance. Participated in the Formula 3 and Super Formula series, showcasing skill and determination on the track. Established a strong presence in Japanese motorsport, contributing to the growth of interest in racing in the region.
Continue ReadingOscar Hiljemark
Swedish footballer and national team player
Born
June 28th, 1992 33 years ago
A professional footballer from Sweden, played primarily as a midfielder. Began career at the youth academy of Helsingborgs IF before making the professional debut in 2010. Transferred to PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands, where played for several seasons. Later joined clubs including Balken and GIF Sundsvall. Represented the Swedish national team at various youth levels and earned senior caps. Participation included being part of the squad for UEFA European Championship qualification matches.
Continue ReadingHenri Lebesgue
Mathematician celebrated for measure theory
Born
June 28th, 1875 150 years ago
Died
July 26th, 1941 84 years ago — 66 years old
Contributed significantly to mathematical analysis, particularly through the development of measure theory and integration. Established the concept of Lebesgue integrals, which provided a rigorous framework for defining the integral of a function. Worked as a professor at several institutions, including the University of Paris, influencing many students and fellow mathematicians. Published extensively, with various papers and a notable book that summarized his theories and findings.
Continue ReadingEmperor Go-Fukakusa
Emperor of Japan during the Kamakura period
Born
June 28th, 1243 782 years ago
Died
August 17th, 1304 721 years ago — 61 years old
Became emperor of Japan in 1246 and reigned until 1259. During the reign, significant administrative changes took place within the imperial court. Following abdication, served as a retired emperor, influencing politics behind the scenes. The period saw ongoing conflicts between the imperial court and warrior clans, impacting the political landscape of the time. His reign was part of the Kamakura era, marked by the emergence of the samurai class and a shift in power dynamics.
Continue ReadingShakur Stevenson
Professional boxer, two-time world champion
Born
June 28th, 1997 28 years ago
Born in 1997, this professional boxer achieved recognition in the super featherweight and lightweight divisions. After a successful amateur career, which included winning a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, secured a place in the professional boxing scene. Held multiple world championship titles, including the WBO super featherweight title and the WBC lightweight title. Maintained an undefeated record throughout his career, showcasing skill and technique in the ring.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 20th
Niki Lauda
Formula One racing driver and champion
Born
February 22nd, 1949 76 years ago
Died
May 20th, 2019 6 years ago — 70 years old
Austrian racing driver achieved significant success in Formula One during the 1970s and 1980s. Lauda secured three World Championships with Ferrari in 1975, McLaren in 1984, and played a crucial role in the rise of modern racing. Survived a near-fatal crash at the Nürburgring in 1976, where he sustained severe injuries but returned to racing just weeks later. Lauda's commitment to the sport and his technical expertise garnered respect from peers and fans alike.
Continue ReadingKho Jabing
Convicted murderer executed in Singapore
Born
1984 41 years ago
Died
May 20th, 2016 9 years ago — 32 years old
A Malaysian individual convicted of murder, played a significant role in a high-profile legal case in Singapore that garnered public attention and sparked debates about the death penalty. The case revolved around a robbery and subsequent death of a man in 2010. Legal proceedings stretched for several years, with multiple appeals filed against the death sentence. Ultimately, execution by hanging occurred on May 20, 2016, after the Singapore Court upheld the conviction. The case highlighted ongoing discussions regarding capital punishment in Singapore and legal representation for defendants.
Continue ReadingRandy Savage
Professional wrestler and Slim Jim spokesperson
Born
November 15th, 1952 73 years ago
Died
May 20th, 2011 14 years ago — 58 years old
An influential professional wrestler, gained fame in the 1980s and 1990s. Competed in major wrestling promotions including WWE and WCW. Excelled in high-profile feuds and main event matches, showcasing a flamboyant persona and signature catchphrases. Held multiple championships throughout his career, highlighted by winning the WWE Championship and the WCW World Heavyweight Championship. Transitioned into the entertainment industry with roles in various films and television shows.
Continue ReadingFemi Robinson
Nigerian actor and playwright
Born
1940 85 years ago
Died
May 20th, 2015 10 years ago — 75 years old
An influential figure in Nigerian theater and film, contributions spanned acting and playwriting. Starred in the film 'Fried Fish' and the television series 'Village Headmaster'. Worked extensively in the cultural scene, promoting indigenous stories and narratives through performances and productions. Founded various theater groups enhancing the artistic landscape in Nigeria. Played a significant role in the renaissance of Yoruba culture through drama.
Continue ReadingDenys Roberts
English judge and politician
Born
1923 102 years ago
Died
May 20th, 2013 12 years ago — 90 years old
Served as a judge in England with significant contributions to the legal field. Held various political positions, influencing local governance and legislative processes. Gained recognition for judicial decisions that shaped legal precedents. Engaged in public service and community affairs throughout a career that spanned several decades.
Continue ReadingStephen Jay Gould
Paleontologist and evolutionary biologist
Born
September 10th, 1941 84 years ago
Died
May 20th, 2002 23 years ago — 60 years old
A prominent paleontologist and evolutionary biologist contributed significantly to the field of evolutionary theory. Developed the theory of punctuated equilibrium alongside Niles Eldredge, emphasizing that evolution occurs in rapid bursts followed by long periods of stability. Authored several influential books, including 'Wonderful Life' and 'The Mismeasure of Man,' which critiqued the use of intelligence testing. Served as a professor at Harvard University, where extensive research focused on the patterns of evolution and the history of life on Earth. Engaged in public writing, making complex scientific ideas accessible to broader audiences, and published numerous essays in 'Natural History' magazine.
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