Henry Koster
Film director and producer, The Bishop's Wife
Born
Died
1988
37 years ago — 83 years old
Category
Performers & Entertainers
Country
United States
Links & References
Born in Germany, a career in the film industry began in Europe before relocating to the United States. Directed several successful films from the 1940s to the 1960s. Established a reputation for working on romantic comedies and musicals. Notable works include 'The Bishop's Wife' and 'Harvey', both showcasing a unique blend of charm and humor. Contributed to the screenwriting and producing process in addition to directing, influencing numerous projects throughout his career. Received an Academy Award nomination, reflecting significant work in filmmaking.
Directed 'The Bishop's Wife'
Directed 'Harvey'
Produced and directed multiple films
Other People Born on May 1st
Alexander William Williamson
English chemist and academic
Born
May 1st, 1824 201 years ago
Died
1904 121 years ago — 80 years old
Contributed significantly to the field of chemistry, particularly in organic chemistry. Developed Williamson ether synthesis, an important method for forming ethers. Held a position as a professor at University College London. Published many influential papers that advanced chemical knowledge during the 19th century.
Continue ReadingShirley Horn
American singer and pianist
Born
May 1st, 1934 91 years ago
Died
October 20th, 2005 20 years ago — 71 years old
American singer and pianist gained recognition for her unique vocal style and sophisticated piano playing. Achieved acclaim in the jazz genre and collaborated with numerous notable musicians throughout her career. Released several albums, with 'Here’s to Life' receiving significant attention. Performed at prestigious venues, including the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall, and participated in various jazz festivals.
Continue ReadingDan O'Herlihy
Irish-American actor in 'Robinson Crusoe'
Born
May 1st, 1919 106 years ago
Died
February 17th, 2005 20 years ago — 85 years old
An Irish-American actor noted for a prominent career in film and television. Played the title role in the film 'Robinson Crusoe' (1954), which garnered significant acclaim. Received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for the role in 'All the King's Men' (1949). Portrayed characters in various television series, including 'The Twilight Zone' and 'The Last Days of World War II'.
Continue ReadingScott Carpenter
American astronaut and Mercury pilot
Born
May 1st, 1925 100 years ago
Died
October 10th, 2013 12 years ago — 88 years old
An American commander, pilot, and astronaut participated in the second American manned orbital spaceflight. Flew the Aurora 7 spacecraft on May 24, 1962, completing three orbits around Earth. Engaged in various Navy roles and contributed to aerospace missions, including underwater egress training in the space program.
Continue ReadingSantiago Ramón y Cajal
Neuroscientist, Nobel Prize Laureate
Born
May 1st, 1852 173 years ago
Died
October 18th, 1934 91 years ago — 82 years old
Contributed significantly to the understanding of the structure of the nervous system. Developed the neuron doctrine, which established that neurons are distinct entities rather than being part of a continuous network. Pioneered the use of numerous staining techniques to visualize nerve cells, which advanced the study of neuroanatomy. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1906 alongside Camillo Golgi for discoveries in the structure of the nervous system.
Continue ReadingNikolai Yezhov
Russian police officer and politician
Born
May 1st, 1895 130 years ago
Died
February 4th, 1940 85 years ago — 44 years old
Served as a key figure in the Soviet secret police, Yezhov rose to prominence during the Great Purge initiated by Joseph Stalin. Played a crucial role in orchestrating widespread repression, leading to the arrest and execution of thousands of perceived enemies of the state. His tenure marked an intensification of state terror in the late 1930s, known for implementing harsh measures against dissent, including the extensive use of show trials. Eventually fell from favor, leading to his arrest and execution in 1940 as part of the ongoing purges.
Continue Reading