Howard Ashman
Playwright and composer of musical theatre
A prominent playwright and lyricist, contributions included crafting the lyrics for beloved Disney animated films. Collaborated with Alan Menken on productions that achieved significant acclaim. Worked on projects such as 'The Little Mermaid', 'Beauty and the Beast', and 'Aladdin', leaving a lasting impact on musical theatre. Ashman's work was characterized by poignant lyrics and memorable melodies.
Wrote lyrics for 'The Little Mermaid'
Wrote lyrics for 'Beauty and the Beast'
Wrote lyrics for 'Aladdin'
Other People Born on May 17th
A. J. Casson
Canadian painter of landscape art
Born
May 17th, 1898 127 years ago
Died
February 20th, 1992 33 years ago — 93 years old
This individual contributed significantly to Canadian art as a landscape painter. Associated with the Group of Seven, a collective of artists dedicated to depicting the Canadian wilderness, this painter focused on capturing the essence of the Ontario countryside. Influenced by the natural beauty of Canada, the works feature bold colors and distinctive brushwork. This artist's career spanned several decades, with exhibitions showcasing the interplay of light and shadow in natural settings. The works continue to be celebrated for their representation of the Canadian landscape.
Continue ReadingJean Rédélé
Race car driver and founder of Alpine
Born
May 17th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
August 10th, 2007 18 years ago — 85 years old
A prominent race car driver and pilot, established the Alpine automobile brand in 1955. Rédélé gained recognition for both his contributions to automotive engineering and competitive racing. His career included various successes in national and international competitions, showcasing innovative design and performance in sports cars. The company became known for its rally cars, particularly the Alpine A110, which won the Monte Carlo Rally in 1971. Rédélé's experience as a pilot complemented his automotive pursuits, influencing his approach to performance and speed.
Continue ReadingDerek Hough
Dancer and choreographer on 'DWTS'
Born
May 17th, 1985 40 years ago
Born in 1985, this individual became a prominent dancer, choreographer, and actor. Gained recognition as a professional dancer on 'Dancing with the Stars', earning multiple Emmy Awards for choreography. Additionally, appeared in stage productions including 'Footloose' and 'Burn the Floor'. Involved in music, releasing singles and participating in tours that showcased dance and performance skills.
Continue ReadingMayte Martínez
Spanish middle-distance runner
Born
May 17th, 1976 49 years ago
Competed in middle-distance events, specializing in the 800 meters. Participated in multiple international competitions including the Olympics and World Championships. Achieved significant success in European competitions, earning medals and recognition for performances. Excelled in the 800 meters, establishing personal bests that placed among the top tier of athletes in the event.
Continue ReadingNicky Hofs
Dutch footballer and Vitesse star
Born
May 17th, 1983 42 years ago
A professional footballer, specialized in playing as a midfielder. Began career at Vitesse Arnhem, where significant contributions included scoring crucial goals and providing assists during pivotal matches. Played a key role in Vitesse’s 2017 KNVB Cup victory, contributing to the team's success in Dutch football. Later transitioned to play for various clubs in lower divisions, showcasing longevity in the sport.
Continue ReadingAlbert
Duke of Prussia
Born
May 17th, 1490 535 years ago
Died
March 20th, 1568 457 years ago — 77 years old
Held the title of Duke of Prussia from 1525 until his death in 1568. Founded the Duchy of Prussia, which marked the establishment of a Protestant state. Oversaw the transition from a monastic state under the Teutonic Knights to a secular duchy. Engaged in political and military affairs during the Reformation period.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on March 14th
Susan Hayward
American actress and Academy Award winner
Born
June 30th, 1917 108 years ago
Died
March 14th, 1975 50 years ago — 57 years old
An American actress, recognized for performances in films during the mid-20th century. Gained acclaim for roles in motion pictures such as 'I'll Cry Tomorrow' and 'Where Love Has Gone'. Earned an Academy Award for Best Actress for the film 'I Want to Live!' in 1958. Had a successful career spanning over three decades, featuring numerous nominations and several wins at prestigious award ceremonies. Transitioned from stage to film, establishing a prominent presence in Hollywood.
Continue ReadingScott Hall
Professional wrestler and WWE Hall of Famer
Born
October 20th, 1958 67 years ago
Died
March 14th, 2022 3 years ago — 63 years old
A professional wrestler with a significant career spanning multiple decades. Utilized the ring name Razor Ramon during tenure with World Wrestling Federation (WWF). Pioneered the use of the 'bad guy' persona in wrestling. Helped form the New World Order (nWo) stable in World Championship Wrestling (WCW), which revolutionized wrestling storylines. Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2014, recognized for contributions to the wrestling industry.
Continue ReadingBen Shahn
Painter and illustrator, focused on social themes
Born
September 12th, 1898 127 years ago
Died
March 14th, 1969 56 years ago — 70 years old
A Lithuanian-American painter and educator, this individual was active in the 20th century and contributed significantly to American art. His works often reflected social issues and historical events. He illustrated many books and taught at various institutions, influencing a generation of artists and students. His style incorporated elements of realism and modernism, often aiming to provoke thought regarding societal matters. The artist's murals adorned public buildings, and his pieces have been exhibited in numerous galleries and museums across the United States.
Continue ReadingFriedrich Gottlieb Klopstock
German poet and author of 'Messiah'
Born
July 2nd, 1724 301 years ago
Died
March 14th, 1803 222 years ago — 78 years old
A prominent German poet, Klopstock's work marked a significant development in German literature during the 18th century. Best recognized for the epic poem 'Messiah', which was released in five parts from 1748 to 1773, the poem was influential in shaping German literary identity. Klopstock's poetic style and themes contributed to the Sturm und Drang movement, expressing deep emotional experiences and spiritual reflections. His literary contributions were widely appreciated during his lifetime, earning respect and admiration from contemporaries and later generations.
Continue ReadingJean Domat
French jurist and legal theorist
Born
November 30th, 1625 400 years ago
Died
March 14th, 1696 329 years ago — 70 years old
A prominent figure in the development of French legal thought, Domat contributed significantly to the systematization of laws in France. His works laid foundational principles for civil law, emphasizing the importance of reason and justice in legal frameworks. Domat's most influential work, 'Les Loix civiles dans leur ordre naturel', established a comprehensive organization of civil law, which influenced subsequent legal systems. His writings sought to synthesize and clarify the complexities of existing laws, promoting a more coherent legal structure for the French nation. Domat was also involved in various legal reforms during his career, advocating for a logical application of law in society. His approach set the stage for the codification of laws that followed.
Continue ReadingAramais Sahakyan
Armenian poet and author
Born
1936 89 years ago
Died
March 14th, 2013 12 years ago — 77 years old
An Armenian poet and author contributed significantly to contemporary Armenian literature. Sahakyan published several poetry collections and essays throughout his career, reflecting on national identity and cultural heritage. His works often explored the themes of love, nature, and memory, resonating with readers and scholars alike. Additionally, he was involved in cultural activities and organizations that promoted Armenian literature and arts. Through his literary contributions and engagement with the literary community, he left a lasting legacy in Armenian poetry.
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