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
Newton Moore
Australian politician, Premier of WA
Born
May 17th, 1870 156 years ago
Died
October 28th, 1936 90 years ago — 66 years old
Served as the 8th Premier of Western Australia from 1910 to 1911. Represented the Liberal Party in the Western Australian Legislative Assembly. Contributed to the development of infrastructure in the state, including railways and roads. Played a significant role in the politics of Western Australia during the early 20th century.
Continue ReadingMatt Ryan
American football quarterback 2016 MVP
Born
May 17th, 1985 41 years ago
Played as a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL) primarily for the Atlanta Falcons. Achieved significant success, including leading the Falcons to Super Bowl LI in 2017. Received the NFL Most Valuable Player award in 2016 after an outstanding season where he threw for 9,117 yards and 69 touchdowns over two seasons. Named to multiple Pro Bowls and recognized for consistent performance and leadership on the field.
Continue ReadingChristian Bolaños
Costa Rican footballer and national team player
Born
May 17th, 1984 42 years ago
A professional footballer from Costa Rica, contributions included significant stints in both domestic and international leagues. Played primarily as a winger, spending time at clubs such as Saprissa, where multiple league titles were secured. Gained experience in international competitions, representing the national team with appearances in the FIFA World Cup and CONCACAF Gold Cup. Known for speed and skill on the ball, which helped elevate team performance during crucial matches.
Continue ReadingAlbert
Duke of Prussia
Born
May 17th, 1490 536 years ago
Died
March 20th, 1568 458 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 ReadingAndrew Farrar
Rugby league player and coach
Born
May 17th, 1962 64 years ago
Played rugby league and later transitioned into coaching. Representative for Australia in the 1986 World Cup. Started professional career with the Penrith Panthers in 1981 and represented New South Wales in State of Origin matches. Coached teams post-retirement, contributing to development within the sport.
Continue ReadingMauro Martini
Italian race car driver
Born
May 17th, 1964 62 years ago
Competed in various racing championships, including Formula 1. Achieved notable success in sports car racing, particularly with the Nissan and Toyota teams. Participated in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, earning podium finishes. During the 1990s, contributed to the development of race cars as a test driver.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on March 14th
Liam O'Flynn
Irish Uilleann Piper and Traditional Musician
Born
1945 81 years ago
Died
March 14th, 2018 8 years ago — 73 years old
An influential Uilleann piper, significant in the revival of traditional Irish music. Played in various ensembles, contributing to the rich tapestry of folk music. Collaborated with renowned musicians and bands, and recorded multiple albums. Promoted Irish culture through performances and educational initiatives.
Continue ReadingFélix Rodríguez de la Fuente
Spanish environmentalist and broadcaster
Born
March 14th, 1928 98 years ago
Died
March 14th, 1980 46 years ago — 52 years old
An influential Spanish environmentalist and broadcaster dedicated to wildlife conservation. Focused on educating the public about the importance of preserving nature through various media. Hosted the television program 'El Hombre y la Tierra', which highlighted the relationship between humans and wildlife. Engaged in numerous conservation campaigns aimed at protecting endangered species and habitats. Published books and articles that contributed to environmental awareness in Spain and beyond.
Continue ReadingJack Goldstein
Canadian-American painter and artist
Born
September 27th, 1945 81 years ago
Died
March 14th, 2003 23 years ago — 57 years old
An influential figure in the development of conceptual art during the 1970s. Worked primarily in the medium of painting but also explored film and installation. Played a significant role in the California artist scene and became a prominent member of the Fluxus movement. Goldstein's works often engaged with the themes of representation and illusion within art. Contributed to the shift towards postmodernist aesthetics with a focus on self-reflexivity and the nature of the medium.
Continue ReadingJim Bowen
English stand-up comedian and TV host
Born
1937 89 years ago
Died
March 14th, 2018 8 years ago — 81 years old
A prominent figure in British entertainment, one of the most recognizable roles involved hosting the game show 'Bullseye' from 1981 to 1995. The show combined darts with trivia, gaining a significant following during its run. Bowen also performed stand-up comedy, bringing a unique style to live performances across the UK. His contributions to television extended beyond hosting, as he made guest appearances on various programs, showcasing his wit and humor. Throughout the years, he maintained relevance in the entertainment industry and influenced aspiring comedians.
Continue ReadingJack Greene
American country music singer-songwriter
Born
1930 96 years ago
Died
March 14th, 2013 13 years ago — 83 years old
A prominent figure in country music, this singer-songwriter gained recognition for a highly successful career spanning several decades. As a member of the Grand Ole Opry, he gained a loyal following and recorded numerous hit songs. The most notable achievement includes the classic 'There Goes My Everything,' which became a chart-topping success. Additionally, this artist contributed significantly as a songwriter and influenced the genre with his distinctive voice and guitar skills.
Continue ReadingFrederick Jackson Turner
American historian and author of 'Frontier Thesis'
Born
November 14th, 1861 164 years ago
Died
March 14th, 1932 94 years ago — 70 years old
This individual contributed significantly to the field of American history through the development of the Frontier Thesis, which proposed that the American frontier played a central role in shaping the nation's character and institutions. The influential thesis was presented in the essay 'The Significance of the Frontier in American History' in 1893. His ideas sparked extensive debate and further research into the impact of the frontier on American society. The historian also published numerous works, including 'The Rise of the New West' and 'The Frontier in American History', both of which examined the historical forces that shaped the United States. This individual held teaching positions at various universities and was a founding member of the Organization of American Historians.
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