Hugh Griffith

Welsh actor, Oscar-winning performer

Hugh Griffith - Welsh actor, Oscar-winning performer
Born

May 30th, 1912
113 years ago

Died

May 14th, 1980
45 years ago — 67 years old

Category

Performers & Entertainers

Country

United Kingdom

Links & References

Born in Wales in 1912, this actor had a prolific career in film and television, gaining recognition for his distinctive voice and commanding presence. He gained significant acclaim for his role in the film 'Ben-Hur', where he portrayed the character of Sheik Ilderim. His performance in 'The Best of Enemies' also showcased his range as an actor. In 1961, he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in 'Ben-Hur', solidifying his place in cinematic history. Throughout his career, he appeared in various theatrical productions and made guest appearances on numerous television shows, contributing to British and American entertainment until his passing in 1980.

Academy Award for 'Ben-Hur'

Role in 'The Best of Enemies'

Other People Born on May 30th

Kerry Fraser

Ice hockey referee and sportscaster
Born
May 30th, 1952 73 years ago

Career spanned over three decades as an NHL referee. Officiated in over 1,900 regular season games and more than 300 playoff games. Notable for officiating in the Stanley Cup Finals. Transitioned to sportscasting after retirement, providing analysis and commentary on various sports networks. Recognized for contributions to the sport and officiating community.

Continue Reading

Jonathan Fox

English swimmer and Paralympic champion
Born
May 30th, 1991 34 years ago

Born in 1991, an English swimmer specialized in the S7 classification. Competed in several international events, including the 2012 London Paralympics. Represented Great Britain, earning medals in both individual and relay events. Achieved significant success in the World Para Swimming Championships, securing multiple podium finishes. Continued participation in national competitions reinforced status as a prominent swimmer in para-sports.

Continue Reading

Gianmaria Bruni

Race car driver; 24 Hours of Le Mans winner
Born
May 30th, 1981 44 years ago

A professional race car driver from Italy, he competed primarily in endurance racing. He achieved significant success in the FIA World Endurance Championship and was part of the Ferrari team in various events. Notable achievements include winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2013 and multiple titles in the GT racing category, showcasing exceptional skill in sports cars. Bruni also participated in Formula Renault and various other racing series early in his career.

Continue Reading

Clint Walker

American actor known for 'Cheyenne'
Born
May 30th, 1927 98 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 91 years old

An American actor and singer, contributed significantly to the film and television industry. Became a prominent figure in Western genre productions, especially through the television series 'Cheyenne', which aired from 1955 to 1963. Also appeared in films such as 'The Dirty Dozen' (1967) and 'The Great Bank Robbery' (1969). Known for impressive physical presence and distinctive voice. In addition to acting, engaged in singing and made several musical recordings. Lived a life that ventured into other personal interests including outdoor life and fitness, reflecting a multifaceted career beyond just acting.

Continue Reading

Howard Hawks

Film director and producer of classics
Born
May 30th, 1896 129 years ago
Died
December 26th, 1977 47 years ago — 81 years old

Born in 1896, a prominent American director, producer, and screenwriter emerged as a leading figure in Hollywood. Renowned for a distinctive style that blended various genres, he directed films that have stood the test of time. Major works include 'Bringing Up Baby,' 'His Girl Friday,' and 'Scarface.' An acclaimed figure, he earned a reputation for innovative storytelling and strong character development, influencing future filmmakers. His career spanned several decades, leading to a significant legacy in American cinema.

Continue Reading

Andrei Loktionov

Russian ice hockey player, NHL champion
Born
May 30th, 1990 35 years ago

An ice hockey player played as a center in the NHL. Made his professional debut in 2008 with Lokomotiv Yaroslavl in the KHL. Joined the NHL in 2010, signing with the Los Angeles Kings and contributing to the team's success. Played a key role in the Kings' victory in the 2012 Stanley Cup, marking a highlight in his career. Also represented Russia in international competitions, including the IIHF World Championships.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on May 14th

Edmund Allenby

British Field Marshal and diplomat
Born
April 23rd, 1861 164 years ago
Died
May 14th, 1936 89 years ago — 75 years old

Field marshal and diplomat served as the British High Commissioner in Egypt after commanding British forces during World War I. His leadership contributed to the capture of Jerusalem in December 1917, a significant event in the war. He played a crucial role in the campaign in the Middle East, especially during the battles of Megiddo and Nablus.

Continue Reading

B.B. King

Blues musician and songwriter
Born
September 16th, 1925 100 years ago
Died
May 14th, 2015 10 years ago — 89 years old

A significant figure in the blues genre, contributed to popularizing the musical style worldwide. Developed a unique guitar playing technique and soulful vocal style. Released several influential albums throughout a lengthy career, including the acclaimed 'Live at the Regal.' Received numerous awards, including multiple Grammy Awards, for musical contributions. Continued to perform well into the later years, maintaining a strong connection with audiences.

Continue Reading

Darwyn Cooke

Writer and artist, graphic novels.
Born
November 16th, 1962 62 years ago
Died
May 14th, 2016 9 years ago — 53 years old

A Canadian writer and artist specialized in graphic novels and comic books, creating a distinct style that garnered critical acclaim. Achievements included work on 'DC: The New Frontier', a celebrated miniseries that adapted the character of Green Lantern and showcased the early days of the Justice League. Also contributed to various projects for DC Comics and other publishers, affecting the direction of the medium with innovative storytelling and art. Recognized for a unique blend of design and narrative that influenced contemporary comic artistry.

Continue Reading

Vitomil Zupan

Slovene author, poet, and playwright
Born
January 18th, 1914 111 years ago
Died
May 14th, 1987 38 years ago — 73 years old

Born in Slovenia in 1914, contributed significantly to Slovenian literature. Wrote novels, essays, and plays, with a distinctive narrative voice. Explored themes of identity, society, and human experience through literary works. Gained recognition for blending realism and existentialism in writing. Worked as a playwright for various theatrical productions, leaving a lasting influence on Slovenian theater.

Continue Reading

James Gordon Bennett Jr.

American publisher of The New York Herald
Born
May 10th, 1841 184 years ago
Died
May 14th, 1918 107 years ago — 77 years old

Born in 1841, a prominent American publisher and broadcaster, significantly shaped journalism in the 19th century. Took over the editorship of The New York Herald after his father's death, transforming it into one of the most influential newspapers of the time. Introduced new reporting techniques and the use of correspondents worldwide, enhancing the newspaper's coverage of international events. Established the first newspaper to send a correspondent to the front lines of the Civil War, revolutionizing war reporting. Also known for founding the first successful tabloid in America, further influencing the journalistic landscape.

Continue Reading

Ernst Kummer

Mathematician; Worked on ideal theory
Born
January 29th, 1810 215 years ago
Died
May 14th, 1893 132 years ago — 83 years old

Contributed significantly to algebraic number theory, particularly in the development of the theory of ideals. Served as a professor at various universities, including the University of Berlin. Published important works that advanced the understanding of algebra and number theory, including investigations on the properties of hypergeometric functions. Introduced the notion of Kummer extension and provided foundational work that influenced future mathematicians in the field.

Continue Reading