Irena Sendler

Polish nurse and humanitarian

Irena Sendler - Polish nurse and humanitarian
Born

February 15th, 1910
115 years ago

Died

May 12th, 2008
17 years ago — 98 years old

Category

Activists & Humanitarians

Country

Poland

Links & References

Worked as a nurse and social worker during World War II, providing assistance to Jewish families in German-occupied Poland. Facilitated the escape of approximately 2,500 Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto, placing them with Polish families and in convents to protect them from the Holocaust. After the war, continued to advocate for social justice and human rights. Received numerous awards and honors posthumously for contributions to saving lives during the Holocaust.

Saved approximately 2,500 Jewish children

Smuggled children out of the Warsaw Ghetto

Other People Born on February 15th

Zachary Gordon

Actor with notable role in 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid'
Born
February 15th, 1998 27 years ago

Born in 1998, achieved recognition as an actor through the portrayal of Greg Heffley in the film adaptation of 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid'. This role showcased talent in both comedic and dramatic elements. Appeared in subsequent installments of the series, further solidifying the character's popularity. In addition to work in films, participated in television projects, including roles in series such as 'How I Met Your Mother' and 'The Goldbergs'.

Continue Reading

Miep Gies

Humanitarian and protector of Anne Frank
Born
February 15th, 1909 116 years ago
Died
January 11th, 2010 15 years ago — 100 years old

Born in Austria and later moving to the Netherlands, played a significant role in hiding Jewish families during World War II. Assisted in the concealment of Anne Frank and her family in Amsterdam from 1942 to 1944. After the family was discovered, retrieved and preserved Anne Frank's diary, ensuring its publication after the war. Worked tirelessly to promote human rights and shared Anne Frank's story globally until death in 2010.

Continue Reading

Bruce Dawe

Australian poet and academic focused on war
Born
February 15th, 1930 95 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 90 years old

An influential Australian poet and academic active in the 20th century. Composed a range of poetry that reflects the Australian experience and explores themes of war, life, and society. Published significant collections including 'No Fixed Address' and 'The Simple Things'. Worked as a teacher and participated in various academic and community engagements. His literary contributions have been recognized and included in anthologies.

Continue Reading

Piero the Unfortunate

Italian ruler with brief reign
Born
February 15th, 1472 553 years ago
Died
December 28th, 1503 521 years ago — 31 years old

Piero ruled as the Duke of Urbino during the late 15th century. His leadership was marked by political challenges and conflicts within Italy, particularly during the tumultuous period of the Italian Wars. Piero's reign was characterized by his inability to maintain the stability of his territories, leading to his eventual exile. His rule ended when he was ousted in favor of stronger rulers, exemplifying the volatile nature of Italian politics at the time. Piero's legacy remains tied to the decline of his rule and the subsequent shifts in power among the Italian city-states.

Continue Reading

Georges Auric

French composer of film scores
Born
February 15th, 1899 126 years ago
Died
July 23rd, 1983 41 years ago — 84 years old

A prominent composer in the 20th century, created scores for several classic films. Collaborated with directors such as Jean Cocteau and worked on notable projects including 'Beauty and the Beast' and 'The Blood of a Poet'. Also composed classical works and music for ballets, contributing significantly to the development of music in cinema and theater. His work reflects a blend of traditional and modern styles, earning recognition in both the film industry and concert halls.

Continue Reading

Carter Harrison Sr.

American politician, Mayor of Chicago
Born
February 15th, 1825 200 years ago
Died
1893 132 years ago — 68 years old

Served as the 29th Mayor of Chicago for multiple terms during the late 19th century. Played a significant role in the city's development and political landscape. Focused on improving public services and infrastructure. Involved in various civic initiatives that shaped the future of Chicago.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on May 12th

Robert Rauschenberg

Painter and illustrator of Combines
Born
October 22nd, 1925 99 years ago
Died
May 12th, 2008 17 years ago — 82 years old

An influential artist emerged in the mid-20th century, contributing significantly to the development of modern art. Emphasized the merger of painting and sculpture, creating a new genre known as 'Combines.' These works integrated everyday materials and objects, challenging traditional boundaries of art. Collaborated with artists such as Jasper Johns and served as a catalyst for the Neo-Dada movement. Associated with innovative uses of technology, explored printmaking and fabric arts throughout the career. Received numerous accolades, including the National Medal of Arts in 1993.

Continue Reading

Antonio Vega

Spanish singer-songwriter and guitarist
Born
December 16th, 1957 67 years ago
Died
May 12th, 2009 16 years ago — 51 years old

A prominent figure in Spanish music, this artist emerged in the 1980s as a key member of the band Nash, contributing significantly to the Spanish rock scene. Later, he launched a solo career that highlighted personal and introspective songwriting. His debut solo album, 'No Existen Técnicas para Olvidar,' showcased a blend of pop and rock layers. The artist's poetic lyrics often tackled themes of love and loss, resonating deeply with audiences. Collaborations with various musicians and participation in musical events further established a lasting legacy in the genre. Despite personal struggles, this musician continued to produce heartfelt music until his passing in 2009.

Continue Reading

Mark Damon

Film actor and producer, produced horror films
Born
1933 92 years ago
Died
May 12th, 2024 1 years ago — 91 years old

An American film actor and producer, earned recognition during the 1960s and 1970s for contributions to the horror genre. Gained fame for performances in films such as 'Angel Face' and 'The Pit and the Pendulum.' Established a production company that specialized in low-budget horror films, achieving considerable success in international markets. After transitioning from acting to producing, focused on fostering new talent and developing innovative projects in the genre. Active in the film industry for several decades, he maintained a presence both in front of and behind the camera until recent years.

Continue Reading

Nelly Sachs

Nobel Prize-winning poet and playwright
Born
December 10th, 1891 133 years ago
Died
May 12th, 1970 55 years ago — 78 years old

Born in Germany, a notable poet and playwright created significant works that addressed themes of exile and the Jewish experience during World War II. Fleeing the rise of the Nazi regime, relocated to Sweden, where the majority of her literary contributions were made. Much of her writing reflected her personal loss and the broader tragedy of the Holocaust, utilizing a deeply emotional and lyrical style. Received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1966 in recognition of her literary achievements and profound impact on poetry.

Continue Reading

János Batsányi

Hungarian-Austrian poet and author
Born
May 9th, 1763 262 years ago
Died
May 12th, 1845 180 years ago — 82 years old

Born in 1763, authored influential works in Hungarian literature. Contributed to the development of the Hungarian language in poetry and drama. Engaged in political and cultural reform movements during his lifetime, advocating for national identity and the use of Hungarian in literary forms.

Continue Reading

David Sanborn

Saxophonist and composer, 'Another Hand'
Born
July 30th, 1945 79 years ago
Died
May 12th, 2024 1 years ago — 78 years old

A prominent American saxophonist and composer, significant contributions were made to the jazz genre. Emerged in the 1970s with a unique sound that blended jazz with pop and soul influences. Released numerous albums, achieving commercial success, with 'Another Hand' being a notable work. Collaborated with various artists across genres, including Paul Simon and David Bowie. Regular performer on television, known for appearances on 'Saturday Night Live' and 'The Late Show with David Letterman'.

Continue Reading