Irving Berlin
Pianist and composer of 'White Christmas'
Born in Belarus in 1888, a pianist and composer emigrated to the United States. Created a significant body of work in American music, writing songs that shaped the musical landscape. Founded the musical theatre genre significant for its melodies and lyrics. Had a long career that included significant contributions to Broadway as well as popular music. Berlin's songs captured the essence of American life and culture, with several becoming standards.
Composed 'White Christmas'
Wrote 'God Bless America'
Created the musical 'Annie Get Your Gun'
Other People Born on May 11th
Matt Leinart
American football quarterback, Heisman Trophy winner
Born
May 11th, 1983 42 years ago
Played college football at the University of Southern California, leading the team to two national championships in 2003 and 2004. Received the Heisman Trophy in 2004, recognizing him as the outstanding player in college football. Selected 10th overall in the 2006 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals, where he played for several seasons. Also played for the Houston Texans and a stint with the Buffalo Bills. After retiring from professional football, transitioned into media and sports commentary.
Continue ReadingBobi
Portuguese dog with longest lifespan
Born
May 11th, 1992 33 years ago
Died
October 21st, 2023 2 years ago — 31 years old
Bobi was a domestic dog recognized for achieving the longest verified lifespan of any dog. Born in 1992 in Portugal, Bobi lived for over 31 years, surpassing the previous record for oldest dog. Bobi's life spanned multiple decades, witnessing significant changes in the world and becoming a beloved figure in his community and beyond.
Continue ReadingLana Condor
American actress in 'To All the Boys' series
Born
May 11th, 1997 28 years ago
An actress gained recognition through the lead role in the 'To All the Boys' film series, based on the novels by Jenny Han. The first film premiered on Netflix in 2018 and achieved significant popularity, leading to two sequels. Condor also appeared in projects such as 'Alita: Battle Angel' and 'Moonshot.' In addition to acting, involvement in social issues has been noted, particularly regarding representation in media and advocacy for mental health awareness.
Continue ReadingRose Ausländer
Ukrainian-German poet and author
Born
May 11th, 1901 124 years ago
Died
January 3rd, 1988 38 years ago — 86 years old
Born in 1901 in Ukraine, this poet faced significant challenges during her life, including the impact of war and displacement. Relocating to Germany in the 1920s, she became a prominent figure in the literary scene. Her poetry often dealt with themes of exile, identity, and the human condition. Her works were influenced by her experiences during World War II and the Holocaust. After the war, she returned to Germany, where she continued to write and publish, gaining recognition in German literature until her death in 1988.
Continue ReadingPhil Silvers
American actor and comedian in television
Born
May 11th, 1911 114 years ago
Died
November 1st, 1985 40 years ago — 74 years old
An American actor and comedian gained prominence through performance in the television series 'The Phil Silvers Show,' which aired from 1955 to 1959. This series showcased a con artist in the U.S. Army and earned wide acclaim for its humor and writing. In addition to television, this actor appeared in numerous films, including 'A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum' and 'The Horse's Mouth.' His work was characterized by a quick wit and a distinctive style that influenced subsequent generations of comedians.
Continue ReadingAbou Diaby
French footballer and Arsenal midfielder
Born
May 11th, 1986 39 years ago
Born in 1986, a professional football career began at Auxerre before transferring to Arsenal in 2006. Injuries limited playing time, yet contributions during the tenure included vital appearances and a commanding midfield presence. Represented the French national team, earning 16 caps between 2007 and 2015. After Arsenal, played for Marseille, where the stay was again affected by injuries.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on September 22nd
Vincenzo Viviani
Mathematician and physicist; barometer work
Born
April 5th, 1622 403 years ago
Died
September 22nd, 1703 322 years ago — 81 years old
Born in 1622, contributions to mathematics and physics date back to the 17th century. Worked with Galileo and documented his discoveries. Conducted experiments with pendulums and studied the laws of motion. Made significant advancements in understanding the principles of hydrostatics and mechanics. Published several works, including 'Ragionamento dell'uso di diverse sorte di strumenti per misurare il peso e la grandezza delle cose'. His observations and contributions laid groundwork for future scientific inquiries.
Continue ReadingSolomon L. Spink
American lawyer and politician
Born
March 20th, 1831 195 years ago
Died
September 22nd, 1881 144 years ago — 50 years old
Served in the United States Congress as a representative from Michigan. Engaged in law practice before entering politics. Contributed to various legislative efforts during tenure. Active in local governance and community initiatives throughout a distinguished career.
Continue ReadingFredric Jameson
Cultural critic and Marxist theorist
Born
April 14th, 1934 91 years ago
Died
September 22nd, 2024 1 years ago — 90 years old
Contributions focused on cultural theory, postmodernism, and Marxism. Authored influential works including 'Postmodernism, or, The Cultural Logic of Late Capitalism' and 'The Political Unconscious'. Served as a professor and wrote extensively on issues related to ideology and capitalism in contemporary culture.
Continue ReadingErik van der Wurff
Pianist and Composer of Dutch Heritage
Born
1945 81 years ago
Died
September 22nd, 2014 11 years ago — 69 years old
Born in the Netherlands, a pianist, composer, and conductor contributed significantly to music. Composed various works for piano and orchestra, often blending classical styles with contemporary influences. Worked as a conductor for several orchestras and ensembles, gaining attention for performances in both classical and modern repertoire. Contributed to theatrical productions as a composer, showcasing versatility in creative expression. Served as an educator, sharing knowledge and expertise with aspiring musicians.
Continue ReadingSahana Pradhan
Nepalese Minister of Foreign Affairs
Born
1927 99 years ago
Died
September 22nd, 2014 11 years ago — 87 years old
Served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Nepal, contributing to the country's diplomatic efforts. Held significant roles within the Nepali Congress party, participating in notable political activities. Engaged in discussions aimed at enhancing Nepal's international relations and addressing various foreign policy matters. Involved in promoting peace and cooperation with neighboring countries, as well as broader international communities.
Continue ReadingGary Brandner
American author and screenwriter
Born
1930 96 years ago
Died
September 22nd, 2013 12 years ago — 83 years old
An American author and screenwriter, Brandner gained recognition for horror fiction. Notably, the novel 'The Howling' was adapted into a film in 1981, marking a significant contribution to the genre. Brandner's writing often centered on horror themes, and he was active in both publishing and screenwriting throughout his career. His works captured audiences with their suspenseful and often terrifying narratives, earning a dedicated readership.
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