James Colosimo

Italian-American mob boss at the Chicago Outfit

James Colosimo - Italian-American mob boss at the Chicago Outfit
Born

February 16th, 1878
147 years ago

Died

May 11th, 1920
105 years ago — 42 years old

Category

Leaders & Politicians

Country

United States

Links & References

An Italian-American mob boss became a significant figure in organized crime during the early 20th century. Colosimo immigrated to the United States and established himself as a key player in Chicago's underworld. His activities included prostitution, gambling, and mob operations. Colosimo's leadership and connections helped shape the Chicago Outfit, a major crime syndicate. His tenure was marked by expansion and influence in various illegal enterprises until his assassination in 1920.

Founded the Chicago Outfit

Expanded organized crime operations in Chicago

Involved in illegal gambling and vice activities

Assassinated in 1920 to solidify gang control

Other People Born on February 16th

Carl Icahn

Investor and Corporate Raider
Born
February 16th, 1936 89 years ago

An American businessman and investor, focused on leveraged buyouts and corporate activism. Founded Icahn Enterprises in 1987, leading a variety of high-profile investments across multiple industries. Played a significant role in challenging corporate governance practices and promoting shareholder rights. Engaged in numerous battles for control of companies, including Apple and Xerox, affecting management strategies and business operations. Operated as a prominent figure in the investment landscape, widely acknowledged for an aggressive investment approach and a strategic understanding of market dynamics.

Continue Reading

Richard Ford

American novelist and short story writer
Born
February 16th, 1944 81 years ago

Born in 1944, a prominent American novelist and short story writer produced influential literature throughout the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Major works include the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel 'Independence Day,' which explores familial and personal themes set against the backdrop of American life. 'The Sportswriter' and its sequel 'Lay of the Land' also received critical acclaim, forming a significant part of a thematic trilogy that delves into the complexities of modern existence. In addition to novels, short stories were published widely in various literary journals, showcasing a distinct narrative style and voice.

Continue Reading

Maria Pavlovna

Russian Grand Duchess and Tsarina
Born
February 16th, 1786 239 years ago
Died
1859 166 years ago — 73 years old

Born into the Russian imperial family, received an education befitting her status. Engaged in the cultural and political life of Russia. Played a significant role in court society and was involved in various charitable activities. Married Duke of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach, leading to strong ties between Russia and Germany. Had a close relationship with several prominent figures of her time, influencing both political and social landscapes. Her legacy continued through her descendants who held important royal titles across Europe.

Continue Reading

Valentin Bondarenko

Soviet aviator and cosmonaut
Born
February 16th, 1937 88 years ago
Died
1961 64 years ago — 24 years old

An aviator participated in the Soviet space program during the early 1960s. Completed advanced flight training and became part of the first group of cosmonauts. Died during a training accident in 1961, which resulted in significant changes to safety protocols in the Soviet space program. Posthumously honored for contributions to space exploration.

Continue Reading

John Schlesinger

English film director of Midnight Cowboy
Born
February 16th, 1926 99 years ago
Died
July 25th, 2003 22 years ago — 77 years old

A prominent English film director, active in the industry from the 1960s to the 2000s. Directed the acclaimed film 'Midnight Cowboy,' which won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1970. Worked in both film and television, with a career that also included direction of 'The Day of the Locust' and 'Marathon Man.' Received numerous accolades, including an Academy Award for Best Director for 'Midnight Cowboy.'

Continue Reading

Pierre Rode

French violinist and composer
Born
February 16th, 1774 251 years ago
Died
1830 195 years ago — 56 years old

A prominent violinist and composer, contributions included a series of violin concertos and etudes that are still referenced in classical violin training. Worked as a soloist and in chamber music, making significant contributions to the development of violin repertoire in the early 19th century. Collaborated with notable musicians of the time and served as a concertmaster in various orchestras, showcasing exceptional virtuosity and artistry. His performances were instrumental in establishing the violin as a central instrument in classical music.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on May 11th

William Dean Howells

American novelist and literary critic
Born
March 1st, 1837 188 years ago
Died
May 11th, 1920 105 years ago — 83 years old

Born in 1837, this individual served as a novelist, playwright, and literary critic, contributing significantly to American literature in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was an advocate of realism in fiction and wrote extensively about social issues and the American experience. Notable works include 'The Rise of Silas Lapham' and 'A Hazard of New Fortunes'. In addition to fiction, this individual was the editor of the Atlantic Monthly for several years, shaping literary trends of the time. Engagement in literary criticism allowed exploration of various authors and movements, influencing perceptions of American literature during a transformative period.

Continue Reading

Leo VI the Wise

Byzantine Emperor and scholar
Born
September 19th, 866 1159 years ago
Died
May 11th, 912 1113 years ago — 45 years old

Born in 866, ascended the Byzantine throne in 886. Reigned during a period of significant cultural and legal development. Focused on administrative reforms and military consolidation. Authored important works, including the 'Taktika,' a military manual. Died in 912.

Continue Reading

Fritz Pollard

Football player and coach, first Black coach
Born
1894 131 years ago
Died
May 11th, 1986 39 years ago — 92 years old

Played as a running back and coach in American football. Served as the first Black head coach in the NFL with the Akron Pros in 1921. Had a notable career at Brown University, where he became a star player. Contributed significantly to the sport both as a player and as a pioneer for Black coaches in football. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2005, recognizing contributions to the game.

Continue Reading

Peggy Lipton

American actress and model, starred in 'Twin Peaks'
Born
August 30th, 1946 79 years ago
Died
May 11th, 2019 6 years ago — 72 years old

An American model and actress, Lipton gained fame for her role as Julie Barnes in the television series 'The Mod Squad' during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Lipton transitioned from modeling to acting, achieving significant success in television. She later starred in the cult series 'Twin Peaks' as Norma Jennings, contributing to the show's critical acclaim. Apart from her television work, Lipton appeared in several films, including 'The Clockwork Orange'. Lipton's contributions to the television industry earned her a place in pop culture history.

Continue Reading

Gilbert Jessop

English cricketer and soldier
Born
May 19th, 1874 151 years ago
Died
May 11th, 1955 70 years ago — 80 years old

A prominent cricketer and soldier, played for Gloucestershire from 1894 to 1913. Achieved a reputation as a hard-hitting batsman and an exceptional fielder. Represented England in international matches, contributing significantly to the team's efforts during the early 1900s. Served in World War I, where military service took precedence over cricketing pursuits.

Continue Reading

Noel Redding

English singer-songwriter and bassist
Born
December 25th, 1945 79 years ago
Died
May 11th, 2003 22 years ago — 57 years old

A prominent figure in rock music, contributed as a bassist and songwriter. Gained recognition as a member of The Jimi Hendrix Experience, one of the quintessential rock bands of the 1960s. Participated in the creation of iconic albums such as 'Are You Experienced' and 'Axis: Bold as Love'. Later formed the band Fat Mattress, which added to the musical landscape of the era. Continued to perform and record music throughout the following decades, maintaining influence in the British rock scene.

Continue Reading