Jeannette Rankin
Social worker and first female congresswoman
A prominent figure in American politics and social work, this individual became the first woman elected to the United States Congress in 1916. Serving as a Republican representative from Montana, this individual advocated for pacifism, women's suffrage, and labor reforms. Initially elected before the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment, this individual was outspoken against World War I and maintained a strong anti-war stance throughout the career. Re-elected to Congress in 1940, this individual continued to champion peace and social justice, reflecting personal beliefs on disarmament and social equity.
First woman elected to U.S. Congress
Advocated for women's suffrage
Opposed U.S. entry into World War I
Other People Born on June 11th
Brittany Boyd
Professional basketball player in WNBA
Born
June 11th, 1993 32 years ago
Played collegiate basketball at the University of California, Berkeley, where received multiple All-Pac-12 selections. Participated in the 2015 WNBA Draft and was selected by the New York Liberty. Contributed to the team's competitive efforts during the seasons played. Post-playing career included involvement in coaching and player development, focusing on empowering young athletes.
Continue ReadingDaniel Howell
YouTuber, creator of unique content
Born
June 11th, 1991 34 years ago
A British YouTuber gained fame through engaging commentary and personal storytelling. Created the YouTube channel with millions of subscribers, focusing on mental health, LGBTQ+ issues, and internet culture. Produced various web series and special projects, including the popular 'Dan and Phil' channel alongside a fellow creator. Authored a book that explores personal experiences and self-discovery.
Continue ReadingYui Aragaki
Japanese actress and singer-songwriter
Born
June 11th, 1988 37 years ago
Gained recognition as an actress and singer-songwriter. Starred in the television series 'Code Blue', which was highly popular. Featured in the film 'Hirugao: Love Affairs in the Afternoon', receiving acclaim for the performance. Released multiple music albums, contributing significantly to the Japanese pop music scene.
Continue ReadingAyaka Sasaki
Japanese singer and voice actress
Born
June 11th, 1996 29 years ago
Born in 1996, contributed to music primarily as a member of the idol group 9nine. Released solo works that showcased a blend of pop and vocal talent. Also involved in voice acting for various anime series, bringing characters to life through music and performance. Gained recognition for energetic performances and vocal versatility, connecting with a wide audience across Japan.
Continue ReadingYasunari Kawabata
Japanese novelist, Nobel Prize laureate
Born
June 11th, 1899 126 years ago
Died
April 16th, 1972 53 years ago — 72 years old
A celebrated novelist and short story writer, received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1968 for contributions to literature that evoked the beauty of Japanese culture. Early works included 'Snow Country,' which depicted the emotional desolation of a love affair in a remote hot spring town, and 'The Sound of the Mountain,' exploring family dynamics and human experience. Kawabata's narrative style combined graceful language with deep psychological insight, often reflecting themes of nature and existential contemplation.
Continue ReadingMaya Moore
Basketball player and four-time champion
Born
June 11th, 1989 36 years ago
Played professional basketball in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) for the Minnesota Lynx. Achieved significant success during her career, winning four WNBA championships. Also excelled in international competitions, securing gold medals with the USA Women's National Basketball Team at the 2010 and 2014 FIBA World Championships, as well as the 2012 Olympics. Moore took a sabbatical from basketball to focus on social justice issues, particularly advocating for criminal justice reform and winning the release of Jonathan Irons after a wrongful conviction.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 18th
Betty Robinson
American Olympic sprinting champion
Born
August 23rd, 1911 114 years ago
Died
May 18th, 1999 26 years ago — 87 years old
An accomplished sprinter, she achieved significant success in track and field events during the early 20th century. Competed in the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics, where the 4x100 meter relay team won the gold medal, marking the first time women raced in Olympic track events. Also participated in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Overcame a life-threatening plane crash in 1931, which challenged her athletic career but did not prevent a remarkable return to competition.
Continue ReadingCharles Grodin
Actor and talk show host, 'Midnight Run'
Born
April 21st, 1935 90 years ago
Died
May 18th, 2021 4 years ago — 86 years old
Grodin was an American actor and talk show host. He gained prominence for roles in films such as 'Midnight Run' and 'The Heartbreak Kid'. Grodin also hosted several talk shows, showcasing his unique style and wit. Throughout his career, he appeared in various television shows and films, garnering a dedicated fanbase. His work spanned several decades, making significant contributions to both film and television.
Continue ReadingAlice Stewart
Political commentator and analyst
Born
1966 59 years ago
Died
May 18th, 2024 1 years ago — 58 years old
A prominent political commentator and analyst, focused on American political landscapes and policies. Contributed to various media outlets, offering insights and analysis on pressing political issues. Engaged in discussions surrounding major national events and elections, providing expertise on campaign strategies and voter behavior. Authored articles and appeared on numerous news programs, influencing public discourse on politics. Advocated for informed citizenship and the importance of participation in democratic processes.
Continue ReadingHalldór Ásgrímsson
Icelandic politician and Prime Minister
Born
September 8th, 1947 78 years ago
Died
May 18th, 2015 10 years ago — 67 years old
Served as the 22nd Prime Minister of Iceland from 2004 to 2006. Led the Progressive Party and was a significant figure in Icelandic politics. Held various ministerial positions including Minister of Fisheries and Minister of Transport and Communications. Focused on economic development and international relations during tenure. Contributed to shaping Iceland's policy on fisheries and the economy.
Continue ReadingJo Benkow
Norwegian politician and soldier
Born
1924 101 years ago
Died
May 18th, 2013 12 years ago — 89 years old
Served as a member of the Norwegian Parliament for several terms. Held the position of President of the Parliament from 1993 to 1997. Participated in the military during World War II, contributing to Norway's resistance efforts against Nazi occupation. Engaged in various political activities after the war, including leadership roles in the Conservative Party.
Continue ReadingTony O'Reilly
Rugby player and businessman
Born
May 7th, 1936 89 years ago
Died
May 18th, 2024 1 years ago — 88 years old
Played rugby union for Ireland and represented the British and Irish Lions on their 1959 tour to Australia and New Zealand. Transitioned to a successful business career, leading the H.J. Heinz Company as the managing director of its Irish operations. O'Reilly became a prominent media figure, acquiring a controlling interest in Independent News & Media, which published several major newspapers and media outlets in Ireland.
Continue Reading