Jim Henson
Puppeteer and creator of The Muppets
An American puppeteer, director, producer, and screenwriter, contributed to the entertainment industry through innovative puppet creations. Creator of The Muppets, which gained worldwide acclaim through television and film. Developed iconic characters such as Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy. Founded the Jim Henson Company, expanding the artistic realm of puppetry in both children's programming and adult entertainment. Established a legacy in puppetry that influenced generations of performers and creators.
Created The Muppets
Produced Sesame Street
Other People Born on September 24th
Karl Alzner
Ice hockey player with NHL stint
Born
September 24th, 1988 37 years ago
Played defenseman in the NHL, primarily for the Washington Capitals. Drafted fifth overall in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. Contributed to the Capitals' success during multiple playoff runs, which included reaching the Stanley Cup Playoffs numerous times. Later played for the Montreal Canadiens and served as a leader in the American Hockey League with the Laval Rocket.
Continue ReadingSonya Deville
Wrestler and MMA fighter in WWE
Born
September 24th, 1993 32 years ago
A professional wrestler and mixed martial artist, renowned for competing in WWE. Began wrestling in high school and quickly progressed to the professional scene, debuting in WWE's NXT. Participated in the first all-female WrestleMania match, marking a significant moment in women's wrestling. Transitioned from mixed martial arts to wrestling, achieving recognition for athleticism and skill in the ring.
Continue ReadingVontaze Burfict
American football linebacker, Pro Bowler
Born
September 24th, 1990 35 years ago
Played college football at Arizona State University. Entered the NFL in 2012 as an undrafted free agent. Played for the Cincinnati Bengals from 2012 to 2017, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2013. Known for aggressive playing style and significant contributions to the Bengals' defense during tenure.
Continue ReadingLinda McCartney
Photographer and animal rights activist
Born
September 24th, 1941 84 years ago
Died
April 17th, 1998 27 years ago — 56 years old
Worked as a professional photographer, contributing significantly to music and activism. Developed a notable career in photography, with work published in various magazines. Promoted vegetarianism and animal rights, founding an animal welfare charity. Collaborated with husband Paul McCartney in the band Wings, contributing to many albums and performances. Actively participated in social causes, especially regarding the treatment of animals. Passed away in 1998 after a battle with cancer.
Continue ReadingMatthew Connolly
English footballer and defender
Born
September 24th, 1987 38 years ago
A professional footballer played as a defender. Began his career at Arsenal, contributing to youth teams. Moved to Cardiff City in 2010, where played pivotal roles during key seasons. Also played for teams such as QPR and AFC Bournemouth, demonstrating consistency in defensive skills. Featured in various competitions including the EFL Cup and FA Cup.
Continue ReadingNikolas Cruz
American mass murderer at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School
Born
September 24th, 1998 27 years ago
Born in 1998, a mass shooting occurred at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida on February 14, 2018. The event resulted in the deaths of 17 people and injuries to 17 others. In October 2021, an extensive trial took place, leading to a guilty plea for 17 counts of first-degree murder. The tragic event sparked nationwide conversations about gun control and school safety.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 16th
Jan Tarnowski
Polish noble and military leader
Born
1488 538 years ago
Died
May 16th, 1561 464 years ago — 73 years old
Tarnowski served as a prominent military leader and statesman in Poland during the 16th century. His military career included significant roles during the wars against the Ottoman Empire and the Muscovite state. He held the title of Voivode of Podolia, overseeing military operations and local governance. Tarnowski became known for his strategic prowess in battles and was influential in various political affairs. His leadership in defense of Polish territories contributed to the stability of the region during a tumultuous period in history.
Continue ReadingEmperor Wu of Jin
Chinese emperor during the Jin dynasty
Died
May 16th, 290 1735 years ago — None years old
Ruled as the first emperor of the Jin dynasty, establishing the dynasty in 265 AD. His reign marked the end of the Three Kingdoms period and the unification of China. He implemented significant political reforms, promoted Confucianism, and strengthened the central government. The emperor's military campaigns expanded territory and ensured the stability of his regime. His rule faced numerous challenges, including internal strife and external threats, which shaped the subsequent history of China.
Continue ReadingEliot Ness
Law enforcement agent and Prohibition agent
Born
April 19th, 1903 122 years ago
Died
May 16th, 1957 68 years ago — 54 years old
Served in law enforcement during the Prohibition era and gained fame as the leader of the Untouchables, a special unit tasked with enforcing prohibition laws in Chicago. Targeted the notorious gangster Al Capone and played a significant role in his conviction for tax evasion. Later became Public Safety Director of Cleveland, where significant reforms were implemented in the police department and city safety policies. Authored an autobiography detailing experiences and obstacles faced in combating organized crime.
Continue ReadingGian Maria Visconti
Duke of Milan, notable ruler
Born
1388 638 years ago
Died
May 16th, 1412 613 years ago — 24 years old
Ruled as Duke of Milan from 1402 until death in 1412. Reign characterized by efforts to consolidate power and expand territorial control. Faced conflict with various factions and nobles in northern Italy. The period marked by military campaigns against rival states. Experienced turmoil due to internal strife within the Visconti family. Death led to a power struggle for succession.
Continue ReadingHank Jones
American jazz pianist and composer
Born
July 31st, 1918 107 years ago
Died
May 16th, 2010 15 years ago — 91 years old
A prominent jazz pianist and composer, contributed significantly to the jazz genre. Worked as a bandleader and collaborated with various notable musicians throughout a long career in music. Recorded extensively and performed with prominent artists including Ella Fitzgerald and Dizzy Gillespie. Gained recognition for improvisational skills and style in both trio and big band formats. Received several awards for contributions to jazz, including a Grammy Award.
Continue ReadingJames Agee
American novelist and screenwriter
Born
November 27th, 1909 116 years ago
Died
May 16th, 1955 70 years ago — 45 years old
A prominent American novelist, screenwriter, and critic, contributions include the novel 'A Death in the Family', which won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1958. Agee crafted essays and screenplays that explored social issues and human experiences, establishing a significant voice in literature and film. His collaboration with photographer Walker Evans on 'Let Us Now Praise Famous Men' provided a nuanced portrayal of impoverished families in the South during the Great Depression. Agee's work often combined elements of autobiography and journalism, reflecting a deep understanding of his subjects.
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