Jim Wright
American politician and Speaker of the House

Born
December 22nd, 1922
102 years ago
Died
May 6th, 2015
9 years ago — 92 years old
Category
Leaders & Politicians
Country
United States
Links & References
Served as a soldier during World War II. Held the position of 56th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives from 1987 to 1989. Practiced law after returning from military service and became involved in politics, representing Texas's 12th congressional district. Advocated for various legislative efforts during tenure as Speaker and played a significant role in the Democratic Party throughout career.
Served as Speaker of the House from 1987 to 1989
Represented Texas's 12th congressional district
Contributed to legislative processes and party leadership
Other People Born on December 22nd
Jordin Sparks
Won the sixth season of 'American Idol' in 2007, becoming the youngest winner at that time. Released a self-titled debut album that included hit singles such as 'This Is My Now' and 'Tattoo'. Returned to acting with roles in films such as 'Sparkle', alongside Whitney Houston. Additionally, participated in various philanthropic efforts and performed at numerous events.
Continue ReadingDina Meyer
Born on December 22, 1968, an actress gained recognition for roles in popular science fiction series and films. Played a key role in the 'Starship Troopers' movie and portrayed Dizzy Flores. Featured in the television series 'Birds of Prey' as Oracle and also appeared in 'Beverly Hills, 90210' as a recurring character.
Continue ReadingRebecca Harris
Became a member of Parliament representing the local constituency. Served in various prominent roles within the party, focusing on policy development and community engagement. Engaged in business initiatives that aimed to improve local economies. Contributed to debates and legislative efforts regarding business regulation and economic growth.
Continue ReadingKenneth Rexroth
A prominent poet, translator, and academic, this individual significantly contributed to 20th-century American literature. Active in the influential San Francisco Poetry Renaissance, produced a body of work that combined personal experience with an interest in Eastern philosophy and spirituality. Worked on translations of classical Japanese poetry, bringing awareness of haiku to a wider audience. Engaged in literary criticism and was involved in leftist political movements throughout his career, fostering a dialogue on social issues through poetry and prose.
Continue ReadingPeregrine Worsthorne
A prominent English journalist and author. Served as the editor of the Sunday Telegraph and contributed to various newspapers including The Spectator and the Daily Telegraph. Authored several books such as 'The Marriage of True Minds' and 'The Last of the English'. Gained a reputation for insightful commentary on political and social issues throughout the latter half of the 20th century.
Continue ReadingLynne Thigpen
An American actress and singer, gained recognition for roles in theater, television, and film. Most notable role was as the teacher on the PBS children's program 'Reading Rainbow'. Appeared in various productions, showcasing talents in both acting and music. Received significant acclaim for her performances. Contributed to the entertainment industry with a career that spanned several decades.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 6th
Konstantin Somov
A painter and illustrator associated with the Russian Art Nouveau movement, this artist gained fame through meticulous and lyrical depictions of subjects inspired by Russian literature, folklore, and classical themes. Training at the Imperial Academy of Arts in St. Petersburg, he became a leading figure in the artistic community. Later residing in France, the artist continued to influence the art scene by blending Russian and European styles, showcasing works at major exhibitions. This painter's works reflect a deep appreciation for aesthetics, often featuring delicate color palettes and intricate details.
Continue ReadingGiulio Andreotti
Served multiple terms as Prime Minister of Italy, notably from 1972 to 1973 and again from 1991 to 1992. Engaged in politics following a career in journalism, contributing to major Italian political parties. Held various ministerial roles, including Minister of Defence and Minister of Foreign Affairs. Involved in Italian Parliament for several decades, shaping the political landscape during the Cold War and the post-war period.
Continue ReadingAnn Todd
Acted in film, television, and theatre throughout a career spanning several decades. Gained recognition for performances in films such as "The Seventh Veil" and "The Cat and the Mouse." Also worked extensively in television, with notable appearances in series like "The Woman in White." Produced various works, contributing to both the British cinema and television landscapes. Served as a dedicated actress with varied roles showcasing range and depth.
Continue ReadingOtis Blackwell
Developed a successful career as a singer-songwriter and pianist, contributing significantly to the music industry. Gained recognition for writing hit songs in the 1950s for various artists. Collaborated with prominent musicians, enhancing the sound of rock and roll during its formative years. Worked with artists such as Elvis Presley, contributing to the creation of several iconic tracks.
Continue ReadingMaría Luisa Bombal
A significant figure in Chilean literature, this writer explored themes of love, desire, and existentialism in her works. The most notable work includes 'The House of Mist', which reflects her unique narrative style and deep psychological insights. Other important works include 'The Shrouded Woman' and 'The Last Night'. Her contributions to literature extend into the realm of magical realism, influencing generations of writers in Latin America. Through these literary endeavors, she established herself as a prominent voice of the 20th century, revealing the complexities of women's experiences and emotions in a male-dominated society.
Continue ReadingTheodore von Kármán
Born in Hungary, a mathematician, physicist, and engineer made significant contributions to aeronautics and applied mechanics. Studied at the University of Budapest and later moved to the United States, where established the Caltech's aeronautics department. Developed pioneering theories in fluid dynamics and turbulence. Played a key role in the development of the turbojet engine and contributed to military aerodynamics during World War II. In 1954, received the National Medal of Science for achievements in science and engineering, reflecting the impact of his work on modern engineering disciplines.
Continue Reading