John Waters
Film director and screenwriter of Hairspray
Born
Died
Category
Performers & Entertainers
Country
United States
Links & References
An influential figure in independent cinema, contributed as a director, producer, and screenwriter. Gained prominence in the 1970s with films characterized by their unconventional narratives and camp aesthetics. Achieved widespread recognition with the 1988 film 'Hairspray', which later became a successful Broadway musical and a Hollywood remake. Waters's works often explore themes of identity, marginalized communities, and social norms.
Directed 'Hairspray'
Created 'Pink Flamingos'
Produced 'Serial Mom'
Other People Born on April 22nd
Nam Duck-woo
South Korean politician, 12th Prime Minister
Born
April 22nd, 1924 101 years ago
Died
2013 13 years ago — 89 years old
Served as the 12th Prime Minister of South Korea from 1970 to 1971. Held various positions in the government throughout the 1960s and 1970s, contributing to the political landscape of South Korea during a time of significant development and change. Focused on economic policies and government reforms that aimed to modernize the country after the Korean War. Navigated complex political challenges and played a role in the shifting dynamics of South Korean governance and international relations.
Continue ReadingJ. Robert Oppenheimer
Physicist, Manhattan Project leader
Born
April 22nd, 1904 121 years ago
Died
February 18th, 1967 58 years ago — 62 years old
A prominent physicist, played a crucial role in the development of nuclear weapons during World War II as the scientific director of the Manhattan Project. Oversaw the first successful detonation of a nuclear bomb at the Trinity test in July 1945. After the war, voiced concerns regarding nuclear proliferation and advocated for international control of atomic energy. Served as the director of the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton until death.
Continue ReadingPope Alexander VIII
Pope during the late 17th century
Born
April 22nd, 1610 415 years ago
Died
February 1st, 1691 335 years ago — 80 years old
Served as the Pope from 1689 until death in 1691. Oversaw the Catholic Church during a period marked by internal reform and external challenges. Addressed issues of clerical reform and church-state relations. Navigated complex political landscapes involving France, Spain, and the Holy Roman Empire. Worked to strengthen the authority of the papacy and mitigate the influence of rivals. Initiated construction projects in Rome, enhancing the city’s architectural heritage.
Continue ReadingIsabella I of Castile
Queen of Castile and Aragon, unifier of Spain
Born
April 22nd, 1451 574 years ago
Died
1504 522 years ago — 53 years old
Ascended to the throne of Castile in 1474, this monarch united the crowns of Castile and Aragon through marriage to Ferdinand II, forming the basis of modern Spain. This reign saw the completion of the Reconquista with the conquest of Granada in 1492, the expulsion of Jews from Spain, and the sponsorship of Christopher Columbus's 1492 expedition which led to the discovery of the Americas. The establishment of a centralized Spanish state and significant developments in culture and exploration characterized her rule. Trust in her vision for Spain reshaped the national identity and global presence.
Continue ReadingHarald Bohr
Danish mathematician, footballer, and scholar
Born
April 22nd, 1887 138 years ago
Died
January 22nd, 1951 75 years ago — 63 years old
A mathematician contributed significantly to number theory and mathematical analysis, establishing the Bohr-Mollerup theorem regarding the Gamma function. As a footballer, participated in the Danish national team, competing in the 1908 Summer Olympics. Additionally, held important academic positions, including a professorship at the University of Copenhagen, where exerted influence in mathematics until passing in 1951.
Continue ReadingPaul Davies
Physicist and author of 'The Mind of God'
Born
April 22nd, 1946 79 years ago
An English physicist and author focused on the intersection of physics, cosmology, and philosophy. Contributions include research on the nature of time, the origins of life, and the future of the universe. The work expanded the understanding of quantum mechanics and its implications for consciousness. Published several influential books explaining complex scientific ideas to a general audience. Served as a professor and held various academic positions.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 5th
Mariano Ignacio Prado
Peruvian general and President
Born
December 18th, 1825 200 years ago
Died
May 5th, 1901 124 years ago — 75 years old
A prominent military figure and politician, this individual served as President of Peru during critical periods in the nation's history. Governance occurred during two separate terms, with significant focus on modernization and infrastructure development. A general by training, participated in various military campaigns to maintain national stability. Held the presidency during the War of the Pacific, which shaped relations with neighboring countries. Efforts included reforms that addressed economic and social issues within Peru.
Continue ReadingNaushad Ali
Indian composer and music director
Born
December 25th, 1919 106 years ago
Died
May 5th, 2006 19 years ago — 86 years old
A prominent music director and composer, contributed significantly to Hindi cinema. Active from the 1940s to the 1990s, composed music for over 100 films, blending classical and folk styles. Gained acclaim for the soundtracks of films such as 'Baiju Bawra', 'Mughal-e-Azam', and 'Kismet'. His compositions featured orchestration that set new standards in Indian film music.
Continue ReadingWalter Sisulu
South African politician and activist
Born
May 18th, 1912 113 years ago
Died
May 5th, 2003 22 years ago — 90 years old
Born in 1912, a prominent figure in South Africa's anti-apartheid movement, played a crucial role in the African National Congress. Joined the ANC in 1940 and became a key strategist, organizing protests and advocating for the rights of black South Africans. Arrested in 1960, faced treason charges and later sentenced to life imprisonment during the Rivonia Trial in 1964. His imprisonment lasted until 1989, coinciding with the international push against apartheid. After release, contributed to negotiations for a democratic South Africa and served as a member of parliament post-1994.
Continue ReadingCésar Luis Menotti
Football manager, 1978 World Cup champion
Born
October 22nd, 1938 87 years ago
Died
May 5th, 2024 1 years ago — 85 years old
An Argentine football manager and former player, celebrated for leading the national team to victory in the 1978 FIFA World Cup. Menotti emphasized a creative and attacking style of play, shaping generations of players. His managerial career included clubs such as Rosario Central and Boca Juniors, as well as the Argentine national team. Under Menotti's guidance, Argentina adopted a tactical approach that focused on individual skill and teamwork.
Continue ReadingBret Harte
Short story writer and poet
Born
August 25th, 1836 189 years ago
Died
May 5th, 1902 123 years ago — 65 years old
This American writer gained prominence during the 19th century for his contributions to literature, particularly in the genre of short stories and poetry. Harte's works often depicted life in the Western United States and captured the spirit of the Gold Rush era. His most famous work includes 'The Luck of Roaring Camp.' Harte also served as the editor of several periodicals and wrote essays and poems reflecting on society and frontier life.
Continue ReadingGeorge Sidney
American director of film musicals
Born
October 4th, 1916 109 years ago
Died
May 5th, 2002 23 years ago — 85 years old
A prominent film director and producer, was key in the production of musicals during the mid-20th century. Directed a number of significant films, particularly in the genre of musical comedy. Collaborated with major studios to create works that showcased vibrant choreography and memorable music. His films often featured well-known actors and helped shape the landscape of American cinema during the 1950s and 1960s.
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