John Wayne Gacy

American serial killer and rapist

John Wayne Gacy - American serial killer and rapist
Born

March 17th, 1942
82 years ago

Died

May 10th, 1994
30 years ago — 52 years old

Category

Activists & Humanitarians

Country

United States

Links & References

Engaged in criminal activities starting in the 1960s, a series of murders occurred across Illinois. Worked as a contractor and was involved in local politics. Arrested in 1978, investigations uncovered numerous bodies buried on his property and in nearby areas. Convicted of the murders of 33 young men and boys, sentenced to death in 1980, and executed in 1994.

Convicted of 33 murders

Executed in 1994

Other People Born on March 17th

Toyotomi Hideyoshi

Japanese daimyō and unifier of Japan
Born
March 17th, 1537 487 years ago
Died
September 18th, 1598 426 years ago — 61 years old

Born in 1537, a prominent daimyō in 16th century Japan, played a crucial role in the unification of Japan during the Sengoku period. Initially a peasant, gained recognition as a general under Oda Nobunaga. After Nobunaga's death, took control of his forces and continued the campaign to unify Japan. Established the political structure that would dominate Japanese governance and society for decades. Promoted cultural arts, including the tea ceremony, and encouraged the construction of Osaka Castle. Died in 1598, leaving a legacy that shaped the nation.

Continue Reading

Élisabeth Jacquet de La Guerre

French harpsichordist and composer
Born
March 17th, 1665 359 years ago
Died
June 27th, 1729 295 years ago — 64 years old

A prominent harpsichord player and composer, contributed significantly to the Baroque music scene. Composed several suites for harpsichord, operas, and vocal music, showcasing the capabilities of the instrument. First woman to gain recognition as a composer during her time, receiving patronage from notable figures. Her works reflect both virtuosic skill and intricate musical forms.

Continue Reading

Tuğba Karademir

Figure skater, 2004 Winter Olympics
Born
March 17th, 1985 39 years ago

Born in 1985, a Turkish-Canadian figure skater competed in international events. Achieved significant recognition by participating in the 2004 Winter Olympics. Excelled in singles events and represented Turkey in numerous championships, contributing to the development of figure skating in the region. Transitioned into coaching and supporting the next generation of skaters after retirement from competitive skating.

Continue Reading

Giovanni Trapattoni

Football manager and legendary coach
Born
March 17th, 1939 85 years ago

Played for AC Milan and became a successful manager, starting with teams like Fiorentina and Juventus. Achieved notable success in Serie A, winning multiple league titles and Italian Cups. Managed the Italian national team, leading them to the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Later worked with clubs in Germany and Portugal, winning domestic titles, including the Primeira Liga with Benfica. Renowned for tactical acumen and ability to motivate teams.

Continue Reading

Nat King Cole

American singer and pianist known for 'Unforgettable'
Born
March 17th, 1919 105 years ago
Died
February 15th, 1965 60 years ago — 45 years old

A celebrated American singer and pianist made significant contributions to the music industry, particularly in jazz and pop genres. Achieved fame as the host of 'The Nat King Cole Show', one of the first television shows to feature an African American host. Also known for a smooth vocal style and a sophisticated approach to music, popularized several classics including 'Mona Lisa' and 'Unforgettable'. Throughout the career, collaborated with numerous artists and musicians, blending different styles into performances that reached a wide audience.

Continue Reading

Alcide Nunez

Clarinet player and early jazz musician
Born
March 17th, 1884 140 years ago
Died
September 2nd, 1934 90 years ago — 50 years old

A prominent clarinet player in the early jazz scene, contributions to the development of jazz music are significant. Played with the New Orleans Rhythm Kings and other influential bands, introducing innovative techniques and styles. Recorded numerous influential tracks in the 1920s, many of which left a lasting legacy in the genre. Later performances included collaborations with major artists, establishing a reputation within the jazz community and beyond.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on May 10th

Paul Revere

Silversmith and engraver in America
Born
January 1st, 1735 290 years ago
Died
May 10th, 1818 206 years ago — 83 years old

A prominent silversmith and engraver, served as an important figure in the American Revolution. Engaged in midnight rides to warn colonists of British troop movements. Contributed to revolutionary efforts through his craftsmanship and propaganda engravings. His most famous work includes the engraving of the Boston Massacre, which played a critical role in galvanizing colonial sentiment against British rule.

Continue Reading

Carl Nägeli

Botanist and Mycologist, contributor to plant taxonomy
Born
1817 208 years ago
Died
May 10th, 1891 133 years ago — 74 years old

A Swiss botanist and mycologist, focused on plant classification and understanding of plant development. Developed significant taxonomic frameworks and contributed to the understanding of hybridization in plants. Worked on cell theory as it pertains to mycology and served as a professor at the Polytechnic Institute in Zurich. His research laid groundwork for future studies in botany and mycology. Maintained correspondence with fellow scientists and participated in botanical societies throughout Europe.

Continue Reading

Frank Frazetta

Fantasy artist and illustration master
Born
February 9th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
May 10th, 2010 14 years ago — 82 years old

A prominent painter and illustrator, this individual gained recognition for impactful fantasy artwork that defined the genre. Early artistic endeavors included comic book illustrations, contributing to characters in the 1940s and 1950s. The portfolio expanded to include iconic fantasy book covers, notably for the 'Conan the Barbarian' series. Art style integrated dramatic compositions and vivid colors, influencing many contemporary artists. Frazetta's work extended to movie poster art and gallery exhibitions, further cementing a legacy within the fantasy art community.

Continue Reading

Louis XV of France

French monarch and ruler in the 18th century
Born
February 15th, 1710 315 years ago
Died
May 10th, 1774 250 years ago — 64 years old

Ruled as King of France from 1715 to 1774. Ascended to the throne at the age of five, following the death of Louis XIV. His reign was marked by increasing centralization of power and significant engagement in wars. Presided over military campaigns during the War of the Austrian Succession and the Seven Years' War. Faced challenges such as growing dissent among the nobility and issues related to financial management. His legacy includes the establishment of the French Enlightenment, promoting arts and architecture in Paris, particularly exemplified by the construction and expansion of the Palace of Versailles. Died in 1774, leaving a complex legacy that influenced the subsequent political landscape of France.

Continue Reading

Walker Percy

American novelist and essayist
Born
May 28th, 1916 108 years ago
Died
May 10th, 1990 34 years ago — 73 years old

This individual gained recognition for contributions to literature through novels and essays that explored themes of existentialism and the human condition. The most notable work includes 'The Moviegoer', which won the National Book Award in 1962. A significant figure in Southern literature, the individual also produced works such as 'Love in the Ruins' and 'The Second Coming'. Alongside fiction, the individual wrote essays discussing philosophy and faith, culminating in a distinctive literary voice that combined personal reflection with cultural critique.

Continue Reading

George Vancouver

Explorer and cartographer of the Pacific
Born
June 22nd, 1757 267 years ago
Died
May 10th, 1798 226 years ago — 40 years old

An English lieutenant and explorer, played a pivotal role in the exploration of the Pacific Northwest and the coasts of Canada and the United States. Commanded the HMS Discovery during a voyage that lasted from 1791 to 1795, which resulted in detailed mapping of the North Pacific Coast. Documented the geography of several significant areas, including Puget Sound and Vancouver Island. His explorations laid the groundwork for future territorial claims and developments in British Columbia.

Continue Reading