John Wayne Gacy
American serial killer and rapist
Born
Died
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
Wang Jin-pyng
Taiwanese politician and legislative leader
Born
March 17th, 1941 85 years ago
Born in 1941, served as a prominent politician in Taiwan, holding multiple significant roles throughout a lengthy career. Played a key role in the Legislative Yuan and became the first person to serve as its Speaker for over 20 years. Engaged in various governmental reforms and legislative initiatives during tenure in politics. His leadership influenced numerous policies within the Taiwanese government, particularly in the areas of legislative processes and party dynamics.
Continue ReadingKeith O'Brien
Scottish cardinal and theologian
Born
March 17th, 1938 88 years ago
Died
2018 8 years ago — 80 years old
Born in Northern Ireland, a cleric and theologian served as the Archbishop of St. Andrews and Edinburgh from 1985 to 2013. Played a significant role in the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland, contributing to various religious and social issues. Actively engaged in ecumenical dialogue and interfaith relations. Received recognition for work on social justice and education within the Church.
Continue ReadingFilemon Lagman
Filipino theoretician and activist
Born
March 17th, 1953 73 years ago
Died
February 6th, 2001 25 years ago — 47 years old
An influential theoretician and activist in the Philippines, focused on labor rights and social issues. Served as a prominent leader in organizations advocating for workers' welfare. Contributed to various movements aimed at reforming labor laws and enhancing the rights of workers in the country. Engaged in dialogues and forums addressing issues faced by marginalized sectors, furthering the understanding of labor issues in the Philippines.
Continue ReadingKen Mattingly
American astronaut, Apollo 16 Command Module Pilot
Born
March 17th, 1936 90 years ago
Died
October 31st, 2023 2 years ago — 87 years old
A distinguished career in NASA as an astronaut included participation in the Apollo, Skylab, and Space Shuttle programs. Command Module Pilot on Apollo 16, completed a mission in April 1972, resulting in the exploration of the lunar highlands. Contributed to various Shuttle missions, including serving as commander on STS-4. Prior experience as a naval aviator and test pilot provided a solid foundation for a career in space exploration. Retired from NASA and continued to work in the aerospace industry.
Continue ReadingAdam Wade
Singer and actor - The Twilight Zone
Born
March 17th, 1935 91 years ago
Died
2022 4 years ago — 87 years old
A singer and actor achieved recognition during the 1960s and 1970s. Gained popularity as a solo artist with hits that blended pop and R&B styles. Played a leading role in the iconic series 'The Twilight Zone', showcasing versatility in both music and acting. Career included appearances on various television shows and performances in live venues. Also contributed as a drummer for different bands, further enhancing musical reputation.
Continue ReadingSammy Baugh
American football player and coach
Born
March 17th, 1914 112 years ago
Died
December 17th, 2008 17 years ago — 94 years old
Played as a quarterback for the Washington Redskins from 1937 to 1952. Achieved three NFL championships in 1937, 1942, and 1943. Also served as a coach after retirement from playing, influencing the game through his strategic insights and leadership. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1963.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 10th
Horst Faas
Photographer and journalist, Pulitzer Prize
Born
1933 93 years ago
Died
May 10th, 2012 14 years ago — 79 years old
A prominent photographer and journalist, contributed extensively to coverage of the Vietnam War. Worked for the Associated Press in the 1960s and 1970s, capturing powerful images that depicted the harsh realities of war. His photographs were published worldwide, garnering attention for their stark portrayal of conflict. Received numerous awards for his work, including the Pulitzer Prize for Photography in 1965. Continued to document significant global events throughout his career, influencing visual journalism.
Continue ReadingJim Simons
Hedge fund manager and mathematician
Born
1938 88 years ago
Died
May 10th, 2024 2 years ago — 86 years old
A prominent hedge fund manager and mathematician, contributed significantly to quantitative finance. Founded Renaissance Technologies, a highly successful hedge fund firm known for its Medallion Fund, which utilized mathematical models and algorithms for trading. Worked at Stony Brook University as a mathematics professor. Made significant contributions to the field of mathematics, particularly in geometry and topology.
Continue ReadingKaifi Azmi
Indian poet and lyricist of Urdu literature
Born
1919 107 years ago
Died
May 10th, 2002 24 years ago — 83 years old
An influential figure in Urdu literature, contributed significantly as a poet, lyricist, and playwright. Active in the Progressive Writers' Movement, wrote extensively on social issues. Gained fame for lyrics in films such as 'Haqeeqat' and 'Gaman'. Also composed poetry that resonated with the themes of love, loss, and nationalism. Instrumental in promoting Urdu language and literature through various platforms. Explored themes of social justice and human rights in works, leading to recognition in literary circles.
Continue ReadingGunnar Sønsteby
Norwegian military captain and author
Born
1918 108 years ago
Died
May 10th, 2012 14 years ago — 94 years old
A military captain during World War II, contributed to the Norwegian resistance against Nazi occupation. Participated in various sabotage operations against German forces. After the war, became an author, chronicling experiences during the resistance movement through books that highlighted bravery and strategy. Sønsteby received national honors for his efforts in fighting for Norway's freedom.
Continue ReadingChris Burden
Sculptor known for 'Transfixed'
Born
April 11th, 1946 80 years ago
Died
May 10th, 2015 11 years ago — 69 years old
An American sculptor, illustrator, and academic. Gained recognition for early performance art pieces, including 'Shoot' in 1971, where a friend shot him in the arm. Later created large-scale sculptures that commented on contemporary issues. 'Transfixed', a notable installation, featured a Volkswagen Beetle impaled on two steel beams. Served as a professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, influencing a generation of artists. Contributed to the Los Angeles art scene through both his works and academic endeavors.
Continue ReadingDominik Tatarka
Slovak writer and literary figure
Born
March 14th, 1913 113 years ago
Died
May 10th, 1989 37 years ago — 76 years old
Contributed significantly to Slovak literature and culture throughout the 20th century. Engaged with themes of identity and social issues, often reflecting the socio-political landscape of Slovakia. Wrote several important works, with his notable novel, 'The Man from the 4th District', exploring the complexities of life during the turbulent history of Slovakia. In addition to writing, involved in various literary and cultural initiatives and was an influential figure in the Slovak literary scene.
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