Jonah Lomu
Rugby Union player, Rugby World Cup star
A renowned rugby union player from New Zealand, Lomu rose to prominence in the 1990s. He played for the All Blacks, debuting in 1994 and quickly becoming a significant figure in the sport. His performance in the 1995 Rugby World Cup, noted for his incredible speed and power, particularly during the semi-final match against England, established his legacy and transformed how wingers approached the game. Lomu's combination of size and agility redefined the expectations for players in that position. After a career impacted by health challenges, he retired from international rugby in 2002 but remained influential in the sport until his passing in 2015.
Played for the All Blacks
Starred in the 1995 Rugby World Cup
Other People Born on May 12th
Leslie Charteris
Author of The Saint series
Born
May 12th, 1907 119 years ago
Died
April 15th, 1993 33 years ago — 85 years old
An English author and screenwriter, primarily recognized for creating the character Simon Templar, also known as The Saint. The character debuted in the 1928 novel 'Meet The Saint' and gained significant popularity through a series of books, television adaptations, and films. Works featured action-adventure themes, blending crime fiction with a touch of humor. The Saint was portrayed in various adaptations, with notable portrayals by Roger Moore in the television series during the 1960s and 1970s. Charteris contributed to the narrative style of the detective genre with a charismatic protagonist who operated outside traditional law enforcement. Throughout his career, Charteris wrote more than 30 novels and short stories centered around The Saint, solidifying a lasting legacy in the realm of detective fiction.
Continue ReadingFrenkie de Jong
Dutch footballer and Barcelona midfielder
Born
May 12th, 1997 29 years ago
Born in 1997, this Dutch footballer rose through the ranks of youth football, eventually joining the senior team of Ajax. During time at Ajax, contributed significantly to the team's success in winning the Eredivisie and the KNVB Cup in 2019. His performances at Ajax caught the attention of European clubs, leading to a transfer to FC Barcelona in 2019. At Barcelona, continued to showcase exceptional skills as a midfielder, playing a key role in the team’s strategies and successes.
Continue ReadingFlorent Amodio
Figure skater and European champion
Born
May 12th, 1990 36 years ago
Competed in figure skating representing France. Achieved prominence by winning the 2012 European Figure Skating Championships. Participated in the 2010 Winter Olympics and several World Figure Skating Championships, frequently showcasing technical skills and artistic expression. Throughout career, established a reputation for captivating performances and strong competitive presence.
Continue ReadingBilly Squier
Singer-songwriter and guitarist
Born
May 12th, 1950 76 years ago
An American musician, multi-instrumentalist, and producer. Achievements include releasing several successful albums during the 1980s, such as 'Don't Say No' and 'Emotions in Motion'. Also recognized for a string of hit singles that received significant airplay, including 'The Stroke' and 'Lonely Is the Night'. Squier's music features a blend of rock and pop elements, contributing to his reputation as a prominent figure in the genre. Influenced many artists with a distinctive guitar style and songwriting.
Continue ReadingAlejandro Gorostiaga
Chilean Colonel and military leader
Born
May 12th, 1840 186 years ago
Died
October 30th, 1912 113 years ago — 72 years old
Served as a prominent military figure in Chile during the 19th century. Participated in the War of the Pacific, which involved conflicts over territories and resources in the region. Held key positions that contributed to military operations and strategies during this period of Chilean history. Played a role in shaping military policies and reforms within the army. His actions influenced the outcomes of battles and the broader conflict involving Peru and Bolivia.
Continue ReadingOrélie-Antoine de Tounens
French lawyer and explorer of Patagonia
Born
May 12th, 1825 201 years ago
Died
September 17th, 1878 147 years ago — 53 years old
An individual embarked on an expedition to Patagonia in the mid-19th century. This journey led to the proclamation of a short-lived kingdom, the Kingdom of Araucania and Patagonia, in 1860. His ambitions included establishing a constitutional monarchy in the region, with himself as king. Despite facing significant challenges and resistance from Chile and Argentina, efforts to gain international recognition continued. The exploration involved territorial claims and interactions with indigenous groups, aiming to advocate for their rights and develop the region. The kingdom's existence was largely symbolic and did not achieve official recognition from foreign powers, but the venture remains a unique chapter in the history of exploration in South America.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on November 18th
Gustáv Husák
Slovak politician, 9th President of Czechoslovakia
Born
January 10th, 1913 113 years ago
Died
November 18th, 1991 34 years ago — 78 years old
Served as the 9th President of Czechoslovakia from 1975 to 1989. Played a significant role in the socialist government and was a member of the Communist Party. Held the position of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Slovakia. Participated in the Prague Spring of 1968, later leading to his temporary removal from power during the Warsaw Pact invasion. Eventually returned to prominence, shaping the political landscape until the fall of communism in central Europe.
Continue ReadingLouis Philippe I
Duke of Orléans and French King
Born
May 12th, 1725 301 years ago
Died
November 18th, 1785 240 years ago — 60 years old
Born in 1725, Louis Philippe I became Duke of Orléans and later King of the French from 1830 to 1848. He was a member of the House of Orléans, a cadet branch of the Bourbon family. His reign followed the July Revolution, which resulted in the overthrow of Charles X. During his time as king, efforts were made to modernize France's economy and infrastructure. He abdicated during the February Revolution in 1848, leading to the end of the July Monarchy.
Continue ReadingChester A. Arthur
21st President of the United States
Born
October 5th, 1829 196 years ago
Died
November 18th, 1886 139 years ago — 57 years old
Served as the 21st President of the United States from 1881 to 1885. Became president following the assassination of James A. Garfield. Prior to the presidency, held the position of Collector of the Port of New York. Advocated for civil service reform and the Pendleton Act, which established a merit-based system for federal employment. Implemented modernization of the U.S. Navy and supported legislation to improve infrastructure in the country.
Continue ReadingNiels Bohr
Physicist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
October 7th, 1885 140 years ago
Died
November 18th, 1962 63 years ago — 77 years old
Born in 1885, a prominent physicist and philosopher contributed significantly to the understanding of atomic structure and quantum theory. Developed the Bohr model of the atom, which introduced the idea of quantized energy levels. Played a key role in the establishment of quantum mechanics and made important contributions during the early development of nuclear physics. Received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1922 for investigations of the structure of atoms and the radiation emanating from them.
Continue ReadingBob Love
Professional basketball player, Chicago Bulls
Born
December 8th, 1942 83 years ago
Died
November 18th, 2024 1 years ago — 81 years old
A professional basketball player played for the Chicago Bulls in the NBA. Competed at a high level during the 1960s and 1970s. Achieved notable success as a scorer, earning three NBA All-Star selections. Contributed significantly to the Chicago Bulls' playoff runs during his tenure with the team.
Continue ReadingGeorge Talbot
English commander and Lord High Steward
Born
1528 498 years ago
Died
November 18th, 1590 435 years ago — 62 years old
6th Earl of Shrewsbury served as a prominent English commander and politician during the Tudor period. He held the position of Lord High Steward of Ireland, which involved significant administrative responsibilities. Talbot was also a key figure during the conflicts of the time, particularly in relation to the English crown's interests in Ireland. He managed extensive lands and estates, influencing regional governance and military matters. His legacy includes the management of noble duties and participation in various campaigns supporting the English monarchy.
Continue Reading