José Mariano Salas
Mexican General and Politician
Served as a general in the Mexican Army and held the position of President of Mexico for a brief period in the 19th century. Salas played a significant role during the tumultuous times of the post-independence era, contributing to various military campaigns. Assumed the presidency in 1859, leading the nation during a critical period in its history. His political career extended through various military confrontations and government roles, reflecting the challenges faced by Mexico in the aftermath of independence.
Served as President of Mexico in 1859
Led the Mexican Army during conflicts
Other People Born on May 11th
Charlie Gehringer
Baseball player and manager
Born
May 11th, 1903 122 years ago
Died
January 21st, 1993 32 years ago — 89 years old
An American baseball player and manager, this individual played for the Detroit Tigers from 1924 to 1942. Recognized as a skilled second baseman, he was a key member of the Tigers team that won the World Series in 1945. In addition to his playing career, he served as the team's manager in the mid-1950s. His contributions to baseball earned him induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1949. Gehringer's proficiency at the plate led to a career batting average of .320 and he established several records during his tenure.
Continue ReadingAbou Diaby
French footballer and Arsenal midfielder
Born
May 11th, 1986 39 years ago
Born in 1986, a professional football career began at Auxerre before transferring to Arsenal in 2006. Injuries limited playing time, yet contributions during the tenure included vital appearances and a commanding midfield presence. Represented the French national team, earning 16 caps between 2007 and 2015. After Arsenal, played for Marseille, where the stay was again affected by injuries.
Continue ReadingJohann Friedrich Blumenbach
Physician and anthropologist
Born
May 11th, 1752 273 years ago
Died
January 22nd, 1840 185 years ago — 87 years old
A prominent German physician, physiologist, and anthropologist. Blumenbach significantly contributed to the fields of anthropology and physiology in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He established a classification system that categorized human races based on skull shape, which played a foundational role in biological anthropology. A key figure in the development of comparative anatomy, he studied various physical characteristics of human populations. His work on the variation of human skulls led to the understanding of racial diversity and human classification. Blumenbach also authored several influential texts that addressed topics in medicine and biology, alongside his contributions to the understanding of human variation and species.
Continue ReadingCatherine Bauer Wurster
Architect and public housing advocate
Born
May 11th, 1905 120 years ago
Died
November 21st, 1964 61 years ago — 59 years old
Significant contributions to architecture included the design and advocacy for public housing in the United States. Played an influential role in shaping policies around urban development and affordable housing. Served as a board member of the American Institute of Architects and contributed to the Federal Housing Administration's guidelines. Participated in the formulation of the United States Housing Act of 1949, which aimed to provide decent housing for all Americans.
Continue ReadingCory Monteith
Actor and musician, Glee star
Born
May 11th, 1982 43 years ago
Died
July 13th, 2013 12 years ago — 31 years old
An actor and musician, gained fame through the role of Finn Hudson on the television series 'Glee'. Started acting in various television projects before landing a lead role in 'Glee', which ran from 2009 to 2015. In addition to acting, performed in a band and released music associated with the show. Monteith's work on 'Glee' contributed significantly to the show's popularity and cultural impact during its run.
Continue ReadingPhil Silvers
American actor and comedian in television
Born
May 11th, 1911 114 years ago
Died
November 1st, 1985 40 years ago — 74 years old
An American actor and comedian gained prominence through performance in the television series 'The Phil Silvers Show,' which aired from 1955 to 1959. This series showcased a con artist in the U.S. Army and earned wide acclaim for its humor and writing. In addition to television, this actor appeared in numerous films, including 'A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum' and 'The Horse's Mouth.' His work was characterized by a quick wit and a distinctive style that influenced subsequent generations of comedians.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on December 24th
William Makepeace Thackeray
English author of Vanity Fair
Born
July 18th, 1811 214 years ago
Died
December 24th, 1863 162 years ago — 52 years old
An English author and poet, recognized for wit and social commentary. The most notable work includes 'Vanity Fair', a novel depicting English society during the early 19th century. Thackeray's writing often focused on themes of morality and class distinctions. He also edited and contributed to various periodicals, gaining popularity through serialized works. Born in Calcutta, India, Thackeray was educated in England, where he began his career as an illustrator before shifting to literature. His narratives often employed a satirical tone, shedding light on the hypocrisies of society.
Continue ReadingWilhelm Ackermann
German mathematician and logician
Born
March 29th, 1896 129 years ago
Died
December 24th, 1962 63 years ago — 66 years old
A mathematician and logician, contributions included work on mathematical logic and the foundations of mathematics. Developed the Ackermann function, an important example in the theory of computable functions. Worked on model theory and was a professor at various universities throughout Germany. His research laid groundwork for future developments in both logic and computer science.
Continue ReadingBurt Baskin
Co-founder of Baskin-Robbins ice cream
Born
December 17th, 1913 112 years ago
Died
December 24th, 1967 58 years ago — 54 years old
Co-founded an ice cream franchise famous for its variety of flavors. Developed the concept of '31 flavors' to offer a different flavor for each day of the month, contributing significantly to the ice cream industry. Expanded the brand through innovative marketing and franchising, establishing hundreds of locations across the United States and internationally. Led the company to become a prominent name in ice cream retail.
Continue ReadingKarl Dönitz
German admiral and politician
Born
September 16th, 1891 134 years ago
Died
December 24th, 1980 45 years ago — 89 years old
Served as an admiral in the German Navy during World War II. Assumed leadership of Nazi Germany briefly as President following Hitler's death. Played a crucial role in the Battle of the Atlantic, implementing submarine warfare strategies. Oversaw the transition of power at the end of the war. Faced war crimes trial at Nuremberg, resulting in a ten-year prison sentence.
Continue ReadingRoger III of Sicily
King of Sicily and crusader leader
Born
1175 850 years ago
Died
December 24th, 1193 832 years ago — 18 years old
Ruled as King of Sicily from 1105 to 1134. Played a crucial role in the Crusades, leading his forces in military campaigns. Successfully defended Sicily from external threats and internal rebellions. Built and strengthened alliances with neighboring powers, solidifying his reign. Contributed to the cultural and political landscape of Sicily during his rule, influencing the region's stability and growth.
Continue ReadingAlban Berg
Austrian composer known for 'Wozzeck'
Born
February 9th, 1885 140 years ago
Died
December 24th, 1935 90 years ago — 50 years old
Born in 1885, this Austrian composer and educator studied under Arnold Schoenberg. Recognized as a pivotal figure in 20th-century music, significant contributions include the opera 'Wozzeck', which premiered in 1925 and showcased innovative use of atonality and expressionist elements. Additionally, the opera 'Lulu', left incomplete at death, further exemplified compositional style blending traditional and modern techniques. His works reflected complexity and emotional depth, influencing contemporary music.
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