Marshall Applewhite

Cult leader and founder of Heaven's Gate

Marshall Applewhite - Cult leader and founder of Heaven's Gate
Born

May 17th, 1931
93 years ago

Died

1997
28 years ago — 66 years old

Category

Activists & Humanitarians

Country

United States

Links & References

A cult leader founded the religious group Heaven's Gate in the 1970s. The group combined elements of Christian theology with beliefs in extraterrestrial life. Applewhite led followers in embracing a belief system that proposed spiritual ascension and the possibility of physical transformation into non-human beings. In 1997, the group gained notoriety when 39 members died in a mass suicide in California, believing they would transition to an extraterrestrial spacecraft following the Hale-Bopp comet.

Founded Heaven's Gate in the 1970s

Led a mass suicide in 1997

Other People Born on May 17th

Michael Beetham

English Air Chief Marshal and pilot
Born
May 17th, 1923 101 years ago
Died
October 24th, 2015 9 years ago — 92 years old

Served as a commander in the Royal Air Force during World War II and beyond. Commanded No. 1 Group in the United Kingdom and later served as Chief of the Air Staff from 1979 to 1982. Played a significant role in the restructuring of the RAF during the Cold War. Oversaw various operations and initiatives during his time in service, contributing to the development of modern military aviation strategies.

Continue Reading

Peter Burge

Australian Cricketer and Test Player
Born
May 17th, 1932 92 years ago
Died
2001 24 years ago — 69 years old

A notable Australian cricketer, played as a right-handed batsman and represented Australia in Test matches from 1953 to 1961. His first-class cricket career spanned from 1948 to 1962, primarily with Queensland. Burge made significant contributions to the game, particularly noted for his batting skills and playing style. He participated in 34 Test matches during his international career, scoring 2,030 runs. Burge was part of the Australian team that won the Ashes series in 1958-59 against England.

Continue Reading

Queen Máxima of the Netherlands

Dutch Royal and Queen Consort
Born
May 17th, 1971 53 years ago

Born on May 17, 1971, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, served as a consultant for the United Nations and worked in the financial sector before marrying the Dutch crown prince in 2002. Became Queen Consort upon the ascension of her husband in 2013. Engaged in various social issues including microfinance, cultural integration, and education, promoting well-being and financial inclusion in the Netherlands and abroad.

Continue Reading

Will Clyburn

Basketball player, EuroLeague champion
Born
May 17th, 1990 34 years ago

This American basketball player played college basketball at Iowa State University. Clyburn began his professional career in 2013 and played for several teams in Europe, including Real Madrid and AEK Athens. Notable achievements include winning the 2018 EuroLeague championship with Anadolu Efes. Clyburn has demonstrated significant skills at the shooting guard and small forward positions, contributing to the success of his teams in various leagues.

Continue Reading

Harry Männil

Businessman, co-founder of ACO Group
Born
May 17th, 1920 104 years ago
Died
2010 15 years ago — 90 years old

Co-founded ACO Group, a successful construction and engineering company, which operated in various international markets. Established significant business operations that contributed to economic development. Worked on various projects related to construction and engineering, reflecting an entrepreneurial spirit. Played a vital role in the growth and expansion of the company, leading it to become a recognized name in the industry.

Continue Reading

Léon Gérin

Canadian sociologist and civil servant
Born
May 17th, 1863 161 years ago
Died
1951 74 years ago — 88 years old

Born in 1863, a prominent Canadian lawyer and sociologist contributed to the understanding of Quebec society. Involved in various civil service roles, played a key role in the development of the field of sociology in Canada. Focused research on social issues and community development, influencing later sociological practices. His works emphasized the importance of cultural identity and social integration in Canadian society.

Continue Reading