Mary Soames

English author and biographer

Mary Soames - English author and biographer
Born

September 15th, 1922
102 years ago

Died

May 31st, 2014
11 years ago — 91 years old

Category

Artists & Creatives

Country

United Kingdom

Links & References

This English author and biographer focused on the life and works of significant historical figures, particularly within her own family. Daughter of the prominent statesman Winston Churchill, industrial and political contexts shaped many of her writings. Awarded the prestigious Pen Award for Biography, contributions included the biography of her father, which provided insight into his life and character. Engaged in various literary endeavors, her work spanned over several decades, encompassing both historical analysis and personal narratives.

Authored a biography of Winston Churchill

Published several historical accounts and essays

Other People Born on September 15th

Fausto Coppi

Italian cyclist and Tour de France winner
Born
September 15th, 1919 105 years ago
Died
1960 65 years ago — 41 years old

Cyclist and soldier from Italy. Achieved significant success in professional road cycling during the 1940s and 1950s. Earned victories in multiple prestigious races, including the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France. Coppi also participated in World War II as a soldier, which interrupted his cycling career for several years. After the war, returned to competitive cycling, solidifying a legacy as one of the sport's legends.

Continue Reading

Murray Gell-Mann

Physicist; Nobel Prize in Physics 1969
Born
September 15th, 1929 95 years ago
Died
2019 6 years ago — 90 years old

This physicist contributed significantly to the development of particle physics. Gell-Mann formulated the concept of quarks, fundamental constituents of matter, leading to a greater understanding of the subatomic structure. His work on the eightfold way provided a classification scheme for hadrons, which played an essential role in particle theory. In 1969, Gell-Mann received the Nobel Prize in Physics for his research in the field.

Continue Reading

Sheilah Graham Westbrook

Actress and author of notable columns
Born
September 15th, 1904 120 years ago
Died
November 17th, 1988 36 years ago — 84 years old

An English-American actress and journalist, gained prominence in the mid-20th century. Contributed to film and television, known for roles in 'The Love Boat' and 'The Big Combo'. Established a reputation as a gossip columnist in Hollywood, providing insights into the lives of stars. Authored several books, including memoirs and novels, reflecting personal experiences and observations in the entertainment industry.

Continue Reading

Dennis Schröder

Professional basketball player, NBA star
Born
September 15th, 1993 31 years ago

A basketball player born in Germany, achieved significant success in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Played for teams including the Atlanta Hawks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Lakers, and Boston Celtics. Contributed to the game as both a starter and key reserve, showcasing strong skills as a point guard. Also represented the German national team in international competitions.

Continue Reading

Wayne Ferreira

South African tennis player
Born
September 15th, 1971 53 years ago

A former professional tennis player from South Africa, achieved a career-high ATP singles ranking of World No. 10. Competed on the ATP Tour from the early 1990s until the mid-2000s, participating in all four Grand Slam tournaments. Reached the quarterfinals of Wimbledon in 1992 and the semifinals of the US Open in 1995. Also experienced success in doubles, securing four ATP Tour titles. Accumulated over 400 career match wins.

Continue Reading

Adrian Adonis

Professional wrestler and performer
Born
September 15th, 1954 70 years ago
Died
July 4th, 1988 37 years ago — 33 years old

Debuted in professional wrestling in the 1970s. Gained prominence in the WWF during the 1980s. Created a flamboyant persona and characterized by original outfits and makeup. Won the WWF World Tag Team Championship with Dick Murdoch. Inducted into the Motor City Wrestling Hall of Fame posthumously.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on May 31st

Engelbert II of Nassau

Count of Nassau-Vianden and Lord of Breda
Born
May 17th, 1451 574 years ago
Died
May 31st, 1504 521 years ago — 53 years old

Count of Nassau-Vianden and Lord of Breda from 1475 to 1504. Played a significant role in the governance of the region during the late 15th century. Engaged in various military and political endeavors that aimed to strengthen the position of the House of Nassau. Oversaw the administration of his territories and participated in local diplomacy. Demonstrated involvement in the power struggles of the period, contributing to the legacy of his family.

Continue Reading

Petronius Maximus

Roman Emperor during 455 AD
Died
May 31st, 455 1570 years ago — None years old

Served as Roman Emperor for a brief period in 455 AD. Ascended to the throne after the murder of Emperor-avitus. His reign was marked by instability and conflict, particularly with the Vandals. Ultimately, faced opposition and was overthrown in a coup, leading to his death.

Continue Reading

C. L. R. James

Trinidadian journalist and historian
Born
January 4th, 1901 124 years ago
Died
May 31st, 1989 36 years ago — 88 years old

Born in 1901, this individual contributed significantly to Caribbean intellectual thought and Marxist theory. Education took place in Trinidad and London, where engagement with socialist movements occurred. The major work, 'The Black Jacobins', analyzed the Haitian Revolution and its implications for post-colonial societies. Additionally, involvement in cricket as a historian and commentator enhanced understanding of the sport in the Caribbean. The synthesis of literature, history, and politics characterized contributions, with deep explorations into the nature of freedom and colonialism within a Caribbean context.

Continue Reading

Danny La Rue

Drag queen performer and singer
Born
1927 98 years ago
Died
May 31st, 2009 16 years ago — 82 years old

An Irish-British drag performer and singer, celebrated for a vibrant stage presence and contributions to the entertainment industry. Achieved notable success in cabaret and theater, particularly during the mid-20th century. Gained recognition through performances in London's West End and various television appearances. Maintained a distinguished career, known for blending humor and glamour, captivating audiences across generations.

Continue Reading

George Tiller

Physician specializing in abortion services
Born
1941 84 years ago
Died
May 31st, 2009 16 years ago — 68 years old

Practiced medicine in Wichita, Kansas, focusing on women's reproductive health. Operated one of the few clinics in the United States that provided late-term abortions. Advocated for women's rights in healthcare access. Assassinated in 2009 outside his clinic, which drew national attention to the debate surrounding abortion. His work continued to influence discussions on reproductive health posthumously.

Continue Reading

Jean Stapleton

Actress famous for 'All in the Family'
Born
January 19th, 1923 102 years ago
Died
May 31st, 2013 12 years ago — 90 years old

An American actress and singer, recognized for a prominent television career. Gained acclaim for portraying Edith Bunker on the CBS sitcom 'All in the Family', which aired from 1971 to 1979. The role showcased her talents in both comedy and drama, leading to several awards and nominations. Stapleton also appeared in numerous films and stage productions throughout her career, contributing to the arts with performances that highlighted her versatility.

Continue Reading