Mary Wells
American singer-songwriter with 'My Guy'
A celebrated singer-songwriter, gained prominence in the 1960s. Achieved significant success with the hit single 'My Guy', which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Associated with the Motown label, released several albums that featured a blend of pop and soul music. Contributed to the genre with a distinctive voice and style, influencing the sound of many artists that followed. Inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame in 2016, honored for contributions to music and culture. Her career included struggles with health issues later in life, but she remained an important figure in music history.
Released the hit single 'My Guy'
Inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame
Other People Born on May 13th
Barry Zito
Major League Baseball pitcher and Cy Young Award winner
Born
May 13th, 1978 48 years ago
Played professional baseball as a pitcher from 2000 to 2015. Zito pitched for the Oakland Athletics and the San Francisco Giants. Achieved significant success during his career, highlighted by a Cy Young Award in 2002. Contributed to the Giants' victory in the 2012 World Series, further solidifying a notable athletic career.
Continue ReadingLouis Léopold Robert
French painter known for genre scenes
Born
May 13th, 1794 232 years ago
Died
March 20th, 1835 191 years ago — 40 years old
A painter specialized in genre scenes and historical subjects. Originating from Switzerland, this artist established his career in France. Studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris and significantly influenced the depiction of scenes from everyday life. His artistic style combined realism with romantic elements, often showcasing the lives of common people. Created notable works that include 'Les Pêcheurs de perles' and 'L’Intérieur d’une maison de la rue des Martyrs'.
Continue ReadingAbby Dahlkemper
Professional soccer player, U.S. Women's National Team
Born
May 13th, 1993 33 years ago
A professional soccer player primarily known for playing as a defender. Played for the U.S. Women's National Team and participated in key international competitions including the FIFA Women's World Cup. Played for club teams such as the Western New York Flash and North Carolina Courage in the National Women's Soccer League, contributing to multiple championships. Achieved All-American honors during college soccer at UCLA, recognized for defensive skills and leadership on the field.
Continue ReadingNico Hoerner
Baseball player with Chicago Cubs
Born
May 13th, 1997 29 years ago
Born in 1997, this American baseball player played for the Chicago Cubs in Major League Baseball. A versatile infielder, he reached the major leagues in 2019. Over the years, he developed a reputation for strong defensive skills and an ability to contribute offensively. In 2020, he showcased his talents in the postseason, helping the team compete at a high level.
Continue ReadingSebastião José de Carvalho e Melo
1st Marquis of Pombal, Portuguese Prime Minister
Born
May 13th, 1699 327 years ago
Died
May 8th, 1782 244 years ago — 82 years old
Held the office of Prime Minister of Portugal from 1750 to 1777. Implemented significant reforms in education, economics, and administration following the 1755 Lisbon earthquake. Advocated for the reduction of the power of the Church and centralized royal authority, thereby modernizing the state. Initiated infrastructure projects and promoted trade, contributing to Portugal's recovery and growth in the 18th century.
Continue ReadingCharles Watson-Wentworth
British Prime Minister, 2nd Marquess of Rockingham
Born
May 13th, 1730 296 years ago
Died
July 1st, 1782 244 years ago — 52 years old
Served as Prime Minister of Great Britain during two non-consecutive terms in the 18th century. His first term lasted from 1765 to 1766 and was marked by efforts to repeal the Stamp Act, which aimed to tax American colonies. The second term occurred from 1782 until his death in 1782, focusing on peace negotiations following the American Revolutionary War. Active in the Whig party, implemented policies that shaped British governance during a turbulent time.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on July 26th
Richard Harris
Irish actor, starred in Gladiator
Born
October 1st, 1930 95 years ago
Died
July 26th, 2011 15 years ago — 80 years old
A prominent Irish actor, he gained acclaim for performances in film and theater. Early career included significant roles in plays and films in the 1960s. Achieved international recognition for performances in 'This Sporting Life' and 'The Field'. Later starred as Albus Dumbledore in 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone' and 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets'. Also appeared in 'Gladiator' as Marcus Aurelius, showcasing a range of acting skills that spanned several decades. Harris's distinctive voice and commanding presence made a lasting impression in the industry.
Continue ReadingElena Cornaro Piscopia
Mathematician and philosopher
Born
June 5th, 1646 380 years ago
Died
July 26th, 1684 342 years ago — 38 years old
Graduated from the University of Padua and became the first woman to receive a doctorate in philosophy in 1678. Specialized in mathematics, physics, and philosophy, giving lectures at various universities. Contributed to the fields of mathematics and philosophy during a time when women's education was limited. Her scholarly pursuits and achievements inspired future generations of women in academia.
Continue ReadingOlivia de Havilland
Actress and Academy Award winner
Born
July 1st, 1916 110 years ago
Died
July 26th, 2020 6 years ago — 104 years old
Born in 1916, this British-American actress gained prominence in Hollywood during the Golden Age of cinema. Renowned for roles in classics, she starred in 'Gone with the Wind' as Melanie Hamilton and in 'The Heiress', for which she received an Academy Award for Best Actress. The actress broke barriers in the film industry, becoming a notable advocate for performers' rights, challenging studio contracts that restricted actors. Her career spanned several decades, with performances that showcased a range of characters and emotional depth. Later in life, she received further recognition for her contributions to cinema, earning multiple honors and a lasting legacy in film history.
Continue ReadingDiane Arbus
Photographer of unconventional portraits
Born
March 14th, 1923 103 years ago
Died
July 26th, 1971 55 years ago — 48 years old
An influential American photographer, notable for capturing striking and unconventional portraits of marginalized individuals and communities. Arbus's work often featured subjects such as circus performers, trans individuals, and the mentally ill, challenging societal norms regarding representation and beauty. Her photographs explored themes of identity, difference, and the human condition, often eliciting strong emotional responses. Arbus's notable exhibitions include 'Diane Arbus: A Chronology' and her posthumous feature in the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Arbus's legacy continues to influence contemporary photography.
Continue ReadingGeorge Gallup
Statistician and polling pioneer
Born
November 18th, 1901 124 years ago
Died
July 26th, 1984 42 years ago — 82 years old
A pioneering American statistician, Gallup founded the Gallup Organization, which developed sophisticated methods of public opinion polling. Gallup's work transformed the field of survey research and established standards for accurate measurement of public sentiment. He introduced innovations in sampling techniques and questionnaire design, contributing significantly to the social sciences. His methodologies became widely adopted across various fields, from politics to marketing. Gallup's insights into voter behavior and public perception influenced election strategies and campaigns.
Continue ReadingGeorge W. Romney
Governor of Michigan, businessman
Born
July 8th, 1907 119 years ago
Died
July 26th, 1995 31 years ago — 88 years old
Served as the 43rd Governor of Michigan from 1963 to 1969. Led efforts in improving the state's economy and education system during tenure. Before political career, held leadership roles in the automotive industry, including president of American Motors Corporation. Advocated for civil rights and urban renewal.
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