Michael Fallon
Scottish politician, Secretary of State for Defence
A Scottish politician held the position of Secretary of State for Defence from 2014 to 2017. Previously served as Minister of State for Business and Enterprise and as a Member of Parliament for several constituencies. Engaged in various defense policy issues during tenure, focusing on military funding and capacity. Contributed to debates on national security and defense reforms. Involved in the Conservative Party, participating in numerous governmental roles throughout career.
Served as Secretary of State for Defence
Oversaw defense policy during military engagements
Other People Born on May 14th
Charles Beyer
Engineer, co-founder of Beyer, Peacock & Company
Born
May 14th, 1814 211 years ago
Died
1876 149 years ago — 62 years old
An engineer contributed significantly to locomotive design and manufacturing in the 19th century. Co-founded Beyer, Peacock & Company in Manchester, which became a prominent locomotive manufacturer. Played a pivotal role in the development and production of various steam locomotives that were used across the UK and beyond. His company produced some of the most innovative designs of the era, contributing to advancements in railway technology.
Continue ReadingGeorge Lucas
Film director and producer, Lucasfilm founder
Born
May 14th, 1944 81 years ago
An American director, producer, and screenwriter, this individual founded Lucasfilm in 1971, a company that produced the iconic Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises. The first Star Wars film, released in 1977, revolutionized special effects and became a cultural phenomenon. In 1980, the sequel The Empire Strikes Back was released, gaining critical acclaim and commercial success. Additionally, this individual played a crucial role in developing new technologies for film making, particularly in sound and visual effects, which have been widely adopted in the industry. In 2012, sold Lucasfilm to The Walt Disney Company, ensuring the continuation of Star Wars and other franchises.
Continue ReadingOtto Klemperer
Conductor of Mahler and Beethoven works
Born
May 14th, 1885 140 years ago
Died
July 6th, 1973 52 years ago — 88 years old
Born in Germany, a prominent conductor and composer, focused on classical music, particularly the works of Mahler and Beethoven. Klemperer studied at the Royal Academy of Music and gained recognition for his interpretations of orchestral music. In the early 20th century, Klemperer held positions with several esteemed orchestras, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Philharmonia Orchestra in London. His conducting style emphasized clarity and precision, contributing to his reputation as a master of the symphonic repertoire. Klemperer was also involved in opera, conducting productions at the Vienna State Opera and the Berlin State Opera. Throughout his career, Klemperer made significant recordings that remain influential in the classical music community.
Continue ReadingMark Zuckerberg
Computer Programmer, Co-founder of Facebook
Born
May 14th, 1984 41 years ago
Born in 1984, this individual co-founded Facebook, a social media platform launched in 2004 while a student at Harvard University. The site rapidly grew, connecting users worldwide and significantly altering the landscape of digital communication and social networking. Under his leadership, Facebook expanded through acquisitions and innovations, becoming one of the largest technology companies globally. The platform played a crucial role in shaping online social interactions and transformed how information is shared and consumed.
Continue ReadingMargaret of Valois
Queen of France and a political figure
Born
May 14th, 1553 472 years ago
Died
March 27th, 1615 410 years ago — 61 years old
Born into the Valois dynasty, the individual became Queen of France through marriage to Henry IV. This union, which represented a significant political alliance between Catholics and Protestants during the French Wars of Religion, served to stabilize France. The individual also played a crucial role in the politics of the time, leveraging her royal status to influence court dynamics. Additionally, a notable literary figure, contributions to the arts, particularly in French literature, marked her legacy.
Continue ReadingThomas Gainsborough
English painter of landscapes and portraits
Born
May 14th, 1727 298 years ago
Died
August 2nd, 1788 237 years ago — 61 years old
Born in 1727, this painter specialized in portraiture and landscape painting. His work displayed a mastery of color and light, contributing significantly to English art. The most notable creations include 'The Blue Boy' and the portrait of Sarah Siddons. Operating primarily in Bath and London, he was a key figure in the 18th-century art scene. Gainsborough established a significant reputation through his innovative approach to depicting subjects with a naturalistic quality, bridging the gap between tradition and modernity in painting. He also was a founding member of the Royal Academy, further solidifying his legacy in the arts.
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