Montgomery Blair
American politician and Postmaster General
Born in 1813, a significant political figure served as the 20th Postmaster General of the United States during the Civil War. Played a key role in postal reforms that modernized the postal system, improving efficiency and reliability. Represented Maryland in various political offices, influencing national policies and legislation. Engaged in law and public service throughout his career, showcasing commitment to governance and political development.
Served as the 20th United States Postmaster General
Represented Maryland as a prominent lawyer and politician
Other People Born on May 10th
Rick Santorum
American politician and senator
Born
May 10th, 1958 67 years ago
Served as a United States Senator from Pennsylvania from 1995 to 2007. Held the position of Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference. Ran for the Republican presidential nomination in 2012 and 2016. Authored several books, including 'It Takes a Family', which discussed family values and social issues. Engaged in various media roles post-senate, including work as a political commentator.
Continue ReadingMike Hagerty
American actor in 'Friends' and 'Lucky Louie'
Born
May 10th, 1954 71 years ago
Died
2022 3 years ago — 68 years old
An actor with a career spanning several decades, known for roles in television and film. Gained prominence through appearances in popular series. Played various characters, often portraying quirky and comedic roles. Worked extensively in both television and film, contributing to a variety of productions.
Continue ReadingMaybelle Carter
Autoharp player and country musician
Born
May 10th, 1909 116 years ago
Died
1978 47 years ago — 69 years old
An influential autoharp player and country musician, contributed significantly to the development of American country music. As a member of the Carter Family, participated in groundbreaking recordings that shaped the genre in the 1920s and 1930s. The Carter Family became one of the earliest and most important groups in country music history, helping to popularize traditional folk songs. Maintained a long and successful career, performing and recording until the late 20th century.
Continue ReadingRaquel Blandón
Guatemalan lawyer and activist, First Lady
Born
May 10th, 1943 82 years ago
Died
September 21st, 2024 1 years ago — 81 years old
A prominent lawyer and activist associated with social justice initiatives, served as the First Lady of Guatemala. Engaged in advocating for the rights of marginalized communities and contributed to legal reforms aimed at improving access to justice. Focused on issues such as women's rights, education, and the rule of law during the tenure as First Lady. Played a pivotal role in various non-governmental organizations dedicated to civil rights and legal assistance.
Continue ReadingDavid Azrieli
Businessman and philanthropist
Born
May 10th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
July 9th, 2014 11 years ago — 92 years old
Born in Poland, a significant figure in real estate and construction in Canada. Founded the Azrieli Group, specializing in property development. Contributed to various philanthropic initiatives, particularly in the fields of education and health, establishing institutions such as the Azrieli Institute of Archaeology in Israel. Made substantial contributions to the cultural landscape through support of art and architecture. Developed many notable properties including shopping centers and office buildings, influencing urban development.
Continue ReadingAugustin-Jean Fresnel
French physicist known for wave optics
Born
May 10th, 1788 237 years ago
Died
July 14th, 1827 198 years ago — 39 years old
Contributed significantly to the field of wave optics, developing theories and designs that enhanced the understanding of light behavior. Invented the Fresnel lens, which greatly improved lighthouse illumination and was utilized in various optical applications. Worked on the theory of diffraction and interference, leading to further advancements in physical optics. Served as a professor of physics and was involved in the development of early optical instruments.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on July 27th
Geoffrey Hughes
English actor in television and film
Born
February 2nd, 1944 81 years ago
Died
July 27th, 2012 13 years ago — 68 years old
An English actor with a prolific career in television and film. Gained prominence through roles in several well-known series. Achieved recognition for portraying Onslow in 'Keeping Up Appearances' and Twiggy in 'The Royle Family'. Contributed to the entertainment industry for decades and built a legacy through various performances across different genres.
Continue ReadingFerruccio Busoni
Italian pianist and composer
Born
April 1st, 1866 159 years ago
Died
July 27th, 1924 101 years ago — 58 years old
Born in 1866, a prominent Italian pianist, composer, and conductor gained recognition for contributions to classical music and innovative piano techniques. Developed a unique synthesis of different musical styles, merging traditional classical forms with elements of modernism. Served as a conductor for various orchestras, showcasing orchestral works, and teaching music to aspiring musicians. Published seminal treatises on musical interpretation and composition, which influenced future generations of musicians.
Continue ReadingMiklós Rózsa
Composer famous for film scores
Born
April 18th, 1907 118 years ago
Died
July 27th, 1995 30 years ago — 88 years old
Born in Hungary, a composer and conductor created some of the most memorable film scores in the 20th century. Rózsa studied music in Budapest and later moved to the United States. He scored numerous films, blending classical techniques with contemporary styles. Significant contributions include music for 'Spellbound', 'The Lost Weekend', and 'Ben-Hur', the latter earning an Academy Award for Best Original Score. Rózsa's works are characterized by lush orchestrations and thematic development, often integrating Hungarian folk elements. His career included conducting and composing for other musical forms beyond film, leaving a lasting legacy in both cinema and classical music.
Continue ReadingEdna O'Brien
Irish novelist, playwright, and poet
Born
December 15th, 1930 95 years ago
Died
July 27th, 2024 1 years ago — 93 years old
Born in 1930, this writer began her career in the 1960s, focusing on themes of female identity and social constraints in Irish society. The debut novel, 'The Country Girls', faced controversy for its candid portrayal of women's lives. O'Brien published numerous novels, plays, and short stories, often drawing on personal experiences and historical events. In addition to fiction, she wrote screenplays and adapted her works for stage and cinema, enhancing her profile in the literary world.
Continue ReadingLindy Boggs
American diplomat and politician
Born
March 13th, 1916 109 years ago
Died
July 27th, 2013 12 years ago — 97 years old
An educator and politician, served as the 5th United States Ambassador to the Holy See from 1997 to 2001. Previously, represented Louisiana's 2nd congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1973 to 1990, becoming the first woman to hold this position. Advocated for various issues including civil rights and women's rights throughout a lengthy political career.
Continue ReadingAuguste Forel
Swiss myrmecologist and neuroanatomist
Born
September 1st, 1848 177 years ago
Died
July 27th, 1931 94 years ago — 82 years old
Contributions to myrmecology are significant, detailing the behavior and classification of ants. Conducted research in neuroanatomy, providing insights into the structure of the brain. Worked in psychiatry, focusing on the treatment of mental health issues. Authored several influential works, including studies on the anatomy of the human brain and the behavior of ants.
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