Nicholas Winton
Humanitarian known for saving children
Born
Died
Category
Activists & Humanitarians
Country
United Kingdom
Links & References
A banker and humanitarian organized the rescue of 669 children, mostly Jewish, from Czechoslovakia before World War II. The effort took place in 1939, facilitating their travel to safety in the United Kingdom. Winton maintained secrecy about the operation for many years, but after details emerged, efforts to acknowledge his work gained attention. In addition to his humanitarian efforts, he played a role in various charitable initiatives later in life, receiving honors for his contributions to society.
Organized the rescue of 669 children from Czechoslovakia
Maintained secrecy about his rescue efforts for decades
Other People Born on May 19th
Dick Slater
Professional wrestler and wrestling promoter
Born
May 19th, 1951 74 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 67 years old
A professional wrestler and promoter, achieved recognition in the 1970s and 1980s. Competed in major wrestling promotions including World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). Also contributed as a trainer to upcoming wrestlers throughout a long career spanning multiple decades. Gained a reputation for his technical wrestling skills and charismatic persona, influencing a generation of wrestlers.
Continue ReadingDolph Schayes
Basketball player and coach, NBA All-Star
Born
May 19th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
December 10th, 2015 10 years ago — 87 years old
A prominent basketball figure, played as a power forward and center in the NBA from 1948 to 1964. Spent the majority of career with the Syracuse Nationals, leading the team to the 1955 NBA Championship. After retirement from playing, transitioned to coaching, guiding teams in the ABA and NBA. Schayes's contributions to the game encompassed scoring, rebounding, and defensive prowess, establishing him as a key player during the early years of professional basketball.
Continue ReadingTaane Milne
New Zealand rugby league player
Born
May 19th, 1995 30 years ago
Milne played as a professional rugby league player, primarily in the center position. He began his professional career with the Wests Tigers in 2014 and later played for St. George Illawarra Dragons and the New Zealand Warriors. Throughout his career, he showcased his skills in the National Rugby League (NRL), becoming recognized for his performances on the field.
Continue ReadingJames Gosling
Computer Scientist, Created Java Programming
Born
May 19th, 1955 70 years ago
Born in 1955, a computer scientist developed the Java programming language while working at Sun Microsystems. Java became a widely used programming language that facilitated web applications and software development across various platforms. This language's design emphasizes portability, security, and simplicity. The language has retained popularity due to its applicability in server-side applications, mobile applications, and large-scale enterprise systems.
Continue ReadingColin Chapman
British engineer and founder of Lotus Cars
Born
May 19th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
December 16th, 1982 43 years ago — 54 years old
An English engineer and businessman founded Lotus Cars, a marque synonymous with innovative automotive design. Established in 1952, the company gained recognition for its lightweight sports cars and Formula One racing vehicles. The innovative use of materials and engineering principles revolutionized the racing industry. Chapman played a significant role in the development of the Lotus 49, which was the first car to use a rear-mounted engine, leading to numerous successes in Formula One during the 1960s. His contributions to automotive engineering left a lasting legacy, influencing car design well beyond his time.
Continue ReadingLorraine Hansberry
Playwright of 'A Raisin in the Sun'
Born
May 19th, 1930 95 years ago
Died
January 12th, 1965 60 years ago — 34 years old
An American author, playwright, and director, notable for the groundbreaking play 'A Raisin in the Sun', a poignant exploration of African American life in the 1950s. The play debuted on Broadway in 1959 and became a defining moment in American theater. Hansberry's works often addressed themes of race, identity, and social justice. She was the first African American woman to have a play produced on Broadway. Hansberry's life was marked by her commitment to civil rights and activism, influencing future generations of playwrights and activists.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on July 1st
Marlon Brando
Actor in The Godfather and A Streetcar Named Desire
Born
April 3rd, 1924 101 years ago
Died
July 1st, 2004 21 years ago — 80 years old
An influential actor and director, contributed significantly to the theater and film. Gained critical acclaim for performances in iconic films such as 'A Streetcar Named Desire' and 'The Godfather'. Advocated for Native American rights and challenged the Hollywood establishment. Revolutionized acting techniques through method acting, emphasizing emotional authenticity and character immersion. Received multiple Academy Awards and other accolades throughout a lengthy career.
Continue ReadingIsaac Casaubon
Swiss philologist and scholar of texts
Born
February 18th, 1559 466 years ago
Died
July 1st, 1614 411 years ago — 55 years old
Integral in the field of philology, engaged in the rigorous analysis of ancient texts. Contributed extensively to the understanding of classical literature and language. Emphasized the importance of textual criticism and its methodological approaches. Held a prestigious chair in the study of Greek and Latin at the University of Geneva. Made significant contributions to studies on Aristotle and the works of other ancient philosophers, establishing foundational principles for subsequent scholarship.
Continue ReadingVal Doonican
Irish singer and television host
Born
1927 98 years ago
Died
July 1st, 2015 10 years ago — 88 years old
An Irish singer and television host achieved prominence in the entertainment industry during the 1960s and 1970s. Known for a distinctive style combining traditional Irish music with popular contemporary songs, hosted a successful television variety show, 'The Val Doonican Show', which featured musical performances and light comedy. His warm personality and engaging presence drew a loyal audience in the UK and Ireland. Released numerous albums throughout his career, showcasing a blend of folk and pop music. Continued to perform well into the 1990s, maintaining popularity with fans of all ages.
Continue ReadingSidney Bryan Berry
American general, military leader
Born
February 10th, 1926 99 years ago
Died
July 1st, 2013 12 years ago — 87 years old
Served as a United States Army general, with notable leadership roles during and after the Vietnam War. Commanded the 7th Infantry Division and played an important role in military strategies in Asia. Contributed to various military operations and assessments that shaped U.S. military policy in the region. Participated in military exercises that aimed to enhance readiness and collaboration among NATO allies. Retired with a lasting influence on military training and operations.
Continue ReadingPeter E. Gillquist
American priest and author of key religious texts
Born
1938 87 years ago
Died
July 1st, 2012 13 years ago — 74 years old
An American priest and author played a significant role in the formation of the Orthodox Church in America. Involved in the evangelical movement, he contributed to the establishment of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America. Authored several books that focused on Christian faith and practices, promoting Orthodox Christianity. Led efforts to bridge gaps between various Christian denominations, emphasizing unity within the faith community.
Continue ReadingTodor Skalovski
Macedonian composer and conductor
Born
January 21st, 1909 116 years ago
Died
July 1st, 2004 21 years ago — 95 years old
Born in 1909, this composer and conductor contributed significantly to the world of music, blending traditional Macedonian folk elements with classical forms. Studied at the University of Skopje and later in Berlin, he became a prominent figure in Macedonian music. Throughout his career, composed numerous orchestral and choral works, many of which received national acclaim. Involved in various cultural institutions, he helped promote Macedonian music and conducted several prominent orchestras, both nationally and internationally. His works remain influential in the region and continue to be performed today.
Continue Reading