Nikolai Yezhov
Russian police officer and politician
Served as a key figure in the Soviet secret police, Yezhov rose to prominence during the Great Purge initiated by Joseph Stalin. Played a crucial role in orchestrating widespread repression, leading to the arrest and execution of thousands of perceived enemies of the state. His tenure marked an intensification of state terror in the late 1930s, known for implementing harsh measures against dissent, including the extensive use of show trials. Eventually fell from favor, leading to his arrest and execution in 1940 as part of the ongoing purges.
Led the NKVD during the Great Purge
Implemented policies resulting in mass arrests
Oversaw the execution of numerous political dissidents
Other People Born on May 1st
Bradley Roby
American football cornerback and champion
Born
May 1st, 1992 33 years ago
Played as a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). Achieved a Super Bowl championship with the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50. Drafted in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft after a successful college career at Ohio State University, where earned a first-team All-Big Ten selection. Known for contributions to defensive plays and coverage skills during tenure in the league.
Continue ReadingMarcel Prévost
French novelist and playwright
Born
May 1st, 1862 163 years ago
Died
April 8th, 1941 84 years ago — 78 years old
A prominent figure in French literature, contributed significantly to the novel and theater during the early 20th century. Gained recognition for writing psychological novels that explore complex human emotions and societal issues. Authored several plays that were staged in Paris. Received the Prix Goncourt in 1910, establishing a lasting reputation in literary circles.
Continue ReadingWilliam Nylander
Ice hockey player, Toronto Maple Leafs
Born
May 1st, 1996 29 years ago
Born in 1996, this Canadian-Swedish ice hockey player has played as a forward in the National Hockey League (NHL). Starting his NHL career with the Toronto Maple Leafs, exhibited strong offensive skills and playmaking ability. Contributed to the team's playoff runs and recorded significant point totals in regular seasons. Prior to joining the NHL, played in Sweden, where impressive performances garnered attention from scouts in North America.
Continue ReadingChuck Bednarik
Football player and NFL Hall of Famer
Born
May 1st, 1925 100 years ago
Died
March 21st, 2015 10 years ago — 89 years old
Bednarik played as a center and linebacker in professional American football. Spending his entire 14-year career with the Philadelphia Eagles, he became a key figure in the team's history. Bednarik was a two-time NFL Champion, securing titles in 1948 and 1949. Elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1967, he was recognized for his toughness and durability on the field. After retiring, Bednarik remained involved with football, contributing to its legacy and history.
Continue ReadingJoshua Rowley
Admiral of the Royal Navy
Born
May 1st, 1730 295 years ago
Died
February 26th, 1790 235 years ago — 59 years old
Served as an admiral in the Royal Navy during the 18th century. Played a crucial role in naval operations, particularly in the Caribbean and the American Revolutionary War. Commanded several ships, including HMS Culloden and HMS Juno. Known for leadership in engagements against French and Spanish fleets, contributing to British naval dominance during the period.
Continue ReadingHerbert Backe
German agronomist and politician
Born
May 1st, 1896 129 years ago
Died
April 6th, 1947 78 years ago — 50 years old
An agronomist and politician contributed significantly to agricultural policy in Germany during the 1930s. Played a key role in the establishment of the Lebensraum theory, advocating for agricultural expansion in Eastern Europe. Assumed various political roles, including serving as State Secretary of Food and Agriculture from 1933 to 1945. Participated in the organization of food production and distribution during World War II, influencing food supply strategies. His policies directly affected the agricultural landscape in Nazi Germany and were associated with wartime strategies.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on February 4th
Daniel arap Moi
Former President of Kenya
Born
September 2nd, 1924 101 years ago
Died
February 4th, 2020 6 years ago — 95 years old
Served as the President of Kenya from 1978 to 2002. Played a pivotal role in shaping Kenyan politics post-independence. Initiated political and economic reforms during tenure. Expanded the education system and infrastructure across the country. Oversaw Kenya's transition to multi-party politics in the 1990s. Faced criticism for human rights abuses and corruption allegations during presidency.
Continue ReadingWhipper Billy Watson
Professional wrestler and trainer
Born
June 25th, 1915 110 years ago
Died
February 4th, 1990 36 years ago — 74 years old
A prominent figure in professional wrestling, gained fame primarily in the 1950s and 1960s. Competed in various organizations including the National Wrestling Alliance and the World Wrestling Federation. Held the NWA World Heavyweight Championship and was a star attraction in wrestling venues across Canada and the United States. Transitioned to a training role, mentoring numerous aspiring wrestlers and contributing to the sport's development. His legacy includes a strong influence on wrestling techniques and promotion of the sport's popularity.
Continue ReadingHilda Hilst
Brazilian poet and playwright
Born
April 21st, 1930 95 years ago
Died
February 4th, 2004 22 years ago — 73 years old
A significant figure in Brazilian literature, the individual created a unique blend of poetry, novels, and plays, often exploring themes of existentialism, sexuality, and spirituality. The literary career spanned several decades, with works that challenged conventional forms and narratives. Key contributions to literature include a rich body of poetry and prose, characterized by experimental language and profound philosophical insights. Additionally, a life lived in solitude in a rural estate provided inspiration for much of the creative output.
Continue ReadingOssie Davis
Actor, director, playwright, and activist
Born
December 18th, 1917 108 years ago
Died
February 4th, 2005 21 years ago — 87 years old
An American actor, director, and playwright, recognized for work across theater, film, and television. Notable performances include roles in the film 'Do the Right Thing' and the television series 'Hometown.' Also directed productions including 'Purlie Victorious' and created significant works addressing social issues and racial injustice. Co-wrote and starred in theatrical productions, contributing to the African American cultural scene.
Continue ReadingHendrik Lorentz
Dutch physicist, Nobel Prize laureate
Born
July 18th, 1853 172 years ago
Died
February 4th, 1928 98 years ago — 74 years old
A prominent physicist and academic contributed significantly to theoretical physics. Developed the Lorentz transformations, which describe how measurements of time and space change for observers in different inertial frames. Played a crucial role in the development of the theory of electromagnetism and made significant contributions to the understanding of the electron's behavior. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1902 alongside Pieter Zeeman for their studies of the radiation phenomena associated with magnetic fields.
Continue ReadingLouis Jordan
American singer-songwriter and saxophonist
Born
July 8th, 1908 117 years ago
Died
February 4th, 1975 51 years ago — 66 years old
A notable figure in the transition from jazz to rhythm and blues, this musician's career spanned several decades, particularly active during the 1930s and 1940s. Often referred to as the 'King of the Jukebox', contributions to the music scene included popularizing jump blues, a genre that fused jazz, blues, and swing. Achieved mainstream success with the hit songs 'Caldonia' and 'Choo Choo Ch'Boogie', which became anthems during the era. Collaborated with various artists while leading a band known for its vibrant performances and innovative sound. Made significant strides in the popularization of the saxophone in popular music, influencing later musicians.
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