Nora Ephron
Screenwriter and director of romance films
Acclaimed director, producer, and screenwriter focused on romantic comedies. Directed projects such as 'When Harry Met Sally...', 'Sleepless in Seattle', and 'You've Got Mail'. Wrote screenplays that combined humor with poignant commentary on relationships and women's experiences. Received Academy Award nominations for 'Silkwood' and 'When Harry Met Sally...'. Ephron’s work blended witty dialogue with relatable situations, influencing the genre of romantic comedies.
Directed 'When Harry Met Sally...'
Directed 'Sleepless in Seattle'
Wrote 'You've Got Mail'
Received Academy Awards nominations
Other People Born on May 19th
Lothar Rădăceanu
Journalist and politician from Romania
Born
May 19th, 1899 127 years ago
Died
1955 71 years ago — 56 years old
A Romanian journalist, linguist, and politician, contributed significantly to the fields of journalism and linguistics. Actively participated in political discourse and was involved in various governmental functions. His work in journalism included editing renowned publications and engaging in political commentary. Rădăceanu's insights on language and culture shaped public perception in Romania during a critical historical period. He also held positions that connected his linguistic expertise with political responsibilities throughout his career.
Continue ReadingDick Slater
Professional wrestler and wrestling promoter
Born
May 19th, 1951 75 years ago
Died
2018 8 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 ReadingTina Strobos
Dutch psychiatrist and physician
Born
May 19th, 1920 106 years ago
Died
February 27th, 2012 14 years ago — 91 years old
Worked as a physician and psychiatrist, providing mental health care and treatment during and after World War II. Strobos participated in rescuing Jewish people from Nazi persecution in the Netherlands. After the war, continued medical practice and became an advocate for mental health awareness and treatment.
Continue ReadingOla John
Dutch footballer with Benfica success
Born
May 19th, 1992 34 years ago
A professional football player originated from the Netherlands, played primarily as a winger. Started his career at FC Twente, where he achieved recognition in the Eredivisie. Transferred to Benfica in 2012, contributing to the club's successes in the Primeira Liga and the Taça da Liga. Additionally, represented the Netherlands at youth international levels, showcasing talent on the European stage.
Continue ReadingFelise Kaufusi
Rugby league player, Melbourne Storm
Born
May 19th, 1992 34 years ago
A rugby league player, originally from New Zealand and of Tongan descent, participated in the National Rugby League (NRL). Played for Melbourne Storm and represented the New Zealand national team. Contributed to the team's successful campaigns, including the NRL Grand Final victories. Played a key role in the 2017 and 2020 NRL Premierships, establishing a reputation as a talented forward.
Continue ReadingMustafa Kemal Atatürk
Turkish field marshal and statesman.
Born
May 19th, 1881 145 years ago
Died
1938 88 years ago — 57 years old
A field marshal and revolutionary leader, served as the first President of Turkey from 1923 until 1938. Played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Republic of Turkey following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. Introduced a series of extensive reforms in education, law, and women's rights to modernize Turkish society. Established secularism as a fundamental principle of the new nation, separating state and religion.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on June 26th
Joseph-Michel Montgolfier
French inventor of the hot air balloon
Born
August 26th, 1740 286 years ago
Died
June 26th, 1810 216 years ago — 69 years old
Co-invented the hot air balloon with brother Jacques-Étienne Montgolfier. The first successful flight occurred on June 4, 1783, in Annonay, France. Balloon ascended to approximately 1,000 meters and traveled around 3 kilometers before landing. The invention spurred interest in aerostatic flight and laid the groundwork for future advancements in aviation.
Continue ReadingMax Kögel
SS officer during World War II
Born
1895 131 years ago
Died
June 26th, 1946 80 years ago — 51 years old
Served as an SS officer during World War II, Kögel held various command positions in the German military structure. In the latter part of the war, he was involved in operations connected to the concentration camps. After the war, Kögel was captured, tried, and sentenced for war crimes attributable to his role in the Nazi regime.
Continue ReadingDenis Thatcher
English businessman and political spouse
Born
May 10th, 1915 111 years ago
Died
June 26th, 2003 23 years ago — 88 years old
A British businessman who led a successful career in the oil industry. Played a significant role in his wife's political career as the spouse of Margaret Thatcher, the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Managed various business interests and supported his wife's policies during her time in office. Actively participated in public engagements and provided support during significant political events. Maintained a relatively low public profile while being integral to the personal life of one of Britain’s most prominent political figures.
Continue ReadingAnni Blomqvist
Finnish author known for literary works
Born
October 7th, 1909 117 years ago
Died
June 26th, 1990 36 years ago — 80 years old
Born in Finland in 1909, a prominent author wrote novels and stories that often explored themes of identity, family, and nature. Blomqvist's works reflected a deep connection to Finnish culture and the landscape. She published several notable books throughout her career, contributing significantly to Finnish literature. The storytelling technique intertwined personal narratives with broader cultural contexts, resonating with both local and international audiences. Blomqvist's literature often drew inspiration from the Finnish way of life, infused with lyrical prose that brought the narrative to life.
Continue ReadingAlfred Döblin
Physician and author of 'Berlin Alexanderplatz'
Born
August 10th, 1878 148 years ago
Died
June 26th, 1957 69 years ago — 78 years old
Born in 1878 in Poland, engaged in the field of medicine and literature. Authored the novel 'Berlin Alexanderplatz', which became a significant work in modernist literature, depicting the life of the urban poor in Berlin during the Weimar Republic. In addition to fiction, contributed to medical and political discussions through essays and articles. Emigrated to France during the rise of the Nazi regime and continued to write until his death in 1957.
Continue ReadingDon Hutson
American football player and coach
Born
January 31st, 1913 113 years ago
Died
June 26th, 1997 29 years ago — 84 years old
A professional American football player and coach, Hutson played as a wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers from 1935 to 1945. He was a pioneer in the passing game and set numerous records during his career, some of which stood for decades. Hutson also served as an assistant coach for the Packers after his playing days. His contributions to the game have been influential in the evolution of the wide receiver position.
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