Pauline Viardot
Soprano and composer, sang in La Traviata
Born in Paris, a celebrated soprano and composer emerged from a musical family. Initially studied under prominent vocal coaches, quickly gained recognition for exceptional vocal talent and stage presence. Collaborated with notable composers, contributing to the opera repertoire. Created leading roles in various original operas, including her own compositions. In addition to performing, focused on teaching and fostering new talent, establishing a lasting influence on vocal performance. Established vocal techniques that are still referenced today.
Performed the title role in La Traviata
Composed several operas, including Le Dernier Sorcier
Taught notable opera singers, including Emma Calvé
Other People Born on July 18th
Michael Lichaa
Rugby league player, Canterbury Bulldogs
Born
July 18th, 1993 32 years ago
Played as a hooker in rugby league, with a professional career that included significant achievements in the NRL. Represented the Canterbury Bulldogs from 2014 to 2017 and the Cronulla Sharks in 2018. Also spent time with Newtown Jets in the NSW Cup. Lichaa was recognized for his contributions on the field during his active years, including participation in the 2016 NRL Finals.
Continue ReadingEugenio Suárez
Professional baseball player with the Reds
Born
July 18th, 1991 34 years ago
A professional baseball player, primarily played third base. Made his Major League Baseball debut in 2014 with the Seattle Mariners. Later joined the Cincinnati Reds, becoming a key player in the team's lineup. Played a significant role in the Reds' offense during multiple seasons, demonstrating power-hitting abilities.
Continue ReadingSmriti Mandhana
Indian cricketer and captain
Born
July 18th, 1996 29 years ago
Played for the Indian women's cricket team and captained in various formats. Debuted in international cricket in 2013 and quickly established a reputation as a leading batswoman. Achieved significant success in T20 and ODI formats, with notable performances in World Cups. Has received several awards for contributions to cricket, including the ICC Women's Cricketer of the Year in 2018 and the prestigious Arjuna Award.
Continue ReadingJamie Benn
Ice hockey player, Dallas Stars captain
Born
July 18th, 1989 36 years ago
A professional ice hockey player, played as a left winger in the National Hockey League (NHL). Spent his entire NHL career with the Dallas Stars since being drafted in 2007. Served as the team captain and led on-ice strategies. Achieved significant success during the 2015-2016 season, winning the Art Ross Trophy as the league's leading scorer. Represented Canada in international competitions, including gold medal victories at the World Cup of Hockey and World Championships.
Continue ReadingYung Lean
Swedish rapper and singer-songwriter
Born
July 18th, 1996 29 years ago
Originated from Sweden, a rapper and singer-songwriter gained prominence in the early 2010s, primarily through a unique blend of emo and cloud rap. The debut project in 2013, 'Unknown Death 2002', introduced a distinctive sound that resonated with a global audience. Gained popularity through collaborations with producers in the Drain Gang collective and released several albums that further solidified the career. The 2017 album 'Stranger' received wider recognition, featuring atmospheric beats and introspective lyrics.
Continue ReadingDan O'Brien
Decathlete and Olympic gold medalist
Born
July 18th, 1966 59 years ago
Achieved success in the decathlon, winning multiple championships. Claimed the gold medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Set the world record for the decathlon in 1992, marking a significant achievement in the sport. Transitioned to coaching, sharing expertise with future athletes.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 18th
Alexander Godunov
Actor and dancer in 'Die Hard'
Born
November 28th, 1949 76 years ago
Died
May 18th, 1995 31 years ago — 45 years old
Born in Russia, Godunov trained as a ballet dancer at the Bolshoi Theatre. Defecting to the United States in 1979, he shifted focus to acting. Godunov appeared in several films, achieving acclaim for his role as the villain in 'Die Hard' alongside Bruce Willis. His performances showcased both his dance training and acting skills, contributing to his recognition in Hollywood. Godunov also performed in television series and stage productions, further solidifying his career in the entertainment industry before his passing in 1995.
Continue ReadingJim Brown
American football player and actor
Born
February 17th, 1936 90 years ago
Died
May 18th, 2023 3 years ago — 87 years old
An American football player and actor, celebrated as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. Played for the Cleveland Browns from 1957 to 1965, revolutionizing the position with his powerful running style and agility. Achieved three MVP awards and won the NFL Championship in 1964. Transitioned to acting after retirement, featuring in films such as 'The Dirty Dozen' and 'Any Given Sunday'.
Continue ReadingDobrica Ćosić
Serbian politician, 1st President of Yugoslavia
Born
December 29th, 1921 104 years ago
Died
May 18th, 2014 12 years ago — 92 years old
A prominent politician participated in the political landscape of Yugoslavia and Serbia. Served as the first President of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia from 1992 to 1993. Played a significant role in shaping the country's direction during the tumultuous period of the 1990s, including the Yugoslav Wars. Also recognized as a writer and intellectual, contributing to Serbian literature and discussions on national identity.
Continue ReadingIsaac Albéniz
Spanish pianist and composer, Iberia
Born
May 29th, 1860 166 years ago
Died
May 18th, 1909 117 years ago — 48 years old
A prominent pianist and composer emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Early musical education took place in Barcelona and later in Brussels. Deployed innovative techniques and used Spanish folk themes in compositions. Iberia, a suite for piano, became one of the hallmark works showcasing intricate piano techniques and rich cultural references. Also, composed operas, piano works, and orchestral music, contributing to the classical music repertoire. Instrumental in establishing the 'Spanish' sound in classical music, influencing subsequent generations of composers.
Continue ReadingPierre-Gilles de Gennes
Physicist, Nobel Prize laureate.
Born
October 24th, 1932 93 years ago
Died
May 18th, 2007 19 years ago — 74 years old
A prominent physicist and academic, contributions focused on condensed matter physics and liquid crystals. Played a pivotal role in the development of the theory of liquid crystals and polymers. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1991 for discovering that methods developed for studying order phenomena in simple systems can be generalized to more complex forms of matter, in particular to liquid crystals and polymers.
Continue ReadingAleksei Balabanov
Russian Director and Screenwriter, Brother
Born
1959 67 years ago
Died
May 18th, 2013 13 years ago — 54 years old
A prominent director and screenwriter, contributed significantly to Russian cinema. Achieved renown with films such as 'Brother' and 'Brother 2', which garnered critical acclaim and commercial success. Created a unique style characterized by dark humor and social commentary. Worked extensively within the Russian film industry, influencing a generation of filmmakers. His films often explored themes of morality, crime, and the human condition, reflecting the tumultuous societal changes in Russia during the 1990s.
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