René II

Duke of Lorraine and military leader

René II - Duke of Lorraine and military leader
Born

May 2nd, 1451
574 years ago

Died

December 10th, 1508
516 years ago — 57 years old

Category

Leaders & Politicians

Country

France

Links & References

Ascended to the duchy of Lorraine in 1473, exerting influence during a period marked by political strife in Eastern France. Engaged in numerous military conflicts, notably against Charles the Bold of Burgundy. Successfully defended Lorraine from invasions, solidifying the region's autonomy. Visited by several emissaries and dignitaries, René II played a critical role in the politics and alliances of the time. His reign was characterized by efforts to stabilize and develop the duchy economically and militarily. Died in 1508, leaving a legacy as a significant ruler in the region's history.

Defended Lorraine from Burgundian invasions

Influenced regional politics in Eastern France

Served as a military leader during conflicts

Other People Born on May 2nd

Saara Aalto

Finnish singer and actress with Eurovision
Born
May 2nd, 1987 38 years ago

Aalto gained prominence through participation in various singing competitions, including finishing as a runner-up in the 2012 season of the Finnish version of The X Factor. She represented Finland in the Eurovision Song Contest 2018 with the song "Monsters," achieving significant media attention. In addition to her singing career, Aalto has acted in musical theater, starring in productions such as 'Aligning the Stars' and 'My Fair Lady.' Aalto has released multiple albums, showcasing a blend of pop and contemporary music.

Continue Reading

Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck

German director; Oscar winner for 'The Lives of Others'
Born
May 2nd, 1973 52 years ago

Born in 1973, the individual is a German film director and screenwriter. The works include acclaimed films that explore themes of morality and human experience. The debut feature film, 'The Lives of Others', released in 2006, received widespread critical acclaim and won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Other notable works include 'The Tourist' and 'Never Look Away', which showcases the pursuit of artistic freedom amidst oppressive regimes. Filmmaking career is characterized by a focus on strong narratives and character-driven stories.

Continue Reading

Julian Brandt

German footballer and Bundesliga player
Born
May 2nd, 1996 29 years ago

Played as a winger primarily for Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga. Represented Germany in international competitions, contributing to the team's efforts in the UEFA European Championship and FIFA World Cup. Established a reputation for technical skills and playmaking ability on the field.

Continue Reading

Elijah McCoy

Engineer and inventor of lubrication system
Born
May 2nd, 1844 181 years ago
Died
1929 96 years ago — 85 years old

An engineer and inventor, dedicated efforts focused on developing advancements in lubrication technology for steam engines. Developed a self-oiling mechanical device that significantly improved the efficiency of machines. Innovations contributed to enhanced productivity in the industrial sector. Established a successful career as a businessman, promoting his inventions and obtaining numerous patents throughout his lifetime.

Continue Reading

Ray Barrett

Actor and singer in Australian cinema
Born
May 2nd, 1927 98 years ago
Died
2009 16 years ago — 82 years old

An Australian actor and singer achieved prominence in both television and film during a career spanning several decades. Early work included performances in television series such as 'Homicide' and 'A Country Practice.' Barrett also appeared in feature films, including 'The Devil's Playground' and 'The Last of the Knuckleheads.' His contributions to the arts earned recognition within the Australian entertainment industry. In addition to acting, Barrett showcased musical talent, often incorporating song into performances. He received accolades for work on stage and screen, establishing a legacy within the Australian performing arts landscape.

Continue Reading

Lily Allen

Singer-songwriter and actress; 'Smile'
Born
May 2nd, 1985 40 years ago

Born in London, a prominent figure in the music industry, recognized for blending pop and reggae influences in songwriting. Rose to fame with the release of the debut album 'Alright, Still' in 2006, which featured the hit single 'Smile'. Received multiple awards, including BRIT Awards and an Ivor Novello Award. Also ventured into acting, appearing in various television projects. Established a distinctive personal brand through her music and public persona, often addressing social issues in her work.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on December 10th

John Fenn

American chemist, Nobel laureate
Born
June 15th, 1917 108 years ago
Died
December 10th, 2010 14 years ago — 93 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of chemistry, particularly in mass spectrometry. Developed electrospray ionization, a method that revolutionized the analysis of biomolecules. Received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2002 for advancements made in the development of methods of identification and structure analyses of biological macromolecules. Held academic positions at various institutions throughout a distinguished career.

Continue Reading

Tommy 'Tiny' Lister Jr.

Actor and wrestler, starred in Friday
Born
1958 67 years ago
Died
December 10th, 2020 4 years ago — 62 years old

An American actor and professional wrestler, gained recognition for his role as Deebo in the film 'Friday'. Lister had a unique presence in both film and wrestling, often portraying intimidating characters. He was a part of the World Wrestling Federation in the 1990s, where he performed as Zeus. Additionally, made appearances in other films, including 'Next Friday' and 'The Dark Knight'. Lister's career spanned various genres, showcasing versatility in performance from comedy to action.

Continue Reading

Na Hye-sok

Journalist, poet, and painter
Born
April 28th, 1896 129 years ago
Died
December 10th, 1948 76 years ago — 52 years old

Born in South Korea, contributed to literature and arts in the early 20th century. Engaged in journalism and feminist activism, advocating for women's rights and their roles in society. Published various works, including poetry that explored personal and social themes. Renowned for combining artistic expression with activism. Focused on painting, creating pieces that reflected contemporary societal issues.

Continue Reading

Damon Runyon

American newspaperman and short story writer
Born
October 4th, 1880 144 years ago
Died
December 10th, 1946 78 years ago — 66 years old

An influential newspaperman and short story writer contributed significantly to the literary scene in the early 20th century. Work primarily appeared in the New York Evening News, where vivid portrayals of Broadway life captured the essence of the era. Short stories often featured colorful characters, many of which became iconic representations of New York's theatrical underbelly. The collection 'Runyon on Broadway' compiled these narratives, becoming a staple in American literature. Also, stories inspired the hit musical 'Guys and Dolls', which highlighted the popularity and cultural significance of his work.

Continue Reading

Clement Lindley Wragge

Meteorologist and author of weather texts
Born
1852 173 years ago
Died
December 10th, 1922 102 years ago — 70 years old

Contributed significantly to meteorology through extensive research and writings. Served as a chief meteorologist in Australia and developed an early weather forecasting system. Authored numerous works on meteorology, providing insights and guidelines for weather observation and interpretation. His efforts included establishing a network of weather stations to improve forecasting accuracy. Engaged with the public through lectures and presentations, raising awareness about weather phenomena.

Continue Reading

Napoleon Zervas

Greek general and politician
Born
May 17th, 1891 134 years ago
Died
December 10th, 1957 67 years ago — 66 years old

Served as a general during the Greek Civil War and later became a prominent politician. Led Greek resistance movements against Axis occupation during World War II and was instrumental in the establishment of post-war Greek political structures. Held significant political positions in the immediate aftermath of the war, contributing to national policy and military organization.

Continue Reading