Robert Darcy

English politician and diplomat

Robert Darcy - English politician and diplomat
Born

May 17th, 1718
307 years ago

Died

May 16th, 1778
247 years ago — 59 years old

Category

Leaders & Politicians

Country

United Kingdom

Links & References

Served as the 4th Earl of Holderness and held the position of Secretary of State for the Southern Department. Active in British politics during the 18th century, facilitated diplomatic relations and policy formulation. Negotiated important treaties and corresponded with various political figures of the time.

Held the title of 4th Earl of Holderness

Served as Secretary of State for the Southern Department

Other People Born on May 17th

Panagis Tsaldaris

Greek politician, Prime Minister of Greece
Born
May 17th, 1868 157 years ago
Died
May 17th, 1936 89 years ago — 68 years old

Served as Prime Minister of Greece during significant political periods. Held office at different times from 1921 to 1924 and again from 1933 to 1935. Participated extensively in the political landscape of Greece during the interwar years, shaping policies and governance. Elected multiple times to the Hellenic Parliament, contributed to legislative developments and national discussions. Engaged in various political movements and alignments reflecting the challenges faced by Greece during this era.

Continue Reading

Ronald Wayne

Co-founder of Apple Computer
Born
May 17th, 1934 91 years ago

Co-founded Apple Computer in 1976 with Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, playing a significant role in the early development of the company. Developed initial documentation for the company's first products and created the first Apple logo. Sold his shares in the company just weeks after its founding, missing out on substantial financial gains as Apple grew to become a leading technology company. After leaving Apple, pursued a career in engineering and worked at various companies before retiring.

Continue Reading

Sirajuddin of Perlis

Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia
Born
May 17th, 1943 82 years ago

Served as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the king of Malaysia, from December 2001 to December 2006. Born in Perlis, ascended the throne as the 12th king of Malaysia, a unique position rotated among the nine Malay rulers. Held various significant roles in public service, including as the Sultan of Perlis. Contributed to the welfare of the people through engagement in various charitable activities and development programs.

Continue Reading

Valeriya Novodvorskaya

Russian journalist and politician
Born
May 17th, 1950 75 years ago
Died
July 12th, 2014 11 years ago — 64 years old

Born in 1950, a prominent journalist and politician in Russia, actively engaged in opposition politics and human rights advocacy. Played a significant role in the Democratic Party of Russia and co-founded the Union of Right Forces. Novodvorskaya's career spanned several decades, reflecting a commitment to free speech and political reform. Often voiced opposition to the policies of various Russian governments, leading to both public support and criticism. Authored numerous articles and essays, contributing to the discourse on democracy and civil liberties in post-Soviet Russia.

Continue Reading

Trent Reznor

Musician and producer of Nine Inch Nails
Born
May 17th, 1965 60 years ago

Born on May 17, 1965, an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer founded the industrial rock band Nine Inch Nails in 1988. The band is recognized for its innovative sound, combining elements of rock, electronic music, and heavy metal. Reznor's work includes acclaimed albums such as 'The Downward Spiral' and 'Pretty Hate Machine.' In addition to music, Reznor collaborated with Atticus Ross on film scores, winning Academy Awards for 'The Social Network' and 'Gone Girl.' His musical influence has extended beyond traditional boundaries, shaping the genres of industrial rock and electronic music.

Continue Reading

Maureen O'Sullivan

Irish-American actress in Tarzan films
Born
May 17th, 1911 114 years ago
Died
June 23rd, 1998 27 years ago — 87 years old

An Irish-American actress gained prominence in the 1930s and 1940s. Starred as Jane in the Tarzan film series alongside Johnny Weissmuller, beginning with 'Tarzan the Ape Man' released in 1932. O'Sullivan also appeared in a variety of films including 'The Thin Man' and 'Pride and Prejudice'. Her career spanned several decades, and she worked with notable filmmakers and actors. She returned to the big screen later in her career with appearances in television series, most notably 'Dr. Kildare'.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on May 16th

Qian Kuan

Chinese nobleman of the Tang dynasty
Died
May 16th, 895 1130 years ago — None years old

Served as a nobleman during the Tang dynasty in China. Played a significant role in local governance and administration. Held various influential positions within the aristocracy, contributing to the socio-political landscape of the era. His lineage played a notable role in the continuing legacy of the Tang dynasty.

Continue Reading

Chuck Brown

Singer-songwriter and musician
Born
August 22nd, 1936 89 years ago
Died
May 16th, 2012 13 years ago — 75 years old

A significant figure in the development of go-go music, a subgenre of funk. Originated in Washington, D.C. and played a critical role in popularizing the style throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Brown's signature sound combined funk rhythms with a strong emphasis on live percussion and audience participation. Recorded numerous albums, with standout tracks like 'Bustin' Loose' achieving considerable success. His influence extended to other artists and genres, seamlessly blending funk, R&B, and hip-hop elements in performances.

Continue Reading

Simon Stock

English-French saint and Carmelite leader
Born
1165 860 years ago
Died
May 16th, 1265 760 years ago — 100 years old

Simon Stock was an English-French saint and a key figure in the development of the Carmelite Order. He served as the superior of the order in the 13th century and is particularly associated with the vision of the Virgin Mary, who is said to have bestowed the Brown Scapular upon him. This event became central to the Carmelite spirituality and practice. Stock led efforts to establish communities in England and continental Europe, enhancing the order's influence during his lifetime. He is recognized for his dedication to a contemplative life and for promoting the Carmelite way of life through his teachings and leadership.

Continue Reading

Kevin Hickey

American baseball player and pitcher
Born
1956 69 years ago
Died
May 16th, 2012 13 years ago — 56 years old

A professional baseball player who played as a pitcher in Major League Baseball. Made his debut in 1981 with the Chicago White Sox and appeared in games for the team until 1983. Also played for the New York Mets in 1985. Over the course of his career, compiled a win-loss record of 14-15 and an earned run average of 4.29. Concluded his playing days in the minor leagues after his last MLB appearance.

Continue Reading

Eliot Ness

Law enforcement agent and Prohibition agent
Born
April 19th, 1903 122 years ago
Died
May 16th, 1957 68 years ago — 54 years old

Served in law enforcement during the Prohibition era and gained fame as the leader of the Untouchables, a special unit tasked with enforcing prohibition laws in Chicago. Targeted the notorious gangster Al Capone and played a significant role in his conviction for tax evasion. Later became Public Safety Director of Cleveland, where significant reforms were implemented in the police department and city safety policies. Authored an autobiography detailing experiences and obstacles faced in combating organized crime.

Continue Reading

James Agee

American novelist and screenwriter
Born
November 27th, 1909 115 years ago
Died
May 16th, 1955 70 years ago — 45 years old

A prominent American novelist, screenwriter, and critic, contributions include the novel 'A Death in the Family', which won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1958. Agee crafted essays and screenplays that explored social issues and human experiences, establishing a significant voice in literature and film. His collaboration with photographer Walker Evans on 'Let Us Now Praise Famous Men' provided a nuanced portrayal of impoverished families in the South during the Great Depression. Agee's work often combined elements of autobiography and journalism, reflecting a deep understanding of his subjects.

Continue Reading