Rose Ausländer
Ukrainian-German poet and author
Born in 1901 in Ukraine, this poet faced significant challenges during her life, including the impact of war and displacement. Relocating to Germany in the 1920s, she became a prominent figure in the literary scene. Her poetry often dealt with themes of exile, identity, and the human condition. Her works were influenced by her experiences during World War II and the Holocaust. After the war, she returned to Germany, where she continued to write and publish, gaining recognition in German literature until her death in 1988.
Published the poetry collection 'From the Land of Conscience'
Received the Fontane Prize in 1979
Awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany
Other People Born on May 11th
Lise de Baissac
SOE agent during World War II
Born
May 11th, 1905 121 years ago
Died
March 29th, 2004 22 years ago — 98 years old
Born in Mauritius, worked as a secret agent for the Special Operations Executive during World War II. Entered occupied France in 1943, where she conducted espionage and sabotage missions. Took part in various operations to disrupt German forces and support the Resistance. Played a role in coordinating the intelligence of the Allies, contributing to the overall war effort. After the war, shifted focus to humanitarian efforts.
Continue ReadingMiguel Sanó
Dominican baseball player, MLB All-Star
Born
May 11th, 1993 33 years ago
Professional baseball player played primarily as a first baseman. Made a significant impact in Major League Baseball with the Minnesota Twins. Debuted in 2015 and quickly became recognized for power hitting and ability to drive in runs. Helped the Twins secure an American League Central Division title in 2019. Selected to the MLB All-Star Game in 2017, showcasing exceptional talent and performance on the field.
Continue ReadingAdin Hill
Ice hockey player and Stanley Cup winner
Born
May 11th, 1996 30 years ago
Professional ice hockey goaltender played in the NHL. Grew up in a hockey-oriented environment in Canada. Selected in the 3rd round of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft by the Arizona Coyotes. Made NHL debut with the Coyotes and later played for the San Jose Sharks. Achieved significant recognition during the 2022-2023 NHL season while playing with the Vegas Golden Knights, contributing to the team's success in securing the Stanley Cup.
Continue ReadingAndrés Iniesta
Spanish footballer, World Cup champion
Born
May 11th, 1984 42 years ago
A professional footballer played primarily as a midfielder. Spent the majority of career at FC Barcelona, where won numerous titles including La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. Represented the national team, contributing to Spain's victory in the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2008 and 2012 UEFA European Championships. Regarded as one of the best midfielders of his generation.
Continue ReadingJohann Friedrich Blumenbach
Physician and anthropologist
Born
May 11th, 1752 274 years ago
Died
January 22nd, 1840 186 years ago — 87 years old
A prominent German physician, physiologist, and anthropologist. Blumenbach significantly contributed to the fields of anthropology and physiology in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He established a classification system that categorized human races based on skull shape, which played a foundational role in biological anthropology. A key figure in the development of comparative anatomy, he studied various physical characteristics of human populations. His work on the variation of human skulls led to the understanding of racial diversity and human classification. Blumenbach also authored several influential texts that addressed topics in medicine and biology, alongside his contributions to the understanding of human variation and species.
Continue ReadingNatasha Richardson
English-American actress in film and theater
Born
May 11th, 1963 63 years ago
Died
March 18th, 2009 17 years ago — 45 years old
Acclaimed for performances in stage productions and films, an accomplished actress gained recognition for roles in 'The Parent Trap' and 'God of Carnage'. Starred in various theatrical productions, including 'Anna Christie' on Broadway, earning a Tony Award for Best Actress. Contributed to numerous films and television projects, showcasing a range of characters in both dramatic and comedic genres.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on January 3rd
Grenville M. Dodge
General and politician in the U.S.
Born
1831 195 years ago
Died
January 3rd, 1916 110 years ago — 85 years old
Served as a Union general during the Civil War. Played a significant role in major battles such as the Battle of Shiloh and the Battle of Memphis. After the war, engaged in railroad construction and became a prominent figure in the development of the Transcontinental Railroad. Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Iowa, contributing to legislative efforts during his term. Worked as an engineer and was involved in various infrastructure projects throughout the western United States.
Continue ReadingReginald Punnett
British geneticist and biologist
Born
June 20th, 1875 151 years ago
Died
January 3rd, 1967 59 years ago — 91 years old
Contributed significant work in the field of genetics. Developed the Punnett square, a tool used to predict the genotypes of offspring from parental crosses. Conducted research on the inheritance of traits in pea plants, building on early principles of Mendelian genetics. Worked at the University of Cambridge, engaging in various research projects related to evolution and heredity. Published several influential papers and books, contributing to the foundation of modern genetics.
Continue ReadingPhil Everly
Singer and guitarist of The Everly Brothers
Born
January 19th, 1939 87 years ago
Died
January 3rd, 2014 12 years ago — 74 years old
One half of the influential duo The Everly Brothers, contributed significantly to the rock and roll and country music genres. Rose to prominence in the late 1950s and early 1960s with a unique harmonizing style that combined folk, rock, and country elements. The Everly Brothers produced a string of top-charting hits that left a lasting legacy in the music industry. Their music resonated with both audiences and fellow musicians, influencing many artists and bands in subsequent generations. Continued to perform and record music until passing in early 2014.
Continue ReadingJoseph Joffre
French general during World War I
Born
1852 174 years ago
Died
January 3rd, 1931 95 years ago — 79 years old
Served as the French commander during the early stages of World War I. Achieved notable success in the First Battle of the Marne, which halted the German advance into France. Promoted to Marshal of France in recognition of military leadership. Oversaw significant operations on the Western Front and helped plan military strategy for the Allied forces. Retired from military service after the war, contributing to military reform and strategy discussions.
Continue ReadingWilhelm Voigt
German criminal and impersonator
Born
1849 177 years ago
Died
January 3rd, 1922 104 years ago — 73 years old
Voigt gained notoriety in 1906 when he disguised himself as a Prussian military officer and seized control of the town of Köpenick. This event, known as the Köpenick affair, highlighted issues of authority and social class in Germany. Following the incident, he was arrested and sentenced to a prison term but became a symbol of resistance against bureaucratic oppression. After serving part of his sentence, he continued to live a quiet life away from the public eye until his death in 1922.
Continue ReadingPierre Larousse
French lexicographer and publisher
Born
October 23rd, 1817 208 years ago
Died
January 3rd, 1875 151 years ago — 57 years old
A prominent French lexicographer and publisher, contributed significantly to the field of reference works. Founded Larousse, a publishing company, renowned for its dictionaries and encyclopedias. Published the first edition of 'Le Grand Dictionnaire Universel' in 1866, which became a standard within French lexicography. His approach combined thorough research with a focus on clarity and accessibility, influencing future reference publications.
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