Ruud Lubbers
Dutch Prime Minister and diplomat
Born
May 7th, 1939
85 years ago
Died
February 14th, 2018
7 years ago — 78 years old
Category
Leaders & Politicians
Country
Netherlands
Links & References
Held the position of Prime Minister of the Netherlands from 1982 to 1994, serving as a member of the Christian Democratic Appeal party. Played a significant role in Dutch politics during a time of economic challenges, implementing various reforms aimed at improving the economy and social welfare. After his tenure as Prime Minister, served as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees from 2001 to 2005, focusing on global refugee issues and advocating for the rights of displaced persons.
Served as Prime Minister of the Netherlands
Worked as United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Other People Born on May 7th
Angela Carter
A prominent English novelist and short story writer, this individual gained recognition for exploring themes of feminism, sexuality, and mythology in her works. The collection of stories titled 'The Bloody Chamber' reimagined classic fairy tales through a feminist lens. The novel 'Nights at the Circus' presented a magical realist narrative that intertwined elements of circus life and gender. Influenced by the surreal and the gothic, her writing style blended fantasy with poignant social commentary, and she was integral to the literary landscape of the late 20th century.
Continue ReadingRobert Browning
Acclaimed as a significant figure in Victorian poetry, contributions include dramatic monologues that explore psychological states and moral ambiguities. Works such as 'My Last Duchess' and 'The Pied Piper of Hamelin' showcase mastery of form and language. Engaged in literary circles and friendships with fellow poets, influencing the era's literary landscape. Produced numerous plays, although poetry constituted the majority of contributions. Received critical recognition over the years, continuing to be studied and appreciated in literary contexts.
Continue ReadingKevin Owens
Debuted in professional wrestling in 2000, competing in various independent promotions before signing with a major wrestling company. Gained recognition during tenure in WWE, where showcased talent in high-profile matches. Held multiple championships, including the WWE Universal Championship and the WWE Intercontinental Championship. Known for distinct wrestling style and engaging persona, which resonated with fans.
Continue ReadingThelma Houston
A prominent American R&B and disco singer and actress, celebrated for a career that began in the 1960s. Initially gained recognition as a member of the Motown label before establishing a solo career. Achieved a major hit in 1977 with the track 'Don't Leave Me This Way,' which topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song earned a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance in 1978. Throughout the years, also performed in several television productions and theatrical productions, showcasing versatility beyond singing. Her contributions to music and entertainment have left a lasting legacy.
Continue ReadingAlbert Frederick
Duke of Prussia reigned from 1568 until death in 1618. Initiated Protestant Reformation in Prussia and established the secularization of church lands. Played a significant role in the development of the Duchy. Worked to strengthen the central authority of the duchy and managed relations with neighboring territories.
Continue ReadingMarv Hubbard
A professional American football player, played as a fullback in the National Football League (NFL). Spent the majority of the career with the Oakland Raiders from 1969 to 1980. Contributed to the team's success during the 1976 season, which culminated in a victory in Super Bowl XI. Recognized for outstanding performance and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1975. Retired with notable statistics and a reputation as a strong team player.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on February 14th
Lynden David Hall
An English singer-songwriter and producer, contributed significantly to the UK music scene during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Released critically acclaimed albums such as 'Medicine 4 My Pain' and 'In Search of Balance'. His unique blend of soul, R&B, and pop garnered a dedicated following. Collaborated with various artists and contributed to multiple projects in the UK music industry. Hall's work included themes of love and personal experiences, resonating with a wide audience. Passed away in 2006 after a battle with cancer.
Continue ReadingJohn Hadley
Contributions to mathematics and navigation included the invention of the octant, an important navigational instrument used at sea. The octant allowed sailors to measure angles up to 90 degrees and later influenced the development of more advanced tools. Hadley published works detailing the principles of the octant and its applications in navigation, contributing to the field of celestial navigation. His innovations aided explorers and navigators in more accurately determining their positions at sea, proving crucial during the Age of Discovery.
Continue ReadingAndrei Chikatilo
Active from the late 1970s to the early 1990s, Chikatilo was responsible for the murder of numerous victims in the Soviet Union. The killings led to one of the most high-profile criminal investigations in Soviet history. Convicted in 1992, the trial revealed Chikatilo's methods and motivations, contributing to public discourse on criminal psychology in the country. He was executed by firing squad in 1994.
Continue ReadingVito Genovese
An Italian-American mob boss, controlled the Genovese crime family, which became one of the most powerful families in the American Mafia. Established a significant presence in the narcotics trade during the 1950s. His leadership was characterized by efforts to expand organized crime activities within New York City and beyond. His career included various criminal enterprises, directly contributing to the family's wealth and influence. Arrested multiple times, he was convicted of several charges, culminating in a long prison sentence.
Continue ReadingDoug Fieger
A singer-songwriter and guitarist, gained prominence as the lead vocalist of the rock band The Knack. Achieved commercial success with the release of the hit single 'My Sharona' in 1979, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The album 'Get the Knack' became a significant success, selling over three million copies in the United States. The Knack played a crucial role in the power pop genre during the late 1970s and early 1980s, influencing many artists that followed. Continued to write and perform music throughout the decades, contributing to various projects until passing in 2010.
Continue ReadingKarl Guthe Jansky
Contributions to the field of radio astronomy primarily led to the discovery of cosmic radio waves. Work involved the development of the first radio telescope, which detected radio emissions from the Milky Way. Research helped lay the foundation for modern astrophysics and contributed to the understanding of astronomical phenomena. Involved in experiments that sought to identify sources of radio frequency interference.
Continue Reading