Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo

1st Marquis of Pombal, Portuguese Prime Minister

Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo - 1st Marquis of Pombal, Portuguese Prime Minister
Born

May 13th, 1699
325 years ago

Died

May 8th, 1782
242 years ago — 82 years old

Category

Leaders & Politicians

Country

Portugal

Links & References

Held the office of Prime Minister of Portugal from 1750 to 1777. Implemented significant reforms in education, economics, and administration following the 1755 Lisbon earthquake. Advocated for the reduction of the power of the Church and centralized royal authority, thereby modernizing the state. Initiated infrastructure projects and promoted trade, contributing to Portugal's recovery and growth in the 18th century.

Served as Prime Minister of Portugal from 1750 to 1777

Reformed the Portuguese economy and administration

Oversaw the rebuilding of Lisbon after the 1755 earthquake

Other People Born on May 13th

Mary Wells

American singer-songwriter with 'My Guy'
Born
May 13th, 1943 81 years ago
Died
July 26th, 1992 32 years ago — 49 years old

A celebrated singer-songwriter, gained prominence in the 1960s. Achieved significant success with the hit single 'My Guy', which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Associated with the Motown label, released several albums that featured a blend of pop and soul music. Contributed to the genre with a distinctive voice and style, influencing the sound of many artists that followed. Inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame in 2016, honored for contributions to music and culture. Her career included struggles with health issues later in life, but she remained an important figure in music history.

Continue Reading

Debby Ryan

Actress known for 'Jessie'
Born
May 13th, 1993 31 years ago

An actress and singer, gained prominence through the Disney Channel series 'Jessie,' where a teenage girl takes care of four children in New York City. Featured in the spin-off series 'Bunk'd,' which continues the story of the original character. Also starred in the film '16 Wishes,' which showcased themes of growing up and personal aspirations. Ryan ventured into music, releasing singles and contributing to various soundtracks.

Continue Reading

Hugh of Cluny

French abbot and reformer
Born
May 13th, 1024 1000 years ago
Died
April 29th, 1109 916 years ago — 84 years old

Hugh of Cluny served as the abbot of Cluny Abbey and significantly reformed monastic life in Western Christianity. Under leadership, Cluny Abbey became a center of monastic reform, emphasizing strict adherence to the Rule of St. Benedict. Hugh focused on spiritual and temporal governance throughout the Cluniac order and played a crucial role in enhancing the influence of the Benedictine monastic tradition. His tenure saw the establishment of numerous daughter houses across Europe, contributing to the spread of reformist ideas.

Continue Reading

Georgios Papanikolaou

Pathologist, invented the Pap smear
Born
May 13th, 1883 141 years ago
Died
February 19th, 1962 63 years ago — 78 years old

A Greek-American pathologist contributed significantly to cancer screening techniques through the invention of the Pap smear, a revolutionary method for detecting cervical cancer. After receiving his medical degree from the University of Athens, Papanikolaou emigrated to the United States, where he started working at New York Hospital. The Pap smear was introduced in 1943 and became a standard procedure in gynecological examinations, significantly reducing cervical cancer mortality rates. Throughout his career, he conducted extensive research on reproductive biology and the cellular changes associated with cancer.

Continue Reading

Giuliano Amato

Italian politician and Prime Minister
Born
May 13th, 1938 86 years ago

An academic and politician, served as the 48th Prime Minister of Italy. Held the position first from 1992 to 1994 and again from 2000 to 2001. Played a significant role in Italian politics during the turbulent years of the early 1990s and early 2000s. Prior to becoming Prime Minister, held various ministerial positions including Minister of the Interior and Minister of Finance. Amato has been influential in economic and political reforms in Italy.

Continue Reading

Ritchie Valens

Pioneering rock and roll musician
Born
May 13th, 1941 83 years ago
Died
1959 66 years ago — 18 years old

An influential figure in the early years of rock and roll, this musician achieved significant success with a string of hits in the late 1950s. The song "La Bamba" became a staple in the genre, blending traditional Mexican music with rock. The artist's career, though brief, left a lasting legacy and contributed to the popularization of Latin rock music. Tragically, a plane crash in 1959 claimed his life at the age of 17, marking the end of a promising career that had only just begun. Despite the short duration of the career, the impact on the genre continues to resonate through subsequent generations of musicians.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on May 8th

Elvira Pagã

Brazilian actress, singer, author
Born
September 6th, 1920 104 years ago
Died
May 8th, 2003 21 years ago — 82 years old

Contributed significantly to Brazilian cinema, television, and music throughout a lengthy career. Starred in the influential telenovela 'Avenida Brasil' and performed in various theatrical productions. Authored books that reflect personal experiences and cultural themes. Engaged in a range of artistic endeavors that showcased talent in acting and singing, leaving a legacy in Brazilian pop culture.

Continue Reading

Beryl Burton

English racing cyclist and world champion
Born
May 5th, 1937 87 years ago
Died
May 8th, 1996 28 years ago — 59 years old

A prominent figure in women's cycling, this racer dominated the sport during her career. Achievements include multiple national titles and world championships. Set numerous records, including a 12-hour time trial record that stood for decades. Competed effectively against male cyclists, showcasing remarkable endurance and skill. Her legacy continues to inspire future generations in cycling.

Continue Reading

Soeman Hs

Indonesian author and educator
Born
1904 121 years ago
Died
May 8th, 1999 25 years ago — 95 years old

An influential Indonesian author and educator who contributed significantly to Indonesian literature and education. Engaged in literary pursuits, wrote various novels and essays exploring themes of social issues and nationalism. Active in promoting literature and education reforms in Indonesia, and played a key role in developing a national literary identity. Recognized for dedication to fostering understanding and appreciation of Indonesian culture through written works.

Continue Reading

Duan Zong

Chinese emperor during the Song dynasty
Born
1269 756 years ago
Died
May 8th, 1278 746 years ago — 9 years old

Duan Zong served as a ruler during a tumultuous period in the Southern Song dynasty. Ascending the throne in 1276, his reign was marked by continued conflict with the Mongol Empire, which sought to conquer China. The Mongol invasions led to significant challenges for the Song, including territorial losses. His reign ended in 1278 amidst the fall of the Song dynasty, with the Mongols ultimately unifying China under their rule. The emperor's efforts to maintain sovereignty faced insurmountable difficulties, and his rule concluded with the collapse of the dynasty.

Continue Reading

Luis Miguel Dominguín

Spanish bullfighter with global fame
Born
November 9th, 1926 98 years ago
Died
May 8th, 1996 28 years ago — 69 years old

Born in 1926, this bullfighter rose to prominence in Spain during the mid-20th century. Renowned for exceptional skill in the bullring, attracted significant public attention and became a cultural icon. Engaged in legendary rivalries with other bullfighters, which captivated audiences. Expanded influence beyond Spain by performing in various international bullfighting arenas. Achieved notoriety and was often associated with glamorous figures of the time, furthering the fame of bullfighting as an art form.

Continue Reading

Zeki Alasya

Turkish actor and film director
Born
1943 82 years ago
Died
May 8th, 2015 9 years ago — 72 years old

A prominent figure in Turkish cinema, this actor and director gained recognition through a prolific career in film and television. He starred in numerous television series and films, including the widely acclaimed comedy series 'İstanbul'da Sonbahar' and 'Köyden İndim Şehire'. His work spanned several decades, beginning in the 1960s, during which he became a significant contributor to the Turkish entertainment industry. Not only did he act, but he also directed multiple productions, shaping the landscape of Turkish comedy and drama. His career ended with his passing in 2015.

Continue Reading