Shel Silverstein
Poet and illustrator, 'The Giving Tree'
A poet and illustrator, gained prominence through children's literature. Authored widely read books including 'The Giving Tree' and 'Where the Sidewalk Ends'. Worked as a cartoonist and songwriter, contributing music to notable artists such as Johnny Cash. Established a unique style combining whimsical stories with profound themes, making a lasting impact on children's poetry.
Wrote 'The Giving Tree', a classic children's book
Published 'Where the Sidewalk Ends', a celebrated poetry collection
Composed songs for artists, including Johnny Cash
Other People Born on September 25th
Kathleen Brown
American lawyer and California Treasurer
Born
September 25th, 1945 80 years ago
Served as the 29th California State Treasurer from 1991 to 1995. Became the first woman to hold this position in California. Prior to the treasurer role, served as the Secretary of State for California from 1989 to 1991, overseeing significant reforms in state elections and public finance. Also practiced law in California, focusing on environmental issues and public policy. Played an important role in various statewide initiatives.
Continue ReadingWilliam Faulkner
American novelist, Nobel Prize winner
Born
September 25th, 1897 128 years ago
Died
July 6th, 1962 63 years ago — 64 years old
A prominent American novelist and short story writer, this individual contributed significantly to 20th-century literature. This writer's narratives often depict the complexities of life in the American South, utilizing innovative narrative techniques. Major works include 'The Sound and the Fury' and 'As I Lay Dying'. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1949, the writer's influence extends beyond the written word, impacting literature and storytelling with a unique style.
Continue ReadingArtur Sirk
Estonian soldier and politician
Born
September 25th, 1900 125 years ago
Died
August 2nd, 1937 88 years ago — 36 years old
Served as a soldier in the Estonian War of Independence. Acted as a lawyer and participated in the establishment of legal frameworks in Estonia. Held various political roles and contributed to post-war governance. Played a significant role in forming parliamentary procedures in the newly independent state. Worked to advance national interests during a period of political instability and conflict.
Continue ReadingJuliet Prowse
Actress known for 'Funny Face'
Born
September 25th, 1936 89 years ago
Died
September 14th, 1996 29 years ago — 59 years old
Born in South Africa, a prominent actress, singer, and dancer gained recognition for performances in film, television, and theater. Prowse gained significant acclaim for starring in the film 'Funny Face' alongside Fred Astaire and Audrey Hepburn. Additionally, notable television appearances included roles on 'The Ed Sullivan Show' and 'The Hollywood Palace'. Prowse also showcased her dance skills on Broadway, contributing to productions such as 'Can-Can'. Her career spanned several decades, with performances reflecting a blend of talent in singing and dancing, further solidifying her presence during the mid-20th century.
Continue ReadingRichard Harvey
Mandolin player and composer
Born
September 25th, 1953 72 years ago
Born in 1953, a musician specializing in mandolin and keyboards. Composed music for films and collaborations with various artists across genres. Contributed to the development of mandolin performance in contemporary music. Notable work includes contributions to soundtracks and original compositions across media.
Continue ReadingRuslan Zhiganshin
Ice Dancer; World Junior Championships
Born
September 25th, 1992 33 years ago
Participated in competitive ice dancing with a notable partnership in international competitions. Achieved significant success at the World Junior Championships, finishing with a medal in 2012. Competed in various Grand Prix events, showcasing skill and artistic expression on ice. Represented Russia in numerous championships, gaining recognition in the sport.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 10th
Peter Weiss
German playwright and painter
Born
1916 109 years ago
Died
May 10th, 1982 43 years ago — 66 years old
A prominent figure in German literature, Weiss specialized in theater and visual arts. Contributions included significant plays that explored themes of oppression, war, and existentialism. 'The Investigation', a play based on the Frankfurt Auschwitz Trials, critically examined the Holocaust. Also engaged in surrealist painting, showcasing complex imagery and social critique.
Continue ReadingPauline Tinsley
British soprano with operatic acclaim
Born
1928 97 years ago
Died
May 10th, 2021 4 years ago — 93 years old
Acclaimed as a distinguished soprano, this performer gained recognition in the operatic world, particularly noted for roles in productions such as "The Mikado" and "A Midsummer Night's Dream." With a rich voice and significant stage presence, performances included prominent venues and festivals. Received appreciation for both solo and ensemble work, contributing to the vibrancy of the opera scene. Later years saw participation in concert performances and recordings, further solidifying a legacy in classical music.
Continue ReadingThomas Young
English physicist and physiologist
Born
June 13th, 1773 252 years ago
Died
May 10th, 1829 196 years ago — 55 years old
Contributed significantly to the fields of physics and physiology in the early 19th century. Made foundational discoveries in wave theory and the nature of light. Conducted pioneering work on the human eye's accommodation and the theory of color vision. Published several influential papers that provided insights into the wave-particle duality of light and established the concept of the Young's modulus in material science.
Continue ReadingShen Congwen
Chinese author and educator, notable works
Born
December 28th, 1902 122 years ago
Died
May 10th, 1988 37 years ago — 85 years old
An influential author and educator, renowned for contributions to modern Chinese literature. Born in 1902, produced several significant literary works during the early to mid-20th century. Focused on depicting rural life and cultural identity, intertwining themes of tradition and modernity. Developed a unique narrative style that integrated local folklore and geographical elements. Worked as an educator, emphasizing the importance of literature and cultural heritage in Chinese society. Served in various educational roles, contributing to the academic landscape of the time.
Continue ReadingJim Simons
Hedge fund manager and mathematician
Born
1938 87 years ago
Died
May 10th, 2024 1 years ago — 86 years old
A prominent hedge fund manager and mathematician, contributed significantly to quantitative finance. Founded Renaissance Technologies, a highly successful hedge fund firm known for its Medallion Fund, which utilized mathematical models and algorithms for trading. Worked at Stony Brook University as a mathematics professor. Made significant contributions to the field of mathematics, particularly in geometry and topology.
Continue ReadingChris Burden
Sculptor known for 'Transfixed'
Born
April 11th, 1946 79 years ago
Died
May 10th, 2015 10 years ago — 69 years old
An American sculptor, illustrator, and academic. Gained recognition for early performance art pieces, including 'Shoot' in 1971, where a friend shot him in the arm. Later created large-scale sculptures that commented on contemporary issues. 'Transfixed', a notable installation, featured a Volkswagen Beetle impaled on two steel beams. Served as a professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, influencing a generation of artists. Contributed to the Los Angeles art scene through both his works and academic endeavors.
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