Sy Oliver
American singer-songwriter and trumpeter
A prominent figure in American music, contributed significantly to the big band era as a trumpeter and arranger. Worked with notable orchestras, including the Cab Calloway Orchestra and the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. Developed a style that blended jazz and popular music, and composed many memorable songs that became standards. Collaborated with various artists and groups, showcasing talents in both performance and composition.
Played with Cab Calloway Orchestra
Arranged for Tommy Dorsey Orchestra
Composed popular songs
Other People Born on December 17th
Brad Davis
Basketball player and coach
Born
December 17th, 1955 70 years ago
Died
September 8th, 1991 35 years ago — 35 years old
Played as a point guard in professional basketball, primarily for the Dallas Mavericks from 1980 to 1992. After retiring as a player, transitioned to coaching and sportscasting. Contributed to the development of young athletes and offered insights on basketball through various media channels.
Continue ReadingValery Belousov
Ice hockey player and coach, 'Sochi 1992'
Born
December 17th, 1948 77 years ago
Died
April 16th, 2015 11 years ago — 66 years old
A professional ice hockey player and coach, played in the Soviet Union and later in the NHL. Competed for the Soviet national team, participating in multiple international tournaments, including the 1992 Winter Olympics, where the team earned a gold medal. Transitioned to a coaching role after retirement, focusing on developing young players. Coached various teams in the Russian leagues and contributed to the growth of ice hockey in the region.
Continue ReadingPeter Farrelly
Director of 'Dumb and Dumber' series
Born
December 17th, 1956 69 years ago
An American director, producer, and screenwriter, this individual gained prominence in the film industry during the 1990s. Co-directed the successful film 'Dumb and Dumber' in 1994, which became a cultural phenomenon and established a loyal fanbase. Collaborated with a sibling to create numerous comedies, including 'There's Something About Mary' in 1998, which received critical acclaim and commercial success. Won an Academy Award for Best Picture for the film 'Green Book' in 2019, highlighting a shift in focus to more dramatic storytelling. Continued to work in television and film, contributing as a director and producer.
Continue ReadingIrving Petlin
American painter and academic
Born
December 17th, 1934 91 years ago
Died
2018 8 years ago — 84 years old
An American painter and academic focused on figurative art, explored themes of struggle and resilience. Worked extensively in various media, including painting and printmaking. Contributed to art education through teaching positions at multiple institutions. Exhibited work in numerous galleries and museums, showcasing a unique artistic vision.
Continue ReadingPrince Rupert of the Rhine
Military leader and Royalist commander
Born
December 17th, 1619 406 years ago
Died
1682 344 years ago — 63 years old
Born in 1619, served as a commander in the English Civil War for the Royalist forces. Participated in key battles, including the Battle of Edgehill and the Battle of Marston Moor. Noted for military innovation, particularly in cavalry tactics. After the war, became a prominent figure in the development of both art and science, engaging in various pursuits including painting and the exploration of scientific principles. Later held a position as the Governor of royalist-controlled Gloucester.
Continue ReadingJack L. Chalker
American author of speculative fiction
Born
December 17th, 1944 81 years ago
Died
February 11th, 2005 21 years ago — 60 years old
An American author focused on speculative fiction, produced numerous novels and series throughout the late 20th century. Chalker explored themes of science fiction, fantasy, and adventure, appealing to a wide range of readers. His most notable work, the Well World series, consists of several interconnected novels detailing an expansive universe. Chalker also published works under different pseudonyms and contributed to various magazines. He was active in the writing community and participated in numerous conventions.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 28th
Edward VIII of the United Kingdom
Former King of the United Kingdom
Born
1894 132 years ago
Died
May 28th, 1972 54 years ago — 78 years old
Ascended to the throne in January 1936 but abdicated in December 1936 in favor of his brother due to his desire to marry Wallis Simpson, an American divorcée. The abdication marked the first voluntary resignation of a British monarch. After abdication, served as Governor of the Bahamas during World War II. Lived in France for many years, remaining a controversial figure in British history.
Continue ReadingReynaldo Rey
Actor and screenwriter from 'The Milagro Beanfield War'
Born
January 27th, 1940 86 years ago
Died
May 28th, 2015 11 years ago — 75 years old
An American actor and screenwriter, celebrated for contributions to film and television. Worked on various projects over several decades, prominently featuring in 'The Milagro Beanfield War' and 'The Undercover Brother'. Actively participated in the entertainment industry, both in front of and behind the camera, demonstrating a commitment to storytelling through diverse characters.
Continue ReadingMark Eaton
Basketball player and sportscaster
Born
January 24th, 1957 69 years ago
Died
May 28th, 2021 5 years ago — 64 years old
Played for the Utah Jazz in the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1982 to 1993. Renowned for defensive skills, earned the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award twice. After retirement, transitioned to sports broadcasting, providing analysis for various networks.
Continue ReadingAfonso IV of Portugal
King of Portugal, Battle of Atoleiros
Born
February 8th, 1291 735 years ago
Died
May 28th, 1357 669 years ago — 66 years old
Ruled as king from 1325 to 1357, focused on consolidating power and territorial expansion. Engaged in conflicts against the Kingdom of León and facilitated the military efforts during the Battle of Atoleiros, which solidified Portuguese resistance against external threats. Promoted royal authority and maintained the stability of the kingdom through strategic marriages and alliances. Issued significant legal reforms and established the first Portuguese criminal law, contributing to the development of the legal system.
Continue ReadingH. Jones
Colonel, Victoria Cross recipient
Born
May 14th, 1940 86 years ago
Died
May 28th, 1982 44 years ago — 42 years old
Served as a British Army officer and distinguished himself during the Falklands War. Received the Victoria Cross for gallantry in the battle at Goose Green. Demonstrated exceptional leadership and bravery under fire. Engaged in military operations that were critical to the success of British forces.
Continue ReadingJens Christian Skou
Chemist and Nobel Laureate in Chemistry
Born
October 8th, 1918 107 years ago
Died
May 28th, 2018 8 years ago — 99 years old
A Danish chemist and physiologist contributed significantly to the understanding of ion transport in cells. In 1957, conducted groundbreaking research on Na+/K+ ATPase, an enzyme crucial for maintaining sodium and potassium balance across cell membranes. Established foundational concepts in biochemistry and physiology that have influenced various fields of medical research. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1997 for discoveries related to ion transport.
Continue Reading