Tom of Finland

Finnish illustrator and gay art pioneer

Tom of Finland - Finnish illustrator and gay art pioneer
Born

May 8th, 1920
104 years ago

Died

November 7th, 1991
33 years ago — 71 years old

Category

Artists & Creatives

Country

Finland

Links & References

An influential Finnish illustrator, this individual gained prominence through the creation of homoerotic art characterized by idealized male forms. The work often featured muscular men in various suggestive scenarios, celebrating male sexuality and embracing a bold aesthetic. Active during the latter half of the 20th century, this artist's illustrations helped shape gay culture and are frequently referenced and admired within LGBTQ+ communities. The art was widely published in various forms and remains celebrated in museums and exhibitions worldwide. Later in life, focus shifted to art that combined eroticism with more mainstream themes.

Created a signature style celebrating male eroticism

Published numerous illustrations in various magazines

Influenced the visual representation of gay culture

Other People Born on May 8th

Gary Glitter

English singer-songwriter and performer
Born
May 8th, 1944 80 years ago

This individual gained prominence in the 1970s as a glam rock singer. Music career began in the early 1970s with chart-topping hits. Achieved significant commercial success with singles like 'Rock and Roll Part 2' and 'Someone Else's Girl'. Developed a distinctive persona characterized by flamboyant costumes and energetic performances. Subsequently received attention for legal issues and controversies in later years.

Continue Reading

Nicolaes Witsen

Mayor of Amsterdam, Netherlands
Born
May 8th, 1641 383 years ago
Died
1717 308 years ago — 76 years old

Served as Mayor of Amsterdam multiple times during the 17th century. Played a vital role in the city's growth and development during the Dutch Golden Age. Contributed to the fields of cartography and naval architecture. Engaged in various civic improvements and invested in urban planning.

Continue Reading

Theodoros Papaloukas

Basketball player and Olympian
Born
May 8th, 1977 47 years ago

A prominent Greek basketball player, achieved recognition for contributions to the national team and club teams. Played primarily as a point guard and shooting guard. Had a successful club career in Europe, notably with Olympiacos and CSKA Moscow. Excelled in international competition, being a key player for the Greek national team.

Continue Reading

Saul Bass

Graphic designer and film title designer
Born
May 8th, 1920 104 years ago
Died
April 25th, 1996 28 years ago — 75 years old

A graphic designer and filmmaker, contributed significantly to modern visual culture through iconic film title sequences and corporate logo designs. Created memorable title sequences for films such as 'Psycho,' 'Vertigo,' and 'Goodfellas.' Collaborated with notable directors and developed a distinct visual language that transformed movie marketing. Established a design firm that worked with major corporations to create influential logos, including the AT&T bell logo and the United Airlines tulip logo.

Continue Reading

Lars Eller

Ice hockey player with Stanley Cup win
Born
May 8th, 1989 35 years ago

A professional ice hockey player from Denmark, this athlete played as a center in the National Hockey League (NHL). Debuting in the NHL, he played for teams including the St. Louis Blues and the Washington Capitals. Achieving significant success, the player contributed to the Capitals' victory in the 2018 Stanley Cup, marking a historic moment for the franchise. Throughout his career, the player showcased skills in both offensive play and defensive responsibilities, establishing a reputation as a reliable two-way player.

Continue Reading

André Michel Lwoff

Microbiologist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
May 8th, 1902 122 years ago
Died
September 30th, 1994 30 years ago — 92 years old

Contributed significantly to the understanding of viruses and the mechanisms of cellular development. Worked extensively on bacterial viruses, focusing on the life cycle of bacteriophages and their genetic properties. Conducted research that provided insights into the processes of cellular differentiation and metabolism. Served as a professor at the University of Paris and held positions at several prestigious institutions.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on November 7th

James R. Thompson Jr.

Naval officer, NASA director
Born
1936 89 years ago
Died
November 7th, 2017 7 years ago — 81 years old

Served as a naval officer and engineer, assuming the role of the 5th Director of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. Oversaw major projects including the Space Shuttle program and contributed to advancements in rocket technology. Worked on various engineering initiatives during a career dedicated to aerospace leadership. Advocated for safety and innovation within NASA's various missions during tenure. Retired with significant contributions to both the military and space exploration fields.

Continue Reading

Harry Thompson

English author and TV screenwriter
Born
1960 65 years ago
Died
November 7th, 2005 19 years ago — 45 years old

An English author, screenwriter, and producer contributed significantly to British television and literature. Writings included fictional books along with compelling scripts for popular series. Gained recognition for work on the iconic television series 'Dead Ringers', which showcased satire and impersonation. Also created a successful adaptation of the book 'The Last of the English', exploring the life of a British public school and its effects on society. Engaged in various projects that combined literary prowess and screenwriting talent, showcasing a commitment to both mediums.

Continue Reading

Adelaide Hall

American-English singer and actress
Born
October 20th, 1901 123 years ago
Died
November 7th, 1993 31 years ago — 92 years old

Born in 1901, one of the prominent figures in the Harlem Renaissance, showcasing her talent as a singer and actress. Hall began her career in the 1920s, gaining recognition for her performances in various musical revues and stage productions. She became particularly well-known for her role in the musical show "Cabin in the Sky". Hall also made significant contributions to the jazz genre, recording with notable musicians. Throughout her career, she performed in both the United States and the United Kingdom, earning a reputation as a versatile entertainer. Hall's work spanned several decades, from the Roaring Twenties to the 1970s, maintaining a dedicated following.

Continue Reading

Paul Sandby

Painter and cartographer of England
Born
1725 300 years ago
Died
November 7th, 1809 215 years ago — 84 years old

An English painter and cartographer, this individual played a significant role in the development of British landscape painting. Active during the 18th century, this artist produced numerous topographical maps and landscapes that captured the English countryside. Contributions included being one of the founding members of the Royal Academy in 1768, where he played a critical role in promoting the arts. Most renowned for watercolor techniques, this individual’s works included detailed depictions of places such as Windsor and the surrounding areas, often combining artistic flair with geographical precision.

Continue Reading

Hannah Szenes

Hungarian-Israeli soldier and poet
Born
1921 104 years ago
Died
November 7th, 1944 80 years ago — 23 years old

Born in Hungary, a poet and paratrooper joined the British Army during World War II. Participated in a mission to rescue Jews in Europe. Captured by the Nazis in Slovenia and tortured for information about her comrades. Executed in 1944. Authored several poems, with the most renowned piece being 'Blessed is the Match', reflecting her bravery and hope amidst adversity.

Continue Reading

Hans von Euler-Chelpin

Biochemist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
February 15th, 1873 152 years ago
Died
November 7th, 1964 60 years ago — 91 years old

Born in 1873, a biochemist and academic contributed significantly to the understanding of yeast and its enzymatic processes. Worked primarily at the University of Berlin and later at the University of Uppsala. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1929 for research on fermentation processes, specifically regarding the action of enzymes in alcoholic fermentation. His work laid the foundation for later advancements in biochemistry and industrial processes involving yeast.

Continue Reading