William Alden Smith
American lawyer and politician, U.S. Senator
Born
Died
Category
Leaders & Politicians
Country
United States
Links & References
Served as a U.S. Senator from Michigan from 1923 to 1927. Played a significant role in various legislative efforts during tenure. Contributed to the establishment of veterans' services and was involved in issues related to immigration and labor. Prior to becoming a senator, held positions such as a state representative in Michigan and engaged in law practice. Worked to improve infrastructure and public services in the state.
Served as a U.S. Senator from Michigan
Advocated for veterans' services
Worked on immigration and labor issues
Other People Born on May 12th
Domhnall Gleeson
Irish actor from 'Star Wars' series
Born
May 12th, 1983 42 years ago
An actor with a range of roles across film and television. Starred in 'About Time' as Tim Lake, showcasing talent in romantic comedy. Gained significant recognition for participation in the 'Star Wars' sequel trilogy, portraying General Hux. Contributed to various projects in independent films, gaining acclaim for performances. Worked extensively with acclaimed directors and participated in stage productions in Ireland.
Continue ReadingEmperor Shōkō of Japan
Japanese Emperor during the Muromachi period
Born
May 12th, 1401 624 years ago
Died
1428 598 years ago — 27 years old
Ascended to the throne in 1412 and ruled during a turbulent period marked by the onset of the Sengoku period. His reign witnessed the challenges of power struggles between various clans within Japan. The central authority weakened as regional daimyōs gained power, diminishing the imperial influence. Played a symbolic role as the head of state despite limited political power. The era was characterized by the emergence of new cultural practices and the continuation of the feudal system. His reign lasted until 1428 when he abdicated, leaving behind a legacy intertwined with the political complexities of the time.
Continue ReadingKostas Tsimikas
Greek footballer and Liverpool defender
Born
May 12th, 1996 29 years ago
A professional footballer, he plays as a left-back for Liverpool in the English Premier League. Tsimikas began his career at Olympiacos, where he won multiple Super League titles. He established himself as a key player, contributing significantly during his time at the club. In 2020, he joined Liverpool. He secured his first major trophy with Liverpool, winning the FA Cup in 2022. Tsimikas has represented Greece internationally, participating in various UEFA competitions.
Continue ReadingAbelardo L. Rodríguez
Substitute President of Mexico (1932–34)
Born
May 12th, 1889 136 years ago
Died
February 13th, 1967 58 years ago — 77 years old
Served as the substitute president of Mexico from 1932 to 1934, stepping in during a politically turbulent time. Rodríguez's administration focused on economic recovery and social reforms. He implemented land redistribution policies and supported infrastructure projects, which aimed to modernize the nation. His tenure included efforts to address educational needs and promote public health as part of broader initiatives to enhance the quality of life for Mexican citizens.
Continue ReadingEleftheria Eleftheriou
Singer and musician, represented Cyprus
Born
May 12th, 1989 36 years ago
Born in 1989, a Greek Cypriot singer and musician, gained recognition after representing Cyprus in the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 with the song 'Aphrodisiac'. She began her music career at a young age and has released several singles and albums reflecting her musical versatility. In addition to her singing career, Eleftheriou has also appeared in theatre productions, showcasing her talents as an actress. Her contribution to the music scene in Cyprus and participation in international competitions highlights her artistic endeavors.
Continue ReadingOrélie-Antoine de Tounens
French lawyer and explorer of Patagonia
Born
May 12th, 1825 200 years ago
Died
September 17th, 1878 147 years ago — 53 years old
An individual embarked on an expedition to Patagonia in the mid-19th century. This journey led to the proclamation of a short-lived kingdom, the Kingdom of Araucania and Patagonia, in 1860. His ambitions included establishing a constitutional monarchy in the region, with himself as king. Despite facing significant challenges and resistance from Chile and Argentina, efforts to gain international recognition continued. The exploration involved territorial claims and interactions with indigenous groups, aiming to advocate for their rights and develop the region. The kingdom's existence was largely symbolic and did not achieve official recognition from foreign powers, but the venture remains a unique chapter in the history of exploration in South America.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on October 11th
Redd Foxx
Stand-up comedian and television actor
Born
December 9th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
October 11th, 1991 34 years ago — 68 years old
An influential figure in comedy, Redd Foxx gained prominence as a stand-up comedian, performing in nightclubs and theaters throughout the mid-20th century. Foxx is widely recognized for the television series Sanford and Son, which aired from 1972 to 1977. The show showcased his comedic talent and contributed to his legacy in television. He also appeared in films, including appearances in prominent comedies of his era. Throughout his career, Foxx became a staple in African American entertainment, influencing future generations of comedians and actors with his style and humor.
Continue ReadingNeal Hefti
American trumpet player and composer
Born
October 29th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
October 11th, 2008 17 years ago — 85 years old
A prominent trumpet player and composer, contributions spanned various musical genres. Composed numerous pieces for big band orchestras, particularly during the 1950s and 1960s. Collaborated with famous bandleaders and musicians, enhancing the jazz and pop scenes. Best recognized for compositions in television and film, including scores for the 1960s television series 'Batman' and the film 'The Odd Couple'. Hefti's distinctive work entrenched him in the American music landscape.
Continue ReadingAngela Lansbury
Actress & singer; starred in Murder, She Wrote
Born
October 16th, 1925 100 years ago
Died
October 11th, 2022 3 years ago — 96 years old
Born in 1925, this English-American actress, singer, and producer became a prominent figure in film, television, and theatre. Early film roles included appearances in 'Gaslight' and 'The Manchurian Candidate'. Gained recognition for the long-running television series 'Murder, She Wrote', where she portrayed the amateur detective Jessica Fletcher. Transitioned to stage work, earning acclaim in productions such as 'Mame' and 'Sweeney Todd'. Her career spanned over seven decades, showcasing her versatility across various genres.
Continue ReadingRita Cetina Gutiérrez
Mexican poet and educator
Born
May 22nd, 1846 179 years ago
Died
October 11th, 1908 117 years ago — 62 years old
Born in 1846, a prominent Mexican poet and educator contributed significantly to literature and women's rights in Mexico. Actively engaged in advocating for education, particularly for women, she emphasized the importance of literacy and intellectual development. Known for participating in cultural movements, her works often reflected themes of social justice and identity. Established schools aimed at promoting education among girls and helped foster a literary community that supported emerging writers.
Continue ReadingDorothea Lange
Photographer of Migrant Mother photo
Born
May 26th, 1895 130 years ago
Died
October 11th, 1965 60 years ago — 70 years old
A photographer and journalist, this individual documented the struggles of displaced families during the Great Depression. The iconic photo 'Migrant Mother' became a symbol of the era's hardship. Work included contributions to the Farm Security Administration, capturing images that highlighted rural poverty and the plight of migrant workers. Later, engaged in documentary photography and photojournalism, showcasing the impact of economic distress on American society.
Continue ReadingJames Prescott Joule
Physicist known for Joule's Law
Born
December 24th, 1818 207 years ago
Died
October 11th, 1889 136 years ago — 70 years old
A prominent physicist contributed to the field of thermodynamics. Joule established the mechanical equivalent of heat, demonstrating the conversion of mechanical work into heat energy. This work laid foundational principles for energy conservation. In addition to his work in physics, Joule also had a background in brewing, leveraging his scientific knowledge to improve brewing processes. His experiments provided clarity on the relationship between heat and mechanical energy, influencing future studies in thermodynamics.
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