William Holman
Politician, 19th Premier of New South Wales
Served as the 19th Premier of New South Wales from 1910 to 1913. Contributed to the establishment of public utilities and advanced social reforms during tenure. Advocated for labor rights and played a significant role in the development of the Australian Labor Party. Held various positions within the New South Wales Parliament.
Served as Premier of New South Wales
Advocated for labor rights
Contributed to social reforms
Other People Born on August 4th
Liang Congjie
Chinese environmentalist and founder
Born
August 4th, 1932 93 years ago
Died
October 28th, 2010 15 years ago — 78 years old
An environmentalist focused on conservation efforts in China, established Friends of Nature, the first non-governmental environmental organization in the country. Advocated for sustainable development and environmental protection policies within China. Utilized expertise in ecology and environmental science to influence public policy and raise awareness about ecological issues. Promoted the importance of biodiversity and conservation education.
Continue ReadingDavid Bedford
Keyboard player, composer, conductor
Born
August 4th, 1937 88 years ago
Died
2011 15 years ago — 74 years old
A keyboard player, composer, and conductor, achieved recognition for contributions to contemporary classical music and progressive rock. Worked with various artists and bands, collaborating on innovative projects that blended genres. Composed music for both live performances and recordings, showcasing a blend of traditional and modern influences. Conducted orchestras and ensembles, demonstrating a commitment to expanding the reach of classical music. The versatility and creativity led to a distinctive style that resonated with audiences.
Continue ReadingMayme Agnew Clayton
American librarian and archivist
Born
August 4th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
2006 20 years ago — 84 years old
An influential librarian and archivist who founded the African American Library at the Gregory School in Los Angeles. Focused on collecting and preserving materials that document the African American experience. Worked extensively to promote literacy and provide access to cultural resources. Established the Mayme Agnew Clayton Library and Museum, which houses a significant collection of African American literature and historical documents.
Continue ReadingRichard Belzer
Actor known for Law & Order: SVU role
Born
August 4th, 1944 81 years ago
Died
2023 3 years ago — 79 years old
An American actor, comedian, and author, became widely recognized for a role as John Munch on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, appearing in the series from its inception in 1999 until 2016. Munch originally originated in Homicide: Life on the Street and appeared in multiple crossover episodes within other shows in the franchise. Belzer also had roles in films including Café Society and The Midnight Express. In addition to acting, he authored several books, often focusing on conspiracy theories and current events. With a career spanning several decades, Belzer left a mark on both television and the comedy circuit.
Continue ReadingAli al-Sistani
Iranian-Iraqi cleric and religious leader
Born
August 4th, 1930 95 years ago
An influential cleric and religious leader, played a pivotal role in shaping modern Shiite Islam. Established a significant religious authority in Iraq, particularly after the fall of Saddam Hussein. Advocated for democratic governance and civil rights within Iraq, contributing to the country's post-war reconstruction. Engaged in dialogues with various political entities, fostering a moderate approach to governance and society.
Continue ReadingDon S. Davis
Actor in 'Stargate SG-1' and 'Twin Peaks'
Born
August 4th, 1942 83 years ago
Died
2008 18 years ago — 66 years old
An American actor, recognized for roles in television and film. Gained prominence through the character of Major General George Hammond in the series 'Stargate SG-1'. Appeared as the character Philip Gerard in 'Twin Peaks', contributing to the show's cult status. Also had a background in theater and performed in various productions. Engaged in voice acting for animations, adding depth to various characters.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on June 5th
O. Henry
American short story writer
Born
September 11th, 1862 163 years ago
Died
June 5th, 1910 115 years ago — 47 years old
A renowned short story writer, this individual contributed significantly to American literature during the early 20th century. Born in September 1862, the writer adopted the pen name O. Henry and became famous for stories featuring clever twists and rich character development. Many works were published in collections, with 'The Gift of the Magi' being one of the most celebrated. The stories often reflected life in the bustling cities of the time, particularly New York. His writing style combined humor and sentimentality, capturing the complexities of human experiences. O. Henry's literary legacy includes a unique narrative voice that continues to influence writers and entertain readers.
Continue ReadingAstrud Gilberto
Brazilian Bossa Nova singer and songwriter
Born
1940 86 years ago
Died
June 5th, 2023 2 years ago — 83 years old
A Brazilian singer gained prominence in the 1960s with the Bossa Nova genre. Debuted in 1963 on the album 'Getz/Gilberto', performing the hit 'The Girl from Ipanema'. Collaborated with various artists throughout her career, blending jazz and samba influences. Released numerous albums in both English and Portuguese, further popularizing Bossa Nova globally. Continued to perform and record music well into her later years, influencing generations of musicians.
Continue ReadingFrederick Haldimand
Governor of Quebec and military general
Born
August 11th, 1718 307 years ago
Died
June 5th, 1791 234 years ago — 72 years old
Born in 1718, a prominent figure served as the 22nd Governor of Quebec from 1778 to 1784. Originally from Switzerland, later became associated with British military efforts in North America during the Seven Years' War. Influenced colonial administration and policy through governance, focusing on military and settlement issues.
Continue ReadingAbu Abdulrahman al-Bilawi
Iraqi military commander
Born
1971 55 years ago
Died
June 5th, 2014 11 years ago — 43 years old
A military commander operating in Iraq. Al-Bilawi rose to prominence within militant groups during the insurgency following the 2003 invasion of Iraq. He held leadership roles in various operations, significantly during the rise of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). Al-Bilawi contributed to strategic military campaigns that furthered the group’s objectives in the region. His activities culminated in various confrontations with opposing forces throughout his military career until his death in 2014.
Continue ReadingAdolfo Aguilar Zínser
Mexican scholar and politician
Born
1949 77 years ago
Died
June 5th, 2005 20 years ago — 56 years old
Contributed to Mexican political discourse and international relations. Served as the Mexican ambassador to the United Nations from 2000 until 2003. Actively participated in academic discussions on democracy, governance, and foreign policy. Became an influential figure in Mexican politics during his tenure in various government roles and political thought leadership.
Continue ReadingStanisław Nagy
Polish cardinal and church leader
Born
1921 105 years ago
Died
June 5th, 2013 12 years ago — 92 years old
Served as a cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church. Held the position of Bishop of the Diocese of Kraków from 1978 to 1993. Participated in the Papal Conclave of 2005 that elected Pope Benedict XVI. Contributed to various ecclesiastical roles within the Church, influencing religious governance in Poland.
Continue Reading