William J. Casey
American politician and CIA director
Served as the 13th Director of Central Intelligence from 1981 to 1987. Played a significant role in shaping U.S. intelligence policies during the Cold War and was involved in key operations in various international conflicts. Worked closely with several Administrations and was a critical figure in the intelligence community.
Directed the CIA during the Iran-Contra Affair
Oversaw the agency's operations in Afghanistan
Other People Born on March 13th
Walter Annenberg
Publisher and U.S. Ambassador to UK
Born
March 13th, 1908 117 years ago
Died
October 1st, 2002 23 years ago — 94 years old
Annenberg served as a publisher and diplomat. In 1969, appointed as the United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom, he held the position until 1974. During his career, he established the Annenberg Foundation, which focused on education, arts, and communication. His work in publishing included ownership of the Triangle Publications, which published TV Guide and Seventeen magazine. Significant contributions were made to various educational and cultural institutions.
Continue ReadingSammy Kaye
Saxophonist and bandleader of Swing music
Born
March 13th, 1910 115 years ago
Died
June 2nd, 1987 38 years ago — 77 years old
An American saxophonist, songwriter, and bandleader, this musician emerged in the big band era, leading a popular orchestra in the 1940s and 1950s. The orchestral style combined swing with smooth vocal harmonies. A signature program, 'Sammy Kaye and His Orchestra', featured performances that included both instrumental and vocal arrangements. The band achieved popularity through radio broadcasts and live performances, contributing to the Swing music movement. Many of the band's hits became standards of the genre, further cementing a legacy in American music.
Continue ReadingWilliam Glackens
American painter of genre scenes
Born
March 13th, 1870 155 years ago
Died
May 22nd, 1938 87 years ago — 68 years old
An American painter and illustrator, contributed significantly to the Ashcan School movement, emphasizing realistic depictions of urban life. Glackens studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and developed a distinctive style that blended Impressionism with a focus on everyday scenes. His work often highlighted the vibrancy of city life and community activities. Glackens was also a successful commercial illustrator, which helped him gain financial stability and artistic recognition. Throughout his career, he exhibited widely, providing influential insights into American art in the early 20th century.
Continue ReadingJack Harlow
Rapper and actor from 'White Men Can't Jump'
Born
March 13th, 1998 27 years ago
An American rapper and songwriter gained attention with the mixtapes, 'Loose' and 'Confetti.' The single, 'Whats Poppin' achieved critical and commercial success, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Debuted in 2023 with a role in the film 'White Men Can't Jump,' a remake of the 1992 classic. Harlow is recognized for blending hip-hop and mainstream music influences.
Continue ReadingHugh Walpole
New Zealand-English author and educator
Born
March 13th, 1884 141 years ago
Died
June 1st, 1941 84 years ago — 57 years old
Born in New Zealand and later moving to England, the individual became a well-regarded author and educator. The literary career included many novels and works that captured the social landscape of the early 20th century. Key novels included 'Rogue Herries', 'The Cathedral', and 'The Dark Forest'. The individual also held a significant role in education, contributing to the academic community through lecturing and mentoring aspiring writers.
Continue ReadingLandry Shamet
Basketball player for the Phoenix Suns
Born
March 13th, 1997 28 years ago
This individual played college basketball at Wichita State University and was selected in the first round of the 2018 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. He played for the 76ers before being traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, where continued to enhance performance. Later, he was acquired by the Brooklyn Nets. As of the latest season, plays for the Phoenix Suns, contributing to the team's success with strong shooting skills and consistent play.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 6th
Sir Robert Cotton
English historian and politician, Cotton library founder
Born
January 22nd, 1570 456 years ago
Died
May 6th, 1631 394 years ago — 61 years old
Served as an influential historian and politician in England, contributing to the preservation of historical documents. Founded the Cotton library, which housed a vast collection of manuscripts and printed materials. This collection played a significant role in the study of English history and literature. His efforts in collecting and organizing documents helped establish a foundation for modern historical research. His work with the library reflects a commitment to scholarship and the importance of archival materials in understanding the past.
Continue ReadingThomas Henry Burke
Irish civil servant during famine
Born
1829 197 years ago
Died
May 6th, 1882 143 years ago — 53 years old
Served as an Irish civil servant during a critical period in Irish history. Worked as the Under Secretary for Ireland and played a significant role in the administration of the country during the Great Famine, managing relief efforts and addressing public unrest. His tenure involved navigating the complexities of colonial governance and local grievances. Contributed to policy discussions and was involved in the administration of relief works aimed at alleviating the suffering caused by the famine. Burke's life ended in violence, being assassinated in 1882 as part of political unrest in Ireland.
Continue ReadingRoger of Wendover
Benedictine monk and chronicler
Died
May 6th, 1236 789 years ago — None years old
A Benedictine monk active in the 13th century, contributed to the historical record through a chronicle covering the history of England from the arrival of the Romans to the reign of King Henry III. The work is recognized for its detailed narrative style and importance in medieval historiography. Served as a prior at the Abbey of St. Albans, engaging with the intellectual currents of the time while documenting key events and figures.
Continue ReadingKai Winding
Trombonist and composer of jazz
Born
May 18th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
May 6th, 1983 42 years ago — 60 years old
Born in Denmark and later becoming a U.S. citizen, a prominent figure in jazz music, contributed to the trombone repertoire through performance and composition. Played in various big bands during the 1940s, including those of Stan Kenton and Woody Herman. Formed the jazz trombone duo Kai Winding and J.J. Johnson, which was influential in shaping jazz trombone techniques and style. Regularly performed and recorded with the renowned Miles Davis and participated in significant jazz festivals across the globe.
Continue ReadingCurtis Harrington
American director and screenwriter
Born
September 17th, 1926 99 years ago
Died
May 6th, 2007 18 years ago — 80 years old
This individual directed and wrote several influential films, often associated with the horror genre. Contributions to the film industry included directing 'Night Tide' and 'What's the Matter with Helen?' A unique style combined elements of fantasy and surrealism, establishing a distinctive voice in cinema. The individual also worked in television, directing episodes of shows such as 'The Twilight Zone' and 'The Girl from U.N.C.L.E.'. Lifelong interests in filmmaking began in childhood, leading to a career that spanned several decades.
Continue ReadingWilliam H. Dana
American astronaut and engineer
Born
November 3rd, 1930 95 years ago
Died
May 6th, 2014 11 years ago — 83 years old
An engineer and astronaut with significant contributions to space exploration, played a vital role in human spaceflight missions. Participated in the Skylab program, overseeing science payload operations and engaging in experiments. Worked with NASA, enhancing spacecraft systems and safety measures. After retirement, contributed to aerospace engineering in various capacities.
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