William P. Sprague

American banker and politician

William P. Sprague - American banker and politician
Born

May 21st, 1827
198 years ago

Died

1899
126 years ago — 72 years old

Category

Leaders & Politicians

Country

United States

Links & References

Elected as a U.S. Senator from Rhode Island, served from 1863 to 1869. Held the position of Governor of Rhode Island, contributing to state governance during a period of economic change and post-Civil War recovery. Founded and operated banks in the state, influencing local financial practices. Participated in various civic initiatives aimed at economic development.

Served as U.S. Senator from Rhode Island

Held office as Governor of Rhode Island

Other People Born on May 21st

Anatole Litvak

Film director of 'The Snake Pit'
Born
May 21st, 1902 123 years ago
Died
December 15th, 1974 50 years ago — 72 years old

Born in Ukraine, a significant figure in American cinema, directing a variety of influential films. Early career included work in European theater and cinema before relocating to the United States. Gained recognition for directing 'The Snake Pit', which addressed mental health issues and featured a groundbreaking performance by the lead actress. Also directed various other successful films throughout the 1940s and 1950s, contributing to the film noir genre and creating works that incorporated social themes.

Continue Reading

Maximilian Mutzke

Singer-songwriter, Eurovision participant
Born
May 21st, 1981 44 years ago

Born in 1981, a German singer-songwriter gained attention after winning the national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest in 2004. The performance of the song "Can't Wait Until Tonight" secured a spot in the contest held in Istanbul, Turkey. Mutzke's career includes multiple studio albums and singles, showcasing a blend of pop and jazz influences. His music journey began in a small town, where he honed his craft and later signed with a major label.

Continue Reading

The Notorious B.I.G.

Rapper and songwriter of 'Ready to Die'
Born
May 21st, 1972 53 years ago
Died
March 9th, 1997 28 years ago — 24 years old

An influential figure in hip hop, this rapper rose to prominence in the mid-1990s with his notable storytelling ability and distinctive voice. Released the acclaimed debut album 'Ready to Die' in 1994, which showcased hits like 'Juicy' and 'Big Poppa'. Followed up with the posthumous album 'Life After Death' in 1997, which continued to solidify his legacy in the genre. Involved in the East Coast-West Coast hip hop rivalry, which significantly affected the culture of hip hop during this time. Despite a promising career, the rapper's life was tragically cut short at the age of 24 due to violence.

Continue Reading

Renée Soutendijk

Dutch actress known for 'The Fourth Man'
Born
May 21st, 1957 68 years ago

Born in 1957, this actress gained prominence in Dutch cinema during the 1980s. Significant contributions to film include work in 'The Fourth Man', directed by Paul Verhoeven. The actress also participated in various international projects, expanding her career beyond national borders. Her performances are characterized by both versatility and depth, demonstrating a range of emotional expression. In addition to film, she made appearances in television series, enhancing her profile in the entertainment industry.

Continue Reading

Dennis Day

American singer and television actor
Born
May 21st, 1916 109 years ago
Died
June 22nd, 1988 37 years ago — 72 years old

A singer and actor gained fame through his performances on radio and television. He became a regular on The Jack Benny Program, captivating audiences with his musical talents and comedic charm. Day starred in several movies, including the film If I'm Lucky, which showcased his singing abilities. With a career spanning several decades, he became a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, known for his warm voice and engaging presence.

Continue Reading

Līga Dekmeijere

Latvian tennis player, 2003 Wimbledon
Born
May 21st, 1983 42 years ago

Competed professionally in tennis, representing Latvia in various international tournaments. Achieved a career-high singles ranking of 76 in 2003, becoming the first Latvian woman to reach the main draw of Wimbledon. Participated in the doubles competitions at Grand Slam events, including the Australian Open and US Open. Played for the Latvian national team in the Fed Cup.

Continue Reading