May 11: What Happened on This Day in History

Fred Astaire (1899)

Fred Astaire was an American dancer, singer, actor, choreographer, and television presenter who is widely regarded as one of the greatest dancers in film and television history. He is best known for his innovative choreography and enduring film partnerships, particularly with Ginger Rogers. [bio]

Phil Silvers (1911)

Phil Silvers was an American entertainer, comedian, actor, and singer, best known for his starring role as Sergeant Ernest G. Bilko on the classic television sitcom "The Phil Silvers Show." Nicknamed 'The King of Chutzpah,' Silvers was a major figure in American comedy, winning two Emmy Awards for his work and acclaimed for his unique comedic timing and persona. [bio]

Cory Monteith (1982)

Cory Monteith was a Canadian actor and musician best known for his role as Finn Hudson on the popular television series 'Glee.' [bio]

Laetitia Casta (1978)

Laetitia Casta is a French supermodel and actress renowned for her work with major fashion houses and for her roles in both French and international film productions. [bio]

Natasha Richardson (1963)

Natasha Richardson was an English actress, known for her work on stage and in film. Born into the famous Redgrave acting family, she was celebrated for her performances in both classical and contemporary roles. Richardson earned acclaim on Broadway and in Hollywood, remembered especially for her versatile acting talents and her tragic early death. [bio]

Richard Feynman (1918)

Richard Feynman was an American theoretical physicist best known for his pioneering work in quantum mechanics, quantum electrodynamics, and particle physics. He was one of the leading scientists of the Manhattan Project and later became renowned for his ability to communicate science to the general public. [bio]

Mort Sahl (1927)

Mort Sahl was a Canadian-born American comedian and satirist who pioneered a conversational and politically charged style of stand-up comedy. Known for his wit and sharp social commentary, Sahl influenced generations of comedians with his improvisational monologues and focus on current events. [bio]

Margaret Rutherford (1892)

Margaret Rutherford was an English actress known for her distinctive performances in comedy roles and period dramas. She gained international fame for her portrayal of Miss Marple in film adaptations of Agatha Christie's novels and received an Academy Award for her role in 'The V.I.P.s' (1963). [bio]

Holly Valance (1983)

Holly Valance is an Australian actress, singer, and model best known for her role as Felicity Scully on the Australian soap opera 'Neighbours' and for her hit single 'Kiss Kiss.' [bio]

Denver Pyle (1920)

Denver Pyle was an American actor and director best known for his roles in classic television series and films, particularly in Westerns. He is widely recognized for portraying Uncle Jesse Duke in 'The Dukes of Hazzard' and Briscoe Darling Jr. in 'The Andy Griffith Show.' [bio]

Bob Marley (1981)

Bob Marley was a legendary Jamaican reggae musician, songwriter, and singer. As the frontman of The Wailers and later as a solo artist, Marley played a crucial role in bringing reggae music and Rastafarian culture to international prominence. Known for his powerful lyrics that addressed social justice, love, and peace, Marley is regarded as an enduring global icon of music … [bio]

Peggy Lipton (2019)

Peggy Lipton was an American actress, model, and singer best known for her iconic roles on the television series 'The Mod Squad' and 'Twin Peaks.' Her unique presence and style made her a cultural figure in the late 1960s and early 1990s. [bio]

Jerry Stiller (2020)

Jerry Stiller was an American comedian and actor, best known for his work in comedy teams, as well as his roles on television sitcoms such as 'Seinfeld' and 'The King of Queens.' He was widely recognized for his sharp comedic timing and distinctive voice. [bio]

Lex Barker (1973)

Lex Barker was an American actor best known for playing Tarzan in five films during the early 1950s and for his roles in European adventure movies, particularly the German adaptations of Karl May's novels in the 1960s. [bio]

Jorja Curtright (1985)

Actor, whistle stop, dies from a heart attack.

Jean Adair (1953)

Dies at 80.

Kim Philby (1988)

Infamous British double agent who worked for Soviet intelligence during the Cold War.

Floyd Patterson (2006)

Floyd Patterson was a legendary American boxer who won Olympic gold in 1952 and became a two-time heavyweight world champion.

Douglas Adams (2001)

Douglas Adams was a renowned British author who revolutionized science fiction comedy with his iconic 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy'...

Nnamdi Azikiwe (1996)

Prominent Nigerian nationalist leader who served as the country's first president and governor-general, playing a crucial role in Nigeria's...