May 15: What Happened on This Day in History

Andy Murray (1987)

Andy Murray is a British professional tennis player who is considered one of the greatest in the sport's history. He is best known for his Grand Slam victories and for being the first British man in 77 years to win the Wimbledon singles title in 2013. [bio]

L. Frank Baum (1856)

L. Frank Baum was an American author best known for writing 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz' and its sequels. His imaginative works have become classics of children's literature and have inspired numerous stage and screen adaptations. [bio]

Madeleine Albright (1937)

Madeleine Albright was an American diplomat and political scientist who served as the first female United States Secretary of State from 1997 to 2001, under President Bill Clinton. She was known for her strong advocacy of democracy and human rights and played a significant role in shaping U.S. foreign policy in the late 20th century. [bio]

James Mason (1909)

James Mason was a distinguished English actor, known for his deep voice, suave demeanor, and roles in numerous acclaimed films from the 1940s through the 1980s. He gained fame for both leading and supporting roles in British and Hollywood cinema and is recognized for his versatility and longevity in the industry. [bio]

Jamie-Lynn Sigler (1981)

Jamie-Lynn Sigler is an American actress best known for her role as Meadow Soprano on the acclaimed HBO series 'The Sopranos.' With a career spanning television, film, and stage, Sigler is recognized for her diverse acting abilities and contributions to entertainment. [bio]

Alexandra Breckenridge (1982)

Alexandra Breckenridge is an American actress best known for her roles in television series such as 'Virgin River,' 'This Is Us,' and 'American Horror Story.' She has also appeared in several films and is recognized for her voice acting work on 'Family Guy.' [bio]

Joseph Cotten (1905)

Joseph Cotten was a prominent American film, stage, and television actor known for his roles in classic movies during the 1940s and 1950s. He was widely recognized for his collaborations with Orson Welles and his performances in influential films such as 'Citizen Kane' and 'The Third Man.' [bio]

Ayub Khan (1907)

Ayub Khan was a Pakistani army general who became the second President of Pakistan, serving from 1958 to 1969. He was instrumental in Pakistan's political and military history, overseeing both military rule and significant industrial and economic development in the country during his administration. [bio]

Richard Avedon (1923)

Richard Avedon was a legendary American photographer, celebrated for his influential fashion and portrait photography. His innovative techniques and distinct visual style helped shape modern photographic portraiture. Avedon's work appeared in major publications and he photographed a wide array of cultural icons, political figures, and everyday people, leaving a lasting impact on visual storytelling in the 20th century. [bio]

Daniel Giménez Cacho (1961)

Daniel Giménez Cacho is a renowned Spanish-born Mexican actor, recognized for his extensive film, television, and theater work in Latin America and Spain. He is acclaimed for his compelling performances and collaborations with prominent directors, becoming one of the most respected actors in Mexican cinema. [bio]

June Carter Cash (2003)

June Carter Cash was an American singer, songwriter, actress, and author best known for her work with Johnny Cash and as a member of the legendary Carter Family. Renowned for her contributions to country music and her charismatic stage presence, she played a significant role in shaping the genre. [bio]

Emily Dickinson (1886)

Emily Dickinson was an American poet renowned for her innovative and singular approach to poetry. Although only a few of her nearly 1,800 poems were published during her lifetime, Dickinson's posthumously published works have made her one of the most significant and influential figures in American literature. [bio]

Tyrone Guthrie (1971)

Tyrone Guthrie was a renowned English theatrical director, known for his innovative contributions to both British and international theatre, and for founding several influential theatres. [bio]

Fred Willard (2020)

Fred Willard was an American comedic actor known for his improvisational style and prolific career in television and film, including memorable roles in Christopher Guest mockumentaries and TV sitcoms. [bio]

Bekim Fehmiu (2010)

Bekim Fehmiu was a Yugoslavian actor of Albanian origin, internationally renowned as one of the first Eastern European actors to achieve major success in Western cinema. Fehmiu was noted for his roles in European and Hollywood films during the 1960s and 1970s, including the acclaimed 'I Even Met Happy Gypsies' and 'The Adventurers.' [bio]

Gilbert Roland (1994)

Gilbert Roland was a Mexican-American actor known for his long and varied career in Hollywood, spanning from the silent film era into the 1980s. He gained fame with his roles in both English and Spanish language films, particularly for his portrayals of romantic Latin lovers and for the Cisco Kid series. [bio]

Wynne Gibson (1987)

Actor (night after night, aggie appleby).

Andrew Duggan (1988)

Actor (jigsaw firehouse), is diagnosed with cancer at the age of 64.

Jackie Curtis (1985)

Jackie Curtis was a prominent Warhol Superstar and underground artist in New York City, known for groundbreaking performances in drag and...

Elio de Angelis (1986)

Renowned Italian Formula One racing driver known for his skill and tragic early death during a testing accident in 1986.