May 10th embraces tales of cultural significance and breakthrough endeavors. On this day in 1994, Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as South Africa’s first Black president, representing a powerful symbol of unity and reconciliation after decades of apartheid rule. Meanwhile, in technological milestones, 1869 marked the completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad in the United States with the driving of the Golden Spike at Promontory, Utah, revolutionizing transportation and commerce.
This date heralds the birth of prominent actor and dancer Fred Astaire in 1899, celebrated for his extraordinary talent and charismatic elegance, which redefined musical theater and film. May 10th is additionally observed as World Lupus Day, aiming to raise awareness and improve education and research to combat the chronic autoimmune disease. Reflecting stories of triumph, innovation, and resilience, May 10th illuminates pathways of connection, understanding, and progress through myriad cultural and societal contributions.
65 Years Old
Lead vocalist of U2, renowned for powerful voice and activism on global issues like poverty and AIDS, inspiring millions through music and humanitarian work.
47 Years Old
Star of Saturday Night Live, bringing laughter and entertainment to millions with his impressive impressions and comedic sketches.
Died in 1865, aged 26
Notorious actor-turned-assassin who fatally shot the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, at Ford's Theatre in 1865.
Died in 1965, aged 63
Pioneering film producer and screenwriter behind iconic movies like "Gone with the Wind" and "Rebecca", known for his meticulous attention to detail and innovative storytelling tec...
Died in 1987, aged 88
A legendary performer who dazzled audiences with his smooth dance moves, charming on-screen presence, and iconic song-and-dance numbers in classic Hollywood musicals.
70 Years Old
Longtime ESPN personality and six-time National Sportscaster of the Year, famous for his enthusiastic and iconic calls of NFL highlights, particularly on Sunday NFL Countdown.
56 Years Old
A legendary footballer and manager, renowned for his exceptional skills, vision, and goal-scoring ability, leading Arsenal to numerous titles and earning a place in the English foo...
Died in 1971, aged 83
A renowned composer and conductor, he scored iconic Hollywood films, including "Gone with the Wind" and "Casablanca", creating unforgettable soundtracks that elevated cinematic exp...
70 Years Old
Convicted of assassinating John Lennon, a member of the Beatles, outside his New York City apartment building in 1980. This act shocked the music world and left a lasting impact on...
79 Years Old
A Scottish folk-rock icon who blended poetic lyrics with eclectic instrumentation, creating a distinctive sound that resonated with the 1960s counterculture .
60 Years Old
A Canadian supermodel who dominated the 1990s fashion scene with her iconic looks and phrase "I don't wake up for less than $10,000 a day."
Died in 1979, aged 21
A rebellious punk rock icon, infamous for chaotic live performances and a tumultuous personal life that ended in tragedy. Known for his raw, energetic stage presence and iconic bas...
30 Years Old
An American competitive swimmer who specializes in backstroke and freestyle events, winning a total of five Olympic gold medals and holding multiple world records.
76 Years Old
Luxury fashion brand Prada's creative force behind iconic designs, revolutionizing fashion with understated yet provocative style. Known for blending art, architecture, and fashion...
57 Years Old
A renowned wrestler and wrestling manager, known for his in-ring performances and charismatic persona in WWE. He's a four-time world champion and a 2022 WWE Hall of Fame inductee.
Died in 1968, aged 82
A 20th-century theologian who redefined Christian doctrine with his emphasis on God's revelation and humanity's sinful nature, influencing modern Christian thought.
79 Years Old
Legendary guitarist and songwriter behind iconic hits like "For Your Love" and "Bus Stop", crafting catchy, harmony-rich tunes that defined the British Invasion sound.
Died in 1827, aged 39
Developed groundbreaking theories on light and wave optics, revolutionizing our understanding of the physical world. His work laid the foundation for modern optics and telecommunic...
Died in 1979, aged 85
A renowned composer and conductor who scored iconic films like "High Noon" and "It's a Wonderful Life", creating memorable themes that evoke emotions and nostalgia.
28 Years Old
A talented forward who has played for top clubs like Everton and Tottenham, known for his speed, skill, and crucial goals in big games.
83 Years Old
Legendary college basketball coach with three NCAA championships and a Hall of Fame career, known for his intense coaching style and ability to develop talented players.
57 Years Old
A British comedian and TV host, best known for his humorous takes on history and culture, often playing a patriotic pub landlord character.
37 Years Old
A skilled and creative attacking midfielder who played for top-tier clubs like Liverpool and Southampton, known for his vision, technique, and goal-scoring ability.
Died in 2003, aged 88
Husband of Margaret Thatcher, the first female Prime Minister of the UK, known for his supportive role and witty remarks. He was a successful businessman and a prominent figure in ...
66 Years Old
Star of the CBS soap opera "The Young and the Restless" and a Daytime Emmy Award nominee, known for her 14-year stint as Drucilla Winters.
Died in 2012, aged 91
A legendary guitarist and instructor, known for his influential guitar tutorials and iconic instrumental hits, inspiring many famous musicians.
96 Years Old
Veteran actor and producer with a prolific career in film and television, known for his distinctive voice and authoritative presence. He had a knack for playing characters with a s...
50 Years Old
A four-time IndyCar Series champion and three-time Indianapolis 500 winner, known for his exceptional speed and charismatic personality.
40 Years Old
A dominant center in the NHL, leading the Anaheim Ducks to a Stanley Cup championship and earning numerous All-Star selections. Known for his exceptional passing ability and on-ice...
71 Years Old
A talented character actor who appeared in numerous TV shows and films, often playing lovable but gruff authority figures. He's recognizable from his roles in Friends, Somebody Som...
56 Years Old
Award-winning science fiction author and blogger, known for humorous and thought-provoking novels like "Old Man's War" and "Redshirts", as well as his influential online presence.
66 Years Old
United States Senator from Mississippi, serving since 2018, known for being the first female to represent the state in Congress and her controversial comments on race and voter sup...
Born in 1898
Co-author of the monumental 11-volume "The Story of Civilization" series, which chronicles the development of Western civilization from ancient times to the 20th century.
28 Years Old
A social media personality and content creator, known for her humorous commentary and singing talents, which have garnered a large online following.
Died in 1918, aged 77
Founded the New York Herald and introduced sensationalism in journalism, revolutionizing the newspaper industry. He's also credited with creating the first transatlantic news cable...
35 Years Old
A talented catcher with a powerful bat, known for his impressive defensive skills and clutch hitting in the MLB.
Died in 1992, aged 69
A talented triple threat who excelled in acting, singing, and directing, best known for her iconic roles on TV shows like "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and "Rhoda".
79 Years Old
A founding member of Traffic, he's a legendary guitarist and songwriter behind hits like "Feelin' Alright" and "Only You Know and I Know", blending rock, folk, and psychedelia.
Died in 1836, aged 76
French captain, engineer, and composer who wrote the music for "La Marseillaise," the national anthem of France, and is considered a national hero. He was a talented musician and i...
30 Years Old
French ice dancer known for her stunning performances and multiple World Championship titles, particularly in the 2010s. She's a four-time European Champion and has won numerous Gr...
87 Years Old
Spanish tennis legend who won four Grand Slam singles titles, including the 1966 Wimbledon championship, and is considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time.
Died in 1758, aged 208
A British athlete who won gold at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and held the world triple jump record from 1995 to 2011, earning him a place in the UK Athletics Hall of Fame.
51 Years Old
French striker who played for Arsenal and won the Premier League Golden Boot in 2002, known for his clinical finishing and goal-poaching ability.
62 Years Old
A NASA astronaut and commander who made headlines for her involvement in a highly publicized love triangle and subsequent arrest, which overshadowed her spaceflight achievements.
43 Years Old
A professional footballer known for his exceptional strength and powerful playing style, earning him the nickname "The Beast." He's a cult hero and social media sensation.
Born in 1919
First female governor of a US state, serving Connecticut from 1975 to 1980 and known for her progressive policies and advocacy for women's rights.
95 Years Old
Developed the charge-coupled device (CCD), a crucial component in digital cameras, allowing for the capture of high-quality images. His invention revolutionized the field of photog...
Died in 1929, aged 51
A German journalist and politician who served as Chancellor of Germany during the Weimar Republic, known for his efforts to rebuild Germany after World War I and his Nobel Peace Pr...
Died in 1979, aged 79
Pioneering astronomer who discovered that stars are primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, revolutionizing our understanding of the universe. Her groundbreaking work paved the ...
Died in 2000, aged 91
The 54th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, a prominent Democratic leader who played a key role in shaping national policy and legislation during the 1970s. He'...
Died in 2016, aged 84
Acclaimed filmmaker behind iconic Italian neorealist dramas and comedies that explored social issues and human relationships, often starring Marcello Mastroianni and Sophia Loren.
Born in 1760
A German writer and poet celebrated for his humorous and insightful stories, which often featured everyday people and their struggles, offering a glimpse into rural 19th-century li...
Died in 1998, aged 92
A pioneering science fiction and fantasy illustrator, known for his vibrant, imaginative, and influential artwork that helped shape the genre's visual identity.
85 Years Old
Country-soul pioneer who penned hits like "You Better Move On" and "Anna (Go to Him)" that influenced The Beatles, Bob Dylan, and Elvis Presley. Known for soulful, heartfelt songwr...
Born in 1855
A revered Indian guru and educator who introduced millions to India's spiritual heritage through his teachings and writings, particularly his book "The Holy Science".
69 Years Old
A Russian television journalist who hosted popular shows and was a pioneer of independent journalism in post-Soviet Russia, known for his fearless reporting and charismatic on-scre...
55 Years Old
Scottish former professional footballer who played for several clubs, including Everton and Rangers, and earned 69 caps for the Scotland national team, known for his defensive skil...
81 Years Old
A French actress, director, and screenwriter known for her work in European art house cinema, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s, starring in films like "Cousin, cousine" and "The...
67 Years Old
A conservative politician who served in the US Senate from 1995 to 2007, known for his socially conservative views and presidential bids.
63 Years Old
Former MLB second baseman and current San Francisco Giants coach, known for his 11-year playing career and current role in developing young players.
Died in 1823, aged 53
A renowned military strategist and statesman who played a crucial role in Napoleon's conquests and later became a key figure in French politics, known for his exceptional organizat...
Died in 1934, aged 42
Egypt's pioneer of modern sculpture, credited with creating iconic works that blended Pharaonic and Islamic styles, earning him the title "Father of Modern Egyptian Sculpture."
Born in 1901
Pioneering crystallographer and physicist who pioneered X-ray crystallography, uncovering the structure of biological molecules like proteins and viruses.
90 Years Old
A pioneering rock and roll artist, known for his flamboyant stage performances and hits like "Short Fat Fannie" and "Bony Moronie".
Born in 1890
Chief of the German High Command during World War II, responsible for planning and executing military operations, and signing the unconditional surrender of Germany.
Died in 2003, aged 80
Azerbaijan's leader who ruled with an iron fist, modernizing the country while suppressing opposition, leaving a lasting legacy in the region.
32 Years Old
A Filipino singer-songwriter who rose to fame as a teenager, known for powerful vocals and hit songs like "Pyramid" and "Broken Glass".
65 Years Old
A Republican Senator from Nevada, serving from 2011 to 2019, known for his moderate stance on issues like healthcare and immigration reform. He was a key swing vote in the Senate.
29 Years Old
Point guard for the Memphis Grizzlies, known for his clutch shooting and playmaking abilities off the bench. A reliable backup with a strong work ethic and high basketball IQ.
Born in 1755
American captain and explorer who led the first American expedition to navigate the Columbia River and discovered the Columbia River's mouth in 1792. He is credited with establishi...
Died in 1978, aged 69
A pioneering musician who popularized the autoharp, playing a crucial role in shaping country and folk music .
41 Years Old
Venezuelan right-handed pitcher with a 10-year MLB career, known for his relief pitching and brief stint as a closer.
65 Years Old
A Jamaican-Slovenian runner who won a record nine Olympic medals and dominated the 100m and 200m sprint events for over a decade, earning the nickname "The Queen of the Track".
44 Years Old
Chile's all-time leading scorer, known for his clinical finishing and impressive goal-scoring record in international competitions.
40 Years Old
British sprint canoeist who won Olympic gold and bronze medals, as well as multiple World Championship titles, dominating the K-2 200m event.
Died in 1926, aged 47
A Ukrainian journalist and politician who played a key role in Ukraine's struggle for independence after World War I, leading the Ukrainian People's Republic. He's infamous for his...
Born in 1847
A German mathematician and academic who developed the theory of Lie algebras, a fundamental concept in modern mathematics and physics. His work laid the foundation for the developm...
29 Years Old
Czech tennis player known for being a doubles specialist, winning multiple Grand Slam titles and holding the number one ranking in women's doubles.
29 Years Old
Professional ice hockey right winger who currently plays for the Vegas Golden Knights of the National Hockey League (NHL). Known for his speed, size, and scoring ability.
48 Years Old
A dominant prop forward who played for England and Great Britain, earning 30 caps and winning numerous titles with Leeds Rhinos and Warrington Wolves. Known for his aggressive play...
Born in 1727
French economist and politician who implemented reforms to stimulate economic growth and reduce poverty, and is considered one of the founders of modern economics.
Died in 1883, aged 70
The 20th United States Postmaster General played a crucial role in the American Civil War, abolishing slavery in Washington D.C. and helping to shape the country's postal system. H...
Born in 1697
A virtuosic violinist and prolific composer, he crafted over 900 works, including sonatas, concertos, and operas, showcasing his mastery of Baroque music. His compositions remain a...
Died in 1920, aged 76
A renowned Spanish literary figure, known for his influential and insightful novels of manners that explored the social and political landscape of 19th-century Spain. His works are...
Died in 2014, aged 92
A Polish-Canadian entrepreneur and philanthropist who built a business empire and donated millions to education and healthcare causes. Known for his real estate developments and ge...
97 Years Old
Estonian agronomist and politician who served as President of Estonia from 2001 to 2006, known for his efforts to modernize the country's agriculture and strengthen its economy. He...
Died in 1967, aged 89
A Greek painter who blended Byzantine and folk art elements with modernist techniques, creating vibrant, dreamlike scenes. He's celebrated for his unique style, which continues to ...
Died in 1987, aged 90
Led Norway through post-WWII reconstruction, implementing social welfare reforms and establishing the country's modern economic foundation. Known for his pragmatic and collaborativ...
Born in 1903
A high-ranking SS officer and economist who played a key role in the Nazi regime's brutal policies, particularly in the Holocaust, and was later convicted of war crimes.
Died in 2013, aged 85
A German chess grandmaster who won numerous tournaments and was a World Chess Championship candidate, also known for being a chess arbiter and officiating several high-profile matc...
Died in 2002, aged 75
A Bolivian strongman who ruled with an iron fist, suppressing opposition and overseeing a period of economic growth and stability. He's most known for his authoritarian regime and ...
Died in 1902, aged 90
Designed iconic railway stations, including London's St Pancras, and pioneered the use of iron in bridge construction. His work transformed urban transportation and architecture.
Died in 1920, aged 25
An Irish-American republican who participated in the 1920 Cork hunger strike, sacrificing his life for Irish independence.
50 Years Old
Egyptian midfielder who played for Zamalek and the national team, later becoming a politician and serving as a member of parliament. He's known for his skills on the field and his ...
Died in 1686, aged 81
A 17th-century playwright and author who wrote influential tragicomedies that shaped the French theatre, particularly with his play "Silvanire" which was a huge success.
Died in 1950, aged 77
A pioneering sociologist and anthropologist who developed the concept of "gift economy" and explored the social significance of exchange and reciprocity in human societies.
Died in 1918, aged 42
A Slovenian literary giant, celebrated for his poignant plays and poetry that captured the essence of Slovenian identity and culture. His works continue to inspire and influence Sl...
Born in 1491
A powerful and wealthy noblewoman who played a significant role in French politics during the 16th century, known for her strategic marriages and alliances that shaped the country'...
Born in 1893
A pioneering Native American artist from San Ildefonso Pueblo, known for her traditional black-on-black pottery and innovative designs that blended traditional and modern styles. H...
35 Years Old
A Serbian athlete who holds the national record in the long jump and has competed in several international championships, including the Olympic Games.