May 4th is marked by narratives of creativity and protest. Known among fans as Star Wars Day (May the Fourth be with you), this day captures the cultural impact of the iconic film franchise, celebrating its lasting influence on science fiction and fandom. In historical contexts, 1970 saw tragedy at Kent State University as National Guardsmen fired on student protesters, significantly affecting public opinion on the Vietnam War and emphasizing the ongoing struggle for peace and civil rights.
This date celebrates the birth of prolific American author John Grisham in 1955, known for his engaging legal thrillers that delve into moral complexities and justice. May 4th is also recognized as International Firefighters' Day, honoring firefighters' dedication and courage and commemorating those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Through tales of adversity, heroic endeavors, and cultural homage, May 4th unites resonant narratives of inspiration and remembrance across varied spheres of influence.
Died in 1993, aged 63
Elegant actress and devoted philanthropist, starring in iconic films like Roman Holiday and Breakfast at Tiffany's, while dedicating her life to helping children in need.
47 Years Old
A renowned sportscaster and journalist, known for her work on ESPN, Fox Sports, and ABC, covering major sporting events like the Super Bowl and World Series. She's also a bestselli...
Died in 1893, aged 84
A dominant linebacker who played 17 seasons in the NFL, earning five Pro Bowl selections and two Super Bowl championships, known for his intense playing style and iconic intercepti...
36 Years Old
A four-time Major winner and one of the most dominant golfers of his generation, known for his incredible driving distance and accuracy.
55 Years Old
A comedic genius behind iconic characters like Gob Bluth and BoJack Horseman, bringing laughter and satire to our screens through his versatile acting and producing talents.
95 Years Old
Matriarch of the legendary Jackson family, guiding light behind the careers of Michael, Janet, and other siblings, shaping the sound of popular music.
Died in 2005, aged 65
A renowned physician-turned-author, best known for crafting gripping medical thrillers that often explore the darker side of medicine and science. His novels, such as "Coma" and "O...
66 Years Old
A country music legend, known for his deep, smooth baritone voice and iconic hits like "Forever and Ever, Amen" and "Three Wooden Crosses", blending traditional and modern styles.
Died in 1731, aged 75
Italian instrument maker credited with inventing the piano, revolutionizing music-making with a new expressive instrument. Known for transforming the sound of music forever.
55 Years Old
A trailblazing point guard and coach, known for winning three Olympic gold medals and leading the University of South Carolina to a national championship. She's a pioneering figure...
Died in 1990, aged 31
Vibrant, colorful, and thought-provoking street art that often tackled social issues like racism, inequality, and AIDS awareness. His iconic characters and murals continue to inspi...
50 Years Old
A former Victoria's Secret Angel and entrepreneur, known for her stunning beauty and successful business ventures, including a fashion line and reality TV show.
Died in 1895, aged 70
A prominent figure in the scientific community, known for advocating Charles Darwin's theory of evolution and coining the term "agnostic" to describe his own religious views.
58 Years Old
A comedic actress and singer, best known for her Saturday Night Live (SNL) impressions and characters, particularly her mean-girl personas. She's also appeared in TV shows and film...
53 Years Old
The bassist and primary songwriter of the punk rock band Green Day, known for catchy, high-energy songs and albums like "Dookie" and "American Idiot".
Died in 2006, aged 78
A virtuosic trumpet player and bandleader known for his technical mastery and energetic performances, leading several iconic jazz bands and recording with top artists.
38 Years Old
A skilled and creative midfielder who played for top clubs like Arsenal and Barcelona, known for his exceptional vision and passing ability.
84 Years Old
A Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author, known for his conservative commentary and insightful writings on politics and society.
58 Years Old
A popular TV presenter and radio host, known for her warm and engaging style on shows like Good Morning Britain and Smooth Radio.
51 Years Old
A renowned jockey with a record-breaking 4,358 wins, he's a legendary figure in horse racing, now sharing his expertise as a sportscaster.
53 Years Old
A Grammy-winning Christian music artist, known for his soulful voice and inspiring worship songs that have become anthems in churches worldwide.
Died in 1859, aged 63
Pioneering educator and advocate for public education, credited with establishing the first public school system in the United States and promoting education as a fundamental right...
44 Years Old
An Oscar-nominated actress known for her versatility in playing complex, dynamic characters in films like Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Loving, earning her critical acclaim and numero...
Died in 2006, aged 89
A pioneering urban studies activist who challenged conventional urban planning wisdom, advocating for diverse, vibrant, and people-centered city design.
Died in 2019, aged 75
Voice actress behind beloved Disney characters, including Minnie Mouse and characters from The Simpsons, bringing joy to generations of children and adults alike.
33 Years Old
NBA shooting guard known for his athleticism, scoring ability, and clutch performances, playing for teams like Indiana Pacers and Houston Rockets.
97 Years Old
The authoritarian leader who ruled Egypt for nearly three decades, suppressing opposition and maintaining a tight grip on power, while also maintaining a delicate balance of power ...
Died in 2019, aged 81
A pioneer of surf rock, known for his lightning-fast guitar riffs and iconic songs like "Misirlou," which became a staple of surf culture and film soundtracks.
79 Years Old
Pioneering Formula One car designer credited with introducing innovative technologies, such as semi-automatic gearboxes and carbon fiber chassis, that revolutionized the sport.
74 Years Old
A member of the legendary Jackson family, this talented artist is known for their soulful vocals and smooth dance moves as part of the iconic Motown group, The Jackson 5.
79 Years Old
A prominent conservative activist and former presidential candidate, known for his advocacy on social issues like abortion and same-sex marriage. He served as a domestic policy adv...
39 Years Old
Professional basketball player who has played for several NBA teams, including the Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks, known for his scoring and defensive abilities.
Born in 1852
The inspiration for Lewis Carroll's iconic character in "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland", this young girl's story was immortalized in a beloved children's classic. She later beca...
72 Years Old
A Golden Globe-winning actress and singer who rose to fame in the 1980s with her unique blend of pop and jazz music, as well as her provocative film roles.
97 Years Old
Won 55 professional tournaments, including eight majors, and was one of the founders of the LPGA. She is a pioneer for women's golf, paving the way for future generations.
88 Years Old
A renowned jazz bassist and educator, known for his virtuosic playing style and extensive work with Miles Davis and other jazz legends. He has taught at several prestigious music s...
44 Years Old
Lead vocalist and bassist of the rock band Panic! At The Disco, known for his theatrical style and catchy pop-rock sound.
36 Years Old
American professional ice hockey left winger playing in the NHL, known for his scoring prowess and Olympic appearances.
Born in 1907
Co-founder of the New York City Ballet, a visionary who brought together artists to create a new American art form, revolutionizing the world of dance.
73 Years Old
The 1972 Miss World titleholder, crowned at the age of 20, known for her beauty and charm, which catapulted her to international fame. She remains a celebrated figure in the pagean...
86 Years Old
A prominent Israeli writer and peace activist, known for his literary works that explore the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the human condition.
27 Years Old
Rex Orange County is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist known for his introspective and emotionally charged indie-pop music, often incorporating elements of jazz and fun...
Born in 1796
A renowned historian and scholar who wrote comprehensive and engaging histories of the Spanish Empire, particularly the conquests of Mexico and Peru. His works are still widely rea...
Died in 2012, aged 89
A beloved comedian and actor, known for his slapstick humor and iconic silent comedy shows, entertaining audiences with his clever physical antics and facial expressions.
64 Years Old
A British pop star and member of the iconic 1980s girl group Bucks Fizz, known for their catchy Eurovision-winning hit "Making Your Mind Up" and energetic dance routines.
Born in 1925
Former CEO of AIG, a multinational insurance corporation, and a prominent philanthropist, known for his leadership during times of crisis and his charitable efforts in education an...
68 Years Old
A Canadian alpine skier who won the gold medal in the giant slalom at the 1976 Winter Olympics. She was the first North American to win an Olympic gold medal in skiing.
Born in 1826
A prominent landscape painter of the Hudson River School, capturing the majesty of the American wilderness and exotic locales in meticulously detailed, large-scale works. His paint...
67 Years Old
A British politician who served as Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, known for her efforts in environmental conservation and animal welfare .
Died in 1799, aged 65
Developed the Borda count, a voting system, and made significant contributions to navigation, astronomy, and physics. He's also known for his work on fluid dynamics and the behavio...
Died in 1864, aged 37
A British soldier and explorer who led expeditions to Africa, discovering the source of the Nile River in 1858. He was the first European to set eyes on Lake Victoria.
Born in 1916
A self-taught naturalist who lived off the land in Alaska, building his own cabin and documenting his experiences, inspiring many with his simple and sustainable way of life.
46 Years Old
Former member of the boy band NSYNC, known for catchy pop tunes and iconic music videos.
37 Years Old
A dynamic and skilled midfielder known for his tenacious tackling, vision, and goal-scoring ability, earning him a reputation as one of the best box-to-box midfielders of his gener...
Born in 1917
A Filipino writer, journalist, and historian who explored the country's culture and history through his works, earning him the title of National Artist of the Philippines.
Died in 2021, aged 48
A Hall of Fame defenseman and coach, known for his rugged playing style and successful coaching stints in the NHL. He won the Stanley Cup as a coach in 1972.
45 Years Old
Goalie who played 11 NHL seasons, winning the Calder Trophy as the league's top rookie in 2004. Known for his impressive debut season with the Boston Bruins.
39 Years Old
Goalie who played 12 NHL seasons, earning Vezina Trophy and Olympic gold medal honors. Known for his impressive saves and clutch performances.
52 Years Old
Argentinian football legend who won numerous titles as a player and coach, including the Copa Libertadores and Argentine Primera División. He's renowned for his exceptional vision ...
42 Years Old
A skilled and versatile center who played over 700 NHL games, known for his exceptional passing ability and scoring prowess.
47 Years Old
Croatian footballer and manager who played for Liverpool and won several titles, including the Champions League, and later managed several clubs. Known for his tenacious defensive ...
41 Years Old
A WWE referee and wrestler, known for his controversial on-screen persona and infamous botched calls, sparking heated debates among fans.
Died in 2013, aged 80
A legendary wide receiver and coach who set numerous records and won championships, earning him a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
40 Years Old
An English all-rounder cricketer who played for Essex and England, known for his aggressive batting style and handy medium-pace bowling. He was a key player in England's limited-ov...
38 Years Old
A three-time MotoGP World Champion, known for his exceptional racing skills and intense rivalries on the track.
Born in 1772
A German publisher who founded the Brockhaus publishing house, renowned for producing comprehensive and authoritative reference works, including the Conversations-Lexikon encyclope...
Died in 2010, aged 72
A prominent Mexican intellectual and cultural critic, known for his witty and insightful writings on politics, history, and society. He's a leading voice in Mexican letters, celebr...
34 Years Old
A two-time Olympic gold medalist and one of the most decorated players in Canadian women's hockey history, known for her exceptional speed and scoring ability on the ice.
Died in 1984, aged 81
Noted for his powerful stage presence and distinctive voice, he brought complexity to characters in film and television, often playing villains or authority figures.
Died in 1979, aged 92
A pioneer of American Modernism, this artist blended European styles with American subjects, creating vibrant, expressive landscapes and still-life paintings. Known for bold, geome...
Died in 1967, aged 78
A prominent Catholic Church leader who served as Archbishop of New York and played a significant role in shaping the Church's policies during the mid-20th century. He was a close a...
Died in 2012, aged 63
The monarch who ruled Tonga from 2006 to 2012, introducing democratic reforms and transitioning the country from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional one. He's also known for h...
74 Years Old
Hawaiian politician and lawyer who served in the U.S. House of Representatives and advocated for Native Hawaiian rights and environmental issues.
69 Years Old
A former MLB infielder and current coach, known for his 16-year playing career and subsequent coaching stints with several teams. He's a respected figure in baseball circles.
Born in 1767
A renowned Indian classical composer who created thousands of devotional songs, known for his contributions to Carnatic music, a traditional South Indian classical music style.
65 Years Old
The 28th Chancellor of Austria, serving from 2008 to 2016, is most known for his strong stance on European Union policies and his efforts to reform Austria's economy. He played a k...
44 Years Old
A Cameroonian professional footballer who played as a midfielder, known for his pace and skill on the pitch, with stints in top-tier leagues like the Premier League and La Liga.
Died in 2015, aged 86
A Chilean general who led the country's secret police during Augusto Pinochet's regime, notorious for human rights abuses and political repression. He was convicted of multiple cri...
Born in 1820
The wife of the 11th President of the United States, she was a fashionista and socialite who brought a sense of glamour to the White House, hosting lavish parties and events. She's...
Died in 1971, aged 57
A legendary sumo wrestler who held the highest rank of Yokozuna, known for his exceptional strength and technique in the ring. He was a dominant force in the sport during his prime...
Born in 1907
A legendary marksman and FBI agent, known for setting multiple national shooting records and serving as a special agent during the 1930s.
Died in 2015, aged 92
Pioneering ichthyologist who explored the ocean's depths, discovering new species and debunking shark myths, earning the nickname "Shark Lady."
Born in 1752
The 11th Governor of Massachusetts, a decorated war hero, and politician who played a significant role in shaping the state's early development. He's most known for his military br...
Born in 1883
A Chinese politician who led a Japanese-backed puppet government in China during World War II, known for his controversial role in collaborating with the enemy.
Born in 1006
A renowned 11th-century Persian mystic and poet, he wrote influential works on spirituality, love, and self-purification, leaving a lasting impact on Sufi literature and Islamic my...
Died in 1993, aged 75
A Japanese politician who served as Prime Minister from 1972 to 1974, known for his economic policies and corruption scandals. He is infamous for his involvement in the Lockheed br...
71 Years Old
A Filipino music icon, renowned for his contributions to Original Pilipino Music (OPM) and his work as a composer, pianist, and conductor, leaving a lasting impact on the country's...
Born in 1905
Pioneering country musician and songwriter behind hits like "Pistol Packin' Mama," known for blending honky-tonk and Western swing styles.
74 Years Old
A renowned bassist, songwriter, and producer, best known for his work with the British band Camel and his eclectic solo projects. He's a highly respected figure in the progressive ...
Died in 1971, aged 28
A Bulgarian football legend, known for his exceptional skills and goalscoring prowess, earning him the nickname "Gundi" and a place in the country's football hall of fame.
40 Years Old
A British rapper and grime artist known for his energetic flow and witty wordplay, particularly in the UK's underground music scene.
Born in 1820
First Governor of Oregon, instrumental in shaping the state's early development and laws. Known for his role in Oregon's transition from a territory to a state.
79 Years Old
British racing driver who won the 1966 Formula One World Championship and is a two-time Grand Prix winner.
Born in 1890
A prominent member of the Group of Seven, a collective of landscape painters who captured the beauty of the Canadian wilderness through bold, vibrant works. Known for their dreamy,...
Died in 1862, aged 65
The 13th Governor of New Jersey and 23rd Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, known for his leadership and legislative achievements during the early 19th century....
Died in 1915, aged 93
A Canadian physician and politician who served as the 3rd Premier of Quebec, known for his contributions to the province's medical and political landscape. He played a key role in ...
Died in 1938, aged 87
An American painter celebrated for his dreamy, ethereal depictions of women in idyllic settings, often blending realism with a touch of mysticism. His works evoke a sense of quiet ...
31 Years Old
A talented rugby league forward who played for the New Zealand national team and NRL clubs, known for his aggressive playing style and strong tackles.
Born in 1634
An English aristocrat and heiress, known for being the alleged inspiration for the character of Lady Katherine in the classic novel "Dick Turpin" and her rumored involvement in hig...
Died in 1804, aged 89
An 18th-century Anglican minister and writer, known for his humorous and satirical writings, particularly his novel "The Spiritual Quixote", which mocked religious hypocrisy.
Died in 1986, aged 84
English cricketer and administrator who played for Kent and Oxford University, and later served as the Secretary of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). He's known for his contributi...
46 Years Old
Tongan rugby player who scored 36 tries in 41 appearances for the Tongan national team and played professionally in the UK and France. Known for his powerful running and try-scorin...
Born in 1559
A 17th-century aristocrat and patron of the arts, known for her literary salons and support of prominent writers, including John Dryden.
Died in 1908, aged 83
A 19th-century historian, photographer, and academic who explored and documented ancient Mayan ruins, making significant contributions to the field of Mesoamerican archaeology. The...
Born in 1913
A member of the Greek and Danish royal families, she was a humanitarian and philanthropist, particularly dedicated to helping the poor and marginalized. She was also a skilled pain...
Born in 1677
A illegitimate daughter of King Louis XIV, she was a wealthy and influential patron of the arts, supporting famous writers and intellectuals of her time.
Born in 1649
A 17th-century Bundela Rajput king who fought against the Mughal Empire and expanded his kingdom, known for his bravery and military prowess. He also patronized literature and art,...
Born in 1757
A Spanish sculptor who founded the Academy of San Carlos in Mexico City, shaping the country's art education and producing iconic works that blended European and Mexican styles.
Born in 1770
A prominent Neoclassicist painter, renowned for his elegant and refined portraits of European aristocracy, capturing the essence of his subjects with precision and subtlety.
Died in 1975, aged 91
An English army officer who served in the Crimean War and a cricketer who played for Kent County Cricket Club, known for his military bravery and sporting achievements.
Born in 1921
A Croatian artist who created a wide range of works, from paintings to sculptures and illustrations, often blending traditional and modern styles. He's most known for his vibrant, ...
31 Years Old
A renowned sumo wrestler from the 19th century, known for his exceptional strength and technique, earning him numerous championships and a legendary status in Japan.