May 9th blends themes of unity and cultural expression. In 1950, French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman proposed a plan to pool French and German coal and steel industries, laying the foundation for the European Union and fostering cooperation and renewal in post-war Europe. This day in 1960 also witnessed the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s approval of the first birth control pill, transforming societal perspectives and women’s reproductive autonomy.
This date celebrates the birth of Billy Joel in 1949, an American musician and singer-songwriter whose work resonates with fans through evocative lyrics and timeless melodies. May 9th is also known as Europe Day, commemorating peace and unity among European countries while reflecting on cultural, political, and economic bonds. Through fostering partnership and creativity, May 9th invites exploration of connections that unite humanity towards shared futures and harmonious coexistence.
76 Years Old
A legendary singer-songwriter and pianist, known for crafting catchy, soulful hits like "Piano Man" and "Uptown Girl" that have become staples of American pop culture.
79 Years Old
Iconic actress and producer, best known for her starring role as Murphy Brown in the hit TV sitcom, winning multiple Emmy Awards and becoming a household name.
85 Years Old
Acclaimed filmmaker behind iconic TV shows and movies, including "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and "Terms of Endearment", known for his witty dialogue and nuanced character portrayal...
Died in 2012, aged 93
A renowned television journalist who interviewed prominent figures and uncovered hidden truths through his in-depth reporting, earning him a reputation for fearlessness and integri...
Died in 1937, aged 77
Creator of the beloved character Peter Pan, known for whimsical and imaginative storytelling that has captivated audiences for generations.
55 Years Old
A founding member of the Wu-Tang Clan, this rapper and actor is known for his vivid storytelling and poetic lyrics, which have been widely influential in hip-hop.
Died in 1976, aged 82
A pioneer in value investing, he developed the concept of "Mr. Market" and wrote the influential book "The Intelligent Investor", shaping modern investment strategies.
Died in 2019, aged 82
A renowned actor of stage and screen, known for his versatility and range in iconic roles like Scrooge and Bond.
Died in 2014, aged 54
Hall of Fame outfielder and coach who won eight batting titles and had a.338 career average, known for his impressive hitting and iconic mustache.
63 Years Old
Lead vocalist and co-songwriter of the iconic synth-pop band Depeche Mode, known for his distinctive baritone voice and dark, introspective lyrics.
60 Years Old
Legendary captain of the Detroit Red Wings, leading the team to three Stanley Cup championships, and later becoming the general manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning, winning another ...
91 Years Old
Renowned for his witty, insightful, and poignant works that often explore the human condition, he is best known for his iconic plays and monologues that have become staples of Brit...
46 Years Old
Star of films like Sin City and Rent, known for her versatility in playing complex characters in various genres.
Died in 1939, aged 64
Discovered the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun in Egypt, uncovering thousands of artifacts and treasures that revealed secrets of ancient Egyptian life.
64 Years Old
An American actor known for his rugged charm and memorable roles in popular TV shows and films, including the iconic Aidan Shaw in Sex and the City.
Died in 1943, aged 21
A young German student who led a non-violent resistance movement against the Nazi regime during World War II, distributing anti-war leaflets and advocating for democracy and human ...
Born in 1893
Creator of the iconic Wonder Woman comic series and inventor of the systolic blood pressure test, which led to the development of the polygraph machine.
83 Years Old
The 79th United States Attorney General, serving from 2001 to 2005, is most known for his role in shaping post-9/11 national security policies and his strong stance on the USA PATR...
Died in 1859, aged 59
Abolitionist who led the raid on Harpers Ferry, a pivotal event that helped spark the American Civil War, fighting to end slavery through radical action.
63 Years Old
Lead vocalist of The Housemartins and The Beautiful South, known for witty, observational songwriting and hits like "Caravan of Love" and "Rotterdam".
Died in 2023, aged 87
A renowned actress who won two Academy Awards for her performances in "Women in Love" and "A Touch of Class", and later became a Labour Party politician.
41 Years Old
Power-hitting first baseman with 319 career home runs, known for his impressive slugging percentage and larger-than-life personality.
50 Years Old
A talented artist who has made a mark in the music industry with her soulful voice and hit singles, as well as acting roles in TV and film.
50 Years Old
A legendary motocross rider known for his fearless style and innovative tricks, earning him multiple X Games medals and a spot in the Motocross Hall of Fame.
80 Years Old
A German football legend who won numerous titles as a player and manager, including four Champions League trophies, and is renowned for his tactical genius and ability to motivate ...
Died in 2015, aged 82
A renowned English actress, celebrated for her iconic portrayal of Agatha Christie's Miss Marple in the ITV series, bringing the beloved detective to life with wit and charm.
55 Years Old
A former NBA player and coach, known for his tenacious on-ball defense and 15-year playing career with multiple teams, including the Sacramento Kings.
Died in 2001, aged 71
A beloved comedic actress, best known for her iconic roles in the Carry On film series, bringing laughter and joy to generations of audiences.
90 Years Old
A legendary guitarist and member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, known for his innovative and influential instrumental rock music, particularly with The Ventures.
74 Years Old
A celebrated poet, musician, playwright, and author, known for weaving Native American stories and mythology into her work, exploring themes of identity, culture, and social justic...
57 Years Old
A British economist and politician who served as Secretary of State for Transport, known for her efforts to improve the country's transportation infrastructure and reduce carbon em...
Died in 1999, aged 85
A legendary country music singer-songwriter and guitarist, known for his distinctive voice and hit songs like "I'm Moving On" and "The Rhumba Boogie".
82 Years Old
Former Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, a prominent figure in UK politics, known for his advocacy of social liberalism and criticism of economic inequality.
74 Years Old
An American actress, best known for her long-running role as Norma Kirkland on the soap opera "The Young and the Restless" and her iconic character Peggy Archer on the sitcom "Yes,...
70 Years Old
A renowned soprano and actress celebrated for her versatility and expressive performances in opera, concert, and musical theater, with a wide-ranging repertoire from Baroque to con...
30 Years Old
A talented forward who has made a significant impact in women's football, winning numerous titles and accolades, including the Golden Boot at the 2022 UEFA Women's Euro.
Died in 1913, aged 67
Developed the first practical steam turbine, revolutionizing power generation and earning a Nobel Prize nomination. His innovations transformed industries like textiles and printin...
45 Years Old
Australian swimmer and Olympic gold medalist, renowned for his dominance in the 1500m freestyle event, holding multiple world records.
Died in 2005, aged 91
A renowned Italian maestro, he led world-class orchestras, including the Chicago Symphony and LA Philharmonic, with a distinctive style blending passion and precision. His interpre...
40 Years Old
A former NFL tight end who played for the Miami Dolphins and New York Giants, known for his athleticism and versatility on the field.
Died in 2012, aged 84
Canada's most decorated figure skater, winning the 1948 Olympic gold medal and 1947-1948 World Champion, known for her artistic expression and technical skill on the ice.
Died in 1988, aged 50
Half of the legendary soul duo Sam & Dave, known for their energetic live performances and classic hits like "Soul Man" and "Hold On, I'm Comin'".
33 Years Old
A professional footballer who plays as a center-back for Newcastle United and the England national team, known for his defensive skills and aerial ability.
Born in 1896
Academy Award-winning art director and set decorator behind iconic film sets, including "Ben-Hur" and "The Greatest Show on Earth".
Born in 1907
Leader of the Hitler Youth organization during World War II, responsible for indoctrinating and recruiting millions of young Germans into the Nazi Party.
Died in 1995, aged 67
A tennis legend who dominated the sport in the 1940s and 1950s, winning 17 Grand Slam titles and known for his powerful serve and volley game. He was a pioneer for Mexican-American...
69 Years Old
A talented actress and producer, known for her versatility in film and television, with a wide range of roles in dramas, comedies, and sci-fi series. She's a household name in Cana...
Died in 1967, aged 85
Founded the Kaiser Shipyards, revolutionizing American shipbuilding during World War II by pioneering mass production techniques, building over 1,400 ships, and playing a crucial r...
Died in 1963, aged 51
A talented actor who brought charisma and authenticity to his roles, particularly in Westerns and films by directors like John Ford and Sergio Leone.
Died in 2019, aged 91
A German chemist and Nobel laureate who pioneered the study of fast chemical reactions and developed methods to measure their rates, greatly advancing our understanding of biochemi...
94 Years Old
Pilot, engineer, and astronaut who flew on four NASA spaceflights, including the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project, the first joint US-Soviet space mission. He was also a test pilot and he...
36 Years Old
An English professional footballer who plays as a forward for Chelsea FC and the England national team, known for her speed, skill, and goal-scoring ability.
Born in 1909
Designed iconic modernist buildings, including the Solow Building, that transformed urban skylines with sleek, functional, and elegant structures.
Died in 1895, aged 58
Founded the iconic German automobile company that bears his name, revolutionizing the industry with innovative designs and mass production techniques.
84 Years Old
A British athlete who won Olympic and European medals in the 100m and 200m sprint events, setting multiple records in the 1960s.
52 Years Old
A pioneering long-distance runner who broke barriers for African women in athletics, winning numerous championships and setting multiple world records.
48 Years Old
A skilled left-back who played for top European clubs like AC Milan and won numerous titles, including two Champions League trophies.
57 Years Old
French sprinter who won three Olympic gold medals and held multiple world records in the 400 meters, dominating the event in the 1990s.
46 Years Old
A former Major League Baseball pitcher, known for his Cy Young Award-winning season in 2006 and his impressive sinkerball.
Died in 1989, aged 96
The last Empress of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, a symbol of a bygone era, known for her courage and dedication to her husband and family during World War I. She was a unifying fig...
77 Years Old
A Hall of Fame point guard who played 17 seasons in the NBA, known for his incredible scoring ability and holding the record for most points scored in a single game by a rookie.
37 Years Old
Canadian stock car racing driver who competed in NASCAR and won several championships, including the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series.
30 Years Old
Utility player known for versatility and strong defense, playing multiple positions for the St. Louis Cardinals.
Died in 1199, aged 51
Founded the Kamakura shogunate, a feudal military government that ruled Japan from 1185 to 1333, and is credited with establishing the samurai class as the ruling power in Japan.
36 Years Old
A renowned electronic music producer and DJ, known for his atmospheric and emotive soundscapes that have captivated audiences worldwide.
Born in 1895
Silent film star and romantic lead of the 1910s and 1920s, known for his emotive performances and iconic roles in films like "Tol'able David" and "The Patent Leather Kid".
Born in 1908
A shortstop and manager in Major League Baseball, known for his 17-year playing career and later managing the Boston Red Sox.
78 Years Old
A Japanese diplomat who served as the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) from 2009 to 2019, playing a crucial role in global nuclear non-proliferatio...
Died in 1997, aged 73
A renowned Russian bard, known for his poignant lyrics and soothing melodies that captured the essence of Soviet life, inspiring generations of musicians and writers.
Born in 1823
The 6th Prime Minister of New Zealand, a pioneering figure in the country's early development, known for his role in shaping its governance and economy. He played a crucial part in...
42 Years Old
Luxembourg's most successful tennis player, winning several ATP titles and representing his country in the Davis Cup. He's a national sports hero, inspiring future generations of t...
Died in 1597, aged 56
A 16th-century Rajput king who fought against the Mughal Empire, known for his bravery and resistance against foreign rule. He is celebrated as a hero in Indian history.
Born in 1836
A French ophthalmologist who created the Monoyer chart, a standardized eye chart used to measure visual acuity. This chart is still widely used today in eye exams to determine a pe...
Died in 1958, aged 107
Developed a process for producing sodium reduction, leading to the invention of the dry cell battery, which revolutionized portable power. His work enabled the widespread use of fl...
Born in 1870
A six-time Open Championship winner, known for popularizing golf globally and setting numerous records that stood for decades. 42
Died in 1961, aged 65
A Romanian literary giant, celebrated for his avant-garde poetry and philosophical explorations of existence, culture, and human condition. His works are a testament to the country...
Died in 2016, aged 94
A Catholic priest who wrote poetry and protested war and nuclear proliferation through nonviolent civil disobedience, inspiring a generation of activists.
Died in 1989, aged 93
American pole vaulter who won the gold medal at the 1920 Summer Olympics, setting a world record in the process. He was a dominant force in the sport during the early 20th century.
38 Years Old
French striker who played for top-tier clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and Atlético Madrid, known for his clinical finishing and goal-scoring prowess.
Died in 1915, aged 48
Indian economist and politician who played a key role in India's struggle for independence from British rule, advocating for social and economic reforms. He was a mentor to Mahatma...
Died in 2014, aged 70
A renowned British space scientist who led the Beagle 2 Mars mission and made significant contributions to the field of astrobiology and planetary science.
Died in 1918, aged 30
Italian World War I flying ace credited with 34 aerial victories, earning him the title of Italy's highest-scoring fighter pilot of the war.
34 Years Old
Kosovo's first Olympic champion, winning gold in judo at the 2016 Rio Olympics, and a trailblazer for women's sports in her country.
Born in 1883
A Spanish philosopher, author, and critic who explored the human condition, culture, and the role of the individual in society, known for his concept of "mass man" and the "revolt ...
Died in 2012, aged 57
The authoritarian leader who ruled Ethiopia for over two decades, implementing policies that brought rapid economic growth but also suppressed human rights and dissent. He played a...
Died in 1933, aged 59
A Czech-American captain and politician who served as the 44th Mayor of Chicago, known for his strong leadership and efforts to reform the city's government. He's also infamous for...
55 Years Old
Chinese football legend and former international player, known for being one of the most skilled and prolific strikers in Chinese football history, with a record 41 goals in 106 ap...
Died in 1985, aged 47
Notorious for murdering at least 35 people, mostly women, during the 1970s and 1980s, earning him a spot on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list.
Born in 1814
A 19th-century actor and playwright who wrote over 100 plays, many of which were comedies and burlesques, and was known for his wit and satire. He was a popular figure in New York ...
Born in 1900
A renowned Polish actress who shone on stage and screen, captivating audiences with her talent and charm.
Died in 1845, aged 82
A Hungarian-Austrian poet and author who wrote influential works that shaped the country's literary scene, including the epic poem "The Valour of the Hungarians".
Died in 1866, aged 64
Founded the town of Fleetwood and played a significant role in its development, earning him recognition as a prominent figure in local history.
Died in 1881, aged 55
A Pre-Raphaelite painter of sentimental and romantic scenes, often featuring women and children, characterized by their dreamlike quality and vivid colors.
Born in 1888
A Swedish art collector and patron of the Ballets Russes, known for his exquisite taste and support of avant-garde artists like Picasso, Matisse, and Stravinsky.
Died in 1991, aged 109
A 20th-century artist known for vibrant, abstract expressionist paintings that explored the emotional and psychological depths of the human experience. His work often featured bold...
Born in 1884
A renowned silent film star, known for his charismatic on-screen presence and versatility in playing diverse roles, including romantic leads and villains.
48 Years Old
A dominant time trialist and road captain, known for his exceptional endurance and leadership skills, playing a crucial role in several high-profile cycling teams.
57 Years Old
Object-oriented philosopher who developed the concept of "speculative realism," which challenges traditional notions of human-centered thought and emphasizes the autonomy of object...
Born in 1594
A skilled military leader who played a significant role in the Thirty Years' War, known for his bravery and strategic thinking on the battlefield.
Died in 1816, aged 76
An 18th-century Italian composer and educator, known for his operas and contributions to the development of classical music. His works were widely performed and admired by European...
48 Years Old
A luchador who performed in various Mexican promotions, known for his masked persona and high-flying moves. He was a popular figure in the 1990s Mexican wrestling scene.
Born in 1555
A Spanish Catholic nun who founded the first monastery in Manila, establishing a stronghold for Catholicism in the Philippines and paving the way for future female religious leader...
Died in 1818, aged 72
Developed descriptive geometry, a field that combines math and engineering to create precise drawings and models, revolutionizing architecture, engineering, and manufacturing.
Born in 1855
A German-Dutch composer who blended Romantic and Impressionist styles, creating a unique sound that resonated with audiences. He's most known for his chamber music and symphonies.
Died in 1171, aged 20
The last ruler of the Fatimid dynasty, who oversaw its decline and eventual absorption into the Ayyubid Empire, is remembered for his failed attempts to resist the Crusaders and Sa...
Died in 1655, aged 38
A German nobleman who ruled Hesse-Eschwege from 1632 to 1655, known for his military leadership during the Thirty Years' War. He also founded the city of Eschwege.
Born in 1824
A 17th-century Polish apologist and author who defended Judaism against Christian accusations and wrote influential works on Jewish law and customs. His writings remain significant...
Died in 1977, aged 92
A Maltese artist known for his vibrant, abstract paintings that blend traditional techniques with modern styles, exploring themes of identity, culture, and social change.
Born in 1907
A Trinidadian cricketer who played first-class cricket for Trinidad and Tobago and the West Indies, known for his impressive batting skills and century-making abilities.
87 Years Old
A Serbian-American poet and editor who championed avant-garde literature and founded influential literary magazines, promoting experimental writing and discovering new talent.
86 Years Old
A Romanian tennis player and manager who won the 1976 French Open doubles title and later founded the Mutua Madrid Open tennis tournament. He's a prominent figure in Romanian tenni...