What happened today in history?

What happened
today in history?
[ May 4 ]

2021 - Remembering Margaret Forsyth: A Netball Legend

Margaret Forsyth, a celebrated New Zealand netball player and coach, passed away in 2021 from cancer at the age of 59. An inspiring athlete, she secured two World Cup gold medals and nurtured future talent in the sport through her coaching roles.

2020 - Remembering Alan Sutherland: A Rugby Legacy

Alan Sutherland, an esteemed rugby union number 8 from Marlborough, passed away in 2020 at the age of 76. With 10 caps for New Zealand, he left an indelible mark on the sport, remembered for both his skill and character.

2020 - Remembering Don Shula: The Legendary NFL Coach

Don Shula, the legendary NFL coach, passed away at 90 in 2020. Known for his unparalleled success with the Miami Dolphins, including two Super Bowl wins and an unmatched undefeated season, Shula's legacy endures in the world of football.

Remembering Don Shula: The Legendary NFL Coach

2018 - Tragic Loss: BN Vijaya Kumar Passes Away at 59

BN Vijaya Kumar, a prominent Indian politician from Karnataka, tragically passed away at the age of 59 from a heart attack in 2018. His contributions to the community and dedication to public service made him a respected leader, whose loss resonated deeply within the political landscape.

2018 - The Untimely Passing of Cathy Godbold

Cathy Godbold, an Australian actress celebrated for her roles in 'The Saddle Club' and 'Home and Away', passed away at 43 due to brain cancer. Her legacy continues to inspire many in the entertainment industry.

2018 - The Life and Legacy of Edwin G. Burrows

Edwin G. Burrows, a prominent American historian and professor known for his engaging writings on New York City's past, died in 2018 at the age of 74. His legacy includes the Pulitzer Prize-winning book, 'Gotham,' which continues to inspire students and historians alike.

2018 - The Life and Legacy of Renate Dorrelstein

Renate Dorrelstein, a distinguished Dutch writer and journalist, passed away in 2018 at the age of 64 due to cancer. Renate's impactful literary career and journalistic integrity left a lasting mark on society, inspiring many to pursue truth and justice through storytelling. Her legacy endures through her published works and the stories she told.

2017 - The Legacy of William J. Baumol: A Pioneer in Economics

William J. Baumol, a renowned American economist, passed away on May 4, 2017, at the age of 95. He is best known for his concept of 'Baumol's cost disease', which explains rising costs in labor-intensive industries. His legacy continues to influence economic thought and policy.

2013 - The Life and Legacy of Christian de Duve

Christian de Duve, a renowned British cytologist and Nobel Prize winner, died at 95 after choosing euthanasia, reflecting his commitment to dignity in death while leaving behind a powerful scientific legacy.

2012 - Remembering Mort Lindsey: A Musical Legacy

Mort Lindsey, the renowned American pianist and musical director, passed away in 2012 at the age of 89. His legacy includes work with Judy Garland, Barbra Streisand, and the Merv Griffin Show, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry.

2011 - The Life and Legacy of Mary Murphy

Mary Murphy, an American actress known for her compelling roles in 'A Man Alone' and 'Maggie-Investigators', passed away at the age of 80 on May 4, 2011. Her legacy in cinema continues to inspire future generations.

2010 - The Legacy of Zvonimir Levačić - Ševa

Zvonimir Levačić - Ševa was a beloved Croatian humorist and entertainer known for his wit and charm. His passing in 2010 marked the end of an era but left behind a rich legacy of laughter and cultural connection.

2009 - The Life and Legacy of Jane Randolph

Jane Randolph, an acclaimed American actress known for her roles in classic films like Cat People, died at 93 due to complications from hip surgery. Her remarkable contributions to cinema remain influential.

2002 - The Life and Legacy of Dane Škerl

Dane Škerl, a distinguished Slovene conductor and composer known for his 'Rhapsodic Symphony', passed away in 2002 at the age of 70. His musical legacy continues to inspire future generations, emphasizing cultural heritage in his works.

1992 - The Life and Legacy of Gregor Mackenzie

Gregor Mackenzie, a dedicated Labour Party politician born in 1927, impacted UK politics until his passing in 1992. He championed workers' rights and social reform, leaving a lasting legacy within the Labour movement.

1992 - The Life and Legacy of Henri Guillemin

Henri Guillemin, a renowned French historian known for his deep analyses of literature and history, passed away in 1992. His influential work shaped understanding of renowned authors, leaving a significant mark on historiography.

1991 - The Life and Legacy of Bernie Winters

Bernie Winters, a beloved British comedian known for his role on The Big Top Variety Show, passed away from stomach cancer in 1991 at the age of 60. His career spanned decades, bringing joy and laughter to countless audiences.

1991 - The Tragic Death of Dennis Crosby

Dennis Crosby, son of the legendary Bing Crosby, tragically took his own life in 1991 at the age of 56, leaving behind a legacy marked by talent and personal struggles, which highlighted issues of mental health in the entertainment industry.

1991 - The Legacy of George Delacorte: Philanthropist and Publisher

George Delacorte, an inspiring American philanthropist and publisher, passed away in 1991 at the age of 96. He built Dell Books into a prominent publishing house while also making significant contributions to the arts and education, especially through the Delacorte Theater in Central Park.

1987 - The Life and Legacy of Cathryn Damon

Cathryn Damon, acclaimed for her roles in 'Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman' and 'She's Having a Baby,' passed away from cancer in 1987 at the age of 56. Her legacy in television and film endures, inspiring future generations of actors.

1987 - The Untimely Death of Paul Butterfield

Paul Butterfield, the renowned blues singer and harmonica player, died from drug abuse in 1987 at the age of 44. His influence on American music, particularly blues, remains significant, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire artists today.

1984 - The Legacy of Bob Clampett: A Master Cartoonist

Bob Clampett, an influential American cartoonist and animator known for creating beloved characters like Bugs Bunny and Porky Pig, passed away on April 4, 1984. His innovative work transformed the animation landscape, leaving a lasting legacy in the industry.

1976 - The Life and Death of Henri Bosco

Henri Bosco, a renowned French author and poet known for his exemplary work 'Gogol,' died at 87 in 1976. His literary contributions continue to resonate, demonstrating profound insights into the complexities of life and identity.

1973 - The Life and Legacy of Jane Bowles

Jane Bowles, an influential American writer and playwright, passed away on July 4, 1973. Her unique voice and exploration of identity and sexuality continue to inspire readers and writers today.

1971 - The Life and Legacy of Donald Dexter Van Slyke

Donald Dexter Van Slyke, an influential American chemist known for micromanometric analysis, passed away in 1971 at age 88. His innovative contributions to chemistry revolutionized laboratory techniques, making him a significant figure in the scientific community.

1971 - In Memory of Louis de Bree: A Celebrated Dutch Actor

Louis de Bree, known as Louis Davids, was a talented Dutch actor who passed away in 1971 at the age of 87. Celebrated for his roles in films like 'De man zonder hart' and 'The Cross-Patch', he left a lasting legacy in the world of performing arts.

1955 - The Passing of George Enescu: A Tribute to a Musical Legend

George Enescu, the esteemed Romanian violinist, composer, and conductor, passed away in 1955 at the age of 73, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire musicians around the world. His work, especially the renowned 'Romanian Dances,' epitomizes his profound impact on classical music.

1954 - The Life and Legacy of Pauline de Haan-Manifarges

Pauline de Haan-Manifarges, a renowned Dutch concert and opera contralto singer, passed away in 1954 at the age of 82. A significant figure in classical music, her legacy and influence endure through her performances and mentorship of emerging artists.

1953 - The Legacy of T. Tertius Noble: A Musical Journey

T. Tertius Noble, an influential English composer and organist, passed away on July 24, 1953, at the age of 85. His contributions to church and Anglican music, especially his hymn compositions, continue to resonate in worship today.

1945 - The Death of Fedor von Bock: A German Field Marshal

Fedor von Bock, a prominent German field marshal known for his roles in key WWII campaigns, including the invasions of Poland and Russia, died on October 4, 1945, at age 64, marking the end of an influential yet controversial military career.

1938 - The Legacy of Kanō Jigorō: The Founder of Judo

Kanō Jigorō, the founder of Judo, passed away in 1938 at the age of 77. His legacy as an educator and martial artist continues to influence practitioners worldwide, promoting principles of respect and discipline involved in Judo.

1922 - The Death of Viktor Kingissepp: A Bolshevik Legacy

The death of Viktor Kingissepp, an Estonian Bolshevik politician, in 1922, marks a pivotal moment in Estonian politics and the Bolshevik movement, highlighting his crucial role as a revolutionary leader and the impact of his assassination on the political landscape of Estonia.

1903 - The Death of Goce Delchev: A Revolutionary Legacy

Goce Delchev, a revolutionary leader and key figure of the Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization, was born in 1872 and died in 1903. His contributions to the fight for Macedonian independence left a lasting legacy that resonates to this day.

1893 - The Life and Legacy of George Washington Hewitt

George Washington Hewitt was a significant American composer known for his innovative contributions to classical music. His death in 1893 at age 82 marked the end of an influential era, but his legacy continues to inspire musicians today.

1879 - The Legacy of William Froude: Life and Impact

William Froude, an English engineer and naval architect, passed away in 1879 at the age of 68, leaving behind a legacy that transformed naval architecture through his understanding of fluid dynamics and innovative testing methods.

1858 - The Life and Death of Aimé Bonpland

Aimé Bonpland, a notable French explorer and botanist, known for his collaboration with Alexander von Humboldt, died in 1858 at the age of 84. Despite the disputed date of his death, his contributions to botany and exploration continue to impact the world of science today.

The Life and Death of Aimé Bonpland

1832 - The Burial of Admiral Jan van Speyck

Admiral Jan van Speyck, a prominent figure in Dutch naval history, was buried in the New Church of Amsterdam on January 18, 1832, leaving behind a legacy of bravery and dedication during the Java War.

1824 - The Death of Joseph Joubert

On May 4, 1824, Joseph Joubert, a prominent French essayist and moralist born in 1754, passed away, leaving a legacy of profound essays and reflections that continue to influence literature and philosophy today.

1799 - The Death of Tipu Sultan: The Fall of the Tiger of Mysore

Tipu Sultan, the Tiger of Mysore and a significant Indian ruler, died in the Battle of Seringapatam on May 4, 1799, at the hands of British forces. His innovative military tactics and staunch resistance against colonial rule made him a legendary figure in Indian history.

The Death of Tipu Sultan: The Fall of the Tiger of Mysore

1790 - The Death of Matthew Tilghman: A Legacy Remembered

Matthew Tilghman, an important American delegate to the Continental Congress, passed away in 1790. His contributions to the revolutionary cause were vital in shaping the future of the United States. His legacy continues to inspire those who cherish liberty today.

1737 - The Untimely Death of Eustace Budgell

Eustace Budgell, renowned English writer of 'The Spectator', died at age 50 in 1737. His essays, especially 37 signed 'X', left a lasting literary legacy and reflect the struggles of intellectual life in the 18th century.

1734 - The Death of James Thornhill: A Legacy in Art

James Thornhill, an acclaimed English painter known for his work on St. Paul's Cathedral, passed away in 1734 at around 58 years old. His contributions to art, particularly in mural painting, left a profound legacy in the English art scene.

1729 - The Death of Cardinal de Noailles

Cardinal Louis-Antoine de Noailles, a prominent figure in the French Catholic Church, died on June 4, 1729, at 77, marking the end of an influential era. His commitment to faith and social justice left a profound impact on church leadership.

1677 - The Death of Isaac Barrow: A Mathematician's Legacy

Isaac Barrow, an influential English mathematician and mentor to Isaac Newton, passed away on May 4, 1677. His contributions to calculus and mathematical theories continue to resonate in the field today, marking his legacy as a foundational figure in mathematics.

1604 - The Death of Claudio Merulo: A Legacy of Italian Music

Claudio Merulo, an influential Italian organist and composer, died in 1604 at the age of 71. His rich contributions to keyboard music and mastery of the organ left a lasting impact on the musical landscape of the Renaissance, inspiring future generations.

1594 - The Death of Paul Buys, Grand Pensionary of Holland

Paul Buys, the influential Grand Pensionary of Holland, passed away on February 17, 1594, at the age of 62. His significant leadership helped define the early governance of the Dutch Republic during the struggle against Spanish rule, leaving behind a remarkable legacy.

1566 - The Death of Luca Ghini: A Legacy in Botany

Luca Ghini, an influential Italian physician and botanist, passed away in 1566. His groundbreaking contributions to botany and the establishment of botanical gardens left a lasting legacy, merging medicinal studies with practical botany teaching.

1519 - The Early Death of Lorenzo II de' Medici, Duke of Urbino

Lorenzo II de' Medici, the Duke of Urbino, passed away at 26 in 1519, leaving a legacy of cultural patronage. His untimely death significantly affected the political landscape of Renaissance Italy. His contributions to the arts were immense despite his short reign.

1471 - The Tragic Death of Edward of Westminster

Edward of Westminster, just 17 years old, was tragically killed at the Battle of Tewkesbury in 1471, marking the only instance of an heir apparent to the English throne dying in battle. This event significantly impacted the power dynamics of the Wars of the Roses.