May 11 in History: Famous Births, Events, and Deaths

May 11 holds a special place in history for its remarkable events and the birth and passing of influential figures. On this day, humanity witnessed milestones in science, politics, and culture. It is remembered for achievements in exploration, social progress, and artistic expression. Many great personalities were born on May 11, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire people across the world. The date also marks significant global happenings that shaped modern history in many ways.

Famous People Born on May 11

1904: Salvador Dalí, Spanish surrealist painter known for his dreamlike and eccentric artworks

1894: Martha Graham, American modern dancer and choreographer who revolutionized dance

1916: Camilo José Cela, Spanish novelist and Nobel Prize winner in Literature

1937: Bernard Fox, Welsh actor known for his roles in “Bewitched” and “Titanic”

1952: Shohreh Aghdashloo, Iranian-American actress known for her work in film and television

1959: Martha Quinn, American television personality and original MTV video jockey

1963: Natasha Richardson, English actress recognized for her performances on stage and screen

1978: Laetitia Casta, French model and actress

1983: Holly Valance, Australian singer and actress

1988: Blac Chyna, American model and entrepreneur

1999: Sabrina Carpenter, American singer and actress known for her pop music and television roles

Famous Events that Happened on May 11

868: The Diamond Sutra, the world’s oldest known printed book, was published in China.

1745: The Battle of Fontenoy occurred amid the conflicts of the War of the Austrian Succession.

1858: Minnesota officially became the 32nd state to join the United States of America.

1927: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences was founded in Hollywood.

1949: Israel was admitted to the United Nations as its 59th member.

1960: In Argentina, Israeli operatives successfully apprehended Adolf Eichmann, a notorious Nazi war criminal.

1968: Germany introduced its emergency laws, which were controversial at the time.

1981: Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical “Cats” premiered in London’s West End.

1995: More than 170 countries signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty extension.

1998: India conducted underground nuclear tests in Pokhran, Rajasthan.

2011: A 5.1 magnitude earthquake struck Spain, killing several people in the Lorca region.

Famous People Who Died on May 11

912: Leo VI, Byzantine emperor known for his scholarly works and legal reforms

1304: Benedict XI, Pope remembered for his peacemaking efforts within the Church

1812: Spencer Perceval, British Prime Minister who was assassinated in the House of Commons

1849: John Herschel, English astronomer, mathematician, and chemist who contributed to photography and star cataloging

1981: Bob Marley, Jamaican singer and cultural icon whose music spread messages of peace and unity

1996: Christopher Mayhew, British politician and television presenter

2001: Douglas Adams, English author best known for “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy”

2014: H. R. Giger, Swiss artist famous for his surreal and biomechanical designs

2018: Tessa Jowell, British politician who played a key role in bringing the 2012 Olympics to London

2022: Shireen Abu Akleh, Palestinian-American journalist known for her courageous reporting

May 11 stands as a day marked by creativity, courage, and change throughout human history. From groundbreaking artistic achievements to scientific milestones and political transformations, the date continues to remind the world of humanity’s endless pursuit of progress and expression. It highlights how innovation and perseverance have shaped the course of global culture and development.

The people and events connected to May 11 showcase the diversity of human talent and resilience. Whether in art, science, politics, or social movements, the legacy of this day reflects the ongoing effort to build a more enlightened and connected world. It remains a significant date to remember and celebrate across generations.