Johann Hunt
History has a way of clustering powerful stories on single dates, and May 13 is one of them. On this day, legends from vastly different backgrounds drew their final breath. And the date became a marker of endings for names still studied and celebrated. Interested in seeing who connects through this unusual link? Here are 20 legendary figures.
Georges Cuvier
Georges Cuvier made science exciting long before fossils were incredible. This French naturalist, who died on May 13, 1832, is widely regarded as the father of paleontology and proved that extinction is a real phenomenon. Without him, our understanding of ancient life would still be primarily based on guesswork. His influence still echoes today.
Doris Day
On May 13, 2019, the world lost Doris Day, the beloved actress and singer. She recorded more than 650 songs, and even now, her signature hit, “Que Sera, Sera,” remains unforgettable. Beyond Hollywood, she became a passionate advocate for animal welfare, and her influence reached far beyond music and film.
Fridtjof Nansen
Fridtjof Nansen’s life came to an end on May 13, 1930, but his story remains inspiring. A Norwegian polar explorer, he became the first to cross Greenland on skis—a feat few believed possible. Later, he turned to humanitarian work, won the Nobel Peace Prize, and introduced the Nansen passport to aid refugees.
Gary Cooper
Some actors chased the spotlight, but Gary Cooper never had to. His calm presence and understated style spoke louder than words. That approach earned him two Oscars and a lasting place on AFI’s list of screen legends. Though he passed in 1961, his legacy continues to shine.
Margot Kidder
For many, Margot Kidder will always be Lois Lane, the fearless reporter beside Superman. Yet her legacy encompasses more: award-winning work in Canada and the U.S., as well as outspoken advocacy for mental health. She passed away on May 13, 2018, leaving behind both a film legacy and a message of resilience.
Chet Baker
You couldn’t mistake Chet Baker’s sound—soft, cool, and effortless. No wonder he got the nickname “Prince of Cool.” Sure, his personal life was rocky, tangled with addiction, but the music? Pure magic. Baker’s story ended in 1988, though his songs still float through speakers by pulling listeners back to that smoky jazz mood.
Bob Wills
May 13, 1975, marked the passing of Bob Wills, but his spirit lives in every Western swing tune. People called him the “King of Western Swing” because he mixed country with a dance hall sound. Additionally, his cheerful “ah-haa,” a shout in songs, was unforgettable. Today, he’s honored in the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Alice Munro
Alice Munro, Canada’s Nobel Prize-winning short-story writer, died on May 13, 2024. Readers knew her as the “Chekhov of Canada,” a title she carried with quiet grace. She stopped publishing years earlier, yet her voice still lingers. Even today, Munro Books, her family’s store in Victoria, keeps her legacy alive.
John Nash
He died in 1835, and during his lifetime, he completely reshaped London. Regent’s Park, the Brighton Pavilion, those wide boulevards—were all his designs. George IV officially recognized him in 1820. And two centuries later, London still shows off his style everywhere you look.
Joseph Henry
In 1878, the world lost Joseph Henry, one of science’s real game-changers. Before that, he built an early electromagnet, helped crack the mysteries of magnetism, and kicked off the Smithsonian as its first Secretary. His legacy even lives in physics, where the SI unit of inductance—the “henry”—carries his name across time.
Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who served as president of the UAE, died on May 13, 2022. During his tenure, the nation experienced rapid advancement, characterized by economic growth and modernization. He also promoted women into key ministerial positions and ensured Emirati heritage stayed central through investments in cultural organizations and initiatives.
Prince Of Conde
On May 13, 1818, France lost the Prince of Conde, Louis Joseph de Bourbon. He spent his younger years fighting for the royalist side in the French Revolution. Exile pushed him into distant lands, where survival came with constant struggle. Eventually, he returned to France and found a new role as a fine art collector.
Takeda Shingen
Takeda Shingen, often called the “Tiger of Kai,” died on May 13, 1573. The Japanese warlord and samurai was celebrated for his tactical brilliance. His rivalry with Uesugi Kenshin, the powerful lord of Echigo Province, became legendary in Japanese history. Even centuries later, his story is retold in books and films.
Stanislaw Ulam
Math wasn’t boring in the hands of Stanislaw Ulam. The Polish American mathematician, who passed on May 13, 1984, changed the way science moved forward. He worked on the hydrogen bomb, shaped the Monte Carlo method, and spent years bouncing ideas with fellow genius John von Neumann.
Alfred Milner
Alfred Milner’s death on May 13, 1925, marked the end of a career that left its fingerprints across the British Empire. As Viscount and statesman, he led South Africa in the turbulent years after the Boer War and championed imperial unity. He also helped shape diplomacy through his work within the cabinet.
Maria Anna Of Spain
She lived just 39 years, passing on May 13, 1646. In that short life, Maria Anna of Spain shaped Europe’s dynastic politics by marrying into Austria’s imperial family to strengthen royal power. Through portraits of Diego Velazquez, Spain’s great royal painter, her beauty and ambitions of her era still live on.
Aal‑Aziz Ibn Baz
Abd al-Aziz ibn Baz, a leading Saudi scholar, died on May 13, 1999. As Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, his influence extended across the kingdom and the wider Muslim world. Known for issuing numerous religious rulings and opinions, he also promoted modern religious education, inspiring generations of students and shaping contemporary Islamic thought.
Gene Sarazen
May 13, 1999, marked the passing of Gene Sarazen, an American golfing great. His sand wedge invention transformed shots from bunkers, while his victories across all four majors cemented his place among legends. As a pioneering figure in pro golf’s early rise, Sarazen helped build the foundation of the PGA Tour.
Daniel Solander
Daniel Solander wasn’t just a Swedish botanist—he studied under Carl Linnaeus, the scientist who created the modern system of naming species. He died on May 13, 1782, but left his mark by joining Captain Cook’s voyages and becoming the first to study Australia’s plants. Also, the marine genus Solanderia was named after him, ensuring his spirit of exploration lives on.
Cyrus McCormick
The life of Cyrus McCormick ended on May 13, 1884. Best known as the inventor of the mechanical reaper, he revolutionized farming across America. His company, McCormick Harvesting Machine Co., became the ancestor of International Harvester. With one invention and one bold venture, McCormick transformed how the world fed itself.