5 Minute Biographies

“A crazy man finished in the cemetery.” – Juan Manuel Fangio Although motor racing in its various forms has been around since very soon after the invention of the motor car, for most motorsport enthusiasts if you were to ask them what the pinnacle of the sport is on the world stage, it is likely …

“I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep, I am afraid of an army of sheep, led by a lion.” – Alexander the Great. Alexander the Great was a member of the Argead dynasty and was the third king of the ancient kingdom of Macedon to bear that name. He …

“And thus I take my leave of this world and of you all, and I heartily desire you all to pray for me.” – Anne Boleyn Anne Boleyn was a pivotal English historical figure with a legacy that far outweighs the fact that she was one of King Henry VIII’s six wives and one of …

“Today 23 years ago dear Grandmama died. I wonder what she would have thought of a Labour government” – King George V. King George V is an important monarch in the history of the United Kingdom, he oversaw its largest territorial expanse but was also the King who witnessed what would ultimately become the downfall …

“I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year” – Charles Dickens Few writers of the 19th century are so well-known and so beloved as Charles Dickens. He was a keen observer of society, as well as being a writer of brilliant satire but most people know little about …

“If anybody starts using me as scenery, I’ll return to New York” – Grace Kelly Grace Patricia Kelly was born on 12 November 1929 in Philadelphia, USA. She was one of the leading film actresses of her day, becoming a major star in the 1950s and ending up as a bona fide princess when she …

“No minister ever stood, or could stand, against public opinion” – Sir Robert Peel. Sir Robert Peel was Born in Bury, Lancashire, on 5 February 1788, and was by no means born into a poor family as his father was one of the wealthiest businessmen in Britain at the time being a very successful textiles …

“Courage is being scared to death…. and saddling up anyway” – John Wayne. Even 40 plus years after his death, the name John Wayne needs little introduction. Without question, he is one of the single most famous movie stars of the mid-twentieth century and probably the biggest western movie star of all time.  John Wayne …

“Man is descended from a hairy, tailed quadruped, probably arboreal in its habits” – Charles Darwin. Charles Darwin is quite possibly the most famous scientist of the 19th century. His observations and theories would breed extreme resistance and would leave behind a mixed legacy, but one that included unquestionable change in the way that most …

“I think your whole life shows in your face and you should be proud of that” – Lauren Bacall Lauren Bacall is a name that any true film buff is familiar with, as she is one of the most famous women of the golden age of cinema. She was even named by the American Film …

“Human life is far more important than just getting to the top of a mountain” – Sir Edmund Hillary. Sir Edmund Hillary is probably one of the most famous Kiwis of all time.  It was his adventurous spirit and his impressive philanthropy work in combination with his hardy determination and exploratory gifts that made Sir …

“Blessed are the young, for they shall inherit the national debt” – Herbert Hoover. Some individuals seem to have a knack for just getting missed by history despite their significant importance to it. One such individual often overlooked and forgotten by the history books is Herbert Clark Hoover who, although little remembered outside of the …

“I am become death, the destroyer of worlds” – J Robert Oppenheimer. There are many examples of people from history who are immensely famous in their field but who are not necessarily that well known otherwise. J Robert Oppenheimer is one of those figures. If you have an interest in physics or the history of …

“If you drink don’t drive. Don’t even putt” – Dean Martin. Few individuals need less of an introduction than Dean Martin. He was known as the “king of cool” due to his charismatic nature and is one of the most iconic comedians, actors, and singers of the 20th century. Dean Martin was born Dino Paul …

“If you can dream it, you can do it” – Walt Disney. There is no name better known in the film industry than that of Walt Disney. An American film icon, the very name Disney continues to carry weight decades after the death of its namesake. However, few people know how Walt Disney became successful …

“Because something or someone looks or acts differently from us does not necessarily mean that it is ugly or bad” – Gene Roddenberry. Gene Roddenberry was the genius behind the groundbreaking television series Star Trek.  But there was so much more to Roddenberry’s life – he was a military aviator, worked for the police department, …

“Life is 10 percent what you make it, and 90 percent how you take it.” – Irving Berlin Born Israel Isidore Baline, Irving Berlin was a man born into a world of discrimination, hatred, and incredible poverty. However, from these ashes, Irving Berlin would rise like a phoenix in a new country to become perhaps …

“Being a princess isn’t all it’s cracked up to me” – Princess Diana Diana Frances Spencer, better known as Diana, Princess of Wales, was born 1 July 1961. Princess Diana was born into British nobility as the youngest child of Edward John Spencer, 8th Earl Spencer. She grew up in close proximity to the British …

“The best revenge is massive success” – Frank Sinatra. Frank Sinatra, born 12 December 1915 is possibly the most famous American singer of the entire 20th century and someone whose music continues to be influential to this day. Born to Italian immigrants in Hoboken, New Jersey, Frank Sinatra’s mother worked as a midwife and also …

“My desire was not to pass any island without taking possession, so that, one having been taken, the same may be said of all” – Christopher Columbus. Don Cristobal Colon, otherwise known to us by the name Christopher Columbus was a pivotal historical figure and one whose legacy continues to be a matter of contention …