On this day

May 29, 1959

Revisit the news, notable people, and historical moments connected to this date.

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Headlines from May 29, 1959

Notable Births

Rupert Everett

1959Rupert Everett, English actor and novelist[†]

Rupert James Hector Everett is an English actor. He first came to public attention in 1981 when he was cast in Julian Mitchell's play and subsequent film Another Country (1984) as a gay pupil at an English public school in the 1930s; the role earned him his first BAFTA Award nomination. He received a second BAFTA nomination and his first Golden Globe Award nomination for his role in My Best Friend's Wedding (1997), followed by a second Golden Globe nomination for An Ideal Husband (1999). He voiced Prince Charming in the animated films Shrek 2 (2004) and Shrek the Third (2007). He also played John Lamont/Mr. Barron in Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children (2016).

Mel Gaynor

1959Mel Gaynor, English drummer[†]

Mel George Gaynor is a British drummer, singer and recording artist, best known as the longtime drummer for the rock band Simple Minds. Gaynor has also released a solo album titled Come With Me, released as a digital copy in May 2024, with a physical copy planned for release in June 2024, and started a tour in autumn 2024. Prior to joining Simple Minds, Gaynor played in the hard rock band Samson, at the same time as vocalist Bruce Dickinson. Gaynor uses Natal drums exclusively. His equipment list includes 24" BD 10", 12" 13", mounted Toms 14", 16" floor Toms 20", gong Tom, various snares in wood and metal. Gaynor is also endorsed by TECHRA drum sticks and Remo heads.

Steve Hanley (musician)

1959Steve Hanley, Irish-English bass player and songwriter[†]

Stephen Hanley is an Irish-born English musician best known as the bass guitarist in the Fall from 1979 to 1998 and with House Of All since 2022. His distinctive and muscular basslines were a signature part of their sound, often carrying the songs' instrumental melodies. Hanley is second only to Mark E. Smith in longevity in the band. With Peter Hook, Andy Rourke and Gary Mounfield, he is widely considered one of the pre-eminent Manchester bassists of his generation. He has always been very private and rarely interviewed; for this reason his 2014 autobiography The Big Midweek: Life Inside The Fall was highly anticipated. On publication it was met with widespread acclaim for its frank honesty and dry, no nonsense humour.

Historical Context for May 29, 1959

In 1959, the world population was approximately 2,965,950,351 people[†]