5 Amazing Women Born on November 5

Ida Tarbell, Journalist (1857 - 1944) 

Born in Pennsylvania, USA, in 1857, Tarbell was the only woman in her graduating class in 1880.

She became and investigative reporting pioneer whose stories led to the breakup of the Standard Oil Company's monopoly.  More here.

 

Vivien Leigh, Actress (1913 - 1967)

Born in Darjeeling, India, was a Briish actress who beat out Katharine Hepburn and Joan Crawford to win the role of Scarlett O'Hara in Gone With The Wind.

Her role as Blanche Dubois mirrored her real life struggle with bi-polar disorder which eventually led to the break-up of her marriage to Lawrence Olivier. More here

 

Anna Leonowens, Writer (1834 - 1914)

Also born in India, Leonowens is the author of The English Governess at the Siamese Court and The Romance of the Harem, highly fictionalized versions of a few years of her life which became the basis for the film and stage productions of The King and I.

She was widowed in Singapore and went to work at the King's court in Siam/Thailand in 1862. She later lived in Canada. More of her fascinating story here.

 

Vandana Shiva, Anti-Globalization Activist (1952 - )

Shiva, a Delhi-based anti-globalization and environmental activist, has authored more than 20 books. She received her Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Western Ontario Canada, in 1978.

She is one of the leaders and board members of the International Forum on Globalization. More here.

 

Senide, Lion Tamer (1866 - 1888 or 1923!)

Born on this day according to FemBio.org , Senide reportedly died when she put her head in the mouth of one of her lions for a publicity picture.

Startled by the flash the animal closed its mouth then flung her about like she was a mouse if some newspaper reports of the day are to be believed. Or not!