All the People

If you just want to see the people in our database you can browse them here.

Richard Arkwright

Engineer and businessman, inventor of the water frame
Born
1732 294 years ago
Died
August 3rd, 1792 233 years ago — 60 years old

An English engineer and businessman, significant contributions were made to the textile industry during the Industrial Revolution. Developed the water frame, a spinning machine that utilized water power to create cotton yarn. Established one of the first modern factories at Cromford, where innovative production methods changed textile manufacturing. Helped establish a new framework for industrial work, leading to increased productivity and efficiency in cotton production.

Continue Reading

Richard Arlen

American actor in silent films
Born
September 1st, 1899 126 years ago
Died
March 28th, 1976 50 years ago — 76 years old

An American actor became prominent in the silent film era and continued to work in sound films. Achieved significant acclaim for performances in films such as 'Wings,' which won the first Academy Award for Best Picture. Transitioned to talkies and appeared in various films throughout the 1930s and 1940s, showcasing a versatile acting career. Also participated in television productions during the later years.

Continue Reading

Richard Arman Gregory

British astronomer and solar researcher
Born
January 29th, 1864 162 years ago
Died
1952 74 years ago — 88 years old

Contributions to solar research advanced understanding of solar phenomena. Pioneered methodologies for studying solar chromosphere and prominences. Developed significant techniques for photography of the solar spectrum. Additionally, served as a key figure in the British Astronomical Association.

Continue Reading

Richard Armitage

English actor in film and television
Born
August 22nd, 1971 54 years ago

Born in 1971, an English actor gained recognition through roles in film and television. Notable performances include the character Thorin Oakenshield in the film trilogy 'The Hobbit' and the role of John Thornton in the BBC series 'North & South'. Armitage trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, launching a career in theatre before transitioning to screen acting. This background laid the foundation for a successful career in both British television and Hollywood films.

Continue Reading

Richard Armstedt

German philologist and historian
Born
November 10th, 1851 174 years ago
Died
April 14th, 1931 95 years ago — 79 years old

A philologist, historian, and educator focused on Slavic studies and language. Authored important works on the relationship between Slavic and Germanic languages. Contributed significantly to the academic field of philology through teaching and research. Engaged in educational reforms that enhanced the study of languages in Germany. Worked as a professor at various institutions and published extensively on Slavic linguistics.

Continue Reading

Richard Arnold

English lawyer and judge in legal cases
Born
June 23rd, 1961 64 years ago

An English lawyer and judge, contributed to various significant legal cases throughout a prominent career in the judiciary. Served as a High Court judge, hearing cases related to commercial law and private international law. Held a position in the Court of Appeal, adjudicating complex legal disputes. Provided legal opinions that influenced judicial interpretations and practices in England.

Continue Reading

Richard Ashcroft

English singer-songwriter and musician
Born
September 11th, 1971 54 years ago

A prominent figure in British rock music, this artist gained fame as the frontman of the band The Verve. The band achieved significant success with their single 'Bitter Sweet Symphony,' which topped charts in several countries. In addition to work with The Verve, a solo career included multiple albums, showcasing a blend of rock, pop, and orchestral elements. The artist's music often features introspective lyrics and powerful melodies, resonating with a wide audience. The Verve's influence on the Britpop movement of the 1990s established a lasting legacy in the genre.

Continue Reading

Richard Attenborough

Actor and director of 'Gandhi'
Born
August 29th, 1923 102 years ago
Died
August 24th, 2014 11 years ago — 90 years old

Born in England in 1923, a prolific actor, director, and producer contributed significantly to the film industry. Achievements include directing the acclaimed historical drama 'Gandhi', which won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Also appeared in notable films such as 'The Great Escape', 'Jurassic Park', and 'Miracle on 34th Street'. His career spanned over six decades, leading to recognition both in front of and behind the camera.

Continue Reading

Richard Attwood

Race Car Driver, Le Mans Winner
Born
April 4th, 1940 86 years ago

Born in 1940, a prominent race car driver gained recognition in endurance racing. His most notable achievement occurred in 1970 when he co-drove the Porsche 917K to victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Competing predominantly in the late 1960s and early 1970s, he participated in various racing series, including Formula 1. The collaborative success at Le Mans established a legacy in sports car racing. Active in numerous endurance events, he showcased remarkable skill behind the wheel, contributing to advancements in performance racing.

Continue Reading

Richard Avedon

Fashion photographer and portrait artist
Born
May 15th, 1923 103 years ago
Died
October 1st, 2004 21 years ago — 81 years old

Avedon was an influential fashion and portrait photographer who significantly shaped the world of photography. His career reached prominence with contributions to publications like Vogue and Harper's Bazaar. Avedon developed a signature style that emphasized the emotional aspects of his subjects, using stark white backgrounds and high contrast to create striking images. His notable works include the iconic 1964 series 'In the American West', which featured stark portraits of everyday people, capturing the nuances of American life. Additionally, Avedon's influence extended to his work in advertising, where he helped elevate the role of photography in commercial art.

Continue Reading

Richard Avenarius

Philosopher focused on empiricism
Born
November 19th, 1843 182 years ago
Died
1896 130 years ago — 53 years old

Born in 1843, Avenarius developed a philosophical system called Empiriocriticism, emphasizing the role of experience in the formation of knowledge. This approach aimed to bridge the gap between the objective and subjective aspects of human perception. Avenarius served as a professor at various universities, contributing to the field of philosophy and influencing subsequent thinkers. His work often challenged existing philosophical traditions, promoting an understanding that experience is foundational to knowledge. Avenarius's ideas on the relationship between consciousness and reality laid the groundwork for later developments in philosophy.

Continue Reading

Richard Axel

Neuroscientist, Nobel Prize winner
Born
July 2nd, 1946 79 years ago

A prominent neuroscientist and biologist, contributed significantly to the understanding of the olfactory system. Together with a colleague, developed the groundbreaking techniques that allowed for the discovery of a large family of genes responsible for detecting odors. Research provided insights into how the brain processes smells. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2004 for these pivotal contributions, advancing the field of molecular biology.

Continue Reading