All the People

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

William L. Shirer

Journalist and historian of WWII broadcasts
Born
February 23rd, 1904 121 years ago
Died
December 28th, 1993 31 years ago — 89 years old

A prominent journalist and historian, this individual covered major events during World War II. Early in his career, worked for the Chicago Tribune and later joined CBS, becoming a key radio correspondent in Europe. Provided live radio broadcasts during pivotal moments of the war, including the fall of Paris and the end of the conflict. Authored several historical works, with 'The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich' being the most notable, offering a comprehensive history of Nazi Germany and its leaders. The comprehensive research and narrative style contributed significantly to the field of historical journalism.

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William Lundigan

American actor in film and television
Born
June 12th, 1914 111 years ago
Died
1975 50 years ago — 61 years old

An American actor emerged in the 1940s and gained recognition for performances in both film and television. Notable roles included appearances in 'The Man from the Alamo' and 'The Day the Earth Stood Still.' Lundigan also starred in the television series 'The Rookies.' His career spanned several decades, contributing to various genres and formats, from big screen productions to popular television shows. In the 1950s and 1960s, he became a familiar face on television, featuring in guest roles in numerous series, showcasing versatility and appeal to audiences.

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William Luther Pierce

American author and activist
Born
September 11th, 1933 92 years ago
Died
July 23rd, 2002 23 years ago — 68 years old

An author and activist focused on white nationalist ideology, played a significant role in the white supremacist movement. Founded the National Alliance, which promoted racial separation and anti-Semitic views. Wrote several books, including 'The Turner Diaries,' which became influential in extremist circles.

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William Lynch

American lawyer and politician
Born
1947 78 years ago
Died
August 9th, 2013 12 years ago — 66 years old

Served as a lawyer and was involved in politics throughout a significant portion of his career. Contributed to various legal and political initiatives at local and state levels. Held positions within governmental bodies that shaped legislative processes. Participated in community service and various legal reforms aimed at improving civic engagement and legal representation.

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William Lyne

Australian politician, 13th Premier of New South Wales
Born
April 6th, 1844 181 years ago
Died
August 3rd, 1913 112 years ago — 69 years old

Served as Premier of New South Wales from 1899 to 1904. Represented the Australian Labor Party and was involved in various legislative reforms during his tenure. Contributed to the establishment of the New South Wales Public Service and promoted infrastructure development, particularly in railways and education. Politically active for several decades, culminating in a significant role within the state government.

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William Lyon Mackenzie

Scottish-Canadian politician and journalist
Born
March 12th, 1795 230 years ago
Died
1861 164 years ago — 66 years old

A journalist and politician, made significant contributions to the early governance of Canada. Became the first Mayor of Toronto in 1834. Advocated for democratic reform and was a leading figure in the Upper Canada Rebellion of 1837, which aimed to achieve responsible government. After the rebellion, faced exile in the United States but continued to be active in political discourse.

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William Lyon Mackenzie King

Canadian Prime Minister and economist
Born
December 17th, 1874 150 years ago
Died
July 22nd, 1950 75 years ago — 75 years old

Served as the tenth Prime Minister of Canada, holding office during three separate terms between 1921 and 1948. King was a prominent figure in Canadian politics, advocating for social policies and working towards national unity during a time of global upheaval. Organized Canada's response during World War II, focusing on wartime economy and international relations. Contributed to the founding of the United Nations as a delegate. His leadership style was noted for its focus on consensus and careful negotiation.

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William Macewen

Scottish surgeon and neuroscientist
Born
1848 177 years ago
Died
March 22nd, 1924 101 years ago — 76 years old

Contributed significantly to the fields of surgery and neuroscience. Pioneered techniques in brain surgery, conducting some of the first successful operations for brain tumors. Held a professorship at the University of Glasgow, where advancements in surgical practices were implemented. Involved in the establishment of the medical school and contributed to the development of surgical education in Scotland.

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William MacGillivray

Scottish ornithologist and biologist
Born
January 25th, 1796 229 years ago
Died
September 4th, 1852 173 years ago — 56 years old

Born in 1796, an influential Scottish ornithologist and biologist contributed extensively to the field of ornithology. Authored significant works including 'The Modern History of the Birds of Great Britain' and was a key figure in the production of 'The Birds of Great Britain', which featured many original illustrations. In addition to ornithology, researched various aspects of natural history and worked as a professor of Natural History at Marischal College in Aberdeen.

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William Macready

English actor and theater manager
Born
March 3rd, 1793 232 years ago
Died
April 27th, 1873 152 years ago — 80 years old

An influential figure in the 19th-century English theater, played a significant role in the development of acting techniques and stage management. Led the management of several prominent theaters, including the Covent Garden Theatre and the Drury Lane Theatre. Known for a series of successful performances in Shakespearean plays, particularly in roles such as Macbeth and Othello. Advocated for greater respect for actors and for theatrical productions, contributing to the establishment of more professional standards in the theater world.

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William Makepeace Thackeray

English author of Vanity Fair
Born
July 18th, 1811 214 years ago
Died
December 24th, 1863 161 years ago — 52 years old

An English author and poet, recognized for wit and social commentary. The most notable work includes 'Vanity Fair', a novel depicting English society during the early 19th century. Thackeray's writing often focused on themes of morality and class distinctions. He also edited and contributed to various periodicals, gaining popularity through serialized works. Born in Calcutta, India, Thackeray was educated in England, where he began his career as an illustrator before shifting to literature. His narratives often employed a satirical tone, shedding light on the hypocrisies of society.

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William Manchester

Historian and author of 'The Death of a President'
Born
April 1st, 1922 103 years ago
Died
June 1st, 2004 21 years ago — 82 years old

A prominent American historian and author, contributed significantly to historical literature. Provided a detailed account of the assassination of John F. Kennedy in 'The Death of a President'. Held a long career in academia, teaching at institutions such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology and other universities. Authored several biographies and historical works that garnered widespread attention and critical acclaim.

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