All the People

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

Wolfgang Schmidt

German discus thrower with Olympic medal
Born
January 16th, 1954 71 years ago

Competed in the discus throw, achieving significant success in international athletics. Won a bronze medal at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Secured multiple German national championships throughout the career. Established a reputation as one of the top discus throwers during the 1980s, representing Germany in various European and World Championships.

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Wolfgang Schreyer

German writer and playwright
Born
November 20th, 1927 97 years ago
Died
2017 8 years ago — 90 years old

Born in Germany, a prolific writer in the 20th century, contributed significantly to literature and drama. Wrote numerous novels and plays addressing social and political themes. Work often explored complex human relationships and societal issues. Gained attention for both literary and theatrical contributions, often reflecting the realities of life during and after the Cold War. Had a career that spanned several decades, influencing post-war literature.

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Wolfgang Schüssel

Austrian Chancellor and lawyer
Born
June 7th, 1945 80 years ago

Served as the 26th Chancellor of Austria from 2000 to 2007. Focused on European integration and economic reforms during tenure. Emphasized policies promoting stability and growth in Austria's economy. Held office as leader of the Austrian People's Party, contributing to shaping the party's direction.

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Wolfgang Schwanitz

East German secret police official
Born
June 26th, 1930 95 years ago
Died
2022 3 years ago — 92 years old

Held a prominent position within the East German secret police, commonly known as the Stasi. Played a key role in operations that involved surveillance and control of the East German populace. Engaged in intelligence activities during a period marked by significant political tensions in Europe. His tenure coincided with the Cold War, influencing the methods of state security in East Germany.

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Wolfgang Stark

Football referee officiated in World Cup
Born
November 20th, 1969 55 years ago

A prominent German football referee, officiated in numerous international matches. Worked in the Bundesliga and gained recognition for officiating at UEFA Champions League fixtures. Served as a referee during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, marking a significant milestone in a refereeing career that spanned over two decades. Last officiated in 2013 before transitioning to a role as a referee instructor.

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Wolfgang Suschitzky

Cinematographer for 'The 39 Steps'
Born
August 29th, 1912 112 years ago
Died
2016 9 years ago — 104 years old

Austrian-English cinematographer and photographer contributed to the film industry with a notable career spanning several decades. Worked primarily in Britain, recognized for cinematography on projects including 'The 39 Steps' and 'The Man Who Knew Too Much'. Early life began in Vienna, later emigrated to England before World War II. During the war, served as a cameraman and photographer for the British Ministry of Information. Post-war career included collaborations with prominent directors, showcasing a distinct visual style that enhanced narrative storytelling in cinema. Also engaged in photography, producing striking portraits and landscapes throughout his career.

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Wolfgang Tillmans

German photographer notable for exhibitions
Born
August 16th, 1968 57 years ago

A German photographer engaged with various forms of photography, prominently exhibited works in many international galleries. Gained recognition for distinct approaches to photography, blending abstraction with documentary. Received the Turner Prize in 2000, marking a significant achievement within the contemporary art world. Explored themes of identity, social issues, and cultural observations, utilizing both large-scale installations and intimate, smaller pieces.

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Wolfgang Unzicker

German Chess Player and Tournament Competitor
Born
June 26th, 1925 100 years ago
Died
2006 19 years ago — 81 years old

A prominent chess player, achieved the title of International Grandmaster in 1950. Competed in numerous tournaments throughout Europe, securing notable finishes. Participated in the Candidates Tournaments, a crucial series of competitions to select challengers for the World Chess Championship. Contributed to chess literature and theory, writing analysis and studies on various openings.

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Wolfgang Van Halen

American bassist with Van Halen
Born
March 16th, 1991 34 years ago

Born in 1991, this American musician contributed significantly to rock music as the bassist for the renowned band Van Halen. The musician first performed with the band in 2006 during their reunion tour and became an official member in 2007. The self-titled debut album of the band under his involvement, released in 2012, included acclaimed tracks that added to the band's legendary status. In addition to work with Van Halen, personal music projects have also been pursued, showcasing versatility and skill.

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Wolfgang von Trips

Race car driver and Ferrari competitor
Born
1928 97 years ago
Died
September 10th, 1961 63 years ago — 33 years old

A prominent German race car driver who competed in Formula One during the late 1950s. Achieved success driving for Scuderia Ferrari, securing multiple podium finishes. In 1961, during the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, a tragic accident occurred, resulting in his death. His career included participation in 36 Formula One races, showcasing exceptional skill and determination on the track.

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Wolfgang Wagner

German opera director and festival manager
Born
August 30th, 1919 105 years ago
Died
March 21st, 2010 15 years ago — 90 years old

Operated the Bayreuth Festival, which features the works of Richard Wagner, from 1951 until 2008. Focused on innovative productions while maintaining traditional elements. Directed operas in various prestigious venues, contributing significantly to the interpretation of Wagner's compositions. Strove to balance modern interpretations with the integrity of the operatic tradition.

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Wolfhart Pannenberg

Theologian and academic scholar
Born
October 2nd, 1928 96 years ago
Died
September 4th, 2014 10 years ago — 85 years old

Contributed significantly to modern theology, focusing on the philosophy of religion and systematic theology. Authored key works such as 'Systematic Theology' which addressed the intersection of faith and reason. Served as a professor at several universities, influencing generations of theologians. Engaged in dialogue between theology and science, exploring the implications of historical Jesus studies.

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