Abdurrahman Wahid

Indonesian politician and journalist, 4th President

Abdurrahman Wahid - Indonesian politician and journalist, 4th President
Born

September 7th, 1940
85 years ago

Died

December 30th, 2009
15 years ago — 69 years old

Category

Leaders & Politicians

Country

Indonesia

Links & References

Served as the 4th President of Indonesia from 1999 to 2001, playing a key role in the transition to democracy after the fall of Suharto. Co-founded the National Awakening Party (PKB) and was a prominent leader of the Nahdlatul Ulama, the largest Islamic organization in Indonesia. Advocated for human rights and religious tolerance, and was involved in various interfaith dialogues. Post-presidency, continued to contribute to Indonesian society through writing and public speaking.

Served as the 4th President of Indonesia

Promoted democracy and human rights in Indonesia

Other People Born on September 7th

Chrissie Hynde

Singer-songwriter of The Pretenders
Born
September 7th, 1951 74 years ago

An American singer-songwriter and guitarist, significant contributions made to rock music through the formation of The Pretenders. The band achieved commercial success with hits like 'Brass in Pocket' and 'Back on the Chain Gang'. Renowned for a distinctive sound that blended punk and new wave influences, also recognized for vocal prowess and strong songwriting skills. Solo work included albums with personal themes and collaborations with various artists.

Continue Reading

Louise Suggs

American golfer, LPGA co-founder
Born
September 7th, 1923 102 years ago
Died
August 7th, 2015 10 years ago — 91 years old

An accomplished golfer, Suggs played a significant role in women's golf. Co-founded the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) in 1950, establishing a platform for female golfers. During her career, secured 61 victories on the LPGA Tour and won 11 major championships. Achieved the honor of being inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1979, recognizing her contributions to the sport. Continued involvement in golf and mentoring young players after retirement.

Continue Reading

Edward Asahel Birge

Zoologist and academic leader
Born
September 7th, 1851 174 years ago
Died
1950 75 years ago — 99 years old

This individual made significant contributions to zoology and served as a professor and eventually the president of the University of Wisconsin. Research focused on freshwater biology, particularly the study of the Great Lakes. He co-founded the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation and was instrumental in early biological research programs. Publications included work on invertebrate zoology and plankton. His studies advanced understanding of aquatic ecosystems.

Continue Reading

Javad Nekounam

Footballer and Iranian national team captain
Born
September 7th, 1980 45 years ago

Played as a midfielder for clubs including Esteghlal and Osasuna. Competed in the 2006 and 2014 FIFA World Cups representing Iran. Served as the captain of the Iranian national football team, contributing significantly to the team's presence on the international stage.

Continue Reading

Jacques Vaché

French author and poet associated with Surrealism
Born
September 7th, 1895 130 years ago
Died
1919 106 years ago — 24 years old

Born in 1895, this author and poet contributed significantly to the Surrealist movement in literature. His writings, which often explored the subconscious and dream logic, were influential among contemporaries. Combining elements of absurdism with sharp social critique, the works resonated with the themes of the early 20th-century avant-garde. His collaborations with leading surrealists helped shape the aesthetic and thematic direction of the movement, encouraging innovative approaches to literature and art. Despite a short life, he left a legacy that continued to inspire artists and writers after his death.

Continue Reading

Elia Kazan

Theater and film director, 'On the Waterfront'
Born
September 7th, 1909 116 years ago
Died
September 28th, 2003 21 years ago — 94 years old

Born in Greece and moving to the United States as a child, an influential director and producer worked in theater and film throughout the mid-20th century. Founded the Actors Studio in 1947, promoting method acting. Directed acclaimed films, including 'A Streetcar Named Desire' and 'On the Waterfront', earning critical recognition. His filmmaking often dealt with personal and social themes, leading to complex characters and narratives. In addition to directing, involved in stage productions, including several works on Broadway, showcasing significant talent in both mediums. Received multiple awards, including two Academy Awards for Best Director and was a recipient of the AFI Life Achievement Award.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on December 30th

Jakob Fugger

German banker and merchant
Born
March 6th, 1459 566 years ago
Died
December 30th, 1525 499 years ago — 66 years old

Fugger was a prominent German merchant and banker during the late 15th and early 16th centuries. He played a crucial role in the financial landscape of Europe, particularly in the financing of the Habsburgs. Originally based in Augsburg, Fugger established a vast trading empire that included textiles, spices, and precious metals. He created the Fugger Bank, which became a cornerstone of European banking. His wealth enabled him to influence politics and economics significantly, making him a key figure in the power dynamics of the time.

Continue Reading

John Gregory Dunne

Novelist and screenwriter of 'Play It as It Lays'
Born
May 25th, 1932 93 years ago
Died
December 30th, 2003 21 years ago — 71 years old

An American novelist, screenwriter, and critic contributed significantly to literature and film through a career spanning several decades. Authored several novels, including 'Play It as It Lays', which explored themes of despair and disillusionment in modern society. Collaborated with wife Joan Didion on screenplays such as 'Panic in Needle Park' and 'The Seven-Per-Cent Solution'. Additionally, served as a critic for various publications, offering insights into contemporary American culture. Dunne's writing often reflected personal experiences and societal observations, garnering attention for its incisive prose and depth of characterization.

Continue Reading

Rowland S. Howard

Guitarist and songwriter for Birthday Party
Born
October 24th, 1959 65 years ago
Died
December 30th, 2009 15 years ago — 50 years old

A significant figure in the Australian music scene, contributed as a guitarist and songwriter. Part of the band The Birthday Party, which emerged in the late 1970s, played a key role in the post-punk movement. Worked with various artists and projects, including Crime & The City Solution and his solo career, which showcased distinctive guitar work and songwriting. Released several albums that highlighted unique soundscapes and influences ranging from rock to experimental music.

Continue Reading

Aki Yashiro

Japanese singer with popular ballads
Born
August 29th, 1950 75 years ago
Died
December 30th, 2023 1 years ago — 73 years old

Born in 1950, a prominent singer in Japan known for a successful career in the enka genre. Achieved mainstream popularity in the 1970s and 1980s, contributing significantly to the music scene. Released numerous albums, with several songs topping the charts. Also gained recognition for performances on television, showcasing traditional and contemporary Japanese music styles.

Continue Reading

Terry Becker

Actor and director on 'Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea'
Born
August 5th, 1921 104 years ago
Died
December 30th, 2014 10 years ago — 93 years old

Born in 1921, this American actor and director gained recognition for work in film and television. Significant contributions included a prominent role in the series 'Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea', where portrayal of Captain Lee Crane was notable. In addition to acting, directed several episodes of the series. Active in the entertainment industry for decades, engaged in various theatrical productions and films throughout career before passing.

Continue Reading

Erica Garner

Civil rights activist against police violence
Born
May 29th, 1990 35 years ago
Died
December 30th, 2017 7 years ago — 27 years old

Born in 1990, activism focused on civil rights following the death of Eric Garner, father. Advocated for justice and accountability in cases of police violence. Organized demonstrations and engaged in public speaking to raise awareness about systemic racism and police brutality. Co-founded organizations aimed at addressing police violence and providing support to affected families. Continued activism until untimely death in 2017 due to health complications.

Continue Reading