Abdurrahman Wahid
Indonesian politician and journalist, 4th President
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
Reginald West
English politician, 6th Baron De La Warr
Born
September 7th, 1395 630 years ago
Died
August 27th, 1450 575 years ago — 54 years old
Born in 1395, held the title of 6th Baron De La Warr. Played a significant role in the political landscape of England during the early 15th century. Involved in the governance of the realm amidst the backdrop of the Hundred Years' War. Served in various capacities throughout his life, contributing to both local and national matters.
Continue ReadingAnthony Quayle
English actor in 'Lawrence of Arabia'
Born
September 7th, 1913 112 years ago
Died
October 20th, 1989 36 years ago — 76 years old
An English actor participated in theatre and film from the 1940s through the 1990s. Gained recognition for performances in various productions, with significant roles in classic films and stage adaptations. Played a key role in 'Lawrence of Arabia' as General Allenby and portrayed characters in numerous Shakespearean productions. Worked extensively in British television, contributing to a legacy in the entertainment industry.
Continue ReadingForrest Blue
American football player, Pro Bowl center
Born
September 7th, 1944 81 years ago
Died
July 16th, 2011 14 years ago — 66 years old
A professional American football player played the center position in the National Football League (NFL) primarily for the San Francisco 49ers. Played in the team's Super Bowl IX appearance. Selected to the Pro Bowl in 1970, recognized for exceptional skills on the field. Contributed significantly to the offensive line during his career, playing from 1966 to 1975.
Continue ReadingNorifumi Abe
Motorcycle racer; MotoGP competitor
Born
September 7th, 1975 50 years ago
Died
October 7th, 2007 18 years ago — 32 years old
Abe participated in the MotoGP racing series during the late 1990s and early 2000s. He achieved success with Yamaha and became the first Japanese rider to win a Grand Prix race in over a decade. Abe was part of the 500cc World Championship, where he showcased remarkable skill and competitiveness. He also competed in the Superbike World Championship, making significant contributions to the sport.
Continue ReadingEdith Sitwell
English poet and literary critic
Born
September 7th, 1887 138 years ago
Died
December 9th, 1964 61 years ago — 77 years old
Born in England, a significant literary figure associated with the modernist movement, primarily recognized for contributions to poetry and literary criticism. Published major works including 'Faults and Flaws' and 'The Shadow of the Sun'. Involved in the Poetry Revival of the 1920s and 1930s, promoting various poets and hosting literary events. Her unique style combined traditional forms with innovative elements, leading to a distinct voice in 20th-century literature.
Continue ReadingYuan Longping
Hybrid Rice Scientist and Developer
Born
September 7th, 1930 95 years ago
Died
2021 5 years ago — 91 years old
An academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, this individual specialized in hybrid rice research. Significant contributions include the development of the world’s first hybrid rice varieties, which greatly increased global rice production. Research focused on improving crop yields and combating food scarcity. Helped enhance food security, particularly in Asia, through innovative agricultural practices.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on December 30th
Johnny Orr
Basketball coach, Iowa State Cyclones
Born
June 10th, 1927 99 years ago
Died
December 30th, 2013 12 years ago — 86 years old
Began coaching career in the 1950s at Michigan, leading the Wolverines to multiple NCAA tournament appearances. Transitioned to Iowa State, resurrecting the program and achieving significant success in the 1980s. Under tenure, the team reached notable postseason tournaments, including the NCAA tournament. Renowned for developing talent and his coaching philosophy, contributing to the future success of numerous players.
Continue ReadingRomain Rolland
French author and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
January 29th, 1866 160 years ago
Died
December 30th, 1944 81 years ago — 78 years old
A prominent literary figure, contributed significantly to literature through works that encompass plays, novels, and essays. Achieved widespread recognition for the novel 'Jean-Christophe', which depicted the life of a composer in a tumultuous era. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1915 for writings that expressed humanism and a belief in the goodness of humanity amid the backdrop of World War I. Engaged in political and social issues through literature and supported various causes including peace.
Continue ReadingAlfred North Whitehead
Mathematician and philosopher of science
Born
February 15th, 1861 165 years ago
Died
December 30th, 1947 78 years ago — 86 years old
Contributed significantly to the fields of mathematics and philosophy. Co-authored the seminal work 'Principia Mathematica' with Bertrand Russell, which laid foundational aspects of mathematical logic. Developed process philosophy, emphasizing the processual nature of reality and the interconnectivity of all entities. Served in various academic roles, including at Harvard University, influencing future generations of scholars.
Continue ReadingJakob Fugger
German banker and merchant
Born
March 6th, 1459 567 years ago
Died
December 30th, 1525 500 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 ReadingFrancis Lewis
Welsh-American politician and merchant
Born
March 21st, 1713 313 years ago
Died
December 30th, 1803 222 years ago — 90 years old
Born in Wales and later relocating to America, a merchant became involved in American politics. Represented New York in the Continental Congress from 1775 to 1776. Played a significant role in supporting the American Revolution and was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. After the war, served as a member of the New York State Assembly. Engaged in business ventures throughout his life, contributing to commerce in the New York area.
Continue ReadingHan van Meegeren
Painter and art forger
Born
October 10th, 1889 136 years ago
Died
December 30th, 1947 78 years ago — 58 years old
Born in the Netherlands, a painter and art forger achieved notoriety during the early to mid-20th century. Initially trained in traditional painting, later shifted focus to forgery. Created a series of forgeries that were passed off as original works by the Dutch master Johannes Vermeer. One of the most significant forgeries, 'Christ and the Woman of Samaria,' led to a high-profile court case after its sale to a Nazi officer. Conviction in the art world followed, marking a controversial chapter in art history. Despite the scandal, continued to influence discussions on authenticity in art.
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