Abe no Seimei
Japanese astrologer and onmyoji
An influential figure in Japanese history, excelled as an onmyoji and astrologer during the Heian period. Played a significant role in combining Chinese cosmology with Japanese spiritual practices. Served the imperial court and gained a reputation for remarkable divination skills. His legacy includes being the central character in numerous legends and stories, contributing to the mystique surrounding the practice of onmyōdō.
Served as an adviser to the Heian court
Wrote notable works on astrology and onmyōdō
Featured in various tales and folklore as a powerful sorcerer
Other People Born on February 21st
Devon Travis
Baseball player and All-Star player
Born
February 21st, 1991 34 years ago
An American baseball player, played as a second baseman in Major League Baseball. Made his debut in 2015 with the Toronto Blue Jays. Achieved significant success during his career, known for contributing to the team’s playoff runs and consistent batting skills. Faced several injuries that affected playing time but remained a prominent figure in the league. Retired from professional baseball after the 2020 season, concluding a notable career.
Continue ReadingSophie Turner
English actress, star of Game of Thrones
Born
February 21st, 1996 29 years ago
An English actress gained recognition for portraying Sansa Stark in the HBO series Game of Thrones from 2011 to 2019. The role earned critical acclaim and brought widespread visibility. Turner also starred in the X-Men film series, portraying Jean Grey in X-Men: Apocalypse and Dark Phoenix. She made her feature film debut in Another Me, receiving positive reviews for her performance. In addition to acting, Turner has been involved in various charitable initiatives, using her platform to raise awareness about mental health issues.
Continue ReadingDavy Klaassen
Dutch professional footballer; Ajax
Born
February 21st, 1993 32 years ago
Born in 1993, a professional footballer played primarily as a midfielder. Started his career at Ajax, where he won multiple Eredivisie titles and the KNVB Cup. Transferred to Everton in the Premier League. Later played for Werder Bremen and joined Ajax again, contributing to their successes in domestic competitions and European tournaments.
Continue ReadingScott Kelly
American astronaut, ISS commander
Born
February 21st, 1964 61 years ago
Served as a NASA astronaut with notable missions aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Completed a record-setting 340 consecutive days in space during the One-Year Mission, which provided valuable research on the effects of long-duration spaceflight on the human body. Worked on multiple space shuttle missions and contributed to the assembly and maintenance of the ISS. Is a retired U.S. Navy captain and has flown on four spaceflights, accumulating over 520 total days in space throughout an illustrious career.
Continue ReadingPhilipp V
Count of Hanau-Lichtenberg
Born
February 21st, 1541 484 years ago
Died
1599 426 years ago — 58 years old
Born in 1541, served as Count of Hanau-Lichtenberg from 1560 until death in 1580. Governed the territory during the late Renaissance period and managed internal affairs, economic development, and territorial disputes. Established alliances that strengthened regional autonomy. Inherited and expanded the family estate, promoting stability and growth in the area.
Continue ReadingJoe Alwyn
English actor in 'The Favourite' and 'Mary Queen of Scots'
Born
February 21st, 1991 34 years ago
An English actor emerged in the film industry in 2016. Starred in 'Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk', which marked a breakthrough role. Gained recognition for performances in 'The Favourite' and 'Mary Queen of Scots', showcasing versatility across various genres. Collaborated with notable filmmakers and established a reputation as a talented actor in both period and contemporary pieces. Also appeared in music videos and worked with prominent artists.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on October 31st
Egon Schiele
Austrian painter known for Expressionism
Born
June 12th, 1890 135 years ago
Died
October 31st, 1918 107 years ago — 28 years old
Born in 1890, this artist emerged as a prominent figure in the Austrian expressionist movement. His work is characterized by raw emotional intensity and vivid colors, often exploring themes of sexuality and mortality. Schiele developed a distinctive style marked by distorted forms and dynamic compositions. His brief career was tragically cut short by his early death in 1918, but his influence on modern art endured. He created numerous self-portraits and figurative works that dissected the human body and psyche. Several of his pieces have become iconic in the art world, showcasing a unique perspective that challenged traditional aesthetics.
Continue ReadingPoul Reichhardt
Danish actor and singer with musical roles
Born
February 2nd, 1913 112 years ago
Died
October 31st, 1985 40 years ago — 72 years old
A celebrated actor and singer, this individual gained recognition in Danish cinema from the 1930s to the 1980s. Key contributions included performances in both film and musical theatre, showcasing talent in various genres. Frequently collaborated with prominent directors and participated in multiple successful productions. Notable for embodying memorable characters, especially in classic Danish films. Also made significant contributions to the performing arts as a singer, enriching the cultural landscape of Denmark.
Continue ReadingLeonardo Leo
Italian composer and opera innovator
Born
August 5th, 1694 331 years ago
Died
October 31st, 1744 281 years ago — 50 years old
Born in 1694 in the Kingdom of Naples, a prominent composer emerged in the Baroque music period. He created a significant body of operas and sacred music, demonstrating a unique style that blended traditional Italian elements with new influences. His operatic works, particularly 'Pinto at the Capua Theater' and 'Il Conte Carosio', contributed to the development of opera in Naples and beyond. He held positions at various courts, showcasing his talents as both a composer and a conductor. His contributions helped shape the opera genre during a transformative era in music history.
Continue ReadingCharles A. Wickliffe
American politician, 14th Governor of Kentucky
Born
June 8th, 1788 237 years ago
Died
October 31st, 1869 156 years ago — 81 years old
Served as the 14th Governor of Kentucky from 1839 to 1840. Held various political positions throughout a career in public service, including a member of the U.S. House of Representatives and as a state senator. Worked to improve the state's infrastructure and education system. His tenure was marked by efforts to expand the state’s economy and enhance its political influence.
Continue ReadingKen Mattingly
American astronaut, Apollo 16 Command Module Pilot
Born
March 17th, 1936 89 years ago
Died
October 31st, 2023 2 years ago — 87 years old
A distinguished career in NASA as an astronaut included participation in the Apollo, Skylab, and Space Shuttle programs. Command Module Pilot on Apollo 16, completed a mission in April 1972, resulting in the exploration of the lunar highlands. Contributed to various Shuttle missions, including serving as commander on STS-4. Prior experience as a naval aviator and test pilot provided a solid foundation for a career in space exploration. Retired from NASA and continued to work in the aerospace industry.
Continue ReadingElmer Vasko
Canadian ice hockey player and defenseman
Born
December 11th, 1935 90 years ago
Died
October 31st, 1998 27 years ago — 62 years old
A Canadian ice hockey player played as a defenseman in the National Hockey League (NHL). He competed primarily for the Chicago Blackhawks and later for the New York Rangers. During a professional career spanning over a decade, contributions included defensive play and team leadership. Played in the 1951 Memorial Cup with the Montreal Royals, achieving significant recognition for performance. Retired from the NHL in the early 1970s.
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