Adelbert Ames
American general and Mississippi governor
Served as a general in the Union Army during the Civil War, achieving the rank of brevet major general. Became the 30th Governor of Mississippi from 1874 to 1876. His tenure focused on reconstruction efforts in the South after the Civil War. After serving as governor, held various political roles including a U.S. Senator. Advocated for civil rights and was involved in the Republican Party during his political career.
Held the position of 30th Governor of Mississippi
Served as a Union general during the Civil War
Other People Born on October 31st
Willow Smith
Singer, actress, and dancer with 'Whip My Hair'
Born
October 31st, 2000 25 years ago
Born in October 2000, this individual gained fame as a singer, actress, and dancer. Debuted in the music industry with the hit single 'Whip My Hair,' which showcased vocal talent and garnered significant attention. Also starred in the film 'I Am Legend' alongside Will Smith. Showed versatility by pursuing a career in dance. Engaged in various artistic projects that blend music and performance.
Continue ReadingDerek Bell
Race Car Driver and Le Mans Winner
Born
October 31st, 1941 84 years ago
A prominent English race car driver, participation in sports car racing spanned several decades. Achieved notable success in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, winning the prestigious event five times during a career that emphasized endurance racing. Competed in various racing series, including Formula One and Can-Am, partnering with leading teams and manufacturers. Contributions to motorsports included work as a commentator and industry ambassador.
Continue ReadingHolly Taylor
Actress in 'The Americans' and 'Theory'
Born
October 31st, 1997 28 years ago
Born in 1997, an actress gained prominence for roles in various television series and films. Starred as Paige Jennings in the critically acclaimed series 'The Americans,' which aired from 2013 to 2018. Also featured in the film 'The Theory of Everything' alongside renowned actors. Showcased talent on stage in multiple theater productions during early career.
Continue ReadingJulia Peterkin
American author of Scarlet Sister Mary
Born
October 31st, 1880 145 years ago
Died
August 10th, 1961 64 years ago — 80 years old
An American author wrote about African American life in the rural South during the early 20th century. Scarlet Sister Mary, published in 1928, earned the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1929. Her works often explored themes of culture, spirituality, and heritage. Peterkin's unique perspective contributed to the literary representation of Southern black communities. She published several other works, including children's books and poetry, reflecting her diverse interests and experiences in the South.
Continue ReadingSiobhán Bernadette Haughey
Swimmer with Olympic medal achievements
Born
October 31st, 1997 28 years ago
A swimmer specialized in freestyle, notably represented Hong Kong in international competitions. Achieved significant success at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, winning two silver medals in the 100m and 200m freestyle events. Competed in the 2019 World Championships in Gwangju, where a strong performance earned a bronze medal in the 200m freestyle. Dominated the Asian Games in 2018, securing gold medals in the 100m and 200m freestyle, contributing to a successful medal tally for the Hong Kong swimming team.
Continue ReadingLetitia Wright
Actress from Black Panther
Born
October 31st, 1993 32 years ago
Born in Guyana and raised in London, an actress gained recognition for portraying Shuri in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, specifically in 'Black Panther' and 'Avengers: Infinity War'. The role highlighted a strong and intelligent character, contributing to the film's success. Early acting credits included appearances in British television series such as 'Top Boy' and 'Humans'. An acclaimed performance in the BBC drama 'Small Axe' earned critical praise and showcased versatility in portraying complex narratives. Achievements in the industry expanded with nominations and awards, solidifying a reputation in film and television.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on April 12th
Sydney Allard
Racing Driver and Automotive Entrepreneur
Born
June 19th, 1910 115 years ago
Died
April 12th, 1966 59 years ago — 55 years old
An English racing driver and automotive entrepreneur, founded Allard Motor Company. Competed in various racing events during the mid-20th century, showcasing significant driving talent. Developed high-performance vehicles, leveraging innovative engineering. The Allard brand became synonymous with sports cars, especially known for its distinctive models.
Continue ReadingHarvey Ball
Illustrator who created the smiley face
Born
July 10th, 1921 104 years ago
Died
April 12th, 2001 24 years ago — 79 years old
An American illustrator created the smiley face in 1963 as part of a campaign to improve morale at an insurance company. The design quickly gained popularity and became a cultural icon. The simple and recognizable image has appeared in various forms over the decades, becoming a symbol of happiness and positivity. Ball also founded a company that promoted this icon and its various adaptations in merchandise, further embedding the smiley face into popular culture.
Continue ReadingAbdülhak Hâmid Tarhan
Turkish playwright and poet
Born
1852 174 years ago
Died
April 12th, 1937 88 years ago — 85 years old
A significant figure in Turkish literature, contributed to the modernization of Turkish drama and poetry. Founded the first Turkish theater and introduced Western literary movements to Turkey. Authored numerous plays, including 'Shahmeran' and 'Mavi Sürgün', which explored social and political themes. Also wrote poetry, reflecting both personal and national sentiments, influencing subsequent generations of writers.
Continue ReadingRobert MacNeil
Journalist and author of 'The MacNeil/Lehrer Report'
Born
January 19th, 1931 95 years ago
Died
April 12th, 2024 1 years ago — 93 years old
A Canadian-American journalist and author, contributed significantly to television journalism. Co-founded PBS’s 'The MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour', which set a standard for news broadcasting with its in-depth analysis. Also worked with the CBC before moving to the U.S. and has authored several books, including a historical narrative about the Vietnam War. His career spanned several decades, earning numerous accolades for journalistic excellence.
Continue ReadingEleanor Coppola
American filmmaker of documentary films
Born
1936 90 years ago
Died
April 12th, 2024 1 years ago — 88 years old
A filmmaker focused on documentary cinema, Virginia based on extensive insights into the lives of artists and creators. Directed the documentary films 'Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker's Apocalypse', which examined the tumultuous production of 'Apocalypse Now', and 'Dreams on Spec', which explored the journeys of aspiring screenwriters in Hollywood. Worked alongside husband Francis Ford Coppola, contributing to various film projects. Contributed to the world of cinema through producing and writing.
Continue ReadingKarim Fakhrawi
Bahraini journalist, co-founder of Al-Wasat
Born
1962 64 years ago
Died
April 12th, 2011 14 years ago — 49 years old
Co-founded Al-Wasat, a prominent Bahraini newspaper, in 2002, providing a platform for independent journalism. Fakhrawi played a crucial role in promoting press freedom in Bahrain. His career as a journalist was marked by a commitment to uncovering stories and presenting unbiased news. While facing challenges, he continued to advocate for journalistic integrity and transparency in the media landscape. Fakhrawi's contributions to journalism were significant during a time of political change in Bahrain. His dedication to his craft persisted until his untimely death in 2011.
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