Akong Rinpoche

Tibetan-Chinese spiritual leader

Akong Rinpoche - Tibetan-Chinese spiritual leader
Born

December 25th, 1939
85 years ago

Died

October 8th, 2013
11 years ago — 73 years old

Category

Thinkers & Philosophers

Country

China

Links & References

A prominent Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader, became one of the key figures in promoting Tibetan Buddhism in the West. Founded the Kagyu Samye Ling Monastery in Scotland, which served as a center for meditation and teachings. Actively engaged in humanitarian work, establishing various charitable organizations to support education and healthcare initiatives, both in the UK and India. Authored several works on Tibetan Buddhism, contributing to the understanding and practice of this tradition outside its country of origin.

Founded Kagyu Samye Ling Monastery

Established charitable organizations

Other People Born on December 25th

Francesco Marinoni

Italian Roman Catholic priest
Born
December 25th, 1490 534 years ago
Died
1562 463 years ago — 72 years old

Ordained as a priest, contributed to the Catholic Church's activities during the Renaissance period. Served in various parishes and worked to expand the Church's influence in the region. Engaged in educational efforts, promoting religious teachings and moral values among the community.

Continue Reading

Princess Alexandra

Royalty with charitable contributions
Born
December 25th, 1936 88 years ago

Born into the British royal family, significant contributions to various charitable organizations occurred. Attended numerous public engagements and supported causes like health care, education, and the arts. Served as a patron for multiple organizations, enhancing public awareness of their missions. Maintained close ties to the royal family and participated in events reflecting her royal status.

Continue Reading

Desireless

French singer and songwriter
Born
December 25th, 1952 72 years ago

A prominent figure in the French music scene since the early 1980s, this artist achieved widespread recognition with the hit single "Voyage". The song became an anthem of its time, characterized by its distinct electronic sound. Albums released during the 1980s, including "Josef" and "Desireless", contributed to a successful career marked by a strong aesthetic and unique style, leading to significant sales and chart success in France and abroad.

Continue Reading

Joel Porter

Australian footballer and manager
Born
December 25th, 1978 46 years ago

Played professional football primarily as a striker. Competed in the A-League for clubs including the Newcastle Jets and had a successful stint in the UK with clubs like Hartlepool United. Transitioned into management after retirement, taking on coaching roles at various levels, contributing to the development of football in Australia.

Continue Reading

Christian Holst

Danish-Faroese footballer, national team player
Born
December 25th, 1981 43 years ago

Born on December 25, 1981, played as a midfielder. Started professional career in Denmark before joining clubs in the Faroe Islands. Represented the Faroe Islands national team, gaining over 40 caps. Notable for contributing to the team's performance in international competitions. Ended career after productive playing years, transitioning into coaching roles.

Continue Reading

Simon Jones

Welsh cricketer, 2005 Ashes hero
Born
December 25th, 1978 46 years ago

A cricketer from Wales played as a fast bowler. Made significant contributions to the England national team during the 2005 Ashes series against Australia. Demonstrated a unique bowling style that was instrumental in clinching victory for England, which had not won the Ashes in 18 years. Career included participation in several Test matches and One Day Internationals, earning a reputation for pace and swing bowling. Also played domestic cricket for Glamorgan.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on October 8th

Filippo Lippi

Renaissance painter, famous for Madonnas
Born
1406 619 years ago
Died
October 8th, 1469 555 years ago — 63 years old

A prominent painter of the Italian Renaissance, this artist played a significant role in the development of the Florentine School. He created numerous paintings, particularly of Madonnas characterized by their tender emotion and detailed landscapes. Apprenticed to a monk, he eventually became a priest but chose to pursue painting. His works included altarpieces, frescoes, and portraits, displaying a mastery of perspective and human emotion. His style influenced subsequent generations of artists.

Continue Reading

Andrew Kippis

English minister and biographer
Born
March 28th, 1725 300 years ago
Died
October 8th, 1795 229 years ago — 70 years old

Served as a prominent English minister and authored several influential works. Contributed significantly to religious literature and biographical studies during the 18th century. Held the position of a pastor at a Presbyterian congregation in London. Was an influential member of the Congregational Union and engaged in various literary activities.

Continue Reading

Robert Berdella

American serial killer and rapist
Born
1949 76 years ago
Died
October 8th, 1992 32 years ago — 43 years old

A resident of Kansas City, Berdella gained infamy as a serial killer and torturer. During the 1980s, he operated a household where numerous young men were abducted, tortured, and murdered. Berdella's methods included drugging and binding his victims while subjecting them to various forms of physical and psychological torture. His criminal activities came to light in 1988 following the disappearance of a man, leading to investigations resulting in his arrest. In 1992, he was convicted of several counts of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

Continue Reading

Roger Williams

American pianist and composer
Born
October 1st, 1924 100 years ago
Died
October 8th, 2011 13 years ago — 87 years old

A talented pianist and composer, this individual gained recognition for classical and popular music interpretations. Renowned for the album 'Autumn Leaves', which became a significant hit, this artist also released numerous other albums throughout a prolific career. Performance style combined classical technique with popular sensibilities, earning a broad audience. Regular appearances on television and in concert venues helped solidify a lasting legacy in the music community.

Continue Reading

George Emil Palade

Biologist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
November 19th, 1912 112 years ago
Died
October 8th, 2008 16 years ago — 95 years old

Born in Romania, a prominent biologist and physician contributed significantly to cell biology. Conducted pioneering research in the field of cellular structure and function. Developed techniques for electron microscopy, allowing for detailed observation of cellular organelles. Achieved the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1974 for discovery of ribosomes and their role in protein synthesis. Served as a professor at various institutions, including the University of California, San Diego.

Continue Reading

Austin F. Pike

American lawyer and politician
Born
October 16th, 1819 205 years ago
Died
October 8th, 1886 138 years ago — 66 years old

Born in 1819, a lawyer and politician practiced law in New Hampshire. Served as a United States Senator from 1853 to 1855. Elected to the New Hampshire House of Representatives and served in various political offices throughout the state. Contributed to legal reforms and legislative processes during tenure.

Continue Reading