Alan Cranston

American politician and journalist

Alan Cranston - American politician and journalist
Born

June 19th, 1914
111 years ago

Died

December 31st, 2000
24 years ago — 86 years old

Category

Leaders & Politicians

Country

United States

Links & References

Elected to the U.S. Senate representing California from 1969 to 1993. Played a role in significant legislation, including environmental and social justice issues. Authored several books on politics and social issues. Served as the Democratic National Committee Chairman and was active in various political organizations, promoting citizen participation in government.

Served as U.S. Senator from California

Chairman of the Democratic National Committee

Authored multiple books on politics

Other People Born on June 19th

Don Gutteridge

Baseball player and manager, St. Louis Browns
Born
June 19th, 1912 113 years ago
Died
2008 17 years ago — 96 years old

Born in 1912, a professional baseball player and manager contributed to Major League Baseball primarily as an infielder. Played for the St. Louis Browns and outlined a significant career in the league. Transitioned into a managerial role after his playing career, leading teams in both Major League Baseball and the minor leagues.

Continue Reading

Ann Wilson

Singer-songwriter and musician, Heart
Born
June 19th, 1950 75 years ago

Born in 1950, a prominent figure in rock music, played as the lead vocalist of the band Heart. The band achieved significant commercial success in the 1970s and 1980s, known for hit songs such as 'Barracuda' and 'Crazy on You.' Released several albums with Heart, including 'Dreamboat Annie' and 'Little Queen,' which showcased powerful vocals and songwriting talent. Influenced by blues, folk, and hard rock genres, contributed to the band's distinct sound. Also pursued a solo career, with works reflecting personal themes and styles.

Continue Reading

Abe Fortas

American lawyer and Supreme Court justice
Born
June 19th, 1910 115 years ago
Died
April 5th, 1982 43 years ago — 71 years old

Served as an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court from 1965 to 1980. Nominated by President Lyndon B. Johnson, contributed to landmark decisions regarding civil rights and civil liberties. Prior to the Supreme Court, practiced law in Washington, D.C., and co-founded a prominent law firm. Played a significant role in the development of the legal defense for civil rights cases during the 1960s. Resigned under pressure in 1980 amid a controversy over his judicial conduct.

Continue Reading

Richard Wilkins

Television presenter and journalist
Born
June 19th, 1954 71 years ago

Born in New Zealand, Wilkins moved to Australia where he became a prominent television presenter and journalist. His career began in radio before transitioning to television, where he gained recognition for hosting various entertainment programs. Wilkins has interviewed many international celebrities and covered significant events in the entertainment industry. He served as the entertainment reporter for Channel Nine in Australia for many years, contributing to morning shows and special event broadcasts.

Continue Reading

Anthony Parker

Basketball player, Olympic gold medalist
Born
June 19th, 1975 50 years ago

Played professional basketball primarily as a shooting guard and small forward. Spent a significant part of the NBA career with the Toronto Raptors, Orlando Magic, and Cleveland Cavaliers. Helped the Cleveland Cavaliers win the NBA Championship in 2016. Also played overseas in Europe, winning multiple championships and accolades, including the EuroLeague title with Maccabi Tel Aviv. Was part of the USA national team that won a gold medal at the 2007 FIBA Americas Championship.

Continue Reading

Bob Ainsworth

English politician and Defence Secretary
Born
June 19th, 1952 73 years ago

A prominent English politician served as the Secretary of State for Defence from 2009 to 2010. Represented the Coventry North East constituency in the House of Commons from 1997 to 2015. Before his role in defence, contributed to various committees and held positions that shaped policy in areas including justice and public services. Played a significant role in discussions surrounding military operations and national security during his tenure. Stepped down from Parliament in 2015 after a lengthy political career.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on December 31st

Samson Raphael Hirsch

Rabbi and scholar of Jewish philosophy
Born
June 20th, 1808 217 years ago
Died
December 31st, 1888 136 years ago — 80 years old

A prominent rabbi and scholar in 19th-century Germany. Played a significant role in the development of Orthodox Judaism. Founded the Jewish community in Frankfurt and established a network of educational institutions. Authored numerous works on Jewish philosophy and law, advocating for a synthesis of tradition and modernity. His writings have had a lasting influence on Jewish thought and practice.

Continue Reading

Jean-François Marmontel

French historian and author of Bélisaire
Born
July 11th, 1723 302 years ago
Died
December 31st, 1799 225 years ago — 76 years old

A prominent French historian and author, produced influential literary and historical texts during the 18th century. His work included a variety of essays, as well as a well-received series of tales known as 'Contes moraux'. The most notable accomplishment includes the historical novel 'Bélisaire', which critiqued intolerance and depicted the struggles of its titular blind general. Marmontel also contributed to the Encyclopédie and engaged in intellectual circles of Enlightenment thinkers.

Continue Reading

Per Oscarsson

Swedish actor, director, screenwriter
Born
January 28th, 1927 98 years ago
Died
December 31st, 2010 14 years ago — 83 years old

An actor, director, producer, and screenwriter, recognized for contributions to European cinema. Gained prominence in the 1960s and 1970s. Appeared in notable films such as 'The Uninvited' and 'The Nothing Factory'. Beyond acting, directed several stage productions and spent time developing screenplays. Received acclaim for performance in 'The Man on the Roof', which showcased versatility in both dramatic and comedic roles. Awarded the Guldbagge Award for Best Actor.

Continue Reading

Cornelia Clapp

Marine Biologist and Naturalist
Born
March 17th, 1849 176 years ago
Died
December 31st, 1934 90 years ago — 85 years old

Born in 1849, a prominent marine biologist focused on the study of marine life and environmental impacts on oceans. Contributed significantly to the development of marine biology as a scientific discipline in the United States. Served as the first female instructor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, influencing many students and researchers in the field. Published numerous scientific papers, particularly on the taxonomy and ecology of mollusks. Actively involved in various scientific organizations, advocating for women's involvement in science.

Continue Reading

Zviad Gamsakhurdia

Georgian politician, 1st President of Georgia
Born
March 31st, 1939 86 years ago
Died
December 31st, 1993 31 years ago — 54 years old

Gamsakhurdia served as the first president of Georgia following its independence from the Soviet Union. An anthropologist by training, contributions included advocating for the preservation of Georgian culture and identity. Elected president in 1991, his tenure faced numerous challenges, including political turmoil and civil unrest. In 1992, Gamsakhurdia was deposed in a coup and spent time in exile before returning to Georgia. His leadership style sparked controversy and divided the public, ultimately leading to a significant political crisis in the country. Gamsakhurdia's political legacy encompasses his efforts to establish a democratic government and promote national sovereignty for Georgia.

Continue Reading

Kevin MacMichael

Guitarist and songwriter for Coney Hatch
Born
1951 74 years ago
Died
December 31st, 2002 22 years ago — 51 years old

Canadian guitarist and songwriter gained recognition as a member of the rock band Coney Hatch. The band achieved commercial success in the 1980s, releasing several albums that featured hits on mainstream rock charts. MacMichael contributed significantly to the band's sound, showcasing his skills as a guitarist and songwriter. He later worked as a producer for various artists, expanding his influence within the music industry. His work is characterized by energetic guitar riffs and melodic songwriting, which has left a lasting impression on fans of the genre.

Continue Reading