Alan G. Poindexter

NASA astronaut and shuttle commander

Alan G. Poindexter - NASA astronaut and shuttle commander
Born

November 5th, 1961
63 years ago

Died

July 1st, 2012
13 years ago — 50 years old

Category

Explorers & Adventurers

Country

United States

Links & References

Served as a NASA astronaut, completing two missions aboard the Space Shuttle. Commanded STS-133, which delivered the Express Logistics Carrier-4 and advanced technology to the International Space Station. Also flew on STS-122 and contributed to research and construction at the ISS. Worked as a test pilot and held leadership positions at various aerospace organizations throughout a career in aviation and space exploration.

Commanded STS-133 mission to the ISS

Flew on STS-122 mission

Test pilot for NASA

Other People Born on November 5th

Will Durant

Historian and philosopher, The Story of Civilization
Born
November 5th, 1885 139 years ago
Died
November 7th, 1981 43 years ago — 96 years old

An American historian and philosopher, contributed significantly to popularizing history through writings. Co-authored with his wife, authored a multi-volume series, The Story of Civilization, which detailed Western history from ancient times to the 19th century. Received the Pulitzer Prize for The Story of Philosophy, which discussed the contributions of various philosophers throughout history. Emphasized the accessibility of historical knowledge and the relevance of philosophy in understanding human society.

Continue Reading

Algirdas Lauritėnas

Lithuanian basketball player, Olympic medalist
Born
November 5th, 1932 92 years ago
Died
August 7th, 2001 23 years ago — 68 years old

This individual was a professional basketball player from Lithuania. Played for the Lithuanian national team and achieved notable success during international competitions. Competed in the 1967 EuroBasket and contributed to Lithuania winning the silver medal. Participated in the 1972 Munich Olympics, representing the national team and showcasing skills on an international stage. Had a significant career in club basketball, playing for various teams within Lithuania and contributing to the development of the sport in the country.

Continue Reading

Sam Shepard

Playwright and actor of Buried Child
Born
November 5th, 1943 81 years ago
Died
July 27th, 2017 8 years ago — 73 years old

A prominent American playwright and actor, this individual gained widespread recognition for works that explored themes of family, identity, and the American experience. The play 'Buried Child' won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1979, influencing the landscape of American theatre. As an actor, involvement in films such as 'The Right Stuff' and 'Steel Magnolias' showcased versatility, transitioning between strong dramatic roles and supporting characters. The works often blended elements of surrealism with stark realism, illustrating complex interpersonal relationships and cultural narratives.

Continue Reading

Ethelwynn Trewavas

Ichthyologist, named over a dozen fish
Born
November 5th, 1900 124 years ago
Died
1993 32 years ago — 93 years old

Specialized in the study of fish, contributed significantly to ichthyology throughout a lengthy career. Conducted extensive research on various fish species and their classifications. Authored numerous scientific papers and manuscripts, enhancing understanding of freshwater and marine fish. Played a pivotal role in taxonomic studies, leading to the naming of several fish species in her honor. Contributed to the work of the British Museum and the Zoological Society of London, making considerable academic contributions during and after World War II.

Continue Reading

Walter Gieseking

Pianist and composer, known for recordings
Born
November 5th, 1895 129 years ago
Died
October 26th, 1956 68 years ago — 60 years old

Born in 1895, a French-German pianist and composer gained recognition for exceptional interpretations of classical repertoire. Studied at multiple institutions, including the Frankfurt Conservatory, under prominent teachers. Developed a unique technique characterized by clarity and a distinct touch. Became particularly noted for recordings of works by composers such as Debussy, Ravel, and Beethoven. Collaborated with major orchestras and performed in prestigious venues worldwide. Involved in various performances during the early to mid-20th century, contributing to the music scene in both concert and recording formats. Held a respected position in the classical music community until his death in 1956.

Continue Reading

Hans Mommsen

Historian and academic
Born
November 5th, 1930 94 years ago
Died
November 5th, 2015 9 years ago — 85 years old

Born in 1930, a prominent German historian focused on modern and contemporary history. Contributed significantly to the study of the Weimar Republic and the history of Nazi Germany. Held a professor position at the University of Bochum and published extensively on German history. Influenced historical discourse with a critical perspective on totalitarian regimes, engaging in political debates and public discussions related to historical events.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on July 1st

Marlon Brando

Actor in The Godfather and A Streetcar Named Desire
Born
April 3rd, 1924 101 years ago
Died
July 1st, 2004 21 years ago — 80 years old

An influential actor and director, contributed significantly to the theater and film. Gained critical acclaim for performances in iconic films such as 'A Streetcar Named Desire' and 'The Godfather'. Advocated for Native American rights and challenged the Hollywood establishment. Revolutionized acting techniques through method acting, emphasizing emotional authenticity and character immersion. Received multiple Academy Awards and other accolades throughout a lengthy career.

Continue Reading

Erik Satie

French composer known for Gymnopédies
Born
May 17th, 1866 159 years ago
Died
July 1st, 1925 100 years ago — 59 years old

Pianist and composer contributed significantly to the early 20th century music scene. Satie's compositions were marked by their unique tonality and innovative approach to harmony. His most famous works include the 'Gymnopédies', which showcased minimalist and atmospheric qualities. Additionally, Satie engaged in collaborations with other artists and was involved in the Dada and Surrealist movements, influencing subsequent generations of composers and musicians.

Continue Reading

Tadeusz Borowski

Polish poet and Auschwitz survivor
Born
November 12th, 1922 102 years ago
Died
July 1st, 1951 74 years ago — 28 years old

Born in 1922, this individual was a Polish poet, author, and journalist whose experiences during World War II had a profound influence on his writings. Imprisoned in Auschwitz, he later wrote about the horrors of the Holocaust and the human condition. His collection of short stories, 'This Way for the Gas, Ladies and Gentlemen,' explored the bleak realities of life in the concentration camps. After the war, he continued to write and engage with the literary community in Poland until his untimely death in 1951. His work remains significant in the canon of Holocaust literature.

Continue Reading

Jean-Louis Rosier

French race car driver, Le Mans winner
Born
1925 100 years ago
Died
July 1st, 2001 24 years ago — 76 years old

A noted French race car driver, competed in endurance racing events during the mid-20th century. Achieved significant success at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, notably winning the race in 1950. Additionally drove for various teams, including Ferrari and Aston Martin, making substantial contributions to the sport. Developed a reputation for skillful driving and strategic race planning.

Continue Reading

Moshé Feldenkrais

Ukrainian-Israeli physicist and educator
Born
May 6th, 1904 121 years ago
Died
July 1st, 1984 41 years ago — 80 years old

An academic and physicist, developed the Feldenkrais Method, a form of somatic education that uses movement to improve self-awareness and physical functioning. His work combined insights from physics, martial arts, and psychology. Authored several books including 'Awareness Through Movement' and contributed to the understanding of the connection between movement and mental processes. Emphasized the importance of learning through experience rather than rote memorization, influencing educational methods in therapeutic practices.

Continue Reading

Ismail Kadare

Albanian novelist and playwright
Born
January 28th, 1936 89 years ago
Died
July 1st, 2024 1 years ago — 88 years old

Born in 1936, this individual is a prominent Albanian novelist, poet, essayist, and playwright whose works reflect the historical and cultural context of Albania. A significant figure in Albanian literature, contributions include a vast array of works that often explore themes of totalitarianism and national identity. Many of the works have been translated into multiple languages, gaining international recognition. The first Albanian to win the International Man Booker Prize in 2005, this figure has a diverse literary portfolio spanning poetry, novels, and essays, establishing a legacy within the literary community.

Continue Reading