Alfred Edwin McKay
Pilot and Canadian military captain
Served as a pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War I. Played a crucial role in various missions, showcasing skill and bravery in aerial combat. Achieved the rank of captain while demonstrating leadership in challenging situations. Contributed to the development of aviation tactics during the war. After the war, continued to be involved in civil aviation and fostered the growth of flying clubs in Canada.
Served as a captain in the Royal Canadian Air Force
Participated in World War I aerial combat
Other People Born on December 27th
Ghalib
Indian poet and educator
Born
December 27th, 1797 227 years ago
Died
February 15th, 1869 156 years ago — 71 years old
A prominent Urdu and Persian poet, acclaimed for intricate ghazals, which explored themes of love, loss, and existentialism. Contributions to literature fostered appreciation for vernacular poetry in the 19th century. Ghalib's works captured the complexities of human emotion and social context during British India. Renowned for stylistic innovations and philosophical musings through poetry, he influenced generations of poets and writers.
Continue ReadingHeather O'Rourke
Child actress in Poltergeist movies
Born
December 27th, 1975 49 years ago
Died
February 1st, 1988 37 years ago — 12 years old
Began acting at a young age, featuring prominently in the horror film series Poltergeist. Her first appearance was in the original Poltergeist film released in 1982, where she portrayed the character Carol Anne Freeling. Continued her role in the sequels, becoming a well-recognized figure in the genre. Tragically passed away at a young age, which drew significant attention to her early career and the circumstances surrounding her death.
Continue ReadingCharles Olson
Poet and educator known for The Maximus Poems
Born
December 27th, 1910 114 years ago
Died
1970 55 years ago — 60 years old
An American poet and educator. Played an influential role in the post-World War II poetry movement. Served as a professor at Black Mountain College, fostering innovative approaches to poetry and education. Developed a theory of 'Projective Verse,' which emphasized the importance of breath and sound in poetry. Wrote 'The Maximus Poems,' a pivotal work that explored themes of place, identity, and history.
Continue ReadingBohdan Khmelnytsky
Hetman of Ukraine during the 17th century
Born
December 27th, 1595 429 years ago
Died
August 6th, 1657 368 years ago — 61 years old
Led a major rebellion against Polish-Lithuanian rule in Ukraine, establishing the Cossack state. Played a pivotal role in the formation of the Ukrainian Cossack Hetmanate. Formed an alliance with Russia, resulting in the Treaty of Pereyaslav in 1654, which sought to protect Ukraine's autonomy while aligning it with Russia for military support.
Continue ReadingAna Konjuh
Croatian tennis player and Grand Slam competitor
Born
December 27th, 1997 27 years ago
A professional tennis player from Croatia, achieved significant success on the junior circuit before transitioning to professional play. In 2014, won the US Open girls' singles title. Ranks among the top players in singles and doubles on the WTA tour. Reached the quarterfinals of the 2016 US Open, marking a career highlight in singles competition. Known for a powerful playing style and strong baseline game.
Continue ReadingLuka Garza
Basketball player, 2021 NCAA Player of the Year
Born
December 27th, 1998 26 years ago
A prominent basketball player, achieved significant success in college basketball at the University of Iowa. Played as a center and showcased remarkable scoring ability and rebounding skills. In 2021, received the Naismith Trophy as the NCAA Player of the Year. Transitioned to professional basketball, being selected in the 2021 NBA Draft, and played for the Detroit Pistons and the Charlotte Hornets. His impact on the court included leading his team to numerous victories during his collegiate career.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on December 28th
Nicholas Ambraseys
Seismologist and engineer
Born
1929 96 years ago
Died
December 28th, 2012 12 years ago — 83 years old
Contributed extensively to the field of seismology and earthquake engineering. Published numerous research papers that advanced understanding of seismic activity in Greece and the eastern Mediterranean region. Developed seismic codes and guidelines that influenced building standards in earthquake-prone areas. Conducted detailed studies and analyses of significant earthquakes, assisting in disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies.
Continue ReadingGrichka Bogdanoff
Television presenter and scientific essayist
Born
1949 76 years ago
Died
December 28th, 2021 3 years ago — 72 years old
Accomplished in the fields of television and scientific discourse. Presented and co-created the series 'Temps X' which aired from 1979 to 1987, focusing on science and futurism. Authored several works on science, philosophy, and science fiction themes. Played a significant role in popularizing complex scientific concepts in an accessible manner through media. Contributed to the intersection of science and entertainment, influencing public interest in these topics.
Continue ReadingHalton Arp
Astronomer and critic of redshift theory
Born
March 21st, 1927 98 years ago
Died
December 28th, 2013 11 years ago — 86 years old
An American-German astronomer contributed significantly to the field of astronomy. Arp focused on peculiar galaxies and questioned the validity of redshift as a measure of distance in the universe, proposing alternative theories. Arp published several important works, including 'Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies', which featured 338 unique galaxies with unusual characteristics. This influential atlas aided in the understanding of galaxy formations and interactions. Arp also engaged in critical debates about the nature of galaxies and the interpretation of astronomical data, challenging mainstream cosmology.
Continue ReadingEloy Inos
Businessman and 8th Governor of NMI
Born
1949 76 years ago
Died
December 28th, 2015 9 years ago — 66 years old
Served as the 8th Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands from 2013 to 2015. Prior to this role, held various business positions and was involved in local government. Focused on economic development and tourism during gubernatorial term. Contributed to the legislative process as a member of the Northern Mariana Islands Senate.
Continue ReadingAndrew Jacobs Jr.
American soldier and politician
Born
1932 93 years ago
Died
December 28th, 2013 11 years ago — 81 years old
Served as a United States Army soldier during World War II. Entered public service as a lawyer and became a prominent political figure. Represented Indiana's 10th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1965 to 1973. Focused on social justice and civil rights during tenure, advocating for numerous reforms.
Continue ReadingPhilomena Franz
German Romani author and activist
Born
July 21st, 1922 103 years ago
Died
December 28th, 2022 2 years ago — 100 years old
An author and activist focused on the experiences of the Romani people. Wrote 'The Other Side of the Road', detailing the struggles and discrimination faced by the Romani community. Her work contributed to a wider understanding of Romani culture and history. Engaged in public speaking and advocacy, highlighting issues such as social injustice and the importance of cultural preservation.
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