Alfred Newman
American composer and conductor
A prominent composer and conductor in the American film industry, contributed significantly to movie scores from the 1930s through the 1960s. Served as the head of the music department at 20th Century Fox, overseeing numerous productions. Played a crucial role in shaping the sound of classic Hollywood films, winning nine Academy Awards for Best Original Score. Composed memorable scores for films including "The Song of Bernadette," "All About Eve," and "How Green Was My Valley."
Won nine Academy Awards for Best Original Score
Composed scores for "The Song of Bernadette"
Conducted music for "All About Eve"
Designed music for "How Green Was My Valley"
Other People Born on March 17th
John Wayne Gacy
American serial killer and rapist
Born
March 17th, 1942 83 years ago
Died
May 10th, 1994 31 years ago — 52 years old
Engaged in criminal activities starting in the 1960s, a series of murders occurred across Illinois. Worked as a contractor and was involved in local politics. Arrested in 1978, investigations uncovered numerous bodies buried on his property and in nearby areas. Convicted of the murders of 33 young men and boys, sentenced to death in 1980, and executed in 1994.
Continue ReadingYoko Yamamoto
Japanese actress in film and television
Born
March 17th, 1942 83 years ago
Died
February 20th, 2024 1 years ago — 81 years old
Yoko Yamamoto was a Japanese actress recognized for her roles in several prominent films and television series. Yamamoto gained significant attention for performances in 'The Last Supper' and the drama series 'Sunshine on a Rainy Day'. Over a career that spanned multiple decades, Yamamoto showcased a range of characters, captivating audiences with her versatility and depth. Her work has been influential in contemporary Japanese cinema and television, earning her accolades and a dedicated fanbase. In addition to acting, Yamamoto contributed to various cultural projects, enhancing the arts landscape in Japan. She passed away on February 20, 2024.
Continue ReadingPat Rice
Footballer and coach with Arsenal FC
Born
March 17th, 1949 76 years ago
Played as a defender, featuring prominently for Arsenal FC from 1966 to 1980. Contributed to the team's triumph in the 1970 FA Cup, the 1971 league title, and the 1979 FA Cup. Transitioned to coaching and served as an assistant manager at Arsenal from 2005 to 2012, supporting the team during various campaigns.
Continue ReadingGiovanni Trapattoni
Football manager and legendary coach
Born
March 17th, 1939 86 years ago
Played for AC Milan and became a successful manager, starting with teams like Fiorentina and Juventus. Achieved notable success in Serie A, winning multiple league titles and Italian Cups. Managed the Italian national team, leading them to the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Later worked with clubs in Germany and Portugal, winning domestic titles, including the Primeira Liga with Benfica. Renowned for tactical acumen and ability to motivate teams.
Continue ReadingGalina Samsova
Russian ballerina with The Royal Ballet
Born
March 17th, 1937 88 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 84 years old
A prominent Russian ballerina, celebrated for contributions to classical ballet. Trained extensively in the Vaganova method, gained recognition at the Kirov Ballet. Later joined The Royal Ballet in London, where performances in major productions showcased artistic excellence. Developed a reputation for technical skill and stage presence, captivating audiences worldwide.
Continue ReadingRalph Rose
Track and field athlete and Olympian
Born
March 17th, 1885 140 years ago
Died
October 16th, 1913 112 years ago — 28 years old
Competitor in track and field events, achieved prominence in shot put. Participated in the 1908 and 1912 Olympics, earning a gold medal in the 1912 Stockholm Games. Rose set multiple records in shot put during his career. His performance at the Penn Relays was particularly noteworthy, showcasing his strength and technique in the event. Contributed to the development of the shot put technique.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on February 17th
Jan Swammerdam
Dutch entomologist and biologist
Born
February 12th, 1637 388 years ago
Died
February 17th, 1680 345 years ago — 43 years old
Contributions to the study of insects and biological processes occurred through meticulous observation and dissection. Developed techniques for microscopic examination that advanced the knowledge of insect anatomy and physiology. Pioneered the use of the microscope for biological research, laying groundwork for future entomology. Observed metamorphosis and provided insights into the life cycles of insects.
Continue ReadingSiegbert Tarrasch
German chess player and theoretician
Born
March 5th, 1862 163 years ago
Died
February 17th, 1934 91 years ago — 71 years old
A prominent chess player and theoretician, contributed significantly to chess strategy and education. Established a reputation through competitive play in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Authored several influential chess books, which helped shape modern chess understanding. Played a vital role in popularizing chess during this era, fostering its growth as a competitive discipline.
Continue ReadingJosé López Portillo
Mexican politician, 51st President
Born
June 16th, 1920 105 years ago
Died
February 17th, 2004 21 years ago — 83 years old
Served as the 51st President of Mexico from 1976 to 1982. Implemented economic policies during a time of significant change, addressing issues related to oil nationalization and foreign debt. Championed agrarian reform and expansion of social programs. Promoted culture and education initiatives. His presidency faced challenges leading to a financial crisis while pursuing industrial growth.
Continue ReadingErnst Jünger
German soldier and influential philosopher
Born
March 29th, 1895 130 years ago
Died
February 17th, 1998 27 years ago — 102 years old
Born in 1895, a soldier during World War I, served with distinction and received the Iron Cross. Transitioned to writing, becoming a significant philosophical voice in postwar Germany. Explored themes of nature, technology, and the human condition in works such as 'Storm of Steel,' an account of war experiences. His later writings expressed views on modernity and existentialism, influencing various intellectual circles until death in 1998.
Continue ReadingWayne Smith
Jamaican singer and reggae musician
Born
December 5th, 1965 60 years ago
Died
February 17th, 2014 11 years ago — 48 years old
A prominent figure in the reggae genre, known for contributions to Jamaican music during the late 20th century. Gained recognition with the 1985 hit 'Under Mi Sleng Teng', which popularized the digital rhythm style in reggae music. This track marked a significant shift in the sound of reggae, influencing many artists in the genre. Smith's work extended to performances across Jamaica and internationally, showcasing the vibrancy of reggae culture.
Continue ReadingHans Hofmann
Painter and abstract expressionist
Born
March 21st, 1880 145 years ago
Died
February 17th, 1966 59 years ago — 85 years old
A German-American painter, Hofmann played a significant role in the development of abstract expressionism and modern art. He emigrated to the United States in 1932 and established a reputation for his vibrant use of color and form. Hofmann's teaching philosophy influenced several generations of artists, emphasizing the importance of intuition and expression over traditional techniques. He produced a substantial body of work that combined elements of Cubism with lyrical abstraction, often reflecting his experiences in both Germany and America. His contributions to art education included founding the Hofmann School of Fine Arts in New York City. Hofmann's work was featured in numerous exhibitions and he was associated with major art movements throughout his career.
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