Alistair MacLean

Scottish novelist and screenwriter of thrillers

Alistair MacLean - Scottish novelist and screenwriter of thrillers
Born

April 21st, 1922
103 years ago

Died

February 2nd, 1987
38 years ago — 64 years old

Category

Artists & Creatives

Country

Scotland

Links & References

A Scottish novelist and screenwriter, this individual specialized in writing thrillers and adventure fiction. The career spanned several decades, beginning in the 1950s. Works exhibited a characteristic style, often featuring military themes and espionage. Several novels were adapted into successful films, contributing to a broader cultural presence. The literary portfolio included bestsellers that defined the genre during the mid-20th century.

Authored the novel 'The Guns of Navarone'

Wrote 'Where Eagles Dare', adapted into a film

Other People Born on April 21st

Thomas Kean

American politician and New Jersey Governor
Born
April 21st, 1935 90 years ago

Served as the 48th Governor of New Jersey from 1982 to 1990. Focused on education reform and environmental preservation during the governorship. Later became a prominent figure in academia, contributing to educational institutions and public policy discussions. Involved in various nonprofit organizations and served as chairman of the 9/11 Commission, examining the events leading up to and following the September 11 attacks.

Continue Reading

Jean Hélion

French painter known for abstract art
Born
April 21st, 1904 121 years ago
Died
1987 38 years ago — 83 years old

A prominent painter associated with abstract art, engaged in the development of modernist movements throughout the 20th century. This individual worked within the realms of surrealism and abstraction, contributing significantly to the art scene in France. His artworks often included bold colors and geometric shapes, reflecting the evolution of contemporary art. Exhibiting works across various galleries, notable pieces included 'The Landscape of the Soul' and 'The Great Wall'. Also involved in art criticism and writing, provided insights on the relationship between art and society.

Continue Reading

Steve Backshall

Naturalist and television presenter
Born
April 21st, 1973 52 years ago

An English naturalist and television presenter specialized in wildlife documentaries. Worked on a variety of projects, including hosting the series 'Deadly 60,' which showcased some of the world's most dangerous animals. Authored multiple books on nature and conservation, connecting younger audiences with wildlife education. Significant contributions to adventure and wildlife programming have raised awareness of environmental issues through engaging storytelling and personal experiences.

Continue Reading

Joc Pederson

Professional baseball player, World Series champion
Born
April 21st, 1992 33 years ago

A professional baseball player participated in Major League Baseball. Played as an outfielder primarily for the Los Angeles Dodgers and later for the Atlanta Braves. Achieved significant recognition during playoff performances, contributing to a World Series championship in 2021 with the Braves. Notably recognized for power hitting and clutch performances during postseason games.

Continue Reading

Alfred Henry Maurer

American painter known for modernist works
Born
April 21st, 1868 157 years ago
Died
August 4th, 1932 92 years ago — 64 years old

Born in 1868, a prominent American painter contributed to the modern art movement in the early 20th century. Initially influenced by Impressionism, transitioned to a more abstract style influenced by Post-Impressionism and Fauvism. Participated in multiple exhibitions including the Armory Show in 1913, which introduced modernist art to the American public. His works often featured bold colors and exaggerated forms. Authored significant works that are part of the permanent collections at major institutions, showcasing the evolution of American painting during a transformative period.

Continue Reading

Jarrett Allen

NBA basketball player, All-Star
Born
April 21st, 1998 27 years ago

A professional basketball player from America, played as a center in the NBA. Drafted by the Brooklyn Nets in 2017 as the 22nd overall pick. Achieved notable excellence while with the Cleveland Cavaliers, earning an All-Star selection in 2022. Contributed significantly to teams' defensive strategies and rebound statistics throughout his career. Played college basketball at the University of Texas before transitioning to the NBA.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on February 2nd

Filippo Raciti

Italian police officer involved in soccer safety
Born
1967 58 years ago
Died
February 2nd, 2007 18 years ago — 40 years old

Served as a police officer in Italy with a focus on maintaining safety at sporting events, particularly soccer matches. Died while managing crowd control at a Serie A match in Catania, where a violent encounter between fans led to his fatal injury. His death highlighted issues of violence in Italian soccer and prompted discussions about security measures in sports.

Continue Reading

Truxtun Hare

American football player and hammer thrower
Born
October 12th, 1878 146 years ago
Died
February 2nd, 1956 69 years ago — 77 years old

Competed as a hammer thrower during the early 20th century and played American football primarily as a tackle. Participated in the 1904 Summer Olympics, representing the United States in athletics. Contributed to the development of football as a competitive sport in collegiate athletics, playing for institutions where the game evolved significantly. His athletic career spanned different events, showcasing versatility in both throwing and football.

Continue Reading

Carlos José Castilho

Brazilian footballer and manager, goalkeeper
Born
November 27th, 1927 97 years ago
Died
February 2nd, 1987 38 years ago — 59 years old

A prominent goalkeeper, contributed significantly to the success of Fluminense Football Club during the 1940s and 1950s. Played in three FIFA World Cups, specifically in 1950, where Brazil finished as runners-up. Transitioned into coaching after retirement, leading various teams, including Fluminense, in the following decades.

Continue Reading

Donald Pleasence

Actor in Halloween and The Great Escape
Born
October 5th, 1919 105 years ago
Died
February 2nd, 1995 30 years ago — 75 years old

An accomplished actor, his career spanned several decades, beginning in the theater before transitioning to film and television. Featured in multiple genres, he gained prominence for roles that showcased his ability to portray complex characters. Played Dr. Sam Loomis in the Halloween horror film series and appeared as the iconic character in The Great Escape. Received critical acclaim for performances in various stage productions and films, establishing a reputation as a versatile actor.

Continue Reading

Carl Friedrich Goerdeler

Economist and politician; resistance leader
Born
July 31st, 1884 141 years ago
Died
February 2nd, 1945 80 years ago — 60 years old

An economist and politician, dedicated efforts to oppose the Nazi regime. Served as the mayor of Leipzig from 1930 to 1937. Involved in various plots to overthrow Adolf Hitler, notably the July 20 plot in 1944. Following the assassination attempt on Hitler, was captured and executed.

Continue Reading

Hella Wuolijoki

Author and politician from Estonia-Finland
Born
July 22nd, 1886 139 years ago
Died
February 2nd, 1954 71 years ago — 67 years old

Born in Estonia, transitioned to Finland and became a prominent author and politician. Active in political life during the interwar period, contributed significantly to Finnish literature with works that reflected the cultural and political landscape of the time. After the Second World War, engaged in activities promoting Finnish cultural identity. Played a notable role in leftist politics, aligning with socialist ideologies and advocating for workers' rights. Wuolijoki's literary contributions included plays and novels that explored themes of identity, societal issues, and personal experiences.

Continue Reading