Ancel Keys
Physiologist and Nutritionist, created K-rations
Contributions to the field of nutrition included extensive research on dietary fats and heart disease. Developed the Mediterranean diet concept based on studies conducted in different countries. Conducted the Seven Countries Study, which examined the correlation between diet, lifestyle, and cardiovascular health across various populations. Designed K-rations for the U.S. military during World War II to provide soldiers with nutrient-dense food.
Developed the Mediterranean diet concept
Conducted the Seven Countries Study
Created K-rations for World War II
Other People Born on January 26th
Esteban Germán
Dominican baseball player and infielder
Born
January 26th, 1978 47 years ago
Played in Major League Baseball as an infielder. Debuted in 2004 with the Oakland Athletics and had stints with the Kansas City Royals and the San Diego Padres. Known for versatility on the field, played multiple positions including second base and shortstop. Continued to play in professional baseball in the Dominican Republic after leaving MLB.
Continue ReadingNorbert Schultze
German composer and conductor of music
Born
January 26th, 1911 114 years ago
Died
October 14th, 2002 23 years ago — 91 years old
Born in Germany in 1911, this composer and conductor specialized in creating film scores and classical compositions. An accomplished figure in the realm of music, contributions to cinema include work on soundtracks that strengthened narratives within various films. The composer’s music was characterized by its ability to evoke emotion and complement visual storytelling. Collaborations with several prominent directors and involvement in film projects helped elevate the art of scoring during his career, leading to recognition within the film industry.
Continue ReadingAlice Babs
Swedish singer and actress in musicals
Born
January 26th, 1924 101 years ago
Died
February 11th, 2014 11 years ago — 90 years old
Became a prominent figure in Swedish music and acting during the 20th century. Rose to fame as a singer and starred in several notable films and stage productions. Participated in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1958, representing Sweden. Worked with numerous artists and contributed to the cultural scene in Sweden through performances in various genres, including jazz and folk music.
Continue ReadingIvan Hlinka
Czech ice hockey player and coach
Born
January 26th, 1950 75 years ago
Died
August 16th, 2004 21 years ago — 54 years old
Played professional ice hockey primarily for HC Litvínov and the Czechoslovak national team. Achieved significant success as a coach, leading the Czech national team to gold at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano. Coached various teams in international competitions, focusing on developing young talent and strategies. His coaching career included a successful tenure in the NHL with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Continue ReadingBrendan Rodgers
Football manager with Premier League success
Born
January 26th, 1973 52 years ago
A Northern Irish footballer and manager, celebrated for managerial roles in multiple clubs. Early playing career included time at Ballymena United, Reading, and Newport County. Began a managerial career at Watford, with significant achievements at Swansea City, leading the team to win the 2013 Football League Cup. Managed Liverpool from 2012 to 2015, securing a second-place finish in the 2013-14 Premier League season. Later managed Celtic, achieving a historic treble in both the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons. Returned to the Premier League with Leicester City, finishing fifth in the league and guiding the club to win the 2020 FA Cup.
Continue ReadingRoger Vadim
Filmmaker and director of 'And God Created Woman'
Born
January 26th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
February 11th, 2000 25 years ago — 72 years old
A prominent figure in French cinema, this individual directed, produced, and wrote several influential films. Gained recognition in the 1950s for the film 'And God Created Woman', which launched the career of Brigitte Bardot. Contributed to the New Wave movement while exploring themes of sexuality and romantic relationships. In addition to feature films, worked on television projects and maintained a career spanning several decades, influencing a new generation of filmmakers.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on November 20th
I Gusti Ngurah Rai
Indonesian military officer and leader
Born
1917 108 years ago
Died
November 20th, 1946 79 years ago — 29 years old
An Indonesian military officer and national hero, led forces against Dutch colonial rule during the Indonesian National Revolution. Played a significant role in the struggle for Indonesian independence. Commanded a defense against Dutch troops in the Bali region, organizing guerrilla warfare tactics. Guided troops during several key battles which contributed to the independence movement.
Continue ReadingPaula Modersohn-Becker
German painter of expressive works
Born
February 8th, 1876 149 years ago
Died
November 20th, 1907 118 years ago — 31 years old
Born in 1876, a German painter emerged as a significant figure in early 20th-century art. Modersohn-Becker developed a unique style that combined elements of post-impressionism and expressionism. Emphasizing themes of motherhood and the female experience, artwork highlighted the role of women in society. The artist produced notable self-portraits and paintings that featured intimate depictions of rural life. Tragically, her career was cut short when she died at the age of 31, yet several of her works gained recognition posthumously.
Continue ReadingAmintore Fanfani
Italian politician and Prime Minister
Born
February 6th, 1908 117 years ago
Died
November 20th, 1999 26 years ago — 91 years old
Served as the 32nd Prime Minister of Italy during the 1950s and 1960s. Played a significant role in the Italian political landscape, leading the Christian Democracy party. Held key governmental positions, including Minister of Education and Minister of Foreign Affairs. Instrumental in shaping post-war Italian policies and economic recovery, advocating for social welfare programs and economic reforms. Contributed to the establishment of Italy as a key player in European politics and integration.
Continue ReadingJohn McEwen
Australian farmer and Prime Minister
Born
March 29th, 1900 125 years ago
Died
November 20th, 1980 45 years ago — 80 years old
Served as the 18th Prime Minister of Australia for a brief period in 1967. Held the position of leader of the Country Party, influencing Australian rural policy. Worked as a farmer and became involved in politics, representing constituents' interests in Parliament. Contributed to agricultural policies and rural development throughout his political career.
Continue ReadingAllan Sherman
Comedian and TV producer, 'My Son, the Folk Singer'
Born
November 30th, 1924 101 years ago
Died
November 20th, 1973 52 years ago — 48 years old
Born in 1924, contributions included work as a comedian, producer, and singer. Achieved notoriety in the 1960s for comedic parodies of popular songs, with 'My Son, the Folk Singer' achieving significant commercial success. Also created and hosted the television show 'The Allan Sherman Show', which aired in the early 1960s. Wrote humorous songs that highlighted aspects of American life and culture.
Continue ReadingIan Smith
Prime Minister of Rhodesia
Born
April 8th, 1919 106 years ago
Died
November 20th, 2007 18 years ago — 88 years old
Served as the first Prime Minister of Rhodesia from 1965 to 1979, leading the country during its Unilateral Declaration of Independence from Britain. Played a crucial role in the Rhodesian Bush War, a conflict between the white-minority government and black nationalist movements. Advocated for minority rule and resistance against majority governance and was involved in negotiations that ultimately led to the end of white-minority rule. After leaving office, resided in South Africa.
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