Anders Eliasson
Swedish composer and orchestral musician
Born in Sweden, this composer gained recognition for contributions to orchestral works and chamber music. Education included studies at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm. Influenced by contemporary music, created a distinct sound characterized by innovative rhythms and harmonies. Composed numerous pieces that have been performed by leading orchestras and ensembles across Europe. Worked extensively in various musical forms, from symphonies to concertos, and collaborated with fellow musicians to enhance the contemporary classical scene. Among other achievements, served as a professor at a prominent music school, guiding future generations of composers and musicians.
Composed orchestral works performed across Europe
Served as a professor at a leading music school
Other People Born on April 3rd
Charlotte Coleman
English actress in 'Four Weddings' and 'Love'
Born
April 3rd, 1968 57 years ago
Died
November 14th, 2001 24 years ago — 33 years old
An English actress gained recognition for work on stage and screen. Early career included roles in television, later transitioning to film. Achieved prominence with performances in 'Four Weddings and a Funeral' and 'The Young Ones.' Continued to receive accolades in various projects throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Active in theater productions, contributed to the British arts scene, and appeared in numerous television series, showcasing a range of characters.
Continue ReadingWilliam Watson
Physician, physicist, and botanist
Born
April 3rd, 1715 310 years ago
Died
May 10th, 1787 238 years ago — 72 years old
A physician and physicist from England, contributed significantly to the field of electrical science in the 18th century. Developed theories around electricity that laid foundational work for future studies. Conducted experiments with Leyden jars and investigated the properties of lightning. Additionally, served as a botanist, contributing to the understanding of plant physiology. Published various writings that added to the scientific discourse of the time.
Continue ReadingRay Combs
Game show host of Family Feud
Born
April 3rd, 1956 69 years ago
Died
June 2nd, 1996 29 years ago — 40 years old
A prominent game show host, Combs gained recognition for hosting the television game show "Family Feud" during its revival from 1988 to 1994. Prior to this role, Combs showcased his talents as a comedian and entertainer in various venues, including stand-up comedy performances. His engaging personality and quick wit contributed to the show's popularity during his tenure. Combs also served as the host for other game shows, including "The Home Game" and "Family Challenge." Combs' journey in the entertainment industry was marked by his ability to connect with audiences, both in live performances and on television.
Continue ReadingNazia Hassan
Pakistani pop singer and lawyer
Born
April 3rd, 1965 60 years ago
Died
August 13th, 2000 25 years ago — 35 years old
Born in 1965, an influential Pakistani pop singer-songwriter gained prominence in the 1980s with catchy hits that merged Western music styles with South Asian themes. Achievements include winning the Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer in 1981. Aside from music, engaged in legal practice and social activism, focusing on women's rights and education. The early career featured collaborations with renowned musicians, leading to iconic songs that contributed to the Pakistani pop culture landscape. Despite a limited musical career span, left a lasting legacy before passing in 2000.
Continue ReadingFazlur Rahman Khan
Engineer and architect of Willis Tower
Born
April 3rd, 1929 96 years ago
Died
1982 44 years ago — 53 years old
An engineer and architect contributed significantly to modern skyscraper design. Co-designed the Willis Tower and John Hancock Center, which are iconic structures in Chicago. Played a key role in developing the tube structure concept, revolutionizing high-rise building methods. His innovative approach allowed for taller and more stable buildings, influencing architecture worldwide. Worked with a team at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, shaping the skyline of Chicago and advancing architectural engineering.
Continue ReadingMary Carpenter
Educational and social reformer
Born
April 3rd, 1807 218 years ago
Died
June 14th, 1877 148 years ago — 70 years old
Born in England, a prominent educational and social reformer focused on improving educational opportunities for the poor and advocating for social welfare. Established training schools for teachers and initiated the first juvenile reformatory. Worked extensively to promote education for girls and women and fought for child welfare laws. Developed the concept of training schools for teachers that influenced future education systems.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 20th
Bao Zheng
Chinese magistrate and mayor of Kaifeng
Died
May 20th, 1062 963 years ago — None years old
Served as a magistrate during the Song Dynasty, earning a reputation for integrity and fairness in judicial matters. As mayor of Kaifeng, implemented legal reforms and promoted social justice. His life inspired various cultural works, including operas and novels that depict his dedication to justice. Significant contributions were made to local governance and the administration of law in the region.
Continue ReadingPaul Ricœur
Philosopher and author of 'Oneself as Another'
Born
February 27th, 1913 112 years ago
Died
May 20th, 2005 20 years ago — 92 years old
Contributed significantly to the fields of philosophy and hermeneutics. Explored themes of narrative identity and the human experience. Worked extensively on ethics, political theory, and the philosophy of language. Authored several influential books, including 'Freud and Philosophy' and 'Oneself as Another'. Engaged with various philosophical traditions and integrated elements of existentialism and phenomenology into writings.
Continue ReadingWładysław IV Vasa
King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania
Born
June 9th, 1595 430 years ago
Died
May 20th, 1648 377 years ago — 52 years old
Born in 1595, this monarch reigned over the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth from 1632 until 1648. His rule focused on strengthening the military and pursuing foreign alliances. Significant efforts were made to modernize the naval fleet and expand trade. Under his leadership, the Commonwealth engaged in the wars against Sweden and Russia, navigating complicated political landscapes. He sought to stabilize the internal politics of the Commonwealth and was involved in various diplomatic negotiations, especially with the Habsburgs and the Ottoman Empire.
Continue ReadingGero the Great
Saxon ruler and military leader
Died
May 20th, 965 1060 years ago — None years old
Ruled as the Margrave of the Saxon East Mark. Integrated various Slavic tribes into the Saxon realm. Established the territory of the March of Gerony in the early medieval period. Played a critical role in combating the expansion of Slavic influence in Central Europe. Extended the boundaries of Saxony and fortified them against invasions. His leadership contributed to the stabilization of the region during a turbulent era.
Continue ReadingJacob Ellehammer
Danish mechanic and engineer
Born
June 14th, 1871 154 years ago
Died
May 20th, 1946 79 years ago — 74 years old
An engineer and mechanic, contributions centered around aeronautical design. Designed and constructed early aircraft, including a pioneering monoplane and a unique glider. Established significant advancements in aviation and received recognition for innovative engineering approaches.
Continue ReadingJon Pertwee
English actor and Doctor Who star
Born
July 7th, 1919 106 years ago
Died
May 20th, 1996 29 years ago — 76 years old
An English actor gained prominence through significant roles in television and film. Best recognized for portraying the Third Doctor in the long-running sci-fi series Doctor Who, the performance spanned from 1970 to 1974. Pertwee's career included various works in theater, radio, and television, showcasing versatility in character roles. His portrayal of the Doctor brought a blend of charm and authority, influencing the iconic character's future development. Apart from Doctor Who, Pertwee starred in the sitcom Worzel Gummidge as the title character, a scarecrow who comes to life, which became a beloved series in the UK.
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