André Cassagnes
Toy maker, creator of the Etch A Sketch
Developed the Etch A Sketch, a popular drawing toy, revolutionizing the way children interact with art. The invention allowed users to create drawings by turning two knobs, controlling a stylus that moved across a screen, leaving a distinctive aluminum powder mark. Introduced to the market in 1960, the toy achieved substantial sales and became a cherished item in many households. Entire generations grew up using the Etch A Sketch, which remains a classic example of innovative design in the toy industry.
Created the Etch A Sketch in 1960
Contributed to the toy industry's design evolution
Other People Born on September 23rd
Napheesa Collier
Professional basketball player, WNBA Champion
Born
September 23rd, 1996 29 years ago
A basketball player competed in the WNBA for the Minnesota Lynx. Achieved success at the University of Connecticut, winning a national championship. Selected as the 6th overall pick in the 2019 WNBA Draft. In 2021, contributed to the Minnesota Lynx's success in winning a WNBA championship. Also represented the United States in international competitions, securing a gold medal at the 2019 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup.
Continue ReadingSuzanne Valadon
French painter and artist
Born
September 23rd, 1865 160 years ago
Died
April 7th, 1938 87 years ago — 72 years old
An influential French painter, played a significant role in the Post-Impressionist movement. Initially a model for artists such as Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Toulouse-Lautrec, transitioned to painting and developed a distinctive style characterized by bold colors and expressive brushwork. Valadon became the first woman admitted to the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts and was known for her depictions of everyday life, particularly of women. Many of her works feature subjects taken from modern life, challenging traditional representations of female figures. Valadon’s work gained recognition during her lifetime and continued to influence artists in subsequent generations.
Continue ReadingPetteri Lindbohm
Finnish ice hockey player; Stanley Cup champion
Born
September 23rd, 1993 32 years ago
Played ice hockey as a defenseman in the NHL, contributing to multiple teams. Drafted in 2012 and began professional career with the St. Louis Blues. Played for teams including the Chicago Wolves and the HPK in Liiga. Achieved a notable milestone by winning the Stanley Cup with the St. Louis Blues in 2019.
Continue ReadingJoseph Dudley
English politician, Governor of Massachusetts
Born
September 23rd, 1647 378 years ago
Died
April 2nd, 1720 305 years ago — 72 years old
Served as a prominent politician in colonial New England. Governed the Province of Massachusetts Bay from 1702 to 1715, during a time of political turbulence and change. Played a pivotal role in the transitions between the colony's royal charter and its eventual incorporation into the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Involved in military and political affairs, influencing the governance of the province and its relationship with British authorities. His tenure included efforts to navigate the complexities of colonial administration and local governance.
Continue ReadingJuan Martín del Potro
Tennis player with US Open title
Born
September 23rd, 1988 37 years ago
Argentinian tennis player stood out in the sport with a powerful game and exceptional performance on the ATP Tour. Achieved significant success during career, with a breakthrough victory at the 2009 US Open, defeating Roger Federer in the final. Secured a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, representing Argentina. Overcame multiple injuries throughout career, demonstrating resilience and dedication to the sport.
Continue ReadingTaniela Lasalo
Rugby league player, Australian national team
Born
September 23rd, 1989 36 years ago
Born in 1989, this rugby league player represented Australia in international competitions. Playing primarily as a forward, he showcased notable skills in both club and representative matches. His career included significant seasons in the National Rugby League (NRL), contributing to his teams with strong performances. With an impressive physical presence on the field, he became a key player recognized for his tackling and strategic gameplay.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on January 16th
Gustav Leonhardt
Dutch pianist and early music conductor
Born
1928 98 years ago
Died
January 16th, 2012 14 years ago — 84 years old
A prominent figure in the revival of early music, conducted performances with the Ensemble Leonhardt and the Netherlands Bach Society. Contributed significantly to the scholarship and performance of Baroque music. Recorded numerous albums, making historical performances accessible to a wider audience, particularly of works by composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach. Served as a professor at the Amsterdam Conservatory, influencing a generation of musicians and conductors with a focus on historical performance practices.
Continue ReadingAndrija Artuković
Croatian Minister of Interior
Born
November 29th, 1899 126 years ago
Died
January 16th, 1988 38 years ago — 88 years old
Served as the Minister of Interior during the Independent State of Croatia from 1941 to 1945. Oversaw the internal security and law enforcement agencies of the wartime regime. Worked closely with the Ustaše government, contributing to policies that led to significant human rights violations during World War II. After the war, faced charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity, resulting in a long exile before being apprehended and tried in the 1980s.
Continue ReadingFrank Hurley
Photographer and cinematographer for 'The Shackleton Expedition'
Born
1885 141 years ago
Died
January 16th, 1962 64 years ago — 77 years old
An Australian photographer and cinematographer, Hurley contributed significantly to early 20th-century visual storytelling. His most notable work involved documenting Ernest Shackleton's Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition from 1914 to 1917. The photographic collections and films from the expedition highlighted the extreme conditions and challenges faced during the journey. In 1919, Hurley produced a groundbreaking film about the expedition, 'South', which combined his photography with narrative and visual storytelling techniques. He also worked as a war correspondent during World War I, capturing images that illustrated the realities of conflict. His contributions to photography and film laid the groundwork for later documentary practices, reflecting a keen eye for detail and storytelling.
Continue ReadingGeorge Dewey
Admiral and naval commander at Manila
Born
December 26th, 1837 188 years ago
Died
January 16th, 1917 109 years ago — 79 years old
An American admiral played a significant role in the Spanish-American War as the commander of the United States Navy's Asiatic Squadron. The most notable achievement occurred during the Battle of Manila Bay on May 1, 1898, where a swift and decisive victory against the Spanish fleet established naval dominance. This victory marked a pivotal moment in the war, leading to the U.S. acquisition of Guam and Puerto Rico, along with the Philippines. After the war, served as the Admiral of the Navy, the highest rank in the U.S. Navy.
Continue ReadingKalevi Sorsa
Finnish politician and Prime Minister
Born
1930 96 years ago
Died
January 16th, 2004 22 years ago — 74 years old
Served as the 34th Prime Minister of Finland from 1972 to 1975 and again from 1977 to 1979. Held leadership positions in the Social Democratic Party and was influential in Finnish politics throughout the 1970s. Advocated for social reforms and economic changes during a time of significant political and societal shifts in Finland. Sorsa's tenure was marked by efforts to modernize the Finnish economy and improve social welfare systems.
Continue ReadingAlexander Cambridge
English general, politician, and governor
Born
1874 152 years ago
Died
January 16th, 1957 69 years ago — 83 years old
Served as a British Army officer, participating in World War I and achieving the rank of general. Held the position of the 16th Governor General of Canada from 1940 to 1946, overseeing significant wartime events and contributing to Canada's military efforts. His tenure saw the expansion of the role of the Governor General, enhancing relations between Canada and the British monarchy.
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