Andrew Kippis
English minister and biographer
Served as a prominent English minister and authored several influential works. Contributed significantly to religious literature and biographical studies during the 18th century. Held the position of a pastor at a Presbyterian congregation in London. Was an influential member of the Congregational Union and engaged in various literary activities.
Authored 'The Lives of the Most Eminent British Painters'
Served as the first biographer of Captain James Cook
Other People Born on March 28th
Irving Paul Lazar
Talent agent representing top authors
Born
March 28th, 1907 118 years ago
Died
1993 33 years ago — 86 years old
A prominent talent agent specialized in representing writers. Worked with significant literary figures, securing deals that shaped the publishing industry. Established a reputation for negotiating lucrative contracts for clients across various mediums, including television, film, and theater. Played a crucial role in adapting literary works into successful productions. Operated a successful agency that became influential in shaping the careers of many authors.
Continue ReadingWang Xiyu
Chinese tennis player with WTA titles
Born
March 28th, 2001 24 years ago
A professional tennis player from China, began competing on the international circuit in her teens. Achieved success on the junior level, winning the Australian Open girls' singles title in 2018. Progressed to the professional circuit, earning recognition for strong performances in various WTA tournaments. Overcame notable competitors and built a reputation for versatility on the court.
Continue ReadingRobert Ashley
Soldier and avant-garde composer
Born
March 28th, 1930 95 years ago
Died
March 3rd, 2014 11 years ago — 83 years old
Served in the United States Army during the Korean War, achieving the rank of captain. Later pursued a career in music, creating unique compositions that blended opera with avant-garde techniques. Established the ONCE Group, which focused on experimental music and theatre. Composed several operas, including 'Perfect Lives', which gained attention for its innovative narrative and staging style.
Continue ReadingHenry Schoolcraft
Geographer and ethnologist; Indian Affairs
Born
March 28th, 1793 232 years ago
Died
1864 162 years ago — 71 years old
Served as a geographer, geologist, and ethnologist in the 19th century. Conducted extensive studies on Native American tribes, focusing on culture and customs. Contributed to documentation of the origins of the Mississippi River. Played a significant role in American Indian affairs and wrote extensively about Native American history and geography.
Continue ReadingAnna Shcherbakova
Figure skater and Olympic champion
Born
March 28th, 2004 21 years ago
Born in 2004, this figure skater achieved significant success at a young age. In 2022, secured a gold medal in women's singles at the Winter Olympics in Beijing. Demonstrated technical prowess and artistry, earning recognition in the sport's competitive circles. Competed successfully in various championships, showcasing exceptional skills and performances on ice.
Continue ReadingRick Barry
Basketball player, NBA champion, Hall of Famer
Born
March 28th, 1944 81 years ago
A professional basketball player, made significant contributions to the sport during the 1960s and 1970s. Played primarily as a forward and was known for a unique underhand free throw shooting style. Played for the Golden State Warriors, helping the team secure an NBA Championship in 1975. Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1987 for individual achievements and contributions to the game. Also represented the United States in the Olympics, winning a gold medal in 1964.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on October 8th
Yongzheng Emperor
Chinese Emperor during the Qing Dynasty
Born
December 13th, 1678 347 years ago
Died
October 8th, 1735 290 years ago — 56 years old
Born in 1678, the Yongzheng Emperor reigned from 1722 to 1735 as the third emperor of the Qing dynasty. His rule followed that of his father, the Kangxi Emperor. The Yongzheng Emperor implemented significant administrative reforms aimed at improving government efficiency and reducing corruption. He focused on consolidating imperial power and enhancing the central authority. The emperor also invested in infrastructure projects, such as irrigation systems and roads, which promoted agriculture and trade. The Yongzheng Emperor was a patron of the arts, and his reign is noted for contributions to literature and painting. His efforts to ensure stability laid the groundwork for continued prosperity during the Qianlong Emperor’s rule.
Continue ReadingAl Davis
American football coach and executive
Born
July 4th, 1929 96 years ago
Died
October 8th, 2011 14 years ago — 82 years old
A prominent figure in American football, played significant roles as a coach and executive. Served as the head coach of the Oakland Raiders and later became the team's owner and general manager. Instrumental in the Raiders' success during the 1970s and 1980s, leading the team to three Super Bowl titles. Advocated for player rights and was involved in multiple legal battles that shaped the league's structure. Encouraged innovation in the sport and was known for his commitment to the Raiders' brand and legacy.
Continue ReadingFrançois-Adrien Boieldieu
French composer and pianist of operas
Born
December 16th, 1775 250 years ago
Died
October 8th, 1834 191 years ago — 58 years old
A prominent French composer of the 19th century, contributed significantly to the operatic repertoire. Best recognized for operas, particularly 'La dame blanche' which premiered in 1825. Also composed several concertos and chamber works that highlighted the capabilities of the piano. Active during a period of transition in French opera, blending elements of traditional French operatic style with influences from Italian opera. Played a significant role in the development of the opéra-comique, which integrated spoken dialogue with music. His work was widely performed in France and beyond, earning a reputation among contemporaries.
Continue ReadingEmperor Fushimi of Japan
Japanese Emperor during the Kamakura period
Born
1265 761 years ago
Died
October 8th, 1317 708 years ago — 52 years old
Ruled as Emperor of Japan from 1287 until death in 1317. Held the throne during the Kamakura period, a time marked by political instability and the rise of the samurai class. His reign was characterized by ongoing conflicts with the Hojo clan and internal power struggles within the imperial court. Fushimi was a puppet emperor, as real power resided with the shogun and the regents. Despite this, he attempted to assert imperial authority and strengthen the position of the throne. His reign saw a continuation of cultural developments within Japan, including advancements in literature and the arts, influenced by the broader historical context of his time.
Continue ReadingHenry Fielding
English novelist and playwright, Tom Jones
Born
April 22nd, 1707 318 years ago
Died
October 8th, 1754 271 years ago — 47 years old
Fielding was an English novelist and playwright during the 18th century. His most acclaimed work, 'The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling', published in 1749, is considered one of the first English novels, establishing the form's early conventions. He also wrote significant plays, contributing to the development of the theatre during the time. Fielding was a prominent figure in the literary scene and critiqued social issues through his writings. Additionally, he was involved in law and public service, serving as a magistrate in London.
Continue ReadingGeorge Emil Palade
Biologist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
November 19th, 1912 113 years ago
Died
October 8th, 2008 17 years ago — 95 years old
Born in Romania, a prominent biologist and physician contributed significantly to cell biology. Conducted pioneering research in the field of cellular structure and function. Developed techniques for electron microscopy, allowing for detailed observation of cellular organelles. Achieved the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1974 for discovery of ribosomes and their role in protein synthesis. Served as a professor at various institutions, including the University of California, San Diego.
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