Anita Cerquetti
Italian soprano renowned for opera roles
An accomplished soprano, her career spanned several decades, highlighting exceptional vocal prowess and dramatic interpretation. She gained prominence in the 1950s for performances at major opera houses worldwide. Debuted at Teatro alla Scala in Milan, where acclaimed roles in operas like 'Tosca' and 'Aida' secured her reputation. Famed for her powerful voice and emotive style, her career included appearances at prestigious venues across Europe and the United States. Though she retired early from the stage, her contributions to opera continue to be celebrated.
Performed leading roles in 'Tosca' and 'Aida'
Debuted at Teatro alla Scala in Milan
Other People Born on April 13th
Claude Cheysson
French politician and Foreign Minister
Born
April 13th, 1920 105 years ago
Died
2012 13 years ago — 92 years old
Served as a French lieutenant and later entered politics, holding the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs. Played a significant role in shaping French foreign policy during the 1980s. Engaged in various diplomatic efforts and represented France in key international discussions.
Continue ReadingRoberto Calvi
Italian banker and financial executive
Born
April 13th, 1920 105 years ago
Died
June 17th, 1982 43 years ago — 62 years old
Worked as a banker in Italy, leading Banco Ambrosiano as president. Involved in international banking activities during the 1970s and 1980s. His tenure was marked by significant financial operations, including dealings with the Vatican. The bank collapsed in the mid-1980s amidst scandals and financial irregularities. Calvi's mysterious death in 1982, found hanging from a bridge in London, raised numerous questions and theories regarding his financial dealings and connections.
Continue ReadingCatherine de' Medici
Italian-French Queen, patron of the arts
Born
April 13th, 1519 506 years ago
Died
1589 436 years ago — 70 years old
Born into the powerful Medici family in Italy, played a crucial role as the queen consort of Henry II of France. Following her husband's death, served as regent for her sons, advocating for the Catholic cause amid the French Wars of Religion. Patronized the arts and was instrumental in the cultural transformation of France during the Renaissance. Established the legacy of French cuisine and introduced Italian culinary practices to the French court. Her political acumen and connections helped solidify the Medici influence in France.
Continue ReadingAlexander Mitchell
Engineer and inventor of screw-pile lighthouse
Born
April 13th, 1780 245 years ago
Died
1868 157 years ago — 88 years old
An Irish engineer specialized in marine engineering and innovation in lighthouse design. Developed the screw-pile foundation method for constructing lighthouses in unstable marine environments. Designed the first screw-pile lighthouse, the Maplin Sands Lighthouse, successfully using this technique. Made significant contributions to lighthouse technology, enabling safer navigation along hazardous coastlines. Impacted coastal engineering practices through innovative designs.
Continue ReadingMaurice Buckley
Australian sergeant in World War I
Born
April 13th, 1891 134 years ago
Died
January 27th, 1921 104 years ago — 29 years old
Served as a sergeant in the Australian Imperial Force during World War I. Participated in significant battles, including the Battle of the Somme. Demonstrated leadership and bravery in combat situations. Wounded in action, contributing to the war efforts through service in the trenches. His tenure ended with his death in 1921, marking a significant period in Australian military history.
Continue ReadingMax Mosley
Racing executive and engineer
Born
April 13th, 1940 85 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 81 years old
Born in England, a prominent figure in motorsport engineering and administration. Co-founded March Engineering, which became a successful race car manufacturer in the 1970s and 1980s. Served as president of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) from 1993 to 2009, overseeing significant regulatory and safety developments in Formula One and other motorsport disciplines. Instrumental in implementing safety measures following high-profile accidents in the sport. Played a crucial role in the establishment of the FIA's Formula E championship focused on electric racing.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on October 11th
José de La Mar
Peruvian military leader, President
Born
May 12th, 1776 249 years ago
Died
October 11th, 1830 195 years ago — 54 years old
Military leader held the position of President of Peru from 1827 to 1828. Played a significant role in the country’s early independence struggles and was a key figure in the conflicts surrounding Peruvian independence from Spanish rule. His leadership was influential during the tumultuous period of the early republic in Peru.
Continue ReadingMacKinlay Kantor
American author, Pulitzer Prize winner
Born
February 4th, 1904 121 years ago
Died
October 11th, 1977 48 years ago — 73 years old
An American author and screenwriter, contributed significantly to literature with novels and screenplays. Achieved prominence with the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel 'Andersonville,' a historical fiction account of the infamous Civil War prison. Wrote screenplays including the adaptation of his own works and others, gaining recognition in the film industry. His storytelling often focused on themes of war and human experience, reflecting deep historical insights.
Continue ReadingVito Volterra
Mathematician and physicist; Volterra equations
Born
May 3rd, 1860 165 years ago
Died
October 11th, 1940 85 years ago — 80 years old
Contributed significantly to the fields of mathematics and physics. Developed the Volterra equations, which are integral equations used in various applications in mathematics and biology. Conducted research on functional analysis and operator theory. Served as a professor at the University of Rome and advanced his studies on nonlinear differential equations. Actively participated in several scientific societies and held prominent editorial roles in scientific journals.
Continue ReadingEdward Benson
English Archbishop and theologian
Born
July 14th, 1829 196 years ago
Died
October 11th, 1896 129 years ago — 67 years old
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Swiss lawyer, 50th President of Switzerland
Born
December 3rd, 1884 141 years ago
Died
October 11th, 1965 60 years ago — 80 years old
This individual served as the 50th President of the Swiss Confederation and was an influential figure in Swiss legal and political circles. In addition to the presidency, contributions included significant involvement in law, shaping the legislative landscape of Switzerland. Active in various organizational roles, facilitated discussions on national and local governance, reflecting the principles of Swiss democracy. Engaged in international relations, promoting Switzerland's interests abroad through diplomacy and negotiations, and participated in numerous conferences addressing legislative matters.
Continue ReadingRedd Foxx
Stand-up comedian and television actor
Born
December 9th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
October 11th, 1991 34 years ago — 68 years old
An influential figure in comedy, Redd Foxx gained prominence as a stand-up comedian, performing in nightclubs and theaters throughout the mid-20th century. Foxx is widely recognized for the television series Sanford and Son, which aired from 1972 to 1977. The show showcased his comedic talent and contributed to his legacy in television. He also appeared in films, including appearances in prominent comedies of his era. Throughout his career, Foxx became a staple in African American entertainment, influencing future generations of comedians and actors with his style and humor.
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