Anthony Powell
English soldier and author
Served in the British Army during World War II. Began writing novels after the war, with a significant focus on English society. Authored the twelve-volume work 'A Dance to the Music of Time,' which explored themes of time, memory, and the passage of life. Received various literary accolades during a prolific writing career, contributing essays and criticism as well.
Authored 'A Dance to the Music of Time'
Served in the British Army during World War II
Other People Born on December 21st
Perri Shakes-Drayton
English sprinter and hurdler
Born
December 21st, 1988 37 years ago
Specialized in sprinting and hurdles, achieved success in the 400 meters and 400 meter hurdles events. Competed in the 2012 Olympic Games. Secured multiple medals at international championships, including a silver medal at the 2014 European Championships in Zürich.
Continue ReadingJosh Gibson
Baseball player with Negro League standout
Born
December 21st, 1911 114 years ago
Died
January 20th, 1947 79 years ago — 35 years old
Played as a catcher for the Homestead Grays and the Pittsburgh Crawfords. Regarded as one of the greatest power hitters in baseball history during the Negro Leagues. Recorded an estimated 800 home runs over his career, though official statistics remain incomplete due to the era in which he played. Inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972, recognizing his contributions to the sport and excellence on the field. Played in several All-Star games, showcasing talent that transcended barriers in the sport.
Continue ReadingZdeněk Fibich
Czech composer, known for Poem
Born
December 21st, 1850 175 years ago
Died
October 15th, 1900 125 years ago — 49 years old
A prominent Czech composer and poet, contributions spanned opera, symphonic, and chamber music. Major works include the opera 'Šárka' and the symphonic poem 'Poem', which showcased the lyrical qualities of the Czech musical landscape. Worked alongside musical circles in Prague, influencing the transition from Romanticism to early Modernism in Czech music. His compositions often integrated dramatic narratives and folkloric elements, reflecting contemporary trends and personal expression.
Continue ReadingPeter Mohyla
Ruthenian Orthodox metropolitan and saint
Born
December 21st, 1596 429 years ago
Died
1646 380 years ago — 50 years old
Born in 1596, a significant figure in the Ruthenian Orthodox Church. Played a pivotal role in the establishment of educational institutions, including the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy. Focused on church reforms and the promotion of Orthodox Christianity in Eastern Europe. Engaged in theological debates and advocated for the unification of Orthodox and Catholic churches during a time of political turmoil. Passed away in 1647 and recognized as a saint in Eastern Orthodox Christianity.
Continue ReadingClara Tauson
Danish professional tennis player
Born
December 21st, 2002 23 years ago
A professional tennis player, achieved notable success on the WTA Tour. Reached her career-high singles ranking of No. 33 in March 2022. Claimed the French Open girls' singles title in 2019, showcasing talent in youth competition. Competed in various Grand Slam events, including the Australian Open and Wimbledon, representing Denmark on the international stage.
Continue ReadingThomas Bracken
Journalist, poet, and politician
Born
December 21st, 1843 182 years ago
Died
February 16th, 1898 128 years ago — 54 years old
Born in Ireland and later settling in New Zealand, contributed significantly to literature and politics. Bracken's poetry often reflected the themes of nationalism and the landscape of New Zealand. He served as a member of the New Zealand Parliament and was a prominent advocate for the cultural identity of the nation. His most celebrated work includes the poem 'God Defend New Zealand', which was later adopted as one of the national anthems. His efforts in journalism helped shape public discourse in 19th-century New Zealand.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on March 28th
William Giauque
Chemist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
May 12th, 1895 131 years ago
Died
March 28th, 1982 44 years ago — 86 years old
A prominent chemist and academic, engaged in significant research in thermodynamics, particularly at low temperatures. Contributed to the understanding of the physical behavior of substances. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1949 for pioneering work in the field of chemical thermodynamics. Served as a professor and influenced numerous students and researchers in the discipline.
Continue ReadingEmperor Go-Toba
Emperor of Japan and poet
Born
August 6th, 1180 846 years ago
Died
March 28th, 1239 787 years ago — 58 years old
Emperor Go-Toba reigned over Japan during the late Heian period and early Kamakura period. Ascending to the throne in 1183, his reign was marked by political strife and the rise of the warrior class. Go-Toba witnessed the establishment of the Kamakura shogunate, which led to a significant shift of power away from the imperial court. He was an accomplished poet and patron of the arts, contributing to the flourishing of Japanese poetry during his time. Go-Toba also attempted to regain imperial power through various political maneuvers but faced resistance from the shogunate. After his abdication in 1198, he continued to influence the court and the arts until his death in 1239.
Continue ReadingLorenzo Semple Jr.
Screenwriter for Batman (1966) TV series
Born
1923 103 years ago
Died
March 28th, 2014 12 years ago — 91 years old
A prominent American screenwriter and producer, contributed significantly to the film and television industry. Best recognized for the 1960s television series 'Batman,' which blended camp humor and superhero action. Worked on various projects, including adaptations and original screenplays for television and film, bringing a unique style to the works. Collaborated with notable directors and writers throughout a prolific career, leaving a lasting legacy in screenwriting.
Continue ReadingRyuichi Sakamoto
Pianist and composer of film scores
Born
January 17th, 1952 74 years ago
Died
March 28th, 2023 3 years ago — 71 years old
A pianist and composer, significant contributions included film scores and collaborations across various musical genres. Debuted with the electronic music group Yellow Magic Orchestra in the late 1970s, which pioneered synth-pop and techno. Created acclaimed scores for films such as 'Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence' and 'The Last Emperor', the latter winning an Academy Award. Collaborated with numerous artists and showed a versatile approach to composition, merging Eastern and Western musical influences.
Continue ReadingChuck Brayton
Baseball coach and player at Washington State
Born
1925 101 years ago
Died
March 28th, 2015 11 years ago — 90 years old
A prominent baseball player and coach, contributed significantly to collegiate baseball. Played for the Washington State Cougars during the 1950s and achieved All-American honors. Transitioned to coaching, serving as head coach for Washington State for over two decades, where led the team to multiple NCAA tournament appearances and a conference championship.
Continue ReadingJerry Brudos
Serial Killer and Criminal Profile
Born
January 31st, 1939 87 years ago
Died
March 28th, 2006 20 years ago — 67 years old
Born in 1939 and raised in Oregon, this individual became a notorious criminal during the late 1960s. Known for committing a series of murders in the Portland area, he garnered significant attention due to the peculiar items left at crime scenes, which reflected personal obsessions. Captured in 1969, a detailed investigation revealed a pattern of violent behavior linked to fetishism. Convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment, this figure's case has been studied extensively in criminal psychology for its unusual psychological motivations and the impact of childhood trauma on criminal behavior.
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