Antoine Houdar de la Motte

French author and playwright

Antoine Houdar de la Motte - French author and playwright
Born

January 18th, 1672
353 years ago

Died

December 26th, 1731
293 years ago — 59 years old

Category

Artists & Creatives

Country

France

Links & References

A prominent figure in 17th-century French literature, contributed significantly to the development of drama and poetry. Best remembered for rewriting Homer's 'Iliad' into a modern French verse, aimed at making classical works more accessible. Authored 'Renaud' and 'Don Quichotte', showcasing advancements in the literary style of the time. Participated in the formation of the French Academy, which aimed to standardize and promote the French language and literature.

Wrote a modern adaptation of 'Iliad'

Authored 'Renaud'

Contributed to 'Don Quichotte'

Participated in the founding of the French Academy

Other People Born on January 18th

Edmund Barton

Australian politician and judge
Born
January 18th, 1849 176 years ago
Died
January 7th, 1920 105 years ago — 70 years old

Served as the first Prime Minister of Australia from 1901 to 1903. Played a pivotal role in the federation of Australia, advocating for the unification of the six colonies into a single nation. Prior to his political career, served as a judge on the High Court of Australia. Also contributed to the establishment of the Australian Constitution.

Continue Reading

David Ruffin

Soul singer and The Temptations member
Born
January 18th, 1941 84 years ago
Died
June 1st, 1991 33 years ago — 50 years old

A prominent soul singer, contributed significantly to the genre as a lead vocalist for the legendary Motown group, The Temptations. Recorded numerous hits during the 1960s, including 'My Girl,' which became a hallmark of the era. His powerful voice and distinct style helped shape the sound of the group, leading to a series of successful albums and performances. After departing from The Temptations, pursued a solo career with moderate success, releasing singles that showcased his vocal prowess and emotional depth. Struggled with personal issues, including substance abuse, which impacted his career in later years.

Continue Reading

Martin O'Malley

American politician and governor
Born
January 18th, 1963 62 years ago

Served as the 61st Governor of Maryland from 2007 to 2015. Focused on education reform, public safety initiatives, and economic development during tenure. Prior to governorship, held position as Mayor of Baltimore from 1999 to 2007, implementing various urban development projects. Worked as an attorney and was involved in Maryland politics for several years, advocating for progressive policies and reforms.

Continue Reading

Gang Dong-won

South Korean actor in 'The Train to Busan'
Born
January 18th, 1981 44 years ago

Born in 1981, this South Korean actor gained recognition for roles in movies and television series. Featured in films such as 'The Train to Busan', 'A Violent Prosecutor', and 'Peninsula', he has built a successful career in the entertainment industry. The performances often showcase a range of characters, from heroes to complex individuals. Apart from film, also starred in the drama series 'Goblin', which achieved significant popularity.

Continue Reading

Toots Mondt

Wrestler and promoter of professional wrestling
Born
January 18th, 1894 131 years ago
Died
1976 49 years ago — 82 years old

Born in 1894, a significant figure in professional wrestling as both a wrestler and promoter. Contributed to the popularity of the sport through innovative marketing techniques and the development of regional wrestling promotions. Helped establish key wrestling territories and trained many future stars. Also played a role in shaping the modern style of professional wrestling, integrating various fighting techniques and entertainment elements.

Continue Reading

Dave Greenslade

Keyboard player and composer
Born
January 18th, 1943 82 years ago

Positioned as a prominent English keyboard player and composer, contributions span several decades. Achieved recognition as a member of the progressive rock band Colosseum. Also co-founded the band Greenslade, which released several albums during the 1970s. In addition to performing, engaged in composing music for television and film projects. Influenced the sound of the era through innovative keyboard techniques and arrangements.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on December 26th

Sylva Koscina

Italian actress in international cinema
Born
August 22nd, 1933 91 years ago
Died
December 26th, 1994 30 years ago — 61 years old

Born in Italy, this actress became prominent in the 1960s and 1970s, achieving recognition in both Italian and international films. Key roles included performances in 'The Girl with a Pistol' and 'Hercules'. With a blend of dramatic and comedic talent, she appeared in various genres, contributing significantly to European cinema during her career. Her work extended beyond film into television, where she also gained popularity. Her enduring legacy includes a diverse filmography that highlights her versatility and appeal.

Continue Reading

James Rizzi

Painter and illustrator of vibrant art
Born
October 5th, 1950 74 years ago
Died
December 26th, 2011 13 years ago — 61 years old

Born in 1950, a prominent American painter and illustrator became widely recognized for colorful, joyful depictions of urban life, primarily in New York City. Rizzi developed a unique style characterized by intricate details and bold colors, creating 3D artworks and animations that captured architectural features of cities. His work gained popularity in the 1980s, making bold statements about cityscapes alongside themes of love and community. Rizzi’s pieces were featured in numerous exhibitions and are held in various prestigious collections. He also contributed designs for large public projects, including the famous 'Rizzi House' in Germany, which showcased his signature style on a grand scale.

Continue Reading

Irv Weinstein

Television news anchor and broadcaster
Born
1930 95 years ago
Died
December 26th, 2017 7 years ago — 87 years old

A prominent television news anchor, this individual anchored the evening news for WKBW-TV in Buffalo, New York, for over 36 years. The news program became a staple in the community, known for its investigative reporting and in-depth coverage of local and national events. Throughout the career, there was a strong emphasis on storytelling, making complex issues accessible to the public. Besides anchoring, this person participated in special reports and community events, demonstrating a commitment to local journalism. A significant figure in Buffalo media, the individual contributed to the growth and popularity of broadcast news in the region.

Continue Reading

Savitri

Indian actress and playback singer
Born
1936 89 years ago
Died
December 26th, 1981 43 years ago — 45 years old

An accomplished actress, playback singer, dancer, director, and producer, this individual made significant contributions to Indian cinema. She starred in various films, primarily in Telugu and Tamil, becoming a leading figure in the industry during her time. Her performances were characterized by depth and grace, earning adoration from audiences. In addition to acting, she ventured into directing and producing films. The career spanned several decades, leaving a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry, even after passing away in 1981.

Continue Reading

Heinrich Schliemann

Archaeologist and businessman, Troy excavator
Born
January 6th, 1822 203 years ago
Died
December 26th, 1890 134 years ago — 68 years old

Born in Germany, contributed significantly to archaeology through the excavation of ancient sites. Focused on the legendary city of Troy, Schliemann conducted excavations in the 1870s that uncovered significant artifacts. His work challenged prevailing views of the historical accuracy of Homer's epics. Published multiple works detailing archaeological findings and supported the authenticity of historical narratives. Additionally, contributed to the understanding of the Mycenaean civilization through excavations in Greece, particularly at Mycenae and Tiryns.

Continue Reading

Henri de Bourbon

prince of Condé
Born
1588 437 years ago
Died
December 26th, 1646 378 years ago — 58 years old

A member of the House of Bourbon, served as a prominent military leader and politician during the early 17th century. Played significant roles in the French Wars of Religion and the Thirty Years' War. Governed the principality of Condé and held considerable influence at the court of King Louis XIII. Engaged in several military campaigns, showcasing strategic skills against both royal and foreign adversaries.

Continue Reading