Arthur Hailey
Author of airport thriller novels

Born
April 5th, 1920
105 years ago
Died
November 24th, 2004
20 years ago — 84 years old
Category
Artists & Creatives
Country
Canada
Links & References
Born in 1920, this English-Canadian soldier served in the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II. After the war, this individual transitioned to a writing career, producing a series of best-selling novels primarily set in high-stakes environments. Major works included 'Airport,' which provided an in-depth view of the operations at a busy airport, and 'Hotel,' focusing on the intricacies of a hotel management. The writing style combined meticulous research with gripping narratives, resulting in widespread readership and commercial success.
Wrote 'Airport', a best-selling novel
Wrote 'Hotel', a best-selling novel
Other People Born on April 5th
Raymond Bonney
An ice hockey player participated in the National Hockey League during its early years. Played predominantly for the Ottawa Senators. Contributed to the team's success during the 1916 Stanley Cup playoffs, securing the championship title.
Continue ReadingZack Smith
Played as a professional ice hockey center, primarily known for contributions to the Ottawa Senators in the NHL. Competed in multiple NHL seasons and participated in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Developed a reputation for defensive reliability and physical play throughout a career spanning several years in the league.
Continue ReadingJoris Mathijsen
A professional footballer born in the Netherlands, played predominantly as a central defender. Began the career at FC Groningen before transferring to other clubs, including AZ Alkmaar and Hamburg SV. Achieved notable success in the Eredivisie and Bundesliga, contributing to his teams' defensive strategies. Made significant appearances for the national team, including participation in UEFA European Championships.
Continue ReadingCaitlin Moran
Born in Wolverhampton, a notable journalist and author gained recognition for commentary on culture and feminism. Cited frequently in publications such as 'The Times' and 'The Guardian', she published bestsellers including 'How to Be a Woman'. The work is a prominent exploration of gender and womanhood in contemporary society. Moran's engaging writing style and sharp observation of societal norms contributed to her popularity in media and literature.
Continue ReadingPharrell Williams
A prominent figure in the music industry, contributions include hit songs as a solo artist and collaborations. Gained attention with the music group The Neptunes, producing tracks for various artists. Achieved significant success with the song 'Happy,' which became a global phenomenon. Recognized for a unique style and influence in pop and hip-hop music, along with work in fashion and philanthropy.
Continue ReadingMary Costa
Born in 1930, this American singer gained prominence as the voice of Princess Aurora in Disney's animated classic 'Sleeping Beauty'. A trained soprano, she performed with major opera companies, including the San Francisco Opera and the New York City Opera. In addition to voice acting, she had an extensive singing career in classical music and performed in various operatic roles. Costa also worked in television, including appearances on shows like 'The Ed Sullivan Show'. Her contributions to the world of voice acting and opera left a significant mark in the entertainment industry.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on November 24th
John Knox
A prominent figure in the Scottish Reformation, played a key role in establishing the Presbyterian Church. Advocated for the separation of church and state and criticized Catholic practices. Served as a minister in Geneva, where he was influenced by the Reformed tradition. Returned to Scotland to lead Protestant reforms and was instrumental in the establishment of Calvinism as the dominant faith in Scotland. Authored several influential works, including 'The First Blast of the Trumpet Against the Monstrous Regiment of Women', which argued against female rule. His legacy includes the foundation of a reformed Scottish ecclesiastical structure that emphasized local governance.
Continue ReadingHeinz Oberhummer
Contributions to physics and astronomy included significant research in nuclear physics and astrophysics. Served as a professor at several universities in Austria. Focused on educational initiatives and popular science communication, fostering interest in science among students and the public. Developed programs and initiatives aimed at expanding knowledge and understanding of complex scientific concepts. Published scholarly articles and books that contributed to the field.
Continue ReadingAnna Jarvis
Founded Mother's Day as a holiday to honor mothers and their contributions. The first official celebration took place in 1908 in Grafton, West Virginia. Advocated for the recognition of the day on a national level. This effort led to Mother's Day being officially recognized in the United States in 1914. Later expressed concerns about the commercialization of the holiday and its deviation from its original intent.
Continue ReadingDodie Smith
An English author and playwright, contributions include novels and plays originating in the 20th century. One of the earliest significant works is the children's novel that features a group of Dalmatian puppies in peril due to a villainess. This work has inspired numerous adaptions, including a successful animated film. The playwright's works also include a celebrated drama that has been performed extensively on stage and adapted for other media, showcasing talent in both storytelling and dialogue.
Continue ReadingHiram Maxim
An American-English engineer, contributed to military technology through the invention of the Maxim gun, a machine gun that played a significant role in warfare during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The design of the weapon revolutionized the art of warfare and introduced new strategies on the battlefield. In addition to the Maxim gun, developed other inventions, including a portable steam engine and an airship design. Maxim's work in ballistics and weaponry had a lasting influence on military firearms and tactics.
Continue ReadingEric Carr
Joined the rock band Kiss in 1979, serving as the drummer until 1991. Contributed to several studio albums, including 'Creatures of the Night' and 'Lick It Up.' Also recorded the band's acclaimed live album 'Alive III.' Developed a distinct persona, the Fox, which became a hallmark of the band’s theatrical performances. Prior to joining Kiss, played in various local bands and gained recognition for his drumming skills.
Continue Reading