Arthur Hiller
Film director of Love Story fame
A Canadian-American director, notable for contributions to film and television, worked extensively in both media. Directed the classic romantic drama 'Love Story', which became a cultural phenomenon in the early 1970s. Hiller also directed 'The In-Laws' and 'Silver Streak', both of which received critical acclaim. Throughout a prolific career, he became involved in several television projects, showcasing his versatility in adapting stories across genres.
Directed 'Love Story'
Directed 'The In-Laws'
Directed 'Silver Streak'
Served as President of the Directors Guild of America
Other People Born on November 22nd
Louis Néel
French physicist, Nobel Prize winner
Born
November 22nd, 1904 121 years ago
Died
November 17th, 2000 25 years ago — 95 years old
Contributions to physics included research in magnetism, particularly in the area of ferrimagnetism and antiferromagnetism. Conducted significant studies that led to the discovery and understanding of magnetic domains. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1970 for discoveries regarding spontaneous magnetic ordering in matter. Had a long academic career, serving as a professor and director of research at the CNRS in France.
Continue ReadingHoagy Carmichael
American singer-songwriter and pianist
Born
November 22nd, 1899 126 years ago
Died
December 27th, 1981 44 years ago — 82 years old
Born in 1899, a prominent figure in American music, contributed significantly to the development of popular music in the 20th century. Gained acclaim as a singer-songwriter and pianist, blending elements of jazz and traditional music. Achieved notable success with compositions that remain standards in jazz and popular music. Collaborated with various artists and performers throughout the career. Also acted in several films, bringing music to a wider audience during the golden age of Hollywood.
Continue ReadingJon Cleary
Australian author and playwright
Born
November 22nd, 1917 108 years ago
Died
July 19th, 2010 15 years ago — 92 years old
An Australian author and playwright, this individual created notable literary works that reflect aspects of Australian life and culture. The career began in the 1940s with an initial focus on short stories, eventually transitioning to novels and plays. Gained widespread recognition for the book 'The Long Way Home,' which won the Miles Franklin Award. Additionally, wrote the play 'The Wishing Tree,' showcasing a blend of humor and drama. Established a reputation for incorporating social commentary within compelling narratives, appealing to both local and international audiences.
Continue ReadingJoaquín Rodrigo
Spanish composer and pianist, Concierto de Aranjuez
Born
November 22nd, 1901 124 years ago
Died
July 6th, 1999 26 years ago — 97 years old
Born in 1901, a prominent Spanish composer and pianist. Rodrigo lost his eyesight at a young age, yet pursued a successful career in music. His most celebrated work is the 'Concierto de Aranjuez', composed in 1939, which showcases the guitar and orchestra. The piece gained international acclaim and became a staple in both classical and popular music repertoires. Throughout his career, Rodrigo composed numerous works for various ensembles, including orchestras, chamber music, and vocal compositions.
Continue ReadingShawn Fanning
Computer Programmer - Founded Napster
Born
November 22nd, 1980 45 years ago
A computer programmer and businessman, co-founded Napster, a pioneering peer-to-peer file sharing network that revolutionized the music industry. Napster allowed users to share and download music without authorization from copyright holders, leading to significant changes in how music was distributed and consumed. This venture sparked numerous legal battles regarding copyright infringement and reshaped the landscape of digital music. Later, Fanning engaged in various entrepreneurial efforts, including founding companies focused on social networking and online communications.
Continue ReadingHarry Pollitt
British politician, trade union leader
Born
November 22nd, 1890 135 years ago
Died
1960 66 years ago — 70 years old
A significant figure in British politics, served as General Secretary of the Communist Party of Great Britain. Held the position from 1929 to 1939 and again from 1941 to 1956. Active in labor movements, Pollitt was involved in various campaigns for workers' rights and trade unionism. Participated in numerous parliamentary elections, advocating for communist policies and representation. Played a role in the post-World War II reconstruction period and the formation of the Labour Movement.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on August 17th
Ira Gershwin
American songwriter with classic lyrics
Born
December 6th, 1896 129 years ago
Died
August 17th, 1983 42 years ago — 86 years old
A prominent American songwriter, contributed lyrics to many celebrated songs and musicals. Collaborated extensively with composer George Gershwin, creating lasting works in American music. Wrote lyrics for iconic songs such as 'Summertime', 'I Got Rhythm', and 'Someone to Watch Over Me'. Lyricist for the Broadway musicals 'Porgy and Bess' and 'Lady, Be Good!', which showcased the Gershwin brothers' talents. Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1970, further solidifying a legacy in American songwriting.
Continue ReadingMuhammad Zia-ul-Haq
Pakistani general and politician
Born
August 12th, 1924 101 years ago
Died
August 17th, 1988 37 years ago — 64 years old
Served as the sixth President of Pakistan from 1978 until his death in 1988. Initially took power through a military coup in 1977, establishing martial law and assuming the position of Chief Martial Law Administrator. Implemented policies that facilitated the Islamization of Pakistan's legal and societal structures. Oversaw significant political and economic changes, and his tenure was marked by efforts to increase the role of Islamic law in governance. Died in an airplane crash in 1988, which was highly controversial and led to various conspiracy theories.
Continue ReadingFrederick the Great
Prussian king and military leader
Born
January 24th, 1712 314 years ago
Died
August 17th, 1786 239 years ago — 74 years old
A monarch of the Kingdom of Prussia, led significant military campaigns during the Silesian Wars and the Seven Years' War. His reign is marked by extensive reforms in military, administrative practices, and the promotion of the arts. He established Prussia as a major European power. His interest in philosophy and music also contributed to the cultural life of his court.
Continue ReadingKen Miles
Race car driver and Le Mans competitor
Born
November 1st, 1918 107 years ago
Died
August 17th, 1966 59 years ago — 47 years old
An English-American race car driver participated in numerous motorsport events during the 1950s and 1960s. Played a pivotal role in the development of the Ford GT40, contributing significantly to its racing success at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Achieved notable victories in various sports car races, solidifying a reputation within the racing community for precision driving and engineering insight. His collaboration with Ford Racing led to innovative engineering solutions and a deep understanding of vehicle performance. Miles died in a testing accident in 1966, shortly before the completion of the Ford GT40's successful racing campaign.
Continue ReadingConrad Aiken
American poet and novelist
Born
August 5th, 1889 136 years ago
Died
August 17th, 1973 52 years ago — 84 years old
Born in 1889, a prominent American poet, novelist, and critic, contributed significantly to 20th-century literature. Aiken's literary career spanned multiple genres, with poetry as the primary focus. A published author from a young age, received a Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1930 for the collection 'Selected Poems.' Aiken explored themes of consciousness and emotion in works such as the novel 'Apprenticeship' and the short story collection 'Great Circle.' His influence extends to various literary movements, and he was associated with the objectivist movement. In his writing, Aiken often employed innovative techniques, blending elements of modernism and romanticism.
Continue ReadingArthur Fox
English-American fencer and Olympian
Born
September 9th, 1878 147 years ago
Died
August 17th, 1958 67 years ago — 79 years old
Competed in fencing during the early 20th century. Achieved significant recognition in the 1908 Summer Olympics held in London. Contributed to the fencing community through coaching and advocacy for the sport. His techniques and methodologies influenced future generations of fencers, both in America and abroad.
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