Benjamin Disraeli

British Prime Minister and novelist

Benjamin Disraeli - British Prime Minister and novelist
Born

December 21st, 1804
220 years ago

Died

April 19th, 1881
144 years ago — 76 years old

Category

Leaders & Politicians

Country

United Kingdom

Links & References

A journalist and politician, served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom twice, first from 1868 and again from 1874 to 1880. Disraeli played a significant role in molding the Conservative Party and was instrumental in the passage of various reforms during his time in office. As a novelist, authored several influential works, including 'Sybil' and 'Coningsby,' which reflected the social and political issues of the era. Renowned for his unique blend of politics and literature, he helped shape modern political discourse in Britain.

Served as Prime Minister twice

Passed the Second Reform Act of 1867

Played a key role in the establishment of the British Empire

Other People Born on December 21st

Barry Gordon

Actor and Voice Artist; SAG President
Born
December 21st, 1948 76 years ago

An American actor and voice artist gained prominence through numerous television roles and animated characters. Served as the longest-serving president of the Screen Actors Guild from 1988 to 1995. Acted in the series 'The Sid Caesar Show' and provided the voice for various animated characters including 'Chip' from 'Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers'.

Continue Reading

Philip Humber

Baseball player, perfect game pitcher
Born
December 21st, 1982 42 years ago

Debuted in Major League Baseball in 2006, playing for the New York Mets, Minnesota Twins, Kansas City Royals, Chicago White Sox, and the New York Yankees. Recorded a perfect game on April 21, 2012 against the Seattle Mariners while serving as a pitcher for the Chicago White Sox. This achievement marked the 21st perfect game in MLB history.

Continue Reading

Steven Yeun

American actor, starred in The Walking Dead
Born
December 21st, 1983 41 years ago

An American actor gained recognition for a role in the television series The Walking Dead. Portrayed Glenn Rhee, a key character throughout the early seasons, showcasing resilience and leadership. Later starred in the critically acclaimed film Minari, which explored family dynamics and the immigrant experience in America. Provided voice work for animated series, including Castlevania, further expanding contributions to the entertainment industry.

Continue Reading

John William McCormack

American politician, 53rd House Speaker
Born
December 21st, 1891 133 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 89 years old

Served as a lawyer and politician, representing Massachusetts in the United States House of Representatives. Held the position of Speaker of the House from 1962 to 1971. During tenure, advocated for civil rights and various social welfare programs. Played a significant role in the legislative processes of the Johnson administration, particularly with the Great Society initiatives.

Continue Reading

Lloyd Axworthy

Canadian politician and diplomat
Born
December 21st, 1939 85 years ago

Served as the 2nd Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1996 to 2000. Played a significant role in international relations and human rights advocacy. His tenure included efforts to develop Canada's peacekeeping role and promote the landmine treaty. Involved in various academic and political initiatives aimed at improving global issues with a focus on youth and education.

Continue Reading

Albert Lee

English guitarist and songwriter
Born
December 21st, 1943 81 years ago

Born in 1943, this guitarist and songwriter gained recognition for virtuosic guitar playing and contributions to the country and rock music genres. Collaborated with notable artists including Eric Clapton and Emmylou Harris. Released several solo albums and toured extensively, showcasing intricate fingerstyle guitar techniques. Influenced a generation of musicians with a unique blend of rock, country, and blues sounds. Served as a mentor to aspiring guitarists and contributed to the evolution of modern guitar playing.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on April 19th

Leo IX

Pope of the Catholic Church
Born
1002 1023 years ago
Died
April 19th, 1054 971 years ago — 52 years old

Pope from 1049 to 1054. Led significant reforms within the Church, focusing on issues like clerical celibacy and simony. Initiated efforts to strengthen papal authority and improve moral standards among clergy. Engaged in diplomatic efforts with the Eastern Orthodox Church and addressed the tensions that eventually contributed to the Great Schism.

Continue Reading

Nicholas Saunderson

English mathematician and academic
Born
1682 343 years ago
Died
April 19th, 1739 286 years ago — 57 years old

Contributions to mathematics included work in algebra and geometry. Held the position of Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge. Worked extensively on mathematical analysis and was instrumental in bringing calculus into public understanding. Published a significant work titled 'Elements of Algebra,' influencing future generations of mathematicians.

Continue Reading

Jim Steinman

Songwriter and producer of rock operas
Born
November 1st, 1947 77 years ago
Died
April 19th, 2021 4 years ago — 73 years old

A prolific songwriter and record producer contributed significantly to rock music. Collaborated extensively with artists like Meat Loaf, producing the iconic album 'Bat Out of Hell' which became one of the best-selling albums of all time. Steinman also wrote hits for other artists, including 'Total Eclipse of the Heart' for Bonnie Tyler and 'Making Love Out of Nothing at All' for Air Supply. His distinctive style often featured theatrical elements and grandiose compositions. Steinman’s work left a lasting mark on the genre, influencing numerous musicians and songwriters in pop and rock.

Continue Reading

Charles Darwin

Naturalist and author of 'On the Origin of Species'
Born
February 12th, 1809 216 years ago
Died
April 19th, 1882 143 years ago — 73 years old

Contributed to the field of evolutionary biology through groundbreaking theories and research. Developed the theory of natural selection, which explains the process of evolution in species. Conducted comprehensive studies during the voyage of the HMS Beagle from 1831 to 1836, observing diverse ecosystems and species, which informed his later writings. Published 'On the Origin of Species' in 1859, which revolutionized the understanding of natural history and biology. His work established a scientific basis for the understanding of life on Earth.

Continue Reading

Judith of Bavaria

Frankish empress and political figure
Died
April 19th, 843 1182 years ago — None years old

Born around 805, Judith served as the second wife of Louis the Pious and became an influential figure in the Carolingian court. She played a significant role in the succession disputes that arose following Louis's reign. After Louis's death in 840, Judith was involved in the struggle for power among her sons, Lombard and Charles the Bald. She actively supported Charles, helping him to secure his position against his half-brothers. Judith's legacy includes her direct involvement in the political landscape of early medieval Europe, particularly regarding issues of inheritance and territorial governance.

Continue Reading

Hermine Braunsteiner

SS officer with war crimes conviction
Born
July 16th, 1919 106 years ago
Died
April 19th, 1999 26 years ago — 79 years old

Served as a guard in Nazi concentration camps during World War II. Braunsteiner worked at several camps, including Majdanek and Auschwitz, where her role involved overseeing the treatment of prisoners. After the war, fled to the United States, where she lived until her past became known. In 1981, she was extradited to Germany to face charges for her actions during the Holocaust and was convicted in 1983 for assisting in the murders and mistreatment of prisoners.

Continue Reading