Benjamin Thompson
Physicist and politician, Under-Secretary
Born
Died
Category
Scientists & Innovators
Country
United States
Links & References
Born in the British Colonies, a physicist and politician contributed significantly to the understanding of heat and energy. Served as Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies during a period of political turmoil and change. Emigrated to France, where involvement in scientific communities continued. Collaborated with notable figures and engaged in political matters that shaped colonial policies.
Served as Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies
Conducted research on thermodynamics
Other People Born on March 26th
William Westmoreland
American general during the Vietnam War
Born
March 26th, 1914 112 years ago
Died
July 18th, 2005 20 years ago — 91 years old
A United States Army general served as the commander of U.S. forces during the Vietnam War from 1964 to 1968. Oversaw military strategy and operations in Vietnam, advocating for large troop deployments. Played a significant role in escalating U.S. involvement in the conflict. Was involved in planning and executing major operations, including the Battle of Ia Drang, the first major battle between U.S. and North Vietnamese forces. After returning from Vietnam, served as the Army Chief of Staff from 1968 to 1972.
Continue ReadingTennessee Williams
American playwright and poet
Born
March 26th, 1911 115 years ago
Died
February 25th, 1983 43 years ago — 71 years old
A prominent playwright and poet, contributions to American theater included works that explored complex characters and human emotions. His plays, characterized by lyrical language and deep psychological insight, often depicted the struggles of individuals against societal constraints. Key works include 'A Streetcar Named Desire', which highlights the fragility of human relationships, and 'The Glass Menagerie', a memory play reflecting personal and familial conflicts. Received two Pulitzer Prizes for Drama, cementing a legacy as one of the twentieth century's most significant writers.
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Scottish professional footballer
Born
March 26th, 1987 39 years ago
A professional footballer who played as a striker, primarily in the English leagues. Began his career at Hibernian in Scotland, where he made a notable impact. Transferred to Burnley and then joined Wolverhampton Wanderers, helping the club gain promotion to the Premier League. Later played for Sunderland, and has represented the Scotland national team multiple times, contributing to various qualifying campaigns.
Continue ReadingDidier Pironi
Formula 1 driver, 1982 French GP winner
Born
March 26th, 1952 74 years ago
Died
August 23rd, 1987 38 years ago — 35 years old
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Anthropologist and philologist
Born
March 26th, 1873 153 years ago
Died
June 27th, 1948 77 years ago — 75 years old
An anthropologist and philologist, focused on the study of indigenous languages and cultures. Worked extensively on the San languages of southern Africa and contributed to understanding their significance. Researched the cultural practices and social structures of the San people. Published several influential works that explored language preservation and anthropology. Engaged in fieldwork that involved collecting stories, myths, and songs, which provided valuable insights into the San's oral traditions.
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American actor and comedian, Ramy
Born
March 26th, 1991 35 years ago
Ramy Youssef is an American actor, writer, and comedian. Born in 1991, Youssef created and starred in the semi-autobiographical series 'Ramy', which explores the complexities of a first-generation Muslim American navigating life and culture. The show received critical acclaim and won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy. Youssef's work often highlights themes of identity and faith, resonating with a diverse audience.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on August 21st
George Jackson
American activist and author
Born
September 23rd, 1941 84 years ago
Died
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An influential activist and author emerged during the civil rights movement. Co-founded the Black Guerrilla Family while incarcerated, focusing on prison reform and societal change. Authored the books 'Soledad Brother' and 'Blood in My Eye', which discussed issues of racial injustice and the prison system. His writings and activism highlighted the struggles faced by African Americans and prisoners.
Continue ReadingLeon Trotsky
Political theorist and Red Army founder
Born
1879 147 years ago
Died
August 21st, 1940 85 years ago — 61 years old
A Russian revolutionary and theorist, played a key role in the Bolshevik Revolution. Served as the People's Commissar for Foreign Affairs and later as the founder and commander of the Red Army during the Russian Civil War. Advocated for permanent revolution and opposed the rise of Stalin. Exiled from the Soviet Union in 1929, continued to be an influential Marxist thinker and critic of Stalinism until his assassination in Mexico City in 1940.
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Born
February 4th, 1960 66 years ago
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August 21st, 2007 18 years ago — 47 years old
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Physician and first Governor of Delaware
Born
February 24th, 1721 305 years ago
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August 21st, 1796 229 years ago — 75 years old
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Pioneer of electronic music synthesis
Born
May 23rd, 1934 92 years ago
Died
August 21st, 2005 20 years ago — 71 years old
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Continue ReadingClaude-Louis Navier
French physicist and engineer
Born
February 10th, 1785 241 years ago
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August 21st, 1836 189 years ago — 51 years old
Contributions to fluid mechanics and elasticity theory significantly advanced engineering and physics. Developed the Navier-Stokes equations which describe the motion of viscous fluid substances. Worked extensively on structural engineering and made notable advancements in bridge design. Served as a professor at the Collège de France, influencing future generations of engineers and scientists.
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