Bill Todman
American screenwriter and producer of 'The Twilight Zone'
Contributed significantly to the television industry as a screenwriter and producer. Worked alongside partner Charles E. Goodman to co-create various successful television shows. Instrumental in the production of the anthology series 'The Twilight Zone', which became a landmark in American television. Also contributed to the creation of other shows such as 'The Defenders' and 'Nice Time'. Over the years, produced and co-produced a number of popular television programs that garnered critical and audience acclaim.
Co-created 'The Twilight Zone'
Produced 'The Defenders'
Produced 'Nice Time'
Other People Born on July 31st
Will Champion
English drummer for Coldplay
Born
July 31st, 1978 47 years ago
Born in 1978 in Southampton, a drummer played in the band Coldplay, which achieved significant commercial success and critical acclaim. The band formed in 1996 and gained popularity with the release of the album 'Parachutes' in 2000. Major hits include 'Yellow', 'Fix You', and 'Viva La Vida'. The group received numerous awards, including multiple Grammy Awards and Brit Awards. In addition to drumming, contributed to songwriting and vocals, expanding the band's sound and musical range. Continued to tour internationally and release successful albums, solidifying the band's place in the music industry.
Continue ReadingEmperor Nijō of Japan
Emperor of Japan during Heian period
Born
July 31st, 1143 882 years ago
Died
1165 861 years ago — 22 years old
Ruled as the 75th emperor of Japan from 1158 to 1165. Son of Emperor Go-Shirakawa, ascended the throne at a young age. His reign coincided with the power struggles of the Fujiwara clan and the emergence of the samurai class. Known for political instability and influence from powerful regents, including the Fujiwara family. Sought to balance the traditional court practices with the rising military power, yet faced challenges during his reign. Abdicated in 1165 in favor of his son, continuing a lineage of power struggles in the imperial family.
Continue ReadingHilary Putnam
Philosopher and computer science innovator
Born
July 31st, 1926 99 years ago
Died
March 13th, 2016 9 years ago — 89 years old
Contributions spanned philosophy, mathematics, and computer science. Challenged traditional views of mind and language. Developed influential ideas in functionalism and semantics. Engaged in discussions on the philosophy of mind and artificial intelligence. Published extensively, including works such as 'Reason, Truth and History' and 'Mind, Language and Reality'. Made significant contributions to the philosophy of mathematics and the philosophy of science. Led professional organizations and served in prominent academic roles.
Continue ReadingWhitney Young
American civil rights activist
Born
July 31st, 1921 104 years ago
Died
March 11th, 1971 54 years ago — 49 years old
A prominent civil rights leader, played a crucial role in advancing social justice and equality through the Urban League. Focused on expanding economic opportunities for African Americans, emphasized the importance of economic empowerment as a means to achieve civil rights. Worked closely with various organizations and governmental entities to influence policy. Made significant efforts in desegregating schools and workplaces, advocating for fair housing and employment practices. His leadership in the civil rights movement contributed to legislative advancements.
Continue ReadingJohn Chiang
California State Controller and lawyer
Born
July 31st, 1962 63 years ago
Born in 1962, served as the 31st California State Controller from 2007 to 2015, overseeing the state's financial operations. Worked as a lawyer and held the position of California State Treasurer from 2015 to 2019. Played a significant role in the implementation of the state's financial policies and budgeting processes, contributing to the management of California's economy during his terms in office.
Continue ReadingJosé Fernández
Cuban-American baseball pitcher
Born
July 31st, 1992 33 years ago
Died
September 25th, 2016 9 years ago — 24 years old
Played Major League Baseball for the Miami Marlins. Achieved significant success as a starting pitcher, winning the National League Rookie of the Year Award in 2013. Earned selections to the MLB All-Star Game during his career. Born in Cuba, defected to the United States, and quickly made a name in baseball with strong performances on the mound. Tragically passed away in a boating accident in 2016 at a young age, leaving behind a promising career cut short.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on July 29th
Leonardo De Lorenzo
Italian flute player and educator
Born
August 29th, 1875 150 years ago
Died
July 29th, 1962 63 years ago — 86 years old
An influential flute player and educator, contributed significantly to flute pedagogy and performance in the early 20th century. Associated with major orchestras, performed as a soloist and in chamber music settings. Published numerous works and instructional materials that became standard references for flute players. Served as a professor at various music institutions, shaping the careers of many flutists.
Continue ReadingBruce Edward Ivins
Bio-defense researcher with anthrax studies
Born
1946 80 years ago
Died
July 29th, 2008 17 years ago — 62 years old
A scientist focused on bio-defense research, contributing significantly to the study of anthrax. Worked at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, leading efforts in vaccine development and response strategies against biological threats. Participation in various government bio-terrorism response initiatives marked career. Research included the characterization of anthrax spores and vaccine efficacy.
Continue ReadingChris Marker
French filmmaker and multimedia artist
Born
July 29th, 1921 104 years ago
Died
July 29th, 2012 13 years ago — 91 years old
Chris Marker was a French filmmaker, photographer, and multimedia artist, whose exploration of memory and time is evident in his work. Marker gained recognition for the 1962 short film 'La Jetée,' a pioneering work in the genre of science fiction that utilized still photographs to tell a story. His filmography includes other notable works such as 'Sans Soleil' and 'The Case of the Grinning Cat,' where he combined documentary, personal reflection, and visual experimentation. A significant contributor to the development of video art, Marker also engaged with new media and technology throughout his career.
Continue ReadingTatiana Egorova
Russian footballer and manager
Born
1970 56 years ago
Died
July 29th, 2012 13 years ago — 42 years old
A footballer and manager from Russia, contributed significantly to women's football. Played for multiple clubs in the Soviet Union, including Spartak Moscow. Transitioned to management after retirement, leading various women's teams. Advocated for the development of women's football in Russia.
Continue ReadingPeter Flanigan
American banker and civil servant
Born
1923 103 years ago
Died
July 29th, 2013 12 years ago — 90 years old
A prominent banker and civil servant, played a significant role in the economic policies of the United States during several presidential administrations. Worked with the Export-Import Bank, focusing on international finance and trade. Also served as an executive at several banks, contributing to various financial initiatives. Engaged in public service, advising on matters of economic policy and investment.
Continue ReadingCharles E. Wicks
Engineer and academic author
Born
July 9th, 1925 100 years ago
Died
July 29th, 2010 15 years ago — 85 years old
An American engineer and academic contributed significantly to the field of electrical engineering. Served as a professor and authored several influential texts that provided insights into advanced engineering concepts. Worked in the areas of control systems and signal processing, shaping educational practices in engineering curricula. Held key roles in professional organizations that fostered advancements in engineering disciplines.
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