C. Gordon Fullerton
Astronaut and engineer of Space Shuttle
Born
Died
Category
Scientists & Innovators
Country
United States
Links & References
An American colonel and engineer, contributed significantly to the space program as a NASA astronaut. Served as a pilot on the Space Shuttle missions STS-3 and STS-51-F, participating in critical phases of shuttle operations. Worked on various engineering and aeronautics projects prior to joining NASA, helping to advance aerospace technology. Retired from NASA and continued a career in academia and engineering.
Piloted Space Shuttle STS-3
Piloted Space Shuttle STS-51-F
Other People Born on October 11th
Nyron Nosworthy
Professional footballer, played for Sunderland
Born
October 11th, 1980 45 years ago
Born in England and later representing Jamaica, a professional footballer played as a defender. Began career at Farnborough before moving to Sunderland in 2005, contributing significantly to the team during that period. Played in the Premier League and had loan spells with clubs including Doncaster Rovers and Cardiff City. Made appearances representing the Jamaican national team, showcasing talent on an international stage.
Continue ReadingSteen Steensen Blicher
Danish author and poet with major works
Born
October 11th, 1782 243 years ago
Died
1848 178 years ago — 66 years old
Prominent Danish author and poet, contributions include short stories and poetry reflecting the Danish landscape and life. Associated with the national romantic movement, wrote extensively about rural life, showcasing the challenges and beauty of the Danish countryside. His narratives often featured themes of nature and folklore, and included significant works such as 'Brudekroen' and 'Kjædebrevet'. Blicher's writing encapsulated the spirit of early 19th-century Denmark, earning ongoing recognition in Danish literature.
Continue ReadingSam Johnson
Colonel and American politician
Born
October 11th, 1930 95 years ago
Died
2020 6 years ago — 90 years old
Served in the United States Army and achieved the rank of colonel. Entered politics after military service, representing Texas's 3rd congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1991 to 2019. Played a significant role in military and veterans' affairs during tenure. Advocated for various legislation affecting education and social security.
Continue ReadingMiroslav Dvořák
Czech ice hockey player & Olympian
Born
October 11th, 1951 74 years ago
Died
June 12th, 2008 17 years ago — 56 years old
A Czech ice hockey player who competed in international tournaments. Represented Czechoslovakia in the Winter Olympics, achieving a silver medal in 1976. Played for HC Slovan Bratislava, gaining recognition for contributions to the team's success during the 1970s.
Continue ReadingElmore Leonard
Novelist and screenwriter of crime thrillers
Born
October 11th, 1925 100 years ago
Died
August 20th, 2013 12 years ago — 87 years old
An American writer whose career spanned over six decades, produced numerous acclaimed novels and screenplays. A master of dialogue and character development, crafted stories that often centered around crime, suspense, and the complexities of human relationships. Authored works that were adapted into popular films and television series. Notable novels include "Get Shorty," "Rum Punch," and "Out of Sight," many of which received screen adaptations that garnered attention. Developed a unique style that blended elements of westerns, crime fiction, and mainstream literature.
Continue ReadingPrince Constantijn of the Netherlands
Dutch Prince, advisor at tech company
Born
October 11th, 1969 56 years ago
Born into the Dutch royal family, one sibling served as King of the Netherlands. Completed education in law and business administration. Worked in various capacities at the European Commission before transitioning to roles in the private sector. Holds a position at a technology and innovation company, focusing on fostering entrepreneurship and investment. Has participated in numerous royal duties and engagements.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on August 21st
Palmiro Togliatti
Italian politician and Minister of Justice
Born
March 26th, 1893 132 years ago
Died
August 21st, 1964 61 years ago — 71 years old
A prominent figure in Italian politics, this individual served as a key leader of the Italian Communist Party. Active during significant political turmoil, played a crucial role in post-World War II governance, advocating for a broad leftist coalition. Occupied the position of Minister of Justice from 1945 to 1946, overseeing important legal reforms. Contributed to the establishment of the new Italian constitution in 1948. Also worked as a journalist, influencing public opinion and party policies through various publications.
Continue ReadingBertalan Székely
Hungarian painter and academic
Born
May 8th, 1835 190 years ago
Died
August 21st, 1910 115 years ago — 75 years old
Born in 1835, this Hungarian painter and academic contributed significantly to the art world through a distinctive style combining realism and romanticism. Studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna and established a prominent career as a painter. Focused on historical and religious subjects, receiving acclaim for works that depicted moments of Hungarian history. Participated in the 1867 Paris Exposition, further gaining recognition. Later became a professor at the Hungarian Academy of Fine Arts, mentoring future generations of artists and influencing the development of Hungarian arts.
Continue ReadingBenjamin Thompson
Physicist and politician, Under-Secretary
Born
March 26th, 1753 272 years ago
Died
August 21st, 1814 211 years ago — 61 years old
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.
Continue ReadingJacques Mauduit
French composer and musician
Born
September 16th, 1557 468 years ago
Died
August 21st, 1627 398 years ago — 69 years old
Born in 1557, a prominent figure in the French Renaissance music scene, contributed significantly to the development of French secular music. Served as a court composer and gained recognition for work in both vocal and instrumental compositions. Engaged in the revival of the traditional French chanson, incorporating contemporary stylistic elements. Likely associated with the Poitiers and Paris music circles, influencing subsequent generations of composers.
Continue ReadingAlexander von Oettingen
Theologian and statistician
Born
December 24th, 1827 198 years ago
Died
August 21st, 1905 120 years ago — 77 years old
Contributed significantly to the fields of theology and statistics. With a background in the study of sermons and religious interpretations, engaged in extensive theological research. Developed methodologies that combined statistical analysis with social sciences, influencing later developments in statistical theology. Published notable works that integrated these fields, providing insights into the application of statistics in religious contexts.
Continue ReadingJohn MacCulloch
Geologist and academic from Scotland
Born
October 6th, 1773 252 years ago
Died
August 21st, 1835 190 years ago — 61 years old
Born in Scotland in 1773, this individual made significant contributions to the field of geology. Graduating from the University of Edinburgh, he published extensively on geological formations and mineralogy. His work included detailed studies of the geology of Scotland, particularly in relation to the Highland region. He held various academic positions, including a professorship of geology at King's College, London. This individual also served as a member of the Geological Society of London and was involved in the establishment of geological education in the UK.
Continue Reading