Calogero Vizzini
Italian mob boss and crime leader
Born in 1877, a prominent figure in the Sicilian mafia, known for leadership within the Cosa Nostra. Held significant influence during the early to mid-20th century, particularly in Sicilian organized crime. Engaged in various criminal activities, including extortion and smuggling. Became a notable power broker, maintaining relationships with political figures to safeguard mafia operations. Caught the attention of law enforcement due to his involvement in criminal enterprises. His leadership style was characterized by strategic alliances and positioning within the mafia hierarchy. Vizzini's legacy continued after his death in 1954, influencing subsequent generations of organized crime in Sicily and beyond.
Led the Sicilian mafia as a powerful figure
Developed significant connections with politicians
Other People Born on July 24th
Eugene J. Martin
American painter and abstract artist
Born
July 24th, 1938 87 years ago
Died
2005 20 years ago — 67 years old
An American painter specialized in abstract expressionism. Born in 1938, this artist extensively explored vibrant colors and innovative forms throughout their career. Influenced by jazz music, works often reflected dynamic rhythms and movement. Participated in numerous exhibitions and contributed to the art community with a unique style that combined traditional techniques with contemporary themes.
Continue ReadingGus Van Sant
Film director, producer, and screenwriter
Born
July 24th, 1952 73 years ago
An American director, producer, and screenwriter contributed significantly to independent cinema. Directed the critically acclaimed films "Good Will Hunting" and "Milk," which garnered multiple Academy Awards. Explored themes of youth, identity, and societal issues through a distinctive visual style and narrative approach. Worked with various notable actors and contributed to the New Queer Cinema movement. Also produced and collaborated on projects that showcased diverse voices and perspectives in storytelling.
Continue ReadingCatherine of Saxony
Archduchess of Austria
Born
July 24th, 1468 557 years ago
Died
February 10th, 1524 501 years ago — 55 years old
Born into the House of Wettin, this archduchess served as a significant political figure in the early 16th century. Marriage to the influential Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I facilitated a union between powerful dynasties. Her tenure was marked by her role in the upbringing of Habsburg children, with particular focus on stabilizing political alliances through strategic marriages.
Continue ReadingAlphonse Mucha
Czech painter and illustrator of Art Nouveau
Born
July 24th, 1860 165 years ago
Died
July 14th, 1939 86 years ago — 78 years old
Originated from the Czech Republic, this painter and illustrator was a prominent figure within the Art Nouveau movement. Mucha's artistic style is characterized by elaborate floral motifs, ornate typography, and graceful figures. He gained significant attention with his posters for the actress Sarah Bernhardt during the 1890s, which helped to popularize the Art Nouveau aesthetic. Apart from posters, he created paintings, decorative arts, and designs that reflected the cultural identity of his homeland. Mucha spent a significant part of his career in Paris, where his work garnered widespread acclaim in exhibitions. Later in life, he focused on more nationalist themes, producing a series of works titled 'The Slav Epic' that depicted the history and mythology of Slavic people.
Continue ReadingBilly Taylor
American jazz pianist and composer
Born
July 24th, 1921 104 years ago
Died
December 28th, 2010 14 years ago — 89 years old
A prominent figure in jazz music, contributed to the genre as a pianist, composer, and educator. Played an essential role in popularizing jazz through performances and recordings. Served as a long-time host of 'Billy Taylor's Jazz' on PBS, showcasing the music and its artists. Worked extensively in music education and was active in various cultural organizations promoting the arts.
Continue ReadingJun'ichirō Tanizaki
Japanese author and literary figure
Born
July 24th, 1886 139 years ago
Died
July 30th, 1965 60 years ago — 79 years old
Tanizaki was a prominent Japanese author whose works explored themes of beauty and cultural identity. Writing during the 20th century, significant contributions included novels, essays, and translations. The literary style often reflected the tension between traditional Japanese aesthetics and Western influences. Received the Akutagawa Prize in 1929 for the short novel 'Shunkinshū'. Important works included 'The Makioka Sisters', which depicted a declining upper-class family, and 'In Praise of Shadows', an essay that examined Japanese aesthetics.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on July 10th
Concha García Campoy
Spanish journalist and news presenter
Born
October 28th, 1958 67 years ago
Died
July 10th, 2013 12 years ago — 54 years old
A prominent journalist, gained recognition for presenting news programs on Spanish television. Worked for Telecinco, where led the news division and contributed to the channel's growth. Also served as a news anchor for Canal 24 Horas and anchored various special news broadcasts, gaining a reputation for clear and concise reporting. Published articles and engaged in media analysis, contributing to discussions on journalistic ethics and practices. Received awards for excellence in journalism, highlighting a commitment to factual reporting and delivering news to the public.
Continue ReadingLara van Ruijven
Dutch short track speed skater
Born
1992 33 years ago
Died
July 10th, 2020 5 years ago — 28 years old
Competed in short track speed skating at an elite level. Participated in international competitions including the World Championships and European Championships. Captured a gold medal as part of the Netherlands relay team at the 2019 World Championships. Represented the Netherlands at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, contributing to the team's efforts in the competition. Tragically passed away in 2020, marking a significant loss in the sports community.
Continue ReadingMaurice Boucher
Canadian outlaw biker leader
Born
1953 72 years ago
Died
July 10th, 2022 3 years ago — 69 years old
Boucher led the Hells Angels Montreal chapter during the late 1990s and early 2000s. He played a central role in the gang's operations in Quebec and was involved in organized crime activities, including drug trafficking and extortion. His leadership prompted a violent rivalry with other gangs, notably the Rock Machine, resulting in multiple murders and widespread violence known as the Quebec Biker War. Boucher was convicted of murder and conspiracy, serving a lengthy prison sentence. His criminal career and subsequent imprisonment garnered significant media attention, painting a picture of the challenges faced by law enforcement in combating organized crime in Canada.
Continue ReadingJohn Fell
English churchman and academic leader
Born
June 23rd, 1625 400 years ago
Died
July 10th, 1686 339 years ago — 61 years old
An English churchman and academic, this individual served as the Bishop of Oxford. He played a significant role in the founding of Christ Church, Oxford, and was influential in shaping educational standards and curricula at the University of Oxford during the 17th century. The establishment of the university's library and the production of theological texts marked significant contributions to the field of academia. His works in ecclesiastical governance and academic administration left a lasting legacy within the church and the University of Oxford.
Continue ReadingPaul Morphy
International chess champion of the 1800s
Born
June 22nd, 1837 188 years ago
Died
July 10th, 1884 141 years ago — 47 years old
A distinguished chess player and American prodigy, achieved prominence in the mid-19th century. Gained recognition for winning the American Chess Congress in 1857, displaying exceptional skill and strategic ability. Defeated prominent European players during a trip to Paris and London, establishing a reputation as one of the strongest players of the classical era. Contributed to modern chess theory and popularized the game in the United States. Retired from competitive play in the 1860s, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest chess players of his time.
Continue ReadingGeorge Stubbs
Painter of horse anatomy and art
Born
August 25th, 1724 301 years ago
Died
July 10th, 1806 219 years ago — 81 years old
An English painter and academic, recognized for detailed paintings of horses and contributions to the study of equine anatomy. Stubbs studied anatomy through rigorous dissections, aiming to portray horses with both accuracy and artistry. His major work, 'The Anatomy of the Horse', published in 1766, established his reputation as both an artist and an anatomist. The work included detailed illustrations and descriptions of horse anatomy, influencing artists and veterinarians alike. Stubbs also created notable paintings featuring horses, including commissioned works for aristocrats and royal families, capturing the grace and power of the animal. His style combined realism with a deep understanding of equine form, making him a key figure in 18th-century British art.
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