Cardinal Richelieu
French cardinal and chief minister
A prominent figure in 17th-century France, served as the chief minister to King Louis XIII from 1624 until his death in 1642. Played a crucial role in centralizing the power of the French monarchy, reducing the influence of the nobility, and strengthening the economy. Advocated for France's involvement in the Thirty Years' War, which transformed the country's regional power dynamics. Established the principles of absolutism that influenced French governance for decades.
Centralized power in the French monarchy
Supported France during the Thirty Years' War
Reduced the influence of the nobility
Other People Born on September 9th
Ron McDole
American football player, Super Bowl champion
Born
September 9th, 1939 86 years ago
A professional American football player, played primarily as an offensive lineman. Career spanned from 1961 to 1976, with significant contributions to teams such as the San Francisco 49ers and the Washington Redskins. With the Redskins, achieved success culminating in a Super Bowl victory. Known for durability and performance on the field.
Continue ReadingDaniel Carleton Gajdusek
Physician and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
September 9th, 1923 102 years ago
Died
2008 18 years ago — 85 years old
Contributions to the understanding of prion diseases through research on kuru and its transmission among the Fore people of Papua New Guinea were significant. Pioneered studies on the pathology and epidemiology of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. Worked at the National Institutes of Health and found links between infectious agents and neurodegenerative disorders. Received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1976 for discoveries related to kuru.
Continue ReadingManolis Glezos
Greek politician and folk hero
Born
September 9th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
March 30th, 2020 5 years ago — 97 years old
A Greek left-wing politician and journalist, Glezos gained prominence during World War II when he, alongside another resistance fighter, tore down the Nazi flag from the Acropolis in 1941. This act of defiance became symbolic of Greek resistance against occupation. Over the years, he served in various political roles, including as a member of the Hellenic Parliament. Glezos authored several works and was active in political movements advocating for human rights and democracy. His lifelong dedication to social justice earned him respect and recognition in Greece and beyond.
Continue ReadingCarm Lino Spiteri
Maltese architect and politician
Born
September 9th, 1932 93 years ago
Died
February 9th, 2008 17 years ago — 75 years old
An architect and politician from Malta, contributed significantly to the development of urban planning and architecture in the region. Served as a member of the Maltese Parliament and held key positions within various governmental bodies. Worked on numerous projects that shaped the architectural landscape of Malta, focusing on modern design and sustainability. Advocated for arts and culture, promoting local architectural heritage and improvements in public spaces.
Continue ReadingJoe Negroni
Doo-wop singer with The Voice Masters
Born
September 9th, 1940 85 years ago
Died
1978 48 years ago — 38 years old
Participated in the development of doo-wop music alongside The Voice Masters, a vocal group. The group gained recognition in the 1950s and contributed to the popularity of the genre with their harmonic style. Negroni's contributions defined the sound of a specific era in music, and he performed widely during the peak of doo-wop's popularity. The group released several singles, leaving a lasting impression on the doo-wop scene.
Continue ReadingRussell M. Nelson
Religious leader and surgeon
Born
September 9th, 1924 101 years ago
Born in 1924, contributions included a medical career as a prominent surgeon and subsequent leadership within the Latter-day Saints Church. As president of the Church, focused on global outreach and doctrinal development. Prior to church leadership, served as a general surgeon and performed innovative heart surgeries, contributing significantly to the field of cardiothoracic surgery. Gained recognition for extensive academic work and carried out numerous humanitarian efforts.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on December 4th
Charles Dow
American journalist and economist
Born
November 6th, 1851 174 years ago
Died
December 4th, 1902 123 years ago — 51 years old
Contributed to financial journalism through the establishment of the Dow Jones & Company. Co-created the first stock market index, the Dow Jones Industrial Average, which laid the foundation for modern stock market analysis. Served as the editor of The Wall Street Journal, shaping financial reporting standards. Provided insights into market trends and economic conditions through various publications and editorials.
Continue ReadingEmpress Meishō of Japan
Japanese Empress and ruler during Edo period
Born
January 9th, 1624 402 years ago
Died
December 4th, 1696 329 years ago — 72 years old
Reigned as Empress from 1629 to 1643 during the Edo period. Ascended to the throne following the abdication of Empress Tōshō. Oversaw a period where imperial authority was reduced under the Tokugawa shogunate. Her reign was marked by the establishment of courtly traditions and support for culture, including literature and the arts.
Continue ReadingTamanishiki San'emon
Sumo wrestler, 32nd Yokozuna
Born
1903 123 years ago
Died
December 4th, 1938 87 years ago — 35 years old
Participated in professional sumo wrestling and achieved the title of Yokozuna, the highest rank in the sport. Competed in the sport during the early 20th century, gaining recognition for skill and technique. Contributed to the growth and popularity of sumo wrestling in Japan. Retired from competition before World War II.
Continue ReadingHannah Arendt
Political theorist and philosopher
Born
October 14th, 1906 119 years ago
Died
December 4th, 1975 50 years ago — 69 years old
Born in Germany, a major 20th-century political theorist. Emigrated to the United States in the late 1930s. Writings focus on totalitarianism, authority, and the nature of power. Authored influential works including 'The Origins of Totalitarianism' and 'The Human Condition'. Contributed to public discourse on political philosophy and ethics throughout the latter half of the 20th century.
Continue ReadingBrian Thompson
Insurance Executive at Cigna
Born
July 10th, 1974 51 years ago
Died
December 4th, 2024 1 years ago — 50 years old
An American insurance executive served as the Chief Executive Officer for Cigna. Overseeing significant corporate growth, established strategic initiatives to enhance health services and customer relations. Played a crucial role in expanding Cigna's impact in the healthcare industry through innovative insurance products and services.
Continue ReadingEmpress Meishō
Japanese Empress during Edo period
Born
1624 402 years ago
Died
December 4th, 1696 329 years ago — 72 years old
Reigned as Empress of Japan from 1624 to 1696. Meishō became the 108th emperor following the death of her predecessor. During the reign, focus remained on court culture and nation stability. Meishō was unique as one of the few female emperors in Japanese history, with limited political power. After relinquishing the throne, continued to live in the court until death.
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