Carl Woese

Microbiologist and biophysicist; discovered archaea

Carl Woese - Microbiologist and biophysicist; discovered archaea
Born

July 15th, 1928
97 years ago

Died

December 30th, 2012
12 years ago — 84 years old

Category

Scientists & Innovators

Country

United States

Links & References

Contributed significantly to microbial phylogeny and the tree of life. Developed the concept of archaea, a separate domain of life distinct from bacteria and eukaryotes. His work utilized ribosomal RNA sequencing techniques to classify organisms based on genetic material. Published the groundbreaking paper 'The Universal Tree of Life' which reshaped the understanding of evolutionary biology. Served as a professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and received numerous accolades for research in genetics and microbiology.

Discovered and classified archaea as a separate domain of life

Advanced ribosomal RNA sequencing techniques for phylogenetic studies

Published influential research on the tree of life

Other People Born on July 15th

Nuria Párrizas Díaz

Tennis player with WTA title
Born
July 15th, 1991 34 years ago

Competed on the WTA Tour and achieved a singles title at the Parma Open in 2021. Gained attention for consistent performances in various tournaments, including the Grand Slams. Represented Spain in international competitions and contributed to the national team's efforts in the Billie Jean King Cup.

Continue Reading

Lana Parrilla

Actress known for role in Once Upon a Time
Born
July 15th, 1977 48 years ago

Born in 1977, a career in acting spanned television and film. Gained recognition for the role of Regina Mills in the series Once Upon a Time, which aired from 2011 to 2018. The performance garnered critical acclaim and led to several award nominations. Also appeared in other television series, demonstrating versatility in various roles, including in 24 and Spin City. Beyond television, involvement in theater productions contributed to a comprehensive acting profile.

Continue Reading

Sidney Breese

American jurist and politician
Born
July 15th, 1800 225 years ago
Died
June 27th, 1878 147 years ago — 77 years old

Born in 1800, this individual served as a prominent jurist and politician in the early years of the United States. Breese engaged in legal practice and contributed to political dialogue in Illinois. He played a role in the establishment of the Illinois Supreme Court, shaping the legal landscape of the state. As a U.S. Senator, he participated in legislative processes and supported various initiatives. His tenure was marked by significant developments in state law and governance.

Continue Reading

Jil Teichmann

Swiss tennis player with WTA titles
Born
July 15th, 1997 28 years ago

A professional tennis player from Switzerland, achieved significant success on the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) Tour. Won three WTA singles titles and reached the fourth round of the 2021 French Open, marking a high point in a competitive career. Competed in both singles and doubles, contributing to Switzerland’s performance in the Billie Jean King Cup.

Continue Reading

Ernie Barnes

American football player and artist
Born
July 15th, 1938 87 years ago
Died
2009 16 years ago — 71 years old

An American football player, artist, and actor, contributed significantly to both sports and the arts. Played as an offensive lineman in the National Football League (NFL) for the New York Titans and the San Diego Chargers. Transitioned into painting and gained recognition for a distinctive style that depicted the African American experience. Created the artwork for the television show 'Good Times', which portrayed life in a Chicago housing project. Also exhibited paintings in various galleries and institutions.

Continue Reading

Jason Bonham

Drummer for Led Zeppelin's reunion tours
Born
July 15th, 1966 59 years ago

Born in England, a drummer gained recognition as the son of Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham. Played drums for Led Zeppelin during their 2007 reunion concert at the O2 Arena in London. Also participated in various other musical projects, including Bonham and his contributions to other rock bands. Throughout the career, showcased talent through live performances and recorded albums with significant success.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on December 30th

Alberto Vargas

Painter and illustrator of pin-up art
Born
February 9th, 1896 129 years ago
Died
December 30th, 1982 42 years ago — 86 years old

Born in Peru, this artist gained prominence in the United States as a painter and illustrator. Vargas became renowned for his pin-up art, which featured idealized depictions of women. His style combined techniques from classical painting with modern illustration. Working with various publications, he created iconic imagery that defined the pin-up genre, particularly during the mid-20th century. Throughout his career, Vargas contributed cover illustrations to magazines such as Esquire and Life, showcasing glamorous models and actresses. The artistry was marked by its sensuality and attention to detail, securing a place in American pop culture.

Continue Reading

Eleanor J. Gibson

American psychologist and academic
Born
1910 115 years ago
Died
December 30th, 2002 22 years ago — 92 years old

Served as a prominent psychologist specializing in perceptual development and learning. Contributed significantly to the understanding of visual perception through groundbreaking experiments. Established the 'visual cliff' experiment, studying depth perception in infants and animals. Influenced educational psychology and developmental science, shaping theories on how children learn about their environment.

Continue Reading

Dawn Wells

Television actress from Gilligan's Island
Born
October 18th, 1938 86 years ago
Died
December 30th, 2020 4 years ago — 82 years old

An actress recognized for portraying Mary Ann Summers on the classic television series Gilligan's Island, which aired from 1964 to 1967. Wells began her career in the entertainment industry as a model after winning the title of Miss Nevada in 1959. Following her role on Gilligan's Island, Wells made guest appearances on various TV shows, including The Brady Bunch and Roseanne. She also participated in several theatrical productions and appeared in television films, showcasing her versatility as a performer.

Continue Reading

Sarah Knauss

Oldest verified American person
Born
September 24th, 1880 144 years ago
Died
December 30th, 1999 25 years ago — 119 years old

Achieved recognition as the oldest verified American person. Lived for 119 years and 97 days, becoming a super-centenarian. The longevity record spanned several decades, during which various historical events were witnessed and experienced. Celebrated numerous milestones, including multiple birthdays and family gatherings. Advocated for the importance of health and wellness throughout long life.

Continue Reading

Irving "Swifty" Lazar

Talent agent, represented Hollywood stars
Born
1907 118 years ago
Died
December 30th, 1993 31 years ago — 86 years old

A prominent talent agent, facilitated the careers of many Hollywood actors and writers. Established a reputation for securing lucrative deals for clients. Represented several notable figures, becoming a key figure in the film industry during the mid-20th century. His agency was instrumental in shaping the landscape of talent representation during that era. Worked with numerous high-profile projects and was involved in significant negotiations that impacted the careers of his clients.

Continue Reading

Eiichi Ohtaki

Japanese singer-songwriter and producer
Born
July 28th, 1948 77 years ago
Died
December 30th, 2013 11 years ago — 65 years old

A prominent figure in Japanese music, Ohtaki started his career in the 1960s as a member of the band Happy End, which played a critical role in the establishment of folk rock in Japan. After the band's disbandment, Ohtaki launched a successful solo career, releasing several influential albums. His 1975 album, 'A Long Vacation', gained critical acclaim and remains a landmark in Japanese pop music. Ohtaki's work blended various genres, including rock, pop, and traditional Japanese music. He collaborated with numerous artists throughout his career and contributed to the production of many records, significantly shaping the Japanese music landscape.

Continue Reading