Chris Marker
French filmmaker and multimedia artist
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.
Created the influential short film 'La Jetée'
Produced the film 'Sans Soleil'
Contributed to video art and multimedia projects
Other People Born on July 29th
Troy Perkins
Soccer player, MLS goalkeeper
Born
July 29th, 1981 45 years ago
Played as a goalkeeper in Major League Soccer. Began a professional career with the Portland Timbers before moving to the MLS. Played for D.C. United and the Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Achieved a reputation for skillful shot-stopping and organizational ability in the penalty area. Competed in the U.S. Open Cup and playoff matches throughout career.
Continue ReadingClayton Keller
Professional ice hockey player, Arizona Coyotes
Born
July 29th, 1998 28 years ago
An ice hockey player, drafted 7th overall by the Arizona Coyotes in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. Keller began his professional career in the 2017-18 NHL season. He played for the United States national junior team and participated in the IIHF World Junior Championships, contributing significantly to the team's performance. Keller has served as captain of the Coyotes, showcasing leadership on the ice.
Continue ReadingWilliam Powell
Actor in The Thin Man series
Born
July 29th, 1892 134 years ago
Died
March 5th, 1984 42 years ago — 91 years old
An American actor, renowned for a distinctive style in film and a sophisticated persona. Starred in the 'The Thin Man' series, portraying the character Nick Charles, which became a hallmark of his career. Also earned acclaim for performances in films like 'My Man Godfrey' and 'The Great Ziegfeld'. His career spanned over five decades, starting in the silent film era and transitioning to talkies, showcasing versatility in various genres. Received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for 'My Man Godfrey'.
Continue ReadingGerhard Armauer Hansen
Norwegian physician, discovered leprosy bacterium
Born
July 29th, 1841 185 years ago
Died
February 12th, 1912 114 years ago — 70 years old
A Norwegian physician conducted groundbreaking research on leprosy, leading to the identification of the Mycobacterium leprae bacterium in 1873. This discovery laid the foundation for understanding the disease and its transmission. Hansen's work was instrumental in challenging the misconceptions surrounding leprosy during the 19th century, contributing to improved medical responses and care for affected individuals. He published numerous scientific papers and was regarded for his meticulous methodology and dedication to his field.
Continue ReadingTheda Bara
Silent film actress and vamp archetype
Born
July 29th, 1885 141 years ago
Died
April 7th, 1955 71 years ago — 69 years old
An actress in the early years of cinema, gained fame during the silent film era for portraying seductive and glamorous characters. Achieved stardom through iconic roles in films such as 'A Fool There Was' and 'Cleopatra'. Became a cultural phenomenon, representing the archetype of the vampire femme fatale, captivating audiences with dramatic performances. After a successful career, transitioned out of the spotlight in the 1920s with the advent of sound in film. Continued to influence the portrayal of women in cinema until passing away in 1955.
Continue ReadingRupert Hamer
Australian politician and lawyer
Born
July 29th, 1916 110 years ago
Died
March 23rd, 2004 22 years ago — 87 years old
A soldier during World War II, contributed to Australia's legal and political landscape. Served as the 39th Premier of Victoria from 1972 to 1981, implementing significant reforms in education and health. Hamer also had a legal career, focusing on constitutional law and public policy after his tenure as Premier.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on July 29th
Martin Behaim
Navigator and geographer; created globe
Born
October 6th, 1459 566 years ago
Died
July 29th, 1507 519 years ago — 47 years old
A navigator and geographer in the late 15th century, contributed significantly to the mapping of the world. Created the Erdapfel, the oldest surviving terrestrial globe, which depicted the known world at the time. Worked in Portugal under patronage of King John II, facilitating navigation and exploration during the Age of Discovery. Helped illuminate geographical understanding through detailed documentation of various regions.
Continue ReadingRené Nicolas Charles Augustin de Maupeou
French Lord Chancellor and lawyer
Born
February 25th, 1714 312 years ago
Died
July 29th, 1792 234 years ago — 78 years old
Served as the Lord Chancellor of France during the reign of Louis XV. Played a significant role in the attempt to reform the French judicial system, focusing on reducing the power of the Parliaments and centralizing authority in the monarchy. His reforms faced opposition and ultimately led to his dismissal from office. Maupeou's tenure was marked by political intrigue and struggles for power within the French government. His career highlighted the tensions between the monarchy and the judiciary in 18th-century France.
Continue ReadingOffa of Mercia
King of Mercia, Offa's Dyke
Died
July 29th, 796 1230 years ago — None years old
Ruled Mercia from 757 to 796, establishing the kingdom as a dominant force in England. Offa strengthened the monarchy and engaged in diplomatic relations with neighboring kingdoms. Developed the famous Offa's Dyke, a significant earthwork marking the border with Wales. Initiated the silver penny currency system, influencing trade and economy.
Continue ReadingOlaf II of Norway
Norwegian King and Saint
Died
July 29th, 1030 996 years ago — None years old
Ascended to the Norwegian throne in 1015, implemented Christianity across Norway, and fought against paganism. Established a system of law and order while promoting trade and the development of towns. Died in the Battle of Stiklestad in 1030, regarded as a martyr for the Christian faith and later canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church.
Continue ReadingVean Gregg
American baseball player with Cleveland Indians
Born
April 13th, 1885 141 years ago
Died
July 29th, 1964 62 years ago — 79 years old
Played as a pitcher in Major League Baseball. Competed for the Cleveland Indians from 1911 to 1916. Recorded a total of 55 wins and 53 losses during his career. In 1913, achieved a personal best season with 20 wins. Played alongside renowned players of the era, contributing to the team's performance.
Continue ReadingErich Kästner
German author; Emil and the Detectives
Born
February 23rd, 1899 127 years ago
Died
July 29th, 1974 52 years ago — 75 years old
Born in 1899, this German author and poet gained fame for writing children's literature as well as satirical poetry. The work 'Emil and the Detectives' published in 1928, became one of the most beloved children's books in Germany. The narrative follows a young boy's adventures as he teams up with other children to capture a thief in Berlin. Kästner's writing often reflected his observations of society and politics, particularly during the tumultuous times of the Weimar Republic and the rise of Nazism. His works were notable for their blend of humor and social commentary. Despite the ban of many of his books by the Nazi regime, they continued to be published and celebrated post-World War II. Kästner also contributed to various literary forms, including screenplays and essays, and received multiple awards for his literary achievements throughout his career.
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