Christian de Castries
French General during Indochina War
A French general served during the Indochina War, commanding forces in pivotal battles. Led troops at the Battle of Dien Bien Phu, which marked a significant turning point in the conflict. Engaged in military strategy and operations in Southeast Asia throughout the war, impacting French colonial efforts.
Commanded French forces at Dien Bien Phu
Contributed to military operations in Indochina
Other People Born on August 11th
Sophie Okonedo
British actress with Oscar nomination
Born
August 11th, 1968 57 years ago
An acclaimed actress gained recognition for performances in film and television. Notable roles include a significant performance in the film 'Hotel Rwanda', which earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Achieved critical acclaim for her work in the BBC series 'Criminal Justice' and appeared in the miniseries 'The Hollow Crown'. Her extensive career includes collaborations with theater companies, showcasing talent in stage productions as well.
Continue ReadingGregoria Mariska Tunjung
Indonesian badminton player, 2018 Asian Games medalist
Born
August 11th, 1999 26 years ago
An accomplished badminton player, highlighted in singles events. Competed at various international tournaments, showcasing talent and skill on the court. Achieved a significant milestone by winning a bronze medal in women's singles at the 2018 Asian Games held in Jakarta. Ranked among the top players in national circuits, contributing to Indonesia's legacy in badminton through consistent performances.
Continue ReadingLouise Bogan
Poet and literary critic with notable works
Born
August 11th, 1897 128 years ago
Died
February 4th, 1970 55 years ago — 72 years old
A prominent figure in American poetry and criticism, Bogan published several collections of poetry throughout her career. Significant works include 'Body of This Death' and 'The Last Layer'. As a critic, she contributed to various literary journals, offering insights into contemporary literature. Bogan also served as the poetry editor for The New Yorker for many years, shaping the publication's literary voice during her tenure. She received the prestigious Bollingen Prize in Poetry, recognizing her contributions to the field.
Continue ReadingSong I-han
South Korean singer with viral hits
Born
August 11th, 1994 31 years ago
Born in 1994, this South Korean singer gained significant attention with a unique vocal style and captivating performances. Initial rise to fame occurred through participation in popular music competitions, leading to a successful music career. Achieved widespread recognition in the K-pop industry, garnering a large fan base both domestically and internationally. Known for releasing multiple hit singles and albums, showcasing versatility in music genres. Established a reputation for engaging live performances and meaningful lyrics.
Continue ReadingGianluca Pessotto
Italian footballer and Juventus defender
Born
August 11th, 1970 55 years ago
Played professional football primarily as a left-back. Spent most of his career at Juventus, contributing to the team's successes in domestic and international competitions. Was part of the squad that won several Serie A titles and the UEFA Champions League in 1996. Represented the Italian national team, earning significant caps and participating in major tournaments during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Continue ReadingMassimiliano Allegri
Football manager and former player
Born
August 11th, 1967 58 years ago
Managed several clubs in Italian football, achieving notable success. As a player, participated as a midfielder in Serie A, mainly with Pescara and later with teams such as Cagliari and the national team at various levels. Transitioned to management, leading AC Milan to a Serie A title in 2011. Later managed Juventus, securing multiple Serie A championships and reaching the UEFA Champions League final twice in consecutive years from 2015 to 2017.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on July 29th
Thomas Dick
Scottish minister and educational writer
Born
November 24th, 1774 251 years ago
Died
July 29th, 1857 168 years ago — 82 years old
A Scottish minister and educator contributed significantly to literature and education during the 19th century. Engaged in writing extensively on astronomy and its relation to religion, produced influential works that popularized scientific ideas among the general public. Emphasized the importance of moral education and the fusion of scientific inquiry with religious belief. Authored many books aimed at improving educational methods and promoting learning across various disciplines. Played a pivotal role in establishing libraries and educational societies to encourage access to knowledge.
Continue ReadingWilliam Wilberforce
Philanthropist and abolitionist
Born
August 24th, 1759 266 years ago
Died
July 29th, 1833 192 years ago — 73 years old
A prominent English politician and philanthropist, dedicated efforts focused on the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade. Elected to Parliament in 1780, campaigned for social reform, including animal welfare and education for the poor. Instrumental in the formation of the Society for Effecting the Abolition of the Slave Trade, which presented numerous petitions to Parliament. In 1807, legislation passed that prohibited the slave trade within the British Empire, a significant milestone in global human rights.
Continue ReadingAugust Kowalczyk
Polish actor and theater director
Born
August 15th, 1921 104 years ago
Died
July 29th, 2012 13 years ago — 90 years old
Born in 1921, a prominent Polish actor and theater director, influenced Polish theater through various performances and directional works. Engaged in both classic and contemporary pieces, contributed significantly to the artistic community in Poland. Worked extensively with renowned theater companies and was involved in film adaptations that showcased Polish literature. Recognized for contributions to the cultural landscape of Poland, emphasizing the importance of theater and performance arts.
Continue ReadingJerome Robbins
Choreographer of West Side Story
Born
October 11th, 1918 107 years ago
Died
July 29th, 1998 27 years ago — 79 years old
A prominent American director, producer, and choreographer, contributed significantly to musical theater and ballet. Created iconic works including the choreography for "West Side Story" and directed productions such as "Fiddler on the Roof." Collaborated with the New York City Ballet and served as an artistic director for the company, influencing contemporary dance techniques. Burnished a reputation for innovative storytelling through dance, combining classical and modern styles to create engaging performances.
Continue ReadingChris Marker
French filmmaker and multimedia artist
Born
July 29th, 1921 104 years ago
Died
July 29th, 2012 13 years ago — 91 years old
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.
Continue ReadingGaspard de Prony
Mathematician and engineer of France
Born
July 22nd, 1755 270 years ago
Died
July 29th, 1839 186 years ago — 84 years old
A prominent French mathematician and engineer, contributions included advancements in numerical methods and engineering. Developed a system for calculating logarithms that became widely used. Devised improvements in surveying techniques and was involved in the construction of the 1806 Paris meridian arc. Held the position of director of the new school of bridges and roads, greatly influencing engineering education in France.
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