Clara Bow
American actress and film star
An actress gained recognition during the silent film era and became an iconic figure of the Roaring Twenties. Rose to prominence for performances in films such as 'It', which established the 'It girl' image. Achieved significant popularity for her roles in romantic comedies and dramas, including 'Wings', which won the first Academy Award for Best Picture. Transitioned successfully to sound films, maintaining a successful career until her retirement in the early 1930s.
Starred in 'It', establishing the 'It girl' image
Appeared in 'Wings', the first Academy Award winner for Best Picture
Transitioned to sound films in the early 1930s
Other People Born on July 29th
Shin Se-kyung
South Korean actress and model
Born
July 29th, 1990 35 years ago
Born in 1990, this individual began a career in the entertainment industry as a child model and earned recognition as an actress in South Korean dramas and films. Major roles include performances in the television series 'Tree of Heaven' and 'The Bride of Habaek', alongside the movie 'Humming'. In addition to acting, a music career was also pursued, contributing to soundtracks for series. This individual continues to be active in the entertainment industry.
Continue ReadingGrit Šadeiko
Estonian heptathlete and athlete
Born
July 29th, 1989 36 years ago
Esteemed heptathlete achieved notable success in track and field events. Competed for Estonia in various international competitions, showcasing versatility in multiple disciplines. Represented the country at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Improved personal bests and secured medals in numerous events across the European Athletics Championships and other prestigious meets.
Continue ReadingDak Prescott
American football quarterback
Born
July 29th, 1993 32 years ago
Played as a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL) for the Dallas Cowboys. Entered the NFL in 2016 and quickly gained recognition for performances during the regular season. Led the Cowboys to multiple playoff appearances and achieved significant passing records. Played collegiate football at Mississippi State University, where he set several school records and was acknowledged as a prominent player in college football.
Continue ReadingNicole Melichar
Tennis player; French Open doubles finalist
Born
July 29th, 1993 32 years ago
A professional tennis player with a strong doubles career, achieved significant success on the Women's Tennis Association circuit. Competed in numerous Grand Slam tournaments, reaching the doubles final at the French Open in 2021. Partnered with various players throughout the career, showcasing a consistent performance in doubles events. Earned titles on both the WTA and ITF tours, establishing a reputation for strategic gameplay and effective teamwork.
Continue ReadingWilliam Powell
Actor in The Thin Man series
Born
July 29th, 1892 133 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 ReadingMirjam Björklund
Tennis player with Grand Slam aspirations
Born
July 29th, 1998 27 years ago
Competed on the professional tennis circuit and achieved a career-high singles ranking within the top 100. Participated in multiple Grand Slam tournaments, showcasing talent on international stages. Achieved significant success in junior competitions, laying the foundation for a professional career in tennis.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on September 27th
Mary Lee Settle
American novelist and memoirist
Born
July 29th, 1918 107 years ago
Died
September 27th, 2005 20 years ago — 87 years old
Born in 1918, this author gained recognition for contributions to American literature through novels, essays, and memoirs. A significant aspect of her work involved exploring themes of identity and heritage, particularly in relation to her own Appalachian roots. The author published several acclaimed novels throughout her career, with 'Bloodroot' and 'O Beulah Land' receiving particular attention for their rich narrative style and exploration of personal and cultural histories. In addition to fiction, she wrote essays and memoirs that further reflected her literary voice and connection to her homeland. The author also played a role in supporting and promoting writing and literature, influencing younger generations of writers.
Continue ReadingBraxton Bragg
American Civil War general.
Born
March 22nd, 1817 209 years ago
Died
September 27th, 1876 149 years ago — 59 years old
Served as a Confederate general during the American Civil War. Played a significant role in key battles, including the Battle of Chickamauga and the Battle of Chattanooga. Held the position of General and was in command of the Army of Tennessee. Contributed to military strategies and tactics throughout the war. After the war, Bragg held various military roles and served as a supervisor of the Louisiana State Penitentiary.
Continue ReadingPietro Ingrao
Italian journalist and communist leader
Born
March 30th, 1915 111 years ago
Died
September 27th, 2015 10 years ago — 100 years old
Born in 1915, a prominent figure in Italian politics and journalism, focused on leftist ideologies. Ingrao served as a member of the Italian Communist Party and later the Democratic Party of the Left. He was a key voice during the 1960s and 1970s, advocating for workers' rights and social justice. His work as a journalist included contributions to publications like 'L'Unità'. Ingrao held various political positions, including serving in the Italian Chamber of Deputies. He retired from active politics in the late 1990s, continuing to write and contribute to political discourse.
Continue ReadingMarty Balin
Singer-songwriter and guitarist of Jefferson Airplane
Born
January 30th, 1942 84 years ago
Died
September 27th, 2018 7 years ago — 76 years old
A prominent figure in the counterculture music scene, contributed to the formation of the band Jefferson Airplane in 1965. The band became a defining act of the psychedelic rock era, achieving significant commercial success. Balin's songwriting and vocal contributions were central to the band's sound, especially in hits like "Somebody to Love" and "White Rabbit." He left the group in 1971 but remained involved in music, forming the band Jefferson Starship, which also gained popularity in the late 1970s and 1980s. His work extended beyond music into other artistic endeavors, including painting and poetry, reflecting a lifelong engagement with creative expression.
Continue ReadingBernard Courtois
Chemist who discovered iodine
Born
February 12th, 1777 249 years ago
Died
September 27th, 1838 187 years ago — 61 years old
A chemist and academic made significant contributions to chemistry during the early 19th century. In 1811, discovered iodine while extracting substances from seaweed. This discovery was pivotal in the advancement of chemical education and practice. Also engaged in various academic pursuits, contributing to the understanding of chemical compounds and their uses in industry and medicine.
Continue ReadingDoak Walker
American football player, Heisman Trophy winner
Born
January 1st, 1927 99 years ago
Died
September 27th, 1998 27 years ago — 71 years old
A prominent figure in American football, this player excelled as a halfback for Southern Methodist University (SMU) from 1945 to 1949. During collegiate play, secured the prestigious Heisman Trophy in 1948. After college, played for the Detroit Lions in the NFL from 1950 to 1955, contributing significantly to the team's success. In 1953, led the Lions to their first NFL Championship title since 1957. Beyond football, ventured into business after retirement, becoming involved in various enterprises.
Continue Reading