Clifton Fadiman

Game Show Host and Author

Clifton Fadiman - Performers & Entertainers born May 15th, 1904
Born
Died
Category

Performers & Entertainers

Country

United States

Links & References

An American game show host and author, engaged audiences with intellectual challenges and literary insights. Hosted the popular television quiz show 'Information, Please!' from 1938 to 1958, where contestants answered questions on a wide range of subjects. Wrote several books, including 'The Lifetime Reading Plan', guiding readers towards a comprehensive literary education. Established a reputation as a prominent figure in American media, and contributed to various publications, showcasing a passion for literature and knowledge.

Hosted 'Information, Please!'

Authored 'The Lifetime Reading Plan'

Other People Born on May 15th

Debendranath Tagore

Indian philosopher and author
Born
May 15th, 1817 208 years ago
Died
1905 120 years ago — 88 years old

A prominent philosopher and author, contributed extensively to the intellectual and spiritual landscape of 19th century India. Founded the Brahmo Samaj, a reformist religious and social movement that sought to promote monotheism and eradicate social evils such as caste discrimination. Actively wrote essays and literary works that explored themes of spirituality and humanism. Engaged with contemporary philosophical thought and was instrumental in the promotion of modern Indian literature.

Continue Reading

George Jeffreys

Welsh judge, Lord Chancellor of Great Britain
Born
May 15th, 1645 380 years ago
Died
April 18th, 1689 336 years ago — 43 years old

This individual served as a prominent judge and politician in 17th century Britain. Appointed as Lord Chancellor, played a significant role in the judicial system of England, overseeing notable trials including the Monmouth Rebellion. Known for a severe and controversial approach to law, the tenure and decisions influenced the perception of the British judicial system during that era. Also involved in politics, was a member of the House of Lords and had a notable impact on legislation concerning the courts.

Continue Reading

Lady Mary Wortley Montagu

English writer and advocate for smallpox inoculation
Born
May 15th, 1689 336 years ago
Died
August 21st, 1762 263 years ago — 73 years old

Born in 1689, a writer and poet highlighted the benefits of smallpox inoculation after witnessing the practice in the Ottoman Empire. Authored 'The Turkish Embassy Letters', which offered insights into life in Turkey. Contributed to literary discussions of the time and addressed issues of women's rights and education. Actively campaigned for the adoption of inoculation in England, influencing medical practices.

Continue Reading

Dimitris Plapoutas

Greek general and politician
Born
May 15th, 1786 239 years ago
Died
1864 161 years ago — 78 years old

Born in 1786, a prominent figure in the Greek War of Independence. Served as a general and made significant contributions to the military campaigns against Ottoman forces. Participated in the Battle of Navarino, a decisive naval engagement. Post-war, took on various political roles, influencing the shaping of the modern Greek state. His leadership and military strategies were crucial during the struggle for independence.

Continue Reading

Oskari Tokoi

Finnish socialist politician and leader
Born
May 15th, 1873 152 years ago
Died
April 4th, 1963 62 years ago — 89 years old

A socialist politician active in Finland, held the position of Chairman of the Senate of Finland during 1917. Played a significant role in the Finnish parliament and the labor movement. Contributed to the establishment of workers' rights and social welfare policies in Finland. Involved in the Finnish Civil War, aligning with the Red faction, which ultimately resulted in his exile following their defeat.

Continue Reading

Arthur Schnitzler

Austrian playwright and author recognized for "La Ronde"
Born
May 15th, 1862 163 years ago
Died
October 21st, 1931 94 years ago — 69 years old

An influential Austrian playwright and author, significant contributions to 20th-century literature were made through works that explored themes of sexuality, morality, and social dynamics. Schnitzler's most notable play, 'La Ronde,' presents a circular narrative that examines human relationships and erotic encounters among various social classes. Other prominent works include 'Fräulein Else' and 'The Road to the Sky,' which reflect the complexities of human emotions and societal norms. Besides his plays, Schnitzler wrote numerous short stories and novels, gaining a reputation for candid portrayals of intimacy and psychological depth. His use of stream-of-consciousness narrative influenced later writers and playwrights in the modernist movement.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on June 20th

Kurt Alder

German chemist, Nobel Prize laureate
Born
July 10th, 1902 123 years ago
Died
June 20th, 1958 67 years ago — 55 years old

A prominent chemist contributed significantly to the field of organic chemistry. Alder developed the Diels-Alder reaction, a vital tool in synthetic chemistry for constructing complex molecular structures. His work in this area revolutionized approaches to chemical synthesis and led to advancements in various industries, including pharmaceuticals. In 1950, awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry alongside Otto Hahn for contributions to the development of modern chemistry. Alder also served as a professor at multiple universities, guiding a generation of chemists.

Continue Reading

Prodigy

Rapper with Mobb Deep acclaim
Born
November 2nd, 1974 51 years ago
Died
June 20th, 2017 8 years ago — 42 years old

An American rapper and member of the hip-hop duo Mobb Deep. Achieved acclaim through the group's landmark album 'The Infamous' released in 1995. Mobb Deep gained prominence in the 1990s for their gritty lyrics and beats, becoming essential figures in the East Coast hip-hop scene. Contributed to the genre through collaborations with various artists and a solo career. Prodigy's distinctive voice and lyrical prowess influenced many emerging rappers.

Continue Reading

Miriam Schapiro

Painter and sculptor of feminist art
Born
1923 102 years ago
Died
June 20th, 2015 10 years ago — 92 years old

A Canadian-American artist contributed to the feminist art movement, utilizing techniques like fabric collage and assemblage. Schapiro co-founded the influential artist collective, the Womanhouse, which promoted women's roles in art. Utilization of domestic materials in works highlighted themes of femininity and identity. Contributions to the art world included teaching positions at institutions such as the University of California, Los Angeles, and the School of Visual Arts in New York. She engaged with various media, producing works that spanned painting, installation, and printmaking. Exhibited her works in major galleries and museums throughout her career.

Continue Reading

Angelo Niculescu

Football manager and player
Born
1921 104 years ago
Died
June 20th, 2015 10 years ago — 94 years old

Played as a forward and later became a football manager. Managed the Romanian national team, leading them during the 1970 FIFA World Cup. Coached several club teams, including Steaua București and FC Argeș Pitești, achieving domestic league success.

Continue Reading

Caleb Swanigan

Basketball player and NCAA standout
Born
1997 28 years ago
Died
June 20th, 2022 3 years ago — 25 years old

Played college basketball at Purdue University, leading the team to significant success during the 2016-2017 season and earning the Big Ten Player of the Year award. Selected 26th overall in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers, competed in the NBA for several seasons. Additionally, had a strong impact during his time at Purdue, showcasing notable skills both offensively and defensively. Faced various challenges throughout life, including health issues, before his passing in 2022.

Continue Reading

Jack Kilby

Engineer, Nobel Prize-winning inventor
Born
November 8th, 1923 102 years ago
Died
June 20th, 2005 20 years ago — 81 years old

An American physicist and engineer developed the first integrated circuit in 1958, which laid the groundwork for modern electronics. This innovation significantly advanced computing technology and contributed to the growth of the semiconductor industry. In 2000, received the Nobel Prize in Physics for his contributions to the invention of the integrated circuit. Collaborated with Texas Instruments during his career, further innovating in the fields of electronics and computing. Participated in various engineering projects and contributed to the development of handheld electronic devices.

Continue Reading