Clyde Vernon Cessna
Aircraft manufacturer and businessman
Established the Cessna Aircraft Corporation in 1927, significantly contributing to the advancement of general aviation. Cessna designed and built the first Cessna aircraft, the Cessna Model A, and later produced iconic aircraft models like the Cessna 172, widely regarded for its reliability and performance. Played a key role in promoting private flying and was instrumental in popularizing light aircraft in the United States.
Founded the Cessna Aircraft Corporation
Developed the Cessna 172 model
Other People Born on December 5th
James Hinchcliffe
IndyCar racing driver and competitor
Born
December 5th, 1986 39 years ago
A prominent figure in IndyCar racing, this Canadian driver achieved notable success in the series. Winning the 2016 Indy 500 pole position highlighted a career that included multiple podium finishes. After beginning his professional career in karting, participation in various racing series led to a full-time IndyCar contract. In 2015, while racing for the Schmidt Peterson Motorsports team, a serious accident during practice for the Indianapolis 500 resulted in life-threatening injuries. Following recovery, a return to racing was marked by continued competitive performances.
Continue ReadingJoanna Rowsell
Cyclist and Olympic gold medalist
Born
December 5th, 1988 37 years ago
Achievements in track cycling include winning multiple world championships and securing Olympic gold medals. Competed for Great Britain in the Team Pursuit event and set a world record. Won the World Track Cycling Championships in both individual and team events. Retired from competitive cycling in 2016, transitioning to a career in sports commentary and coaching.
Continue ReadingAndré-Pierre Gignac
Footballer and Tigres UANL star
Born
December 5th, 1985 40 years ago
A professional footballer specialized in forward play, contributing significantly to clubs in France and Mexico. Gignac began his career at Lorient before moving to Toulouse, where his goal-scoring prowess became evident. Later, he joined Marseille and recorded considerable achievements, including winning the Ligue 1 title. Subsequently, he transferred to Tigres UANL in Mexico, where he became a key player, helping the team secure several championships and earning the tournament's top scorer title.
Continue ReadingOndrej Duda
Slovak footballer and midfielder
Born
December 5th, 1994 31 years ago
A professional footballer, played as a midfielder. Career began at the youth level with Nitra before moving to the senior team, where standout performances in the top Slovak league led to a transfer to FC Copenhagen. Achieved further recognition in the German Bundesliga with Hertha BSC, contributing significantly during his time. International career includes representation for Slovakia in various tournaments, including UEFA Euro 2020.
Continue ReadingRoss Bagley
Actor in 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air'
Born
December 5th, 1988 37 years ago
An American actor recognized for early television roles, particularly in the sitcom 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' where played the character Nicky Banks. Also contributed to other productions and has made appearances in various television shows and films. Started acting career as a child and became a familiar face in the 1990s entertainment scene.
Continue ReadingIlja Antonov
Estonian footballer with FC Flora Tallinn
Born
December 5th, 1992 33 years ago
Profession as a footballer includes playing as a midfielder. Antonov started his senior career with FC Flora Tallinn, where significant contributions were made to win multiple league titles. He represented Estonia on the national team, participating in international competitions. Antonov's career progressed through various clubs, showing consistent performance in domestic leagues.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on November 20th
Francis William Aston
Nobel Prize-winning chemist and physicist
Born
September 1st, 1877 148 years ago
Died
November 20th, 1945 80 years ago — 68 years old
Contributed significantly to the field of chemistry and physics through the development of the mass spectrograph. This innovation allowed for precise measurements of atomic masses and the identification of isotopes, which advanced the understanding of chemical elements. Received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1922 for the invention of the mass spectrograph and the discovery of isotopes. Held various academic positions throughout his career and published numerous scientific papers, which furthered research in atomic structure and behavior.
Continue ReadingRobie Macauley
American editor and novelist
Born
May 31st, 1919 106 years ago
Died
November 20th, 1995 30 years ago — 76 years old
An American editor, novelist, and critic, contributed significantly to literature through editing and writing. Held various editorial positions, influencing many writers. Published several novels that explored themes of identity and dislocation. Also critiqued literary works, providing insights that enriched literary discourse.
Continue ReadingFrancesco Cilea
Italian composer, known for 'Adriana Lecouvreur'
Born
July 23rd, 1866 159 years ago
Died
November 20th, 1950 75 years ago — 84 years old
Active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this composer specialized in opera and academic instruction. Among several notable works, 'Adriana Lecouvreur' stands out as a significant contribution to the operatic repertoire. Work reflected the transition from the traditional romantic style to a more diverse musical expression. Held academic positions that influenced the next generation of composers and musicians, emphasizing the importance of both composition and performance. The legacy includes an enduring impact on Italian opera, especially through the themes depicted in works.
Continue ReadingTrofim Lysenko
Biologist known for Lysenkoism
Born
September 29th, 1898 127 years ago
Died
November 20th, 1976 49 years ago — 78 years old
Born in 1898, a biologist and agronomist achieved prominence in the Soviet Union through the promotion of Lysenkoism, which rejected Mendelian genetics in favor of a theory based on the inheritance of acquired characteristics. This approach aligned with Marxist ideology and gained favor within Soviet agricultural policies during the 1930s and 1940s. The individual's influence led to widespread adoption of practices that prioritized ideological conformity over scientific rigor, resulting in significant agricultural failures and setbacks in genetics research. Active in academia and government, this figure's legacy is marked by controversies surrounding the implications of applied Lysenkoist policies in the Soviet Union.
Continue ReadingChris Whitley
Singer-songwriter and guitarist
Born
August 31st, 1960 65 years ago
Died
November 20th, 2005 20 years ago — 45 years old
A prominent figure in the American music scene, this singer-songwriter and guitarist gained recognition for a unique blend of blues, rock, and a hint of country. Released several albums including 'Living with the Law', which showcased a distinctive sound characterized by slide guitar and poignant lyrics. Collaborated with various artists and explored different musical styles throughout his career, earning a dedicated following. Influenced by traditional American music forms, he often incorporated themes of life experiences and personal struggles into his work.
Continue ReadingWilliam Bliss Baker
American painter with landscape works
Born
November 27th, 1859 166 years ago
Died
November 20th, 1886 139 years ago — 26 years old
An American painter active in the late 19th century, recognized for contributions to landscape painting. His works often depicted serene natural scenes and reflected the influence of the Hudson River School. Baker's time spent in the Adirondacks inspired many of his works, showcasing the beauty of American wilderness. He exhibited extensively, gaining attention in art circles of the time and securing a place in the field of American art.
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