Colin Dexter
English author of detective fiction

Born
September 29th, 1930
94 years ago
Died
March 21st, 2017
8 years ago — 86 years old
Category
Artists & Creatives
Country
United Kingdom
Links & References
An English author wrote a series of detective novels featuring the character Inspector Morse. The series was adapted into a successful television show that aired from 1987 to 2000. Dexter's literary career began in the 1970s, with the first Morse novel, 'Last Bus to Woodstock', published in 1975. The character was distinguished by his intellect and love for classical music, making the stories unique in the genre. Dexter received multiple awards for his writing, including the prestigious Cartier Diamond Dagger award for lifetime achievement in crime writing.
Created the Inspector Morse series
Authored 'Last Bus to Woodstock'
Received the Cartier Diamond Dagger
Other People Born on September 29th
Jean-Luc Ponty
A prominent violinist and composer, contributed significantly to the jazz fusion genre. Early training included classical music, evolving into a unique style blending jazz and electronic music. Collaborated with artists such as Frank Zappa and the Mahavishnu Orchestra, influencing the development of jazz-rock. Released numerous albums, including 'Enigmatic Ocean' and 'Imaginary Voyage', showcasing innovative improvisation and complex compositions. Participated in various international tours, gaining recognition worldwide.
Continue ReadingCharles Court
Served as the 21st Premier of Western Australia from 1974 to 1982. Held various ministerial positions including Minister for Works and Minister for Housing. Worked to promote economic development and infrastructure improvements during the premiership. Expanded Western Australia's role in the resources sector, fostering growth in mining and industry.
Continue ReadingNatasha Gregson Wagner
Born on September 29, 1970, an American actress and producer, contributed to film and television over multiple decades. Roles include significant appearances in 'The Last Place on Earth,' 'High Fidelity,' and 'Lost Highway.' Work spans both independent films and mainstream cinema. Collaborated with a variety of directors and participated in various projects, including production work, showcasing a commitment to storytelling both in front of and behind the camera.
Continue ReadingKōichirō Matsuura
A prominent diplomat served as the Director-General of UNESCO from 1999 to 2009. Focused on promoting education, science, and culture on a global scale. Prior to leading UNESCO, held various positions within the Japanese government including Deputy Foreign Minister and Ambassador to France. Advocated for cultural exchanges and cooperation among nations during tenure.
Continue ReadingAnita Ekberg
Born in Sweden, a transition to Italy led to a successful career in film and modeling. Gained international recognition for a role in Federico Fellini's classic film La Dolce Vita, where a memorable scene featured her in the Trevi Fountain. Acted in various Italian and international productions throughout the 1950s and 1960s, often portraying glamorous characters. Continued to appear in films and television until the early 2000s, maintaining a presence in the industry that spanned decades.
Continue ReadingClarence Ashley
A prominent figure in American folk music, contributions spanned the realms of singing, guitar playing, and banjo performance. In the 1920s, recorded a series of influential songs that showcased traditional Appalachian music, helping to preserve the genre for future generations. His work influenced subsequent folk musicians and continued to inspire throughout the 20th century. Associated with the revival of interest in American folk traditions, played a key role in the mid-20th-century folk music movement, collaborating with notable musicians and participating in gatherings that celebrated folk culture.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on March 21st
Annibale de Gasparis
An astronomer from Italy, recognized for the discovery of multiple comets during the 19th century. Active in the field of astronomy throughout his life, contributions included work on celestial mechanics and planetary studies. Served as director of the Observatory of Capodimonte in Naples, where significant research on asteroids and comets was conducted. His calculations and observational techniques advanced the understanding of celestial bodies in the era.
Continue ReadingThomas Cranmer
An English archbishop and theologian, played a significant role in the English Reformation. As the Archbishop of Canterbury from 1533 to 1556, contributed to the development of the Church of England. Authored the Book of Common Prayer, which became a foundational text for Anglican worship. Conducted the marriage of King Henry VIII to Anne Boleyn, a pivotal moment in English ecclesiastical history. Captured during the Marian persecution, faced execution for heresy in 1556 after refusing to retract his Protestant beliefs.
Continue ReadingMichael Redgrave
Played leading roles in theater and film from the 1930s to the 1970s. Directed several theatrical productions and made significant contributions to the British stage. In film, appeared in classics such as 'The Lady Vanishes' and 'The Browning Version'. Received critical acclaim for performances and directed the film 'The Seagull'.
Continue ReadingWillis Reed
A prominent basketball player achieved success with the New York Knicks in the National Basketball Association. Played as a center and was a standout player during the 1960s and 1970s. Led the Knicks to two NBA championships in 1970 and 1973. Received the NBA Most Valuable Player Award in 1970, recognized for outstanding performance during the regular season. Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1982, cementing a legacy as one of the greats in the sport.
Continue ReadingChuck Barris
An influential game show host and producer, this individual created several popular television shows, shaping the landscape of American entertainment. The Gong Show, which premiered in 1976, showcased amateur talent and became a cultural phenomenon. This figure also developed The Dating Game and The Newlywed Game, both of which contributed to the rise of celebrity culture and reality television. Throughout a prolific career in the television industry, this person had a unique approach to producing shows that entertained millions and pushed the boundaries of traditional game shows.
Continue ReadingJohn Law
A Scottish-French economist and politician, served as the Controller-General of Finances under the regency of Philippe II, Duke of Orléans. Developed a monetary and banking system that sought to stimulate the French economy through paper currency and credit expansion. His ideas contributed to the establishment of the Banque Générale and the Mississippi Company, which aimed to exploit the resources of French Louisiana. Law's financial schemes led to significant economic changes in France during the early 18th century and were instrumental in the emergence of modern banking systems.
Continue Reading