Daniel Webster
American lawyer and politician
Born in 1782, this individual served as a prominent lawyer and politician in the United States. Holding the position of the 14th Secretary of State, he played a significant role in shaping policies during critical periods. He was instrumental in the negotiation of important treaties and represented his state in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate. His oratory skills gained recognition, making him a leading figure in the Whig Party.
Served as 14th United States Secretary of State
Delivered the famous 'Seventh of March' speech
Other People Born on January 18th
Khari Stephenson
Jamaican footballer, MLS player
Born
January 18th, 1981 45 years ago
A Jamaican footballer, recognized for contributions to the sport during a career that spanned over a decade. Primarily played as a midfielder. Started professional career with Harbour View FC before moving to the United States to compete in Major League Soccer. Played for teams including the San Jose Earthquakes, Real Salt Lake, and the Sporting Kansas City. Also represented the Jamaican national team.
Continue ReadingRubén Darío
Nicaraguan poet and modernist writer
Born
January 18th, 1867 159 years ago
Died
February 6th, 1916 110 years ago — 49 years old
Born in Nicaragua, a significant poet, journalist, and diplomat contributed to the development of modernist poetry in the Spanish language. Primarily recognized for the collection of poems titled 'Azul', which revolutionized poetic expression in Latin America. Worked as a journalist in various publications, addressing social and political issues of the time. Held diplomatic positions that included serving as the Nicaraguan consul in Argentina. His literary works emphasized beauty and sensuality, influencing subsequent generations of writers.
Continue ReadingChristian Burns
Singer-songwriter with solo albums
Born
January 18th, 1974 52 years ago
A singer-songwriter, original music career began in the late 1990s with the band BBMak. After the band's disbandment, transitioned to a solo career, releasing several albums and collaborating with various artists in the music industry. Gained recognition for blending pop and electronic styles, contributing to the evolution of contemporary pop music. Worked with renowned producers and musicians, showcasing versatility across genres. In addition to a successful solo career, continued to perform as part of different musical projects.
Continue ReadingGianfranco Brancatelli
Race car driver, known for endurance racing
Born
January 18th, 1950 76 years ago
This individual was an accomplished race car driver from Italy. He competed in various endurance racing events during the late 20th century. Secured multiple wins in the FIA World Endurance Championship and had notable participation in events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans. His career in motorsport spanned several decades, contributing to the development of racing in Italy and achieving recognition within the sport.
Continue ReadingSeung-Hui Cho
Mass murderer responsible for Virginia Tech shooting
Born
January 18th, 1984 42 years ago
Died
2007 19 years ago — 23 years old
Born in South Korea, committed a mass shooting at Virginia Tech on April 16, 2007, which resulted in 32 deaths and injuries to many others. The incident is remembered as one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history. Cho was a student at Virginia Tech prior to the shooting and had exhibited signs of mental health issues in the years leading up to the event. He wrote and directed a series of disturbing plays that reflected his troubled state of mind. Cho's actions spurred discussions about gun control and mental health resources in educational institutions.
Continue ReadingAlexander Van der Bellen
President of Austria
Born
January 18th, 1944 82 years ago
Elected as President in 2016, held the position as the first Green Party member in this role. Prior to serving as President, held the position of the Mayor of Vienna and served as a member of the National Council. Played a significant role in Austrian politics, particularly in addressing the challenges posed by migration and European Union policies.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on October 24th
Carl Ruggles
Composer and painter noted for orchestral work
Born
March 11th, 1876 149 years ago
Died
October 24th, 1971 54 years ago — 95 years old
Born in 1876, contributed extensively to American music and art. Ruggles studied at several institutions and developed a unique compositional style characterized by complex rhythms and harmonies. His works include orchestral pieces, chamber music, and piano compositions. Additionally, he pursued painting, showcasing his works in various exhibitions. Ruggles remained active in the arts community until his later years, influencing contemporary composers and artists.
Continue ReadingDon Messick
Voice actor known for cartoon characters
Born
September 7th, 1926 99 years ago
Died
October 24th, 1997 28 years ago — 71 years old
A voice actor provided voices for various animated characters and commercials. Gained significant recognition for voicing Scooby-Doo in the series 'Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!' and other spin-offs. Also voiced characters in 'The Jetsons' and 'Popeye', contributing to the development of iconic cartoon personalities. Worked extensively in radio before transitioning to animation, continuing to lend his distinctive voice to numerous characters throughout his career.
Continue ReadingRichard Hofstadter
Historian and author of 'Anti-Intellectualism'
Born
August 6th, 1916 109 years ago
Died
October 24th, 1970 55 years ago — 54 years old
A prominent American historian and academic, this individual contributed significantly to the field of American studies. Through rigorous scholarship, analyzed the complexities of American thought, politics, and culture. Played a fundamental role in expanding the understanding of anti-intellectualism in American life, particularly in the mid-20th century. Also produced influential works on political history and the social undercurrents shaping political movements. Served as a professor at Columbia University, shaping generations of students with critical historical insights.
Continue ReadingJaromil Jireš
Czech director and screenwriter
Born
December 10th, 1935 90 years ago
Died
October 24th, 2001 24 years ago — 65 years old
A prominent Czech director and screenwriter, contributed significantly to the Czech New Wave cinema. Directed the film 'Valerie and Her Week of Wonders' in 1970, which became a hallmark of surrealist storytelling and is often cited in discussions of 20th-century cinema. Collaborated with various producers and artists to create a body of work that reflected the complexities of human experience and social issues during a turbulent period in Czechoslovakia's history. His works often blended fantasy and reality, offering unique storytelling techniques that have been analyzed and celebrated in film studies.
Continue ReadingFranz Lehár
Hungarian composer of operettas
Born
April 30th, 1870 155 years ago
Died
October 24th, 1948 77 years ago — 78 years old
Born in Hungary, a prominent composer of operettas emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This artist's works, characterized by their captivating melodies and engaging plots, significantly shaped the genre. The most notable composition includes 'The Merry Widow', which premiered in 1905 and contributed to the global popularity of operetta. Influenced by the Viennese musical style, compositions blended romance with humor, appealing to diverse audiences. The success of various operettas led to a lasting legacy in the world of musical theater.
Continue ReadingJán Chryzostom Korec
Slovak cardinal in the Catholic Church
Born
January 22nd, 1924 102 years ago
Died
October 24th, 2015 10 years ago — 91 years old
Ordained as a priest in 1949, served in various capacities within the Catholic Church in Slovakia. During the communist regime, faced persecution for religious beliefs and was imprisoned for his faith. Appointed bishop of Nitra in 1965, became a cardinal in 1991. Actively participated in the work of the Slovak Episcopal Conference, contributing to church leadership and addressing the challenges faced by the Church in a post-communist society. Advocated for religious freedom and supported the restoration of the church’s role in Slovak society after the fall of communism.
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