Denis Davydov
Russian general and poet
Born in 1784, a military officer and poet served in the Napoleonic Wars. Established a reputation as a skilled cavalry commander within the Russian army. Authored poems that celebrated patriotism and the spirit of the Russian people, often reflecting military experiences. Contributed to Russian literature and was associated with the Decembrists, influencing literary circles of the time. Passed away in 1839.
Served as a cavalry general in the Napoleonic Wars
Wrote poetry that emphasized Russian patriotism
Other People Born on July 27th
Kriti Sanon
Indian actress in Hindi cinema
Born
July 27th, 1990 35 years ago
Born in 1990, an actress gained recognition in the Hindi film industry. Made a significant debut in the film 'Heropanti' in 2014, receiving a Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut. Other prominent works include 'Raabta', 'Dilwale', and 'Luka Chupi'. Established a successful career with a range of commercial hits and collaborations with notable filmmakers. Continued to explore various genres and roles in the industry, showcasing versatility and talent.
Continue ReadingGary Gygax
Game Designer, Co-creator of Dungeons & Dragons
Born
July 27th, 1938 87 years ago
Died
March 4th, 2008 17 years ago — 69 years old
An influential game designer co-created the role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons in the early 1970s, which established a new genre in gaming. The game's mechanics and storytelling elements influenced subsequent role-playing games and other media. Gygax co-founded TSR, Inc., the company that published Dungeons & Dragons, and authored several game supplements and novels related to the franchise. Contributions to the gaming community and conventions promoted the growth of tabletop gaming.
Continue ReadingGeoffrey de Havilland
Pilot and engineer; designed Mosquito
Born
July 27th, 1882 143 years ago
Died
May 21st, 1965 60 years ago — 82 years old
An English pilot and engineer played a significant role in the development of military aircraft during World War II. Established the de Havilland Aircraft Company, which produced several notable aircraft designs. The most prominent of these was the de Havilland Mosquito, a twin-engine bomber known for its speed and versatility. Beyond military applications, contributions also extended into civil aviation with the design of the de Havilland Comet, the world's first commercial turbojet airliner. His engineering advancements greatly influenced aircraft performance and technology in aviation.
Continue ReadingErnst May
Architect and urban planner in Germany
Born
July 27th, 1886 139 years ago
Died
1970 56 years ago — 84 years old
Born in Germany, an architect and urban planner specialized in modernist architecture. Played a key role in urban planning during the Weimar Republic. Instrumental in the development of the Frankfurt Kitchen, which revolutionized kitchen design. Overseen numerous housing projects aimed at addressing the post-World War I housing crisis in Germany. Advocated for the principles of functionalism in architecture. His work during the 1920s significantly influenced residential building design in Germany.
Continue ReadingAlexandre Dumas fils
French novelist and playwright
Born
July 27th, 1824 201 years ago
Died
November 27th, 1895 130 years ago — 71 years old
Born in 1824, Dumas fils was a prominent French novelist and playwright, recognized for his literary contributions, particularly in the realm of drama. He gained acclaim with the play 'La Dame aux Camélias', which tells the poignant story of a tragic love affair between a courtesan and a young nobleman. This work inspired numerous adaptations, including Verdi's opera 'La Traviata'. Dumas fils also engaged in themes surrounding social issues, notably in his works that addressed the plight of women and morality.
Continue ReadingCharlotte Corday
French revolutionary figure and assassin
Born
July 27th, 1768 257 years ago
Died
July 17th, 1793 232 years ago — 24 years old
An assassin participated in the French Revolution, targeting Jean-Paul Marat. Corday believed that eliminating Marat would help restore peace to France during a time of intense political turmoil. Corday gained access to Marat under the pretense of delivering important information. Upon meeting him in his bath, she fatally stabbed him on July 13, 1793. Following her capture, she was tried and executed by guillotine just four days later. This act has been interpreted as a statement against the violent revolutionary fervor and has made Corday a historical figure in discussions about the revolution's moral complexities.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 4th
Rashidi Yekini
Nigerian footballer and national team star
Born
October 23rd, 1963 62 years ago
Died
May 4th, 2012 13 years ago — 48 years old
A prominent figure in Nigerian football, Yekini began his professional career in 1981 with Abiola Babes. His prowess on the field became evident when he joined Sporting Lisbon in 1994. Yekini gained international recognition during the 1994 FIFA World Cup, scoring Nigeria's first-ever goal in the tournament against Bulgaria. He also represented Nigeria in multiple African Cup of Nations tournaments, contributing significantly to the team's performance. He played a crucial role in Nigeria's victory in the 1994 African Cup of Nations, helping the team secure the championship title. Yekini's impactful career spanned over two decades, ending in 2001 after a successful stint in various clubs across Europe and Africa.
Continue ReadingFrank Stella
American painter and sculptor
Born
May 12th, 1936 89 years ago
Died
May 4th, 2024 1 years ago — 87 years old
Born in 1936, this artist is recognized for pioneering geometric abstraction. Early works feature shaped canvases and vibrant colors, contributing to the development of Minimalism and post-painterly abstraction. Major series include the 'Black Paintings', which utilized industrial materials and techniques. The artist also created significant sculptures that explore form and space, often engaging with architectural elements. Throughout his career, exhibitions have showcased the evolution of artistic expression and the relationship between painting and sculpture.
Continue ReadingEdgar Cortright
American scientist and engineer
Born
July 29th, 1923 102 years ago
Died
May 4th, 2014 11 years ago — 90 years old
Contributed to the development of various space programs and technologies. Played a significant role in NASA's Project Apollo, which successfully landed humans on the Moon. Also worked on the Skylab space station and the development of scientific instruments for satellite missions. Held a prominent position at the Goddard Space Flight Center, focusing on aerospace engineering and satellite technology.
Continue ReadingE. Nesbit
English author and children's writer
Born
August 15th, 1858 167 years ago
Died
May 4th, 1924 101 years ago — 65 years old
Became a significant figure in children's literature. Authored a variety of stories that captivated young readers. Major works include 'The Railway Children' and the 'Psammead' series. Pioneered the use of fantasy in children's stories, blending everyday life with magical elements. Contributed extensively to literary magazines and was active in social issues.
Continue ReadingElena Baltacha
Ukrainian-Scottish tennis player and coach
Born
August 14th, 1983 42 years ago
Died
May 4th, 2014 11 years ago — 30 years old
Born in 1983, this athlete competed in professional tennis, representing Great Britain. She achieved a career-high singles ranking of world No. 49. Throughout her career, numerous tournaments were contested, including Wimbledon and the US Open. Post-retirement, a focus shifted to coaching and promoting tennis among young players after battling illness. A foundation was established to support aspiring athletes.
Continue ReadingAdam Yauch
Rapper and director of Beastie Boys
Born
August 5th, 1964 61 years ago
Died
May 4th, 2012 13 years ago — 47 years old
A prominent figure in hip hop, contributed significantly to the genre as a member of the Beastie Boys. The group released seminal albums including 'Licensed to Ill' and 'Paul's Boutique'. Yauch directed several of their music videos and established a film production company. In 1994, founded the Tibetan Freedom Concert, raising awareness and funds for Tibetan independence. Battled cancer for several years, having a profound influence on music and activism before passing in 2012.
Continue Reading