Desmond Hoyte
Guyanese politician and President
Served as the President of Guyana from 1985 to 1992 after holding various ministerial positions. Initially a member of the People's National Congress, took office following the death of the previous president. Implemented economic reforms and attempted to transition the country towards a free-market economy. Focused on improving international relations and fostering diplomatic ties with other nations. Played a significant role in the non-aligned movement and represented Guyana in several international forums.
Served as President of Guyana from 1985 to 1992
Led the People's National Congress
Other People Born on March 9th
Usman Garuba
Spanish basketball player, NBA player
Born
March 9th, 2002 23 years ago
A professional basketball player, played as a power forward. Began his professional career with Real Madrid, contributing to the team's success in multiple competitions. Entered the NBA in 2021 when selected by the Houston Rockets in the NBA Draft. Represented Spain in international competitions, including EuroBasket and the FIBA World Cup.
Continue ReadingDavid Weatherall
Physician and geneticist, pioneer in hemoglobin disorders
Born
March 9th, 1933 92 years ago
Died
December 8th, 2018 7 years ago — 85 years old
A prominent physician and geneticist, contributions centered on research into hemoglobin disorders, particularly thalassemia and sickle cell disease. Served as a professor at the University of Oxford, influencing the field of genetics and medicine. Contributed to the understanding of inherited blood disorders through both research and clinical work. Championed the study of genetics in health care, advocating for advancements in treatment and prevention strategies. Authored numerous publications and textbooks, which shaped the education of future generations in molecular medicine.
Continue ReadingCierra Ramirez
Actress and singer from 'The Fosters'
Born
March 9th, 1995 30 years ago
Born in 1995, this individual gained recognition for a prominent role in the television series 'The Fosters'. Alongside acting, musical pursuits were also undertaken, including the release of singles that showcased vocal talents. The combination of acting and music led to a distinct presence in the entertainment industry. Participation in various projects highlighted versatility and contributed to a growing fan base across platforms.
Continue ReadingOrnette Coleman
Innovative jazz saxophonist and composer
Born
March 9th, 1930 95 years ago
Died
June 11th, 2015 10 years ago — 85 years old
A pioneering figure in the jazz genre, this musician revolutionized the way jazz was perceived and played. Renowned for the development of free jazz, the approach to improvisation emphasized spontaneous performance without predetermined chord progressions. In 1959, released the influential album 'The Shape of Jazz to Come,' which challenged conventional jazz norms and introduced a new level of creative freedom. Collaborated with various artists and formed the group 'Ornette Coleman Quartet,' notable for their innovative sound and improvisational style. Received the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 1994 for the album 'Sound Grammar,' solidifying a significant position in American music history.
Continue ReadingVita Sackville-West
English author and poet, wrote 'Orlando'
Born
March 9th, 1892 133 years ago
Died
June 2nd, 1962 63 years ago — 70 years old
An English author, poet, and gardener. Became an influential figure in literature with the publication of the novel 'Orlando: A Biography' in 1928, which explored gender and identity through its innovative narrative. Contributed significantly to gardening literature through works including 'In Your Garden' and 'The Garden'. Played a prominent role in the Bloomsbury Group and had notable relationships with other literary figures. Actively involved in the creation of Sissinghurst Castle Garden, which became one of the most famous gardens in England.
Continue ReadingMickey Spillane
Crime Novelist with Mike Hammer Series
Born
March 9th, 1918 107 years ago
Died
May 13th, 1977 48 years ago — 59 years old
An American crime novelist published a series of hardboiled detective novels featuring the character Mike Hammer. The first novel, 'I, the Jury,' released in 1947, established a new standard in the genre with its visceral style and complex plots. Spillane's work gained immense popularity, selling millions of copies. His writing style combined graphic violence and a focus on moral ambiguity, appealing to a broad audience. The character of Mike Hammer became iconic in American fiction, influencing both literature and film. Spillane also ventured into screenwriting and created adaptations of his works for film and television, further cementing his legacy in the crime genre.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on December 22nd
Baha' al-Dawla
Buyid amir of Iraq
Died
December 22nd, 1012 1013 years ago — None years old
Baha' al-Dawla ruled as an amir of the Buyid dynasty in Iraq during the late 10th and early 11th centuries. He was influential in the administration and cultural development of Baghdad, supporting various scholars and artists. Under his rule, the Buyid dynasty maintained a significant degree of autonomy and power despite the overarching influence of the Abbasid Caliphate. His reign is often characterized by the promotion of Persian culture and efforts to stabilize the region amid political turmoil. Baha' al-Dawla's policies contributed to the flourishing of the arts and sciences in his territory.
Continue ReadingPaddy Ashdown
British politician and soldier
Born
February 27th, 1941 84 years ago
Died
December 22nd, 2018 7 years ago — 77 years old
Served as a British soldier in the Royal Marines and later became a prominent politician. Co-founded the Liberal Democrat party in 1988 and served as its first leader until 1999. Represented Yeovil in the House of Commons and played a significant role in the Northern Ireland peace process. Worked on various international assignments, including the role of High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Continue ReadingSimcha Rotem
last survivor of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising
Born
1924 101 years ago
Died
December 22nd, 2018 7 years ago — 94 years old
Participated in the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising during World War II. Fought against Nazi occupation and survived the brutal conflict. After the war, dedicated life to commemorating the events of the Holocaust and educating future generations about the atrocities. Engaged in various activities to preserve the memory of those who perished and the struggles of the Jewish people during this period.
Continue ReadingSamuel Beckett
Irish playwright and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
April 13th, 1906 119 years ago
Died
December 22nd, 1989 36 years ago — 83 years old
A prominent figure in modern literature, this individual achieved recognition for contributions to drama and fiction. Often associated with existential themes, works include the play 'Waiting for Godot' and the novel 'Molloy'. The writing style employed a minimalistic approach, significantly influencing the absurdist movement in theatre. The Nobel Prize in Literature was awarded in 1969, acknowledging creative and innovative literary output. Beyond plays, exploration of narrative forms in novels and poetry also marked a significant aspect of the individual's work.
Continue ReadingDwight L. Moody
Evangelist and founder of Moody Publishers
Born
February 5th, 1837 188 years ago
Died
December 22nd, 1899 126 years ago — 62 years old
An American evangelist and publisher, founded Moody Publishers, which played a significant role in distributing religious literature. Engaged in large-scale evangelistic campaigns, drew thousands to Christian faith through powerful sermons. Established the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, aimed at training students for pastoral and missionary work, contributing to religious education in the United States.
Continue ReadingMaximilien de Béthune
Duke of Sully and Prime Minister of France
Born
December 13th, 1560 465 years ago
Died
December 22nd, 1641 384 years ago — 81 years old
Born into nobility, held significant political influence in France. Served as the Duke of Sully and as the second Prime Minister under King Henry IV. Implemented financial reforms that improved the economy and established a centralized administration. Guided policies that aimed to promote peace and stabilize the kingdom after years of civil war. Strengthened the infrastructure, enhancing trade and agricultural production. Influenced the shaping of French policies during the early 17th century.
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