Dion Boucicault
Irish actor and playwright
An influential figure in 19th-century theater, contributed significantly to the development of modern melodrama. Wrote and produced several popular plays, including 'The Octoroon' and 'The Shaughraun'. Gained prominence for performances in both the United Kingdom and the United States. Also worked as a director and was involved in theatrical innovations of the time.
Wrote 'The Octoroon'
Wrote 'The Shaughraun'
Developed modern melodrama
Other People Born on December 26th
Mario Mendoza
Mexican baseball player and manager
Born
December 26th, 1950 74 years ago
Played in Major League Baseball from 1974 to 1982, primarily with the Seattle Mariners and the Chicago White Sox. Transitioned to managing in Mexican leagues after retirement from playing. Mendoza became recognized for his defensive skills and later inspired the term 'Mendoza Line' to describe a batting average that delineates a poor offensive performance.
Continue ReadingAhmed Barusso
Ghanaian footballer and midfielder
Born
December 26th, 1984 40 years ago
A professional footballer, played primarily as a midfielder. Transitioned through several clubs in Europe and Africa. Represented the Ghana national team at various levels, contributing to international tournaments. Played a significant role in club competitions, bringing experience from various leagues.
Continue ReadingJade Thirlwall
English singer and Little Mix member
Born
December 26th, 1992 32 years ago
Born in 1992, this individual rose to prominence as a member of the girl group Little Mix. The group formed on 'The X Factor' in 2011 and became the first group to win the competition. Little Mix achieved significant success in the pop music industry, known for their empowering lyrics and harmonies. The individual also pursued solo projects, contributing to various charitable causes and LGBTQ+ rights advocacy.
Continue ReadingYohan Blake
Jamaican sprinter with Olympic medals
Born
December 26th, 1989 35 years ago
Achieved global recognition as a sprinter specializing in the 100 meters and 200 meters events. Claimed a bronze medal in the 100 meters and a silver medal in the 200 meters at the 2012 London Olympics. Won the 100 meters title at the 2011 World Championships in Daegu, setting a personal record of 9.92 seconds. Has also been part of the Jamaican relay teams that have won gold medals in major international competitions.
Continue ReadingAaron Ramsey
Welsh footballer with Arsenal and Wales
Born
December 26th, 1990 34 years ago
Professional footballer played primarily as a midfielder. Began career at Cardiff City before moving to Arsenal in 2008. Contributed to Arsenal's FA Cup victories in 2014, 2015, and 2017. Represented the Welsh national team, playing a key role in their advancement to the semifinals of UEFA Euro 2016. Known for technical skills and goal-scoring ability.
Continue ReadingTrevor Siemian
American football quarterback for the NFL
Born
December 26th, 1991 33 years ago
Played college football at Northwestern University, where set several passing records. Entered the NFL in 2015, drafted by the Denver Broncos. Contributed to the Broncos' victory in Super Bowl 50 as a backup quarterback. Started multiple games during tenures with the Broncos, New York Jets, and New Orleans Saints, showcasing reliable performance as a quarterback.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on September 18th
Safranbolulu Izzet Mehmet Pasha
Ottoman politician and Grand Vizier
Born
1743 282 years ago
Died
September 18th, 1812 213 years ago — 69 years old
Served as the 186th Grand Vizier of the Ottoman Empire during the early 19th century. Oversaw various administrative and military reforms within the empire. Managed internal and external challenges facing the empire at the time. Played a significant role during a turbulent period marked by regional conflicts and the decline of the empire's influence.
Continue ReadingBalša II
Ruler of Zeta, last of the Balšić dynasty
Died
September 18th, 1385 640 years ago — None years old
Ruled as the leader of Zeta during the late 14th century. Assumed power in a time of regional conflict and political instability. Governed the state until death in 1385. His reign is notable for struggling against the expanding influence of neighboring powers. His leadership contributed to the autonomous existence of Zeta for a time, although ultimately faced challenges from larger sovereign entities.
Continue ReadingJolidee Matongo
Politician, 97th Mayor of Johannesburg
Born
1975 50 years ago
Died
September 18th, 2021 4 years ago — 46 years old
Served as the 97th Mayor of Johannesburg from 2021 until death in September 2021. Before becoming mayor, held positions within the African National Congress and local government structures, contributing to various community initiatives and governance reforms. Participated actively in addressing issues such as housing, urban development, and social services during tenure. Worked on enhancing the delivery of basic services to residents in Johannesburg. His term was marked by a commitment to improve living conditions in the city.
Continue ReadingBenjamin Kennicott
Theologian and biblical scholar
Born
April 4th, 1718 307 years ago
Died
September 18th, 1783 242 years ago — 65 years old
Born in England in 1718, a prominent theologian and biblical scholar dedicated to textual criticism. The meticulous examination of manuscripts and key biblical texts led to significant contributions in the field of theology. Served as a fellow at Exeter College, Oxford, where scholarly pursuits flourished. Engaged deeply with Hebrew studies and published critical works that highlighted textual variants in the Old Testament, establishing a foundation for future scholars in theology. His efforts in the development of biblical scholarship paved the way for greater understanding of biblical texts among academics and theologians.
Continue ReadingRuth Bader Ginsburg
U.S. Supreme Court Justice
Born
March 15th, 1933 92 years ago
Died
September 18th, 2020 5 years ago — 87 years old
Graduated from Columbia Law School and began a legal career focused on gender equality. Co-founded the Women’s Rights Project at the ACLU, arguing several groundbreaking cases that advanced women’s rights. Appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court in 1993, serving as a strong advocate for civil liberties and gender equality. Continued to influence legal discussions until her passing in 2020.
Continue ReadingHippolyte Fizeau
French physicist and academic
Born
September 23rd, 1819 206 years ago
Died
September 18th, 1896 129 years ago — 76 years old
Contributed significantly to the field of physics in the 19th century. Developed innovative methods for measuring the speed of light and proposed the Fizeau formula for calculating the speed of light in a medium. Conducted experiments that solidified the wave theory of light. Fizeau also served as a professor of physics and played a major role in the advancement of scientific education in France.
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