Dizzy Dean
Baseball player and sportscaster
Played as a pitcher in Major League Baseball, primarily for the St. Louis Cardinals. Achieved significant success in the 1930s, earning the National League Most Valuable Player Award in 1934. Known for his distinctive personality and entertaining style, transitioned to a career in broadcasting after retiring from professional baseball.
Won the 1934 National League MVP Award
Pitched for the St. Louis Cardinals
Selected to the All-Star team multiple times
Other People Born on January 16th
Zhou Zuoren
Chinese author and translator of essays
Born
January 16th, 1885 141 years ago
Died
May 6th, 1967 58 years ago — 82 years old
An influential figure in modern Chinese literature, contributed to the introduction of Western literary concepts. Served as a cultural mediator between China and the West during the early 20th century. Published a variety of essays and translations, primarily focusing on Western philosophical and literary works. Engaged with the May Fourth Movement, emphasizing the importance of vernacular literature. His literary work often explored themes of individualism and modernity.
Continue ReadingGreedy Smith
Singer-songwriter and keyboardist for Mental As Anything
Born
January 16th, 1956 70 years ago
Died
2019 7 years ago — 63 years old
A musician and songwriter from Australia, contributed significantly to the rock and pop music scene. Co-founded the band Mental As Anything in 1976, which became popular in the late 1970s and 1980s. The group was known for its catchy tunes and energetic performances. Alongside playing the keyboard and providing vocals, crafted several songs that achieved commercial success. The band was a prominent part of Australia’s music scene, especially noted for the hit 'Live It Up'. Greedy Smith's contributions to music extended beyond performing, as involvement in songwriting played a crucial role in the band’s distinctive sound.
Continue ReadingNicklas Bendtner
Danish footballer and striker for Arsenal
Born
January 16th, 1988 38 years ago
A professional footballer from Denmark, began career at Ajax before moving to Arsenal in 2006. Played as a striker, gaining recognition for performances in the Premier League and international matches. Served as a key player for the Danish national team, participating in UEFA Euro tournaments and earning over 30 caps. Later, played for various clubs including Juventus and VfL Wolfsburg, contributing to team successes across different leagues.
Continue ReadingNiccolò Piccinni
Italian composer of opera and music
Born
January 16th, 1728 298 years ago
Died
May 7th, 1800 225 years ago — 72 years old
An influential composer and educator, played a central role in the development of opera in the late 18th century. Operas such as 'La buona figliuola' and 'Nina, o sia la pazza per amore' showcased innovative musical techniques and emotional depth, contributing to the evolution of the genre. Worked in both France and Italy, where contributions to the development of comic opera and collaboration with prominent librettists marked a significant part of the career. Served as director of the Conservatoire de Musique in Paris, influencing the education of future musicians.
Continue ReadingFuad II
King of Egypt
Born
January 16th, 1952 74 years ago
Ascended to the throne as a child after the 1952 revolution that resulted in the abolition of the monarchy in Egypt. Lived in exile in various countries following the revolution, spending significant periods in the United States and France. Fuad II served as a ceremonial figure for the monarchy during his life in exile, but had no formal political role. In the years following the revolution, discussions about the monarchy and its possible restoration occurred in Egyptian political circles, although no substantial movement towards this has taken place.
Continue ReadingJohn Carpenter
Film director known for horror classics
Born
January 16th, 1948 78 years ago
An American director, producer, screenwriter, and composer, contributed significantly to the horror genre. Began directing in the 1970s, rising to prominence with the release of 'Halloween' in 1978, which established many conventions of slasher films. Developed a distinctive filmmaking style characterized by synthesizer-driven scores and suspenseful storytelling. Other notable works include 'The Thing', 'Escape from New York', and 'They Live'. Blended elements of horror, science fiction, and action to create memorable cinematic experiences. Influenced numerous filmmakers and remains an iconic figure in the horror genre.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on July 17th
Katharine Graham
American publisher and Washington Post leader
Born
June 16th, 1917 108 years ago
Died
July 17th, 2001 24 years ago — 84 years old
Published the Washington Post from 1963 to 1991. Under leadership, the newspaper covered the Watergate scandal, leading to significant political changes in the United States. Graham became the first woman to head a Fortune 500 company. After inheriting the Post from her husband, she transformed it into a leading national news organization. She also played a crucial role in expanding the company's media presence and diversified its holdings.
Continue ReadingBoris Delaunay
Mathematician known for Delaunay triangulation
Born
1890 136 years ago
Died
July 17th, 1980 45 years ago — 90 years old
Contributed significantly to mathematics, particularly in topology and computational geometry. Developed the Delaunay triangulation, a fundamental structure in geometry that maximizes the minimum angle of triangles. Published works on the properties of polyhedra and Voronoi diagrams. Held a professorship and contributed to the education of future mathematicians.
Continue ReadingCheng Pei-pei
Chinese actress in classic films
Born
1946 80 years ago
Died
July 17th, 2024 1 years ago — 78 years old
A prominent actress in Hong Kong cinema, gained recognition through performances in classic martial arts films. Starred in 'Come Drink with Me' and 'The Lady Hermit', pivotal works in the genre. Contributed significantly to the rise of the female warrior archetype in films during the 1960s and 70s. In later years, participated in stage productions and continued to influence the film industry.
Continue ReadingBernice Johnson Reagon
American singer-songwriter and activist
Born
October 4th, 1942 83 years ago
Died
July 17th, 2024 1 years ago — 81 years old
A significant figure in American music and social justice, contributed to the civil rights movement through song and leadership. Founder of the vocal group Sweet Honey in the Rock, which became a prominent ensemble performing African American spirituals and contemporary music. Worked with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) during the civil rights movement, advocating for social change and equality. Developed a career combining music and activism, utilizing song as a tool for education and social justice.
Continue ReadingMarsha Singh
Indian-English politician and MP
Born
1954 72 years ago
Died
July 17th, 2012 13 years ago — 58 years old
Served as a Member of Parliament for Bradford East from 1997 to 2010. Contributed to various legislative discussions, particularly in the areas of health, education, and local government. Participated in numerous committees, influencing policy decisions and addressing community concerns. Engaged with constituents to advocate for local issues and represent their interests in the House of Commons.
Continue ReadingEugene Meyer
Businessman and newspaper publisher
Born
October 31st, 1875 150 years ago
Died
July 17th, 1959 66 years ago — 83 years old
Involved in the publishing industry, contributed significantly to journalism in the United States. Became the owner of The Washington Post, steering the publication through challenging economic times and establishing a reputation for quality reporting. Served as chairman of the Federal Reserve from 1930 to 1933, playing a role in economic policy during the Great Depression. Held various key positions in business and public service throughout the career.
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