Donna Douglas
Actress from The Beverly Hillbillies
An American actress gained prominence through a prominent television role in the series 'The Beverly Hillbillies,' where portrayed the character Elly May Clampett. The series aired from 1962 to 1971 and centered around a family of rural hillybillys who became wealthy after discovering oil. The role showcased her comedic talents and appealed to a wide audience, establishing her as a leading actress in the show. After the series concluded, continued to appear in television and film, including guest roles on shows such as 'The Twilight Zone' and 'The Ed Sullivan Show.' Douglas also worked as a motivational speaker and authored several books, including one about her experiences in Hollywood. Throughout her career, maintained a presence in entertainment until her passing.
Played Elly May Clampett in The Beverly Hillbillies
Appeared in The Twilight Zone and The Ed Sullivan Show
Other People Born on September 26th
Al-Mu'izz li-Din Allah
Arab caliph and patron of culture
Born
September 26th, 932 1093 years ago
Ruled as the fourth caliph of the Fatimid dynasty. Established Cairo as the capital of Egypt in 969. Promoted the arts and sciences, fostering an environment of intellectual growth and cultural development. His reign marked a significant period within Islamic history, especially through extensive construction projects and the establishment of institutions. Oversaw the construction of the Al-Azhar Mosque, which became a center for learning and scholarship.
Continue ReadingNehemiah Grew
English anatomist and physiologist
Born
September 26th, 1641 384 years ago
Died
March 25th, 1712 313 years ago — 70 years old
Contributions to the understanding of plant anatomy and physiology marked a significant advancement in the field. Published works included detailed observations on various plant structures, contributing to the foundation of modern botany. Grew's detailed illustrations and descriptions provided insights into the workings of the natural world. His seminal publication, "The Anatomy of Vegetables Begun," laid the groundwork for future botanical studies.
Continue ReadingShannon Hoon
Singer-songwriter and guitarist of Blind Melon
Born
September 26th, 1967 58 years ago
Died
October 21st, 1995 30 years ago — 28 years old
A singer-songwriter and guitarist, contributed to the alternative rock scene in the early 1990s as the lead vocalist of Blind Melon. The band gained significant popularity with the release of their self-titled debut album in 1992, which included the hit single 'No Rain.' The song received extensive radio play and became a defining track of the decade. Hoon's distinctive voice and emotive lyrics resonated with audiences, establishing him as a notable figure in the music industry. The band's second album, 'Soup,' released in 1995, continued to showcase Hoon's talents. Hoon's struggles with substance abuse were publicly documented, and despite a promising career, his life was cut short in 1995 at the age of 28.
Continue ReadingGeorge Raft
American actor in classic gangster films
Born
September 26th, 1901 124 years ago
Died
November 24th, 1980 45 years ago — 79 years old
An American actor achieved prominence during the 1930s and 1940s. Gained recognition for roles in gangster films, particularly in 'Scarface' (1932) and 'They Drive by Night' (1940). Portrayed a smooth-talking, tough character archetype that became iconic in the film noir genre. Worked with notable directors and actors such as Howard Hawks and Humphrey Bogart. For a portion of his career, he struggled with typecasting but continued to deliver performances that resonated with audiences. Transitioned into television in later years, maintaining a presence in the entertainment industry until retirement.
Continue ReadingEngelbert
Count of Nevers, noble figure in history
Born
September 26th, 1462 563 years ago
Died
1506 519 years ago — 44 years old
Born in 1462, Engelbert served as the Count of Nevers. He belonged to the noble lineage of the Duke of Cleves, John I. Engelbert's position positioned him within the complex European aristocracy of the late 15th century. His life encapsulated the political intricacies and familial loyalties of this era. Engelbert's title as Count of Nevers reflected the socio-political structure of the time, where such distinctions held significant weight in the regional power dynamics. The legacy of his lineage continued to influence European nobility.
Continue ReadingAnne of Bavaria
German queen consort of Charles IV
Born
September 26th, 1329 696 years ago
Died
1353 672 years ago — 24 years old
Born in Bavaria, served as the queen consort of Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor. The marriage strengthened political alliances between Bavaria and the Luxembourg dynasty. Anne became influential in the court due to her position, playing a role in various political matters and contributing to the stability of her husband's reign. After her death, her children continued to hold significant positions within the Holy Roman Empire.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on January 1st
Victor Buono
American actor and television personality
Born
February 3rd, 1938 87 years ago
Died
January 1st, 1982 43 years ago — 43 years old
Became prominent in the 1960s as an actor, appearing in a variety of television shows and films. Gained significant recognition for portraying King Tut in the television series Batman. Made guest appearances on numerous shows including The Wild Wild West and The Carol Burnett Show, showcasing versatility and comedic talent. Starred in the film What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?, which received critical acclaim. Also known for theatrical performances and voice work.
Continue ReadingJoe Foss
American soldier and South Dakota Governor
Born
April 17th, 1915 110 years ago
Died
January 1st, 2003 22 years ago — 87 years old
Foss served as a fighter pilot during World War II, achieving notable success in aerial combat. He received the Medal of Honor for bravery in combat for shooting down multiple enemy aircraft. After his military career, Foss transitioned into politics and became the 20th Governor of South Dakota from 1955 to 1959. He also worked as a television personality and was involved in various business ventures.
Continue ReadingTony Atkinson
Economist and inequality researcher
Born
September 4th, 1944 81 years ago
Died
January 1st, 2017 8 years ago — 72 years old
Accomplished economist specialized in income distribution and poverty. Played a significant role in public policy through various influential studies. Served as the Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, providing critical analysis on taxation and social welfare. Worked on the formulation of income and wealth inequality measures that informed government policies. Contributed to academic literature extensively, influencing both economic thought and public discourse.
Continue ReadingShanti Swaroop Bhatnagar
Indian Chemist and Academic Leader
Born
February 21st, 1894 131 years ago
Died
January 1st, 1955 70 years ago — 60 years old
Contributions to Indian science were significant during an era of rapid growth in research and education. In 1945, became the first Director of the National Chemical Laboratory in Pune, which played a crucial role in advancing chemical sciences in India. Bhatnagar was instrumental in establishing various research institutes and promoting scientific studies in the country. His work in the field of chemistry primarily focused on the development of synthetic processes and materials, contributing to both theoretical and practical advancements in the discipline. Active in academia, Bhatnagar affiliated with numerous educational institutions and organizations to foster research and development in chemistry across India.
Continue ReadingDarrent Williams
American football cornerback, Pro Bowl
Born
September 27th, 1982 43 years ago
Died
January 1st, 2007 18 years ago — 24 years old
An American football cornerback played for the Denver Broncos in the National Football League (NFL). Williams was drafted in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He started 15 games in his rookie season and earned a significant reputation for his speed and agility. In his second season, he played in all 16 games and continued to develop as a key defensive player for the team. Tragically, his life was cut short due to a shooting incident in January 2007, after which the Broncos honored his memory with tributes and the community mourned his loss.
Continue ReadingDavid Lodge
English author and literary critic
Born
January 28th, 1935 90 years ago
Died
January 1st, 2025 0 years ago — 89 years old
An English author and literary critic, this individual gained recognition for works that explored themes of academia and human relationships. Many novels focused on the lives of university professors, weaving satire with insightful character studies. Major works include 'Changing Places', 'Small World', and 'Nice Work', which feature a blend of humor and sharp social observation. This writer also contributed significantly to literary criticism, offering insights into contemporary literature and its evolution. The exploration of the intersection between literature and life marked a distinctive feature in the writings.
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