Eileen Heckart
American actress in stage and film
Born
Died
Category
Performers & Entertainers
Country
United States
Links & References
An actress with a career spanning over six decades in film, television, and theater. Gained prominence for roles in the Broadway production of 'The Dark at the Top of the Stairs' and the film 'Butterflies Are Free'. Won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in 'Butterflies Are Free'. Appeared in multiple television series, including 'The Twilight Zone' and 'The Love Boat'.
Won an Academy Award for 'Butterflies Are Free'
Starred in 'The Dark at the Top of the Stairs'
Appeared in 'The Twilight Zone'
Other People Born on March 29th
Vangelis
Greek composer of electronic music
Born
March 29th, 1943 82 years ago
Died
May 17th, 2022 3 years ago — 79 years old
A celebrated Greek composer and keyboard player, made significant contributions to electronic music. Gained worldwide fame for composing film scores, particularly for 'Chariots of Fire' which won an Academy Award for Best Original Score. Also created the iconic score for 'Blade Runner', which became highly influential in the genre. Worked extensively with synthesizers and innovative techniques that shaped modern soundtracks. Released numerous albums that explored various musical styles and themes throughout a prolific career.
Continue ReadingJózsef Mindszenty
Hungarian cardinal and church leader
Born
March 29th, 1892 133 years ago
Died
May 6th, 1975 50 years ago — 83 years old
A prominent Hungarian cardinal, played a significant role in the Catholic Church during a tumultuous period in Hungary. Participated in the resistance against the Nazi regime and opposed Communist policies after World War II. Arrested in 1948 by the Communist government and imprisoned for several years. Subsequently took refuge in the U.S. embassy in Budapest, where he remained for over 15 years. His steadfastness on issues of religious freedom resonated within Hungary and abroad, garnering attention from international religious and political communities. Returned to Hungary in 1971, although under strict government surveillance, continuing to advocate for the Church's influence in the evolving political landscape.
Continue ReadingDouglas Harkness
Canadian politician and defense minister
Born
March 29th, 1903 122 years ago
Died
May 2nd, 1999 26 years ago — 96 years old
Served as a Canadian colonel and held the position of Minister of National Defence. Contributed to defense policy during a pivotal period in Canadian military history. Engaged in politics for several years, focusing on national defense and security.
Continue ReadingWarner Baxter
American actor in silent films
Born
March 29th, 1889 136 years ago
Died
May 7th, 1951 74 years ago — 62 years old
An actor active during the silent era and early sound films, participated in numerous productions. Gained significant recognition for performances in films such as 'The Temple of Doom' and 'The Last of Mrs. Cheyney'. Won an Academy Award for Best Actor for the role in 'In Old Arizona', marking a notable achievement in a successful film career.
Continue ReadingTullio Levi-Civita
Mathematician known for tensor calculus
Born
March 29th, 1873 152 years ago
Died
December 29th, 1941 84 years ago — 68 years old
Contributed significantly to the development of differential and integral calculus, particularly in the context of tensor calculus. Developed the Levi-Civita symbol, which is essential in multivariable calculus and physics. Held academic positions in various institutions, imparting knowledge on advanced mathematics. His work laid foundational aspects for Einstein's theory of general relativity and influenced the study of mathematical physics.
Continue ReadingJohn Lightfoot
English priest and biblical scholar
Born
March 29th, 1602 423 years ago
Died
December 6th, 1675 350 years ago — 73 years old
An English priest and academic contributed significantly to biblical scholarship in the 17th century. Appointed as a member of the Westminster Assembly, engaged in debates on the English Reformation and biblical interpretation. Served as Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University, strengthening academic discourse. Authored numerous works including 'Horae Hebraicae et Talmudicae', a comprehensive study of Hebrew scriptures. Played a pivotal role in early biblical criticism and interpretations of ancient texts.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on December 31st
Ahmad Maymandi
Vizier of the Ghaznavid Empire
Died
December 31st, 1032 993 years ago — None years old
Served as vizier during the Ghaznavid Empire, holding significant power in the administration. Played a crucial role in the governance of the empire, contributing to its stability and expansion. Maintained close relationships with various rulers, advising on matters of state. Facilitated trade and cultural exchanges between regions during a time of relative prosperity for the empire in the early 11th century.
Continue ReadingJames Avery
American actor in 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air'
Born
November 27th, 1945 80 years ago
Died
December 31st, 2013 12 years ago — 68 years old
An American actor, best recognized for a prominent role in the television series 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' as Uncle Phil. The career spanned various television shows and films, establishing a notable presence in the entertainment industry. In addition to acting, engaged in voice work for animated series, contributing to projects like 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles'. Received accolades for performances both on screen and stage, leaving a lasting legacy within the acting community.
Continue ReadingPope Benedict XVI
Pope and theologian, led Catholic Church
Born
1927 99 years ago
Died
December 31st, 2022 3 years ago — 95 years old
Served as the 265th pope from 2005 until 2013. Born in Germany, pursued a career in theology and became a cardinal. Prior to his papacy, served as the Archbishop of Munich and Freising. Contributed to dialogue between faith and reason, and addressed issues within the Church, including secularism and modernity. Resigned in 2013, becoming the first pope to do so in nearly 600 years.
Continue ReadingCatherine of Braganza
Portuguese queen consort of England
Born
November 25th, 1638 387 years ago
Died
December 31st, 1705 320 years ago — 67 years old
Born in 1638, she was the daughter of King John IV of Portugal and Luisa de Guzmán. In 1662, she married Charles II of England, which led to the significant integration of Portuguese trade and tea culture into English society. The marriage served to strengthen the political alliance between Portugal and England during a time of conflict with Spain. Catherine had a strong interest in introducing exotic items, most notably tea, to the English court. She was influential in promoting the beverage that became a staple in British culture. The couple had no surviving children, and she faced challenges due to her Catholic faith in a predominantly Anglican England. Catherine remained a beloved figure in the court until her death in 1705.
Continue ReadingCale Yarborough
Race car driver, three-time Daytona 500 winner
Born
March 27th, 1939 86 years ago
Died
December 31st, 2023 2 years ago — 84 years old
Achieved significant success as a professional race car driver. Competed primarily in the NASCAR series during the 1960s and 1970s. Secured three consecutive Daytona 500 wins from 1976 to 1978. Also claimed four NASCAR championships between 1976 and 1978, marking a dominant period in the sport. Transitioned into a successful career as a businessman after retiring from racing, involving ownership of a race team and other ventures.
Continue ReadingRobert Boyle
Chemist and physicist, Boyle's Law
Born
January 25th, 1627 399 years ago
Died
December 31st, 1691 334 years ago — 64 years old
An Anglo-Irish chemist and physicist contributed significantly to the development of modern chemistry. Boyle's pioneering experiments laid the groundwork for the scientific method, emphasizing experimentation over philosophy. He published 'The Sceptical Chymist' in 1661, which challenged the classical elements theory and proposed a new understanding of chemical substances. His work in gas laws, particularly Boyle's Law, demonstrated the relationship between the pressure and volume of gases. Boyle was also a key figure in the founding of the Royal Society in London. Throughout his career, he conducted extensive experiments that established fundamental principles of chemistry and physics.
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