Elmore Leonard

Novelist and screenwriter of crime thrillers

Elmore Leonard - Novelist and screenwriter of crime thrillers
Born

October 11th, 1925
100 years ago

Died

August 20th, 2013
12 years ago — 87 years old

Category

Artists & Creatives

Country

United States

Links & References

An American writer whose career spanned over six decades, produced numerous acclaimed novels and screenplays. A master of dialogue and character development, crafted stories that often centered around crime, suspense, and the complexities of human relationships. Authored works that were adapted into popular films and television series. Notable novels include "Get Shorty," "Rum Punch," and "Out of Sight," many of which received screen adaptations that garnered attention. Developed a unique style that blended elements of westerns, crime fiction, and mainstream literature.

Authored the novel 'Get Shorty'

Wrote 'Rum Punch', adapted into 'Jackie Brown'

Created 'Out of Sight', adapted into a film

Other People Born on October 11th

Sean Patrick Flanery

Actor from The Boondock Saints
Born
October 11th, 1965 60 years ago

Born in 1965, this American actor gained recognition for the role of Connor MacManus in the film The Boondock Saints and its sequel. The actor also starred in the television series The Young and the Restless and appeared in various films, showcasing a range of genres. He began his career in the late 1980s, establishing a presence in both film and television. Over the years, he has built a career that spans several decades, taking on roles in independent films as well as major studio productions.

Continue Reading

Austin Currie

Northern Irish lawyer and SDLP politician
Born
October 11th, 1939 86 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 82 years old

Born in 1939, a prominent figure in Northern Irish politics, focused on civil rights and social justice. Played a key role in the founding of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) in 1970, advocating for the rights of Irish nationalists. Served as a Member of Parliament for the Fermanagh and South Tyrone constituency from 1974 to 1979. Actively participated in numerous campaigns for equality and reconciliation in Northern Ireland, contributing to the peace process.

Continue Reading

David Starr

American race car driver in NASCAR
Born
October 11th, 1967 58 years ago

A race car driver active in various NASCAR series. Competed in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and the NASCAR Xfinity Series over many seasons. Participated in over 400 races across different leagues, demonstrating consistent performance and skill. Also contributed to the sport through ownership of a race team, furthering engagement in motorsports.

Continue Reading

Cahit Arf

Turkish mathematician and academic
Born
October 11th, 1910 115 years ago
Died
December 26th, 1997 27 years ago — 87 years old

Contributed significantly to mathematics, especially in the fields of algebra and number theory. Developed the Arf invariant, a crucial concept in topology. Held a professorship at Istanbul Technical University and was a member of the Turkish Academy of Sciences. Engaged in academic activities throughout most of life, including publishing numerous research papers that advanced mathematical understanding.

Continue Reading

Todd Snider

American singer-songwriter with notable albums
Born
October 11th, 1966 59 years ago

An American singer-songwriter gained recognition in the alternative country and folk music scenes. Released multiple albums, showcasing storytelling through lyrics and a blend of various musical styles. Achieved cult status within the music community due to a unique blend of humor and poignancy. Performed extensively across the United States, building a dedicated fanbase and influencing emerging artists in the genre.

Continue Reading

Sam Johnson

Colonel and American politician
Born
October 11th, 1930 95 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 90 years old

Served in the United States Army and achieved the rank of colonel. Entered politics after military service, representing Texas's 3rd congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1991 to 2019. Played a significant role in military and veterans' affairs during tenure. Advocated for various legislation affecting education and social security.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on August 20th

Paul Ehrlich

Physician and biologist, Nobel laureate
Born
March 14th, 1854 171 years ago
Died
August 20th, 1915 110 years ago — 61 years old

Contributions to immunology and chemotherapy marked significant advancements in medicine. Developed the first effective treatment for syphilis, employing Salvarsan, a compound that showed efficacy against the disease. Conducted pioneering work in the field of serology, and established concepts of antibodies and antigens, which laid the foundation for modern immunology. Received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1908, along with Emil von Behring, for work on immunity. His research influenced the development of vaccines and therapeutic agents.

Continue Reading

Ulla Jacobsson

Swedish-Austrian actress in 'The Seventh Seal'
Born
May 23rd, 1929 96 years ago
Died
August 20th, 1982 43 years ago — 53 years old

Born in 1929, a Swedish-Austrian actress gained prominence in the film industry through notable performances. Featured in the iconic film 'The Seventh Seal' directed by Ingmar Bergman, showcased remarkable talent. Throughout the career, appeared in various European films and television productions, achieving recognition for versatile roles and strong screen presence. Continued to act until the late 1990s, leaving a lasting legacy in European cinema.

Continue Reading

Mika Yamamoto

Journalist specializing in war coverage
Born
May 26th, 1967 58 years ago
Died
August 20th, 2012 13 years ago — 45 years old

A journalist focused on war coverage, contributing to prominent publications. Reported on various conflicts, notably the Iraq War. Worked with numerous media organizations and provided frontline reporting that highlighted the human aspects of conflict. Earned respect for dedication to uncovering the truth in dangerous situations and for championing the voices of those affected by war.

Continue Reading

Martin Opitz

German poet and composer of Baroque era
Born
December 23rd, 1597 427 years ago
Died
August 20th, 1639 386 years ago — 41 years old

A prominent poet and composer during the Baroque period, contributions to the German literary landscape included a significant role in establishing the German language in poetry. Opitz published 'Buch von der deutschen Poeterey', which laid theoretical foundations for German poetry and advocated for the use of the German language in literature. His works reflected a blend of classical influences and new forms of expression and played an essential role in the development of German drama and lyrical poetry.

Continue Reading

Greg MacGregor

Scottish cricketer and rugby player
Born
1869 156 years ago
Died
August 20th, 1919 106 years ago — 50 years old

Played cricket for Scotland and participated in rugby union. Made significant contributions to both sports during the early 20th century. Competed at a time when both cricket and rugby were evolving in Scotland, helping to shape the game's development and popularity. Represented Scotland in several international matches, demonstrating skills in both cricketing and rugby contexts. Played a role in promoting sports within Scottish culture.

Continue Reading

Meles Zenawi

Ethiopian Prime Minister and revolutionary leader
Born
May 9th, 1955 70 years ago
Died
August 20th, 2012 13 years ago — 57 years old

Served as the Prime Minister of Ethiopia from 1995 until 2012. Played a significant role in the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front, which controlled the government after the overthrow of Mengistu Haile Mariam. Implemented economic reforms that spurred growth and attracted foreign investment. Also participated in regional politics, including peace negotiations in the Horn of Africa. Advocated for the role of the African Union in addressing continental issues.

Continue Reading