Ennio Flaiano
Italian author and screenwriter
An author, screenwriter, and critic, contributed significantly to Italian literature and cinema. Wrote screenplays for several acclaimed films and authored notable literary works. His writing style combined wit with a keen sense of observation, often exploring themes of existentialism. Received the Strega Prize in 1975 for the novel 'Tempo di uccidere', which gained recognition for its poignant narrative. Worked in various capacities within the Italian film industry and was involved in directing and producing.
Wrote the screenplay for 'La Dolce Vita'
Authored the novel 'Tempo di uccidere'
Other People Born on March 5th
Marius Barbeau
Canadian ethnographer and academic
Born
March 5th, 1885 141 years ago
Died
February 27th, 1969 57 years ago — 83 years old
Contributed significantly to Canadian ethnography and folklore studies. Conducted extensive fieldwork among Indigenous peoples in Canada, documenting languages, cultures, and traditions. Served as a professor at the University of Ottawa and published numerous works that remain influential in the fields of anthropology and ethnology. His research provided insights into the Indigenous oral histories and practices, contributing to a broader understanding of Canadian heritage.
Continue ReadingPaul Blackthorne
Actor known for '24' and 'Arrow'
Born
March 5th, 1969 57 years ago
An English actor and producer born in 1969, gained recognition in television series. Played the role of Captain John in the acclaimed series 'Arrow' and portrayed a key character in '24.' Additionally, engaged in various film projects and stage productions throughout the career.
Continue ReadingMike Hessman
Baseball player and coach, Minor League leader
Born
March 5th, 1978 48 years ago
Played professional baseball as a third baseman and designated hitter. Had a career spanning over a decade, primarily in the Minor Leagues, with a brief stint in Major League Baseball. Established a record for the most home runs in Minor League Baseball history. Transitioned to coaching roles following retirement from playing, contributing to the development of younger players.
Continue ReadingNicole Pratt
Tennis player, coach, and sportscaster
Born
March 5th, 1973 53 years ago
Competed professionally in women's tennis, achieving a career-high singles ranking of World No. 38 in 2000. Played in all four Grand Slam tournaments and reached the fourth round of the Australian Open in 1997. Transitioned into coaching and sportscasting after retiring from professional play. Contributed to the development of young Australian tennis players through coaching roles.
Continue ReadingDel Crandall
Baseball player and manager, Braves
Born
March 5th, 1930 96 years ago
Died
2021 5 years ago — 91 years old
Played as a professional baseball catcher primarily for the Milwaukee Braves from 1949 to 1963. After retiring as a player, transitioned into a managerial role in Major League Baseball, overseeing teams such as the Atlanta Braves and the San Francisco Giants. Crandall contributed to the game not only through his skills as a player but also through his leadership on the field as a manager.
Continue ReadingAlex Smithies
English footballer and goalkeeper
Born
March 5th, 1990 36 years ago
A professional footballer associated with goalkeeping. Played for clubs such as Huddersfield Town and Queens Park Rangers. During a significant career, helped teams achieve promotion to higher leagues and contributed to important matches in various competitions, including the Football League Championship and FA Cup.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on November 20th
James H. Billington
Librarian of Congress and academic leader
Born
June 1st, 1929 97 years ago
Died
November 20th, 2018 7 years ago — 89 years old
Served as the Thirteenth Librarian of Congress from 1987 to 2015. Played a significant role in modernizing the Library of Congress and advocating for digital access to American history and culture. Oversaw the establishment of various digital initiatives and projects, including the American Memory project, which made historical documents available online. Contributed extensively to academic discourse on American literature and culture through numerous publications.
Continue ReadingFarkas Bolyai
Hungarian mathematician and academic
Born
February 9th, 1775 251 years ago
Died
November 20th, 1856 169 years ago — 81 years old
Contributed significantly to the development of non-Euclidean geometry. Established mathematical theories alongside his son, János Bolyai. Served as a professor at the University of Marosvásárhely. Published works that laid foundational insights for later mathematical advancements, influencing both geometry and philosophy of mathematics.
Continue ReadingJohn McEwen
Australian farmer and Prime Minister
Born
March 29th, 1900 126 years ago
Died
November 20th, 1980 45 years ago — 80 years old
Served as the 18th Prime Minister of Australia for a brief period in 1967. Held the position of leader of the Country Party, influencing Australian rural policy. Worked as a farmer and became involved in politics, representing constituents' interests in Parliament. Contributed to agricultural policies and rural development throughout his political career.
Continue ReadingI Gusti Ngurah Rai
Indonesian military officer and leader
Born
1917 109 years ago
Died
November 20th, 1946 79 years ago — 29 years old
An Indonesian military officer and national hero, led forces against Dutch colonial rule during the Indonesian National Revolution. Played a significant role in the struggle for Indonesian independence. Commanded a defense against Dutch troops in the Bali region, organizing guerrilla warfare tactics. Guided troops during several key battles which contributed to the independence movement.
Continue ReadingIan Smith
Prime Minister of Rhodesia
Born
April 8th, 1919 107 years ago
Died
November 20th, 2007 18 years ago — 88 years old
Served as the first Prime Minister of Rhodesia from 1965 to 1979, leading the country during its Unilateral Declaration of Independence from Britain. Played a crucial role in the Rhodesian Bush War, a conflict between the white-minority government and black nationalist movements. Advocated for minority rule and resistance against majority governance and was involved in negotiations that ultimately led to the end of white-minority rule. After leaving office, resided in South Africa.
Continue ReadingFrancisco Franco
Spanish General and Dictator
Born
December 4th, 1892 133 years ago
Died
November 20th, 1975 50 years ago — 82 years old
Born in 1892, a Spanish military leader rose through the ranks during the Spanish Civil War. He led Nationalist forces to victory, becoming head of state and implementing a totalitarian regime. Franco ruled Spain for nearly four decades, establishing policies centered on conservative Catholic values and nationalism. His government faced significant opposition, resulting in various political repression and censorship. Following World War II, the regime gradually transitioned toward more moderate policies but maintained an authoritarian structure until Franco's death in 1975. The legacy of his rule continues to influence Spanish society and politics.
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