Erling Persson
H&M founder and retail pioneer
Founded H&M in 1947, which became a global fashion retailer. The first store opened in Västerås, Sweden, and the brand rapidly expanded internationally. Under leadership, H&M introduced affordable fashion to a broad audience, emphasizing sustainability in recent years. Persson's vision established a successful business model in the fast fashion industry.
Founded H&M in 1947
Expanded H&M into a global brand
Other People Born on January 21st
Xavier Pons
Spanish rally driver and competitor
Born
January 21st, 1980 45 years ago
Born in 1980, a prominent figure in rally driving, participated in multiple editions of the World Rally Championship. Competed with notable teams such as Citroën and Peugeot. Achieved significant success in various national and regional competitions, establishing a strong reputation in the motorsport community.
Continue ReadingTelly Savalas
American actor and TV detective
Born
January 21st, 1922 103 years ago
Died
January 22nd, 1994 31 years ago — 72 years old
An American actor gained prominence through television and film roles. Played the titular character in the long-running detective series 'Kojak', which aired from 1973 to 1978. His performance as Kojak earned critical acclaim and multiple nominations and awards. Savalas also appeared in numerous films, with notable roles in 'The Dirty Dozen' and 'Birds'. His distinct bald head and expressive acting style became his trademark.
Continue ReadingArnold Skaaland
Professional wrestler and manager
Born
January 21st, 1925 100 years ago
Died
March 13th, 2007 18 years ago — 82 years old
A professional wrestler and manager, contributed significantly to the wrestling industry. Started wrestling in the 1940s and captured the WWWF World Tag Team Championship with Tony Garea. Transitioned to a managerial role in the 1970s, guiding prominent wrestlers under the WWF banner. His expertise in the ring and promotional skills helped shape the careers of several renowned wrestlers during his tenure.
Continue ReadingDominik Roels
Cyclist, participated in UCI events
Born
January 21st, 1987 38 years ago
Born in Germany in 1987, engaged in professional cycling with various team affiliations. Competed in multiple UCI events, showcasing endurance and teamwork. Achieved notable placements in national and international races, contributing to the sport's development in Germany. Transitioned through different teams during the career, adapting to various racing conditions and competitive environments.
Continue ReadingGrigori Rasputin
Russian mystic and advisor to royalty
Born
January 21st, 1869 156 years ago
Died
December 30th, 1916 108 years ago — 47 years old
Born in Siberia, a mystic developed a following among the Russian aristocracy. Gained influence over the imperial family, particularly Tsar Nicholas II and Tsarina Alexandra, through his alleged healing abilities, especially during the Tsarevich Alexei's hemophilia crisis. His controversial presence escalated tensions with government officials and the public. Rasputin was murdered in 1916 by nobles aiming to save the monarchy from his perceived negative influence.
Continue ReadingGeorge Kerferd
Australian politician; 10th Premier of Victoria
Born
January 21st, 1831 194 years ago
Died
December 31st, 1889 135 years ago — 58 years old
Served as the 10th Premier of Victoria from 1870 to 1871. Played a significant role in the establishment of the Victorian Government and contributed to key legislative developments during his tenure. Actively involved in the growth of education and public works in the state, advocating for infrastructure improvements.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on October 28th
Liang Congjie
Chinese environmentalist and founder
Born
August 4th, 1932 93 years ago
Died
October 28th, 2010 15 years ago — 78 years old
An environmentalist focused on conservation efforts in China, established Friends of Nature, the first non-governmental environmental organization in the country. Advocated for sustainable development and environmental protection policies within China. Utilized expertise in ecology and environmental science to influence public policy and raise awareness about ecological issues. Promoted the importance of biodiversity and conservation education.
Continue ReadingJohan August Arfwedson
Swedish chemist and academic
Born
January 12th, 1792 233 years ago
Died
October 28th, 1841 184 years ago — 49 years old
A chemist and academic contributed significantly to the field of chemistry. Discovered the element lithium in 1817 while analyzing the mineral petalite. Developed methods for isolating and studying various chemical compounds, greatly enhancing the understanding of inorganic chemistry. Served as a professor of chemistry at the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, where many students benefited from his teachings and research.
Continue ReadingSaint Arsenije I Sremac
Eastern Orthodox Bishop and Saint
Died
October 28th, 1266 759 years ago — None years old
Served as the Bishop of Srem and played a significant role in the establishment of the Serbian Orthodox Church. Focused on the spiritual and administrative development of the church during the 13th century. Worked on organizing the church in regions that had recently come under Serbian control. Canonized as a saint following his death, which contributed to the veneration of Serbian Orthodox figures.
Continue ReadingBernhard von Bülow
German Chancellor and politician
Born
May 3rd, 1849 176 years ago
Died
October 28th, 1929 96 years ago — 80 years old
Served as Chancellor of Germany from 1900 to 1909. Held various important political positions, including Foreign Secretary. Guided the nation through a complex political landscape during the early 20th century. Managed Germany's colonial ambitions and international relations leading up to World War I. Advocated for naval expansion and was involved in debates surrounding military policy and foreign affairs.
Continue ReadingRichard Smalley
American chemist, Nobel Prize winner
Born
June 6th, 1943 82 years ago
Died
October 28th, 2005 20 years ago — 62 years old
An American chemist and academic contributed to the discovery of fullerenes, molecules composed entirely of carbon, which resemble spheres, ellipsoids, or tubes. This research led to a groundbreaking development in nanotechnology. In 1996, awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry along with others for his work on carbon structures. Smalley served as a professor at Rice University, where he engaged in various research endeavors related to nanomaterials and molecular engineering.
Continue ReadingMargaret I of Denmark
Queen and ruler of Denmark, Norway, Sweden
Born
1353 672 years ago
Died
October 28th, 1412 613 years ago — 59 years old
Ruled as Queen of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, establishing the Kalmar Union which unified the three kingdoms under a single monarch. Ascended to the throne of Denmark after the death of her adopted son, Eric of Pomerania. Successfully navigated political challenges and regional conflicts during her reign, promoting trade and diplomacy among the Nordic countries. Played a significant role in the power dynamics of Northern Europe during the late 14th and early 15th centuries.
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