Ernest Thayer
American poet best known for 'Casey at Bat'
Born in 1863, a poet and author achieved recognition primarily through the poem 'Casey at Bat'. The work, first published in the San Francisco Examiner in 1888, captured the spirit of American baseball and became a beloved piece of sports literature. Thayer's writings often revolved around themes of sports culture and have been celebrated for their vivid imagery and rhythmic style. In addition to poetry, he contributed to various newspapers and played a role in the literary community of his era.
Wrote the poem 'Casey at Bat'
Contributed to the San Francisco Examiner
Other People Born on August 14th
Eva Birnerová
Czech tennis player and tournament competitor
Born
August 14th, 1984 41 years ago
A Czech tennis player, emphasized singles and doubles during a professional career that spanned over a decade. Competed in various international tournaments, achieving a career-high singles ranking of World No. 35 in 2009. Participated in the Grand Slam events, making contributions in both singles and doubles matches. Known for a strong work ethic and consistent performances on the WTA Tour.
Continue ReadingTheodor Luts
Estonian director and cinematographer
Born
August 14th, 1896 129 years ago
Died
September 24th, 1980 45 years ago — 84 years old
Contributed significantly to Estonian cinema during the 20th century. Directed the film "Viimne reliikvia" in 1969, which became a pivotal work in the national film industry. Produced films that often depicted the struggles and joys of Estonian life, reflecting historical and cultural themes. Collaborated with other artists to promote Estonian cinema on the international stage. Served as a mentor to a generation of filmmakers, leaving a lasting legacy in the field of cinematography.
Continue ReadingGuangxu Emperor of China
Emperor and reform advocate
Born
August 14th, 1871 154 years ago
Died
November 14th, 1908 117 years ago — 37 years old
Ascended to the throne at the age of four. Ruled during a time of significant political and social change in China. Advocated for the Hundred Days' Reform in 1898, aiming to modernize China's political and educational systems. The reform efforts met strong opposition from conservative factions within the Qing court. Following a coup led by Empress Dowager Cixi, the reforms were largely reversed, and the emperor was placed under house arrest for the remainder of his life. His reign saw the increasing influence of foreign powers in China.
Continue ReadingGeorges Prêtre
Orchestral and opera conductor
Born
August 14th, 1924 101 years ago
Died
January 4th, 2017 9 years ago — 92 years old
An orchestral and opera conductor, conducted prestigious orchestras and opera houses around the world. Served as music director for the Paris Opera and led notable performances at La Scala, the Vienna State Opera, and the Metropolitan Opera. Recognized for conducting works by composers such as Verdi, Puccini, and Strauss. Received accolades for skillful interpretations and vibrant conducting style.
Continue ReadingLéolia Jeanjean
French tennis player with WTA rankings
Born
August 14th, 1995 30 years ago
Competed on the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) tour. Achieved significant success in singles and doubles formats. Attained a career-high singles ranking of 82 in April 2022. Represented France in international competitions. Reached various stages in Grand Slam tournaments, showcasing skills against top-ranked players.
Continue ReadingChristian Gentner
German footballer and Bundesliga player
Born
August 14th, 1985 40 years ago
A professional footballer from Germany played primarily as a midfielder. Made notable contributions at VfB Stuttgart, where he joined the youth academy and eventually became a key player. Also spent time at clubs such as 1. FC Nuremberg and VfL Wolfsburg. Achieved significant success in the Bundesliga and was part of the Stuttgart team that won the league title in the 2006-2007 season. Represented Germany at various youth levels, showcasing talent in international competitions.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on August 21st
Stefán Karl Stefánsson
Icelandic actor best known for LazyTown
Born
July 10th, 1975 50 years ago
Died
August 21st, 2018 7 years ago — 43 years old
An Icelandic actor gained prominence for portraying the character Robbie Rotten in the children's television series LazyTown. The show, which premiered in 2004, featured a mix of live-action and puppetry and became popular among younger audiences. Besides this role, the actor worked in various theatrical productions throughout his career. He also lent his voice to animated projects and participated in other TV series and films, contributing to the entertainment industry both in Iceland and internationally.
Continue ReadingJohn Amos
American actor, playwright, and producer
Born
December 27th, 1939 86 years ago
Died
August 21st, 2024 1 years ago — 84 years old
An accomplished actor, Amos gained recognition for roles in television series and film. Significant work includes a lead role in the sitcom 'Good Times', where he portrayed James Evans Sr. and contributed to addressing social issues of the time. Additionally, Amos featured in the film 'Coming to America' as Cleo McDowell, further establishing presence in the entertainment industry. His contributions extended beyond acting as Amos also engaged in writing and producing projects that highlighted various narratives.
Continue ReadingBenigno Aquino Jr.
Filipino politician and activist
Born
November 27th, 1932 93 years ago
Died
August 21st, 1983 42 years ago — 50 years old
A prominent figure in Philippine politics, he emerged as a leading opposition voice during the regime of Ferdinand Marcos. His political career began in the 1950s, serving as a senator and becoming known for his vocal criticism of government corruption and authoritarianism. Aquino was imprisoned for nearly four years following the declaration of martial law in 1972. After his release, he went into exile in the United States. He returned to the Philippines in 1983, where he was assassinated at the Manila International Airport, an event that galvanized the opposition against Marcos. His death triggered a series of events leading to the People Power Revolution in 1986, which ultimately ousted Marcos from power.
Continue ReadingWang Dongxing
Chinese Commander and Politician
Born
1916 110 years ago
Died
August 21st, 2015 10 years ago — 99 years old
Served as a key military and political figure in China during the late 20th century. Played a significant role in the Communist Party's leadership and government, holding various important positions. Notably participated in the Cultural Revolution and played a part in the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989. Contributed to the organizational structure of the People's Liberation Army and the Central Military Commission, influencing military policy and party governance.
Continue ReadingHenrik Pontoppidan
Danish novelist and Nobel laureate
Born
July 24th, 1857 168 years ago
Died
August 21st, 1943 82 years ago — 86 years old
Born in 1857, this individual was a prominent Danish journalist and novelist whose works explored themes of social realism and individual struggle. His writing often depicted the complexities of Danish society and manifested a critical perspective on materialism and human relationships. The author produced significant novels including 'Lucky Per' and 'The Last of the Old-Time Farmers'. In 1917, this individual received the Nobel Prize in Literature for a deeply insightful body of work that captured the essence of the Danish experience. During a prolific career, the author contributed extensively to literary journals and became recognized as a pivotal figure in Danish literature.
Continue ReadingJerry Finn
Record producer and audio engineer
Born
1969 57 years ago
Died
August 21st, 2008 17 years ago — 39 years old
An American engineer and producer, contributed to the punk rock genre and alternative rock music. Collaborated with various well-known artists, impacting the sound of the late 1990s and early 2000s. Produced the album 'Enema of the State' by Blink-182, which became a defining record for pop-punk music. Worked with other notable bands such as Green Day, Against Me!, and AFI, leaving a significant mark on the music industry through innovative production techniques.
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