F. W. de Klerk
South African politician and Nobel laureate
A lawyer and politician, served as the last State President of South Africa from 1989 to 1994. Played a key role in the country's transition from apartheid to a multiracial democracy. Initiated negotiations to dismantle apartheid and released Nelson Mandela from prison, paving the way for democratic elections. Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 alongside Mandela for their efforts in ending the apartheid regime.
Served as State President from 1989 to 1994
Played a crucial role in ending apartheid
Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993
Other People Born on March 18th
Marvin Humes
English singer and member of JLS
Born
March 18th, 1985 41 years ago
Born in 1985, this English singer gained fame as a member of the boy band JLS, which formed on the fifth series of the reality show The X Factor in 2008. JLS achieved significant commercial success, with multiple number-one hits and the title of the most successful boy band in UK history at the time. Following the band's split in 2013, he pursued a solo career and became involved in television, hosting various shows and events.
Continue ReadingJohn Fraser
Canadian soccer player
Born
March 18th, 1931 95 years ago
Died
May 8th, 1959 67 years ago — 28 years old
Played professional soccer for multiple clubs in Canada and the United Kingdom. Participated in key matches that helped popularize soccer in Canada during the early 20th century. Contributed to the development of the sport at both club and amateur levels. Initially played for the Toronto Scottish and later joined other teams, showcasing notable skills on the field.
Continue ReadingHu Jun
Chinese actor in 'The Last Emperor'
Born
March 18th, 1978 48 years ago
Born in 1978, accomplished a successful acting career in China. Gained prominence through various roles in film and television. Starred in 'The Last Emperor', which won multiple Academy Awards. Appeared in many popular series and films, demonstrating a range of acting skills across genres.
Continue ReadingMadame de La Fayette
French author of 'La Princesse de Clèves'
Born
March 18th, 1634 392 years ago
Died
1693 333 years ago — 59 years old
An influential French novelist, she played a significant role in the development of the modern novel in France. Born in 1634, she became a prominent figure in literary circles of her time. The publication of 'La Princesse de Clèves' in 1678 is a notable landmark in French literature, often considered one of the first psychological novels. This work offered insights into the complexities of love and personal conflict within the constraints of society. Her writing style combined elegance with a deep understanding of characters' emotions, establishing her as a key figure in the literary movement.
Continue ReadingChrister Fuglesang
Swedish physicist and astronaut
Born
March 18th, 1957 69 years ago
A physicist and astronaut, played a significant role in space exploration. Participated in two Space Shuttle missions, STS-116 and STS-128, contributing to the assembly of the International Space Station. Worked at the European Space Agency, focusing on scientific research and technology development for space exploration.
Continue ReadingTomo Ohka
Baseball pitcher and MLB player
Born
March 18th, 1976 50 years ago
Started professional baseball career with the Yakult Swallows in Japan. Transitioned to Major League Baseball, making debut with the Boston Red Sox in 2000. Played for several teams including the Montreal Expos and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Achieved a career-high 11 wins during the 2003 season with the Expos. Concluded professional career in 2013 after playing in independent leagues.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on November 11th
Charles Groves Wright Anderson
South African-Australian Colonels politician
Born
February 12th, 1897 129 years ago
Died
November 11th, 1988 37 years ago — 91 years old
Born in 1897, Anderson served as a colonel in the Australian military during World War II. Transitioning to politics, he represented the United Australia Party and was elected to the House of Representatives. His political career included serving as Minister for the Army, where he oversaw military policies and operations. Anderson was involved in significant wartime decisions and contributed to shaping post-war military strategies.
Continue ReadingLuis Arturo González López
Guatemalan supreme court judge
Born
December 21st, 1900 125 years ago
Died
November 11th, 1965 60 years ago — 64 years old
Served as a Supreme Court judge in Guatemala and briefly held the position of acting president during a period of political turmoil. His tenure reflected a significant time in Guatemalan governance, primarily in the mid-20th century. Demonstrated commitment to legal principles and played a role in the administration of justice during challenging times for the nation, which faced various political and social issues.
Continue ReadingWilliam Ifor Jones
Welsh organist and choral conductor
Born
January 23rd, 1900 126 years ago
Died
November 11th, 1988 37 years ago — 88 years old
Contributed significantly to the fields of music and choral performance. Served as the conductor of various choirs and ensembles, enhancing the choral tradition in Wales. Held the position of organist at notable churches, demonstrating expertise in organ performance. Played an essential role in the promotion of choral music through compositions and arrangements, as well as through performances at major festivals.
Continue ReadingBerry Oakley
American bass player with The Allman Brothers
Born
April 4th, 1948 78 years ago
Died
November 11th, 1972 53 years ago — 24 years old
A prominent bass player emerged in the late 1960s, contributing significantly to the Southern rock genre. Joined The Allman Brothers Band, where his melodic style complemented the innovative sound of the group. Recorded classic albums including "Eat a Peach" and "At Fillmore East", both crucial to the band's legacy. Oakley's performances and compositions were integral to the band's success during their peak years. Tragically, Oakley's life was cut short in a motorcycle accident, but his music continues to influence generations of musicians.
Continue ReadingAlexandros Diomidis
Greek banker and Prime Minister
Born
January 3rd, 1875 151 years ago
Died
November 11th, 1950 75 years ago — 75 years old
Served as the 145th Prime Minister of Greece. Held the office during a challenging period, focusing on financial stabilization and governmental reform. Contributed to the modernization of the Greek banking system. Worked to strengthen Greece's economic foundations, impacting both public policy and the private sector.
Continue ReadingArthur Rothstein
American photographer known for FSA work
Born
July 17th, 1915 111 years ago
Died
November 11th, 1985 40 years ago — 70 years old
This individual was an American photographer and educator. He played a key role in the Farm Security Administration, capturing images that depicted the struggles of rural America during the Great Depression. Rothstein's work aimed to document the impact of the Dust Bowl and his photographs contributed significantly to the visual documentation of American history. In addition to his photography, he held teaching positions at several institutions, influencing future generations of photographers. His expertise in visual storytelling was recognized throughout his career.
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