Frank Bough
Journalist and radio host; BBC presenter
A prominent journalist and radio host in the United Kingdom, contributed significantly to broadcasting throughout his career. Started as a sports presenter on BBC Radio and later transitioned to television. Hosted various programs on BBC including 'Breakfast Time' and 'Looks Familiar'. Known for engaging discussions and interviews that covered a wide range of topics, from current affairs to entertainment. His work helped shape morning television and radio in the UK, influencing future broadcasters. Retired from television in the early 2000s.
Hosted BBC's 'Breakfast Time'
Presented 'Looks Familiar' on BBC
Contributed to BBC Radio sports programming
Other People Born on January 15th
Bob Davies
Basketball player and coach for the NBL
Born
January 15th, 1920 105 years ago
Died
1990 35 years ago — 70 years old
Career spanned from the late 1930s to the mid-1950s. Played as a guard and is recognized for significant contributions to the sport. Coached teams after retirement from playing, influencing future generations of players. Achieved remarkable success in both playing and coaching roles. Served in the military during World War II before resuming basketball career.
Continue ReadingNicolai Jørgensen
Danish footballer with notable club career
Born
January 15th, 1991 34 years ago
A professional footballer from Denmark, played primarily as a forward. Jørgensen began his career at B.93 before moving to several clubs including Brøndby IF, where he showcased his scoring ability. Transferred to PSV Eindhoven, contributed to the team in the Dutch Eredivisie. Later joined FCK, where his performance in both domestic and European competitions further defined his career. Represented the Danish national team in various international matches, participating in significant tournaments.
Continue ReadingIryna Lishchynska
Ukrainian long-distance runner, Olympian
Born
January 15th, 1976 49 years ago
Born in 1976, a long-distance runner represented Ukraine in multiple international competitions, including the Olympics. Achieved notable success in marathon events and became a prominent figure in Ukrainian athletics during the late 20th century. Participated in various championships, showcasing exceptional endurance and skill on the track.
Continue ReadingMartin Luther King Jr.
Civil Rights Leader and Nobel Laureate
Born
January 15th, 1929 96 years ago
Died
April 4th, 1968 57 years ago — 39 years old
A prominent minister and civil rights activist played a central role in the American civil rights movement from the mid-1950s until his assassination in 1968. Advocated for nonviolent protest against racial segregation and discrimination. Delivered the iconic 'I Have a Dream' speech during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963. His leadership was instrumental in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for efforts to combat racial inequality through nonviolent resistance.
Continue ReadingBernard Hopkins
Boxer and coach, Unified World Champion
Born
January 15th, 1965 60 years ago
Born in 1965, a professional boxer achieved major recognition in the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions. A lengthy and successful career included defending titles multiple times and becoming the oldest world champion in boxing history at 49 years old. Transitioned to coaching following retirement, contributing to the sport through mentorship and training of younger athletes.
Continue ReadingTorin Thatcher
British actor in classic films
Born
January 15th, 1905 120 years ago
Died
March 4th, 1981 44 years ago — 76 years old
Born in 1905, a prominent British actor gained recognition in the film industry during the mid-20th century. Notable performances included the role of Captain Hook in the Walt Disney adaptation of 'Peter Pan' and a significant appearance in the 1951 film 'The Man in the White Suit'. In addition to film work, a notable theatrical career in London's West End flourished, contributing to various stage productions. The actor also had roles in television series, including 'The Avengers' and 'The Saint'.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on October 21st
Dan White
American assassin and politician
Born
September 2nd, 1946 79 years ago
Died
October 21st, 1985 40 years ago — 39 years old
Served as a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors from 1978 until his resignation in 1979. Executed a political assassination on Harvey Milk and George Moscone in 1978, leading to a highly publicized trial. The trial concluded with a conviction of voluntary manslaughter, resulting in a sentence of seven years and eight months, of which he served about two years. This event significantly influenced discussions around LGBTQ rights and the political landscape of San Francisco.
Continue ReadingJack Kerouac
American author of 'On the Road'
Born
March 12th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
October 21st, 1969 56 years ago — 47 years old
An influential American author and poet, he wrote primarily during the 1950s. His most recognized work, 'On the Road', published in 1957, became a defining novel of the Beat Generation, depicting a series of cross-country travels with friends. His writing style, characterized by spontaneous prose, reflected the rhythms of jazz music and a quest for personal freedom. Other significant works include 'The Dharma Bums' and 'Big Sur'. His literature often explored themes of spirituality and the American experience, with a focus on nonconformity.
Continue ReadingFrançois Truffaut
French film director and screenwriter
Born
February 6th, 1932 93 years ago
Died
October 21st, 1984 41 years ago — 52 years old
An influential figure in cinema, Truffaut played a key role in the French New Wave movement. His directorial debut, "The 400 Blows," received critical acclaim and established his reputation. Throughout his career, he directed multiple films that explored complex human emotions and relationships, often drawing from personal experiences. Truffaut collaborated with notable actors and writers, creating a distinctive style that resonated with audiences worldwide. His contributions to film earned him several awards, including an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film for "The Last Metro."
Continue ReadingSandy West
Singer and drummer of The Runaways
Born
July 10th, 1959 66 years ago
Died
October 21st, 2006 19 years ago — 47 years old
Started musical career as the drummer for the all-female rock band The Runaways, which was formed in 1975. The band achieved major success with hit songs including "Cherry Bomb" and "Queens of Noise." After the disbandment of The Runaways in 1979, pursued a solo career and played with various other bands. Also engaged in songwriting during and after her time with The Runaways. Continued performing music until the 1990s.
Continue ReadingJames Henry Greathead
Civil engineer known for shield tunneling
Born
August 6th, 1844 181 years ago
Died
October 21st, 1896 129 years ago — 52 years old
A civil engineer, Greathead developed the shield tunneling method, which revolutionized underground construction. Born in South Africa with English heritage, education included a degree in engineering from the University of Edinburgh. The method was first employed for the construction of the Tower Subway in London, completed in 1870, marking a significant advancement in tunneling technology. Greathead worked on various railway tunneling projects including the Central London Railway and the City and South London Railway.
Continue ReadingWacław Sierpiński
Polish mathematician and set theorist
Born
March 14th, 1882 143 years ago
Died
October 21st, 1969 56 years ago — 87 years old
A prominent mathematician, contributed significantly to the fields of set theory, topology, and number theory. Developed Sierpiński carpet and Sierpiński triangle, which are essential concepts in fractal geometry. Sierpiński worked at various academic institutions and published numerous research papers, establishing a legacy in mathematics education. The mathematician also played a pivotal role in organizing the Polish Mathematical Society.
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