George Gershwin
American composer and pianist
An influential American composer and pianist, notable for blending classical music with jazz influences. Contributions included iconic works such as 'Rhapsody in Blue' and the opera 'Porgy and Bess'. Gershwin's unique style and innovative compositions left a lasting impact on both Broadway and concert music. His work continues to be performed and celebrated today.
composed 'Rhapsody in Blue'
wrote the opera 'Porgy and Bess'
Other People Born on September 26th
Shake Milton
Professional basketball player
Born
September 26th, 1996 29 years ago
Professional basketball player played for the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA. Played college basketball at Southern Methodist University, where he gained recognition for his scoring ability. After being drafted in the second round of the 2018 NBA Draft, contributed to the 76ers' playoff runs and developed a reputation for his shooting and playmaking skills. Achieved a career-high 39 points in a game against the Los Angeles Clippers during the 2020-2021 season.
Continue ReadingLouis-Olivier Taillon
Canadian politician, Quebec Premier
Born
September 26th, 1840 185 years ago
Died
April 25th, 1923 102 years ago — 82 years old
A Canadian lawyer and politician who served as the 8th Premier of Quebec. Contributed significantly to the political landscape in the province during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Held office during a transformative period in Quebec's history and was involved in pivotal discussions regarding provincial governance and social issues. Taillon is often remembered for his leadership and approach to political challenges faced by the province during his tenure.
Continue ReadingFrancis Daniel Pastorius
Founder of Germantown, Philadelphia
Born
September 26th, 1651 374 years ago
Died
1720 306 years ago — 69 years old
A prominent figure in early American colonial history, played a crucial role in establishing Germantown, Pennsylvania, as the first permanent settlement of German-speaking immigrants in North America. Emigrating from Germany to Pennsylvania in the late 17th century, was motivated by a desire for religious freedom and economic opportunity. Engaged in various social, cultural, and agricultural endeavors, emphasized the importance of education and community development. Served as a leader in early anti-slavery efforts, advocating for the humane treatment of all individuals. Contributed to the preservation and promotion of German language and culture in the New World.
Continue ReadingDan Preston
English footballer with Solihull Moors
Born
September 26th, 1991 34 years ago
Played as a defender for several clubs within the English football leagues. Started a professional career with Walsall before moving to other teams. Competed in the National League North and made significant appearances for Solihull Moors. Known for contributing to the defensive line of his teams, making over 100 appearances across his career.
Continue ReadingXinyu Wang
Chinese tennis player and competitor
Born
September 26th, 2001 24 years ago
Born in 2001, this tennis player gained recognition on the WTA Tour. Early in her career, she achieved significant success in junior competitions, winning multiple prestigious titles. Transitioning to professional play, she reached the second round of major tournaments, including the Australian Open and French Open. This player has also competed in various doubles events, showcasing notable teamwork and strategy on the court.
Continue ReadingDick Roth
Swimmer and Olympic gold medalist
Born
September 26th, 1947 78 years ago
Competed in swimming, specializing in freestyle events. Participated in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Secured the gold medal in the 400-meter freestyle. Set several American and world records during the competitive career. After retiring from competitive swimming, contributed to swimming as a coach and mentor.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on July 11th
Jesús Iglesias
Argentinian racing driver
Born
1922 104 years ago
Died
July 11th, 2005 20 years ago — 83 years old
A racing driver participated in various competitions in the 1960s and 1970s. Competed in Formula 1, making appearances in several Grand Prix events. Engaged in other racing series in Argentina, including Turismo Carretera. Achieved recognition in the motorsport community for skill and dedication to the sport.
Continue ReadingBarnard Hughes
American actor in film and theater
Born
July 16th, 1915 110 years ago
Died
July 11th, 2006 19 years ago — 90 years old
An American actor, notable for performances in both film and theater. Achieved acclaim for the role of Doc in the Broadway play 'Da', showcasing a deep understanding of character-driven narratives. Also gained recognition for appearances in the film 'The Last Detail' and the television series 'Lou Grant'. His career spanned several decades, with a commitment to stage and screen acting.
Continue ReadingFrances Langford
American actress and singer from the 1940s
Born
April 4th, 1913 112 years ago
Died
July 11th, 2005 20 years ago — 92 years old
Gained prominence as a singer and actress during the 1940s. Started career in vaudeville and made a significant transition to film and music, often appearing alongside top artists of the time. Featured in the Bob Hope military shows, entertaining troops during World War II. Recorded popular songs and starred in films such as "That Night in Rio" and "The Girl Next Door." Continued performing in various venues and maintained a career that spanned several decades, becoming a well-recognized figure in entertainment.
Continue ReadingGretchen Franklin
English actress in TV and film
Born
1911 115 years ago
Died
July 11th, 2005 20 years ago — 94 years old
An English actress and dancer with a career spanning several decades, she gained recognition for her role as Ethel Skinner in the long-running television series 'EastEnders'. Her performances in various productions showcased her talent and appeal. Apart from television, she appeared in films and participated in theatrical performances, showcasing her versatility. She continued to work in the entertainment industry until her passing in 2005.
Continue ReadingSatoru Iwata
Video game programmer and president of Nintendo
Born
December 6th, 1959 66 years ago
Died
July 11th, 2015 10 years ago — 55 years old
A video game programmer and businessman, played a pivotal role in the gaming industry. Served as president of Nintendo from 2002 until passing in 2015. Contributed to the development of iconic games such as 'EarthBound' and 'Super Smash Bros.' Played a significant role in the Wii and Nintendo DS systems' creation, which expanded the gaming audience. Advocated for innovative gaming experiences.
Continue ReadingEgbert Brieskorn
Mathematician, known for knot theory
Born
July 7th, 1936 89 years ago
Died
July 11th, 2013 12 years ago — 77 years old
Contributions to topology, particularly in the field of knot theory, characterized by the development of significant theories regarding the classification of knots. Held a professorship at the University of Tübingen and published numerous seminal papers that advanced the understanding of algebraic and geometric topology. Offered extensive lectures and served on editorial boards of distinguished mathematical journals. Actively participated in mathematical societies and contributed to academic discourse through various international conferences.
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