George Henry Thomas
Union General in the American Civil War
A prominent Union general during the American Civil War, played a crucial role in several significant battles. Graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1840 and initially served in the Mexican-American War. Commanded Union forces at the Battle of Chickamauga and the Battle of Nashville, where decisive victories were achieved against Confederate troops. Earned the nickname 'Rock of Chickamauga' for steadfastness during the Battle of Chickamauga. After the war, served in various military roles, including overseeing the Department of the Cumberland.
Played a key role in the Union victory at the Battle of Nashville
Earned the nickname 'Rock of Chickamauga' at the Battle of Chickamauga
Other People Born on July 31st
Louisa Bolus
South African botanist and taxonomist
Born
July 31st, 1877 148 years ago
Died
April 5th, 1970 56 years ago — 92 years old
Contributed significantly to the study of South African flora, specializing in the taxonomy of flowering plants. Held a strong interest in succulent plants, particularly those of the genera Crassula and Mesembryanthemum. Actively participated in botanical societies and education, fostering a deeper understanding of plant classification and conservation. Published numerous scientific papers and descriptions of new species, aiding in the advancement of botanical knowledge.
Continue ReadingJoão Gomes
Brazilian singer and songwriter
Born
July 31st, 2002 23 years ago
Emergence as a prominent figure in Brazilian music occurred with the release of the single 'Meu Pedaço de Pecado', which achieved widespread popularity. Notable for blending genres such as sertanejo and pagode, contributed to the modern sound of Brazilian pop. Debut album 'Eu Sou João' further solidified presence in the music industry, showcasing a range of emotional themes and lyrical depth established early as a influential voice among the youth of Brazil.
Continue ReadingAlex Glenn
Rugby league player for New Zealand
Born
July 31st, 1988 37 years ago
Debuted in the National Rugby League (NRL) in 2009, primarily played as a second-row or lock. Spent his entire NRL career with the Brisbane Broncos, contributing to the team's numerous playoff appearances. Represented New Zealand internationally, participating in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup. Demonstrated leadership qualities by serving as captain of the Broncos. Retired from professional rugby league in 2021.
Continue ReadingRéka Luca Jani
Hungarian tennis player and competitor
Born
July 31st, 1991 34 years ago
Competed on the professional tennis circuit primarily in singles and doubles events. Achieved a career-high singles ranking of World No. 70 in August 2015. Participated in major tournaments such as the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open. Excelled in doubles, with a highest ranking of World No. 82. Represented Hungary in international competitions including the Fed Cup.
Continue ReadingS. S. Kresge
Businessman, founder of Kmart
Born
July 31st, 1867 158 years ago
Died
1966 60 years ago — 99 years old
Founder of Kmart, a discount store chain, established Kresge & Company in 1899. Expanded the business into a national chain, which became a significant competitor in the retail market. Kmart revolutionized discount retailing by offering a wide range of products at lower prices. The first Kmart store opened in 1962, marking the company as a key player in the retail industry.
Continue ReadingRobert C. Merton
Economist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
July 31st, 1944 81 years ago
Significant contributions to financial economics. Developed the Black-Scholes model for option pricing alongside Fischer Black and Myron Scholes, earning a Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 1997. Contributed to the development of risk management techniques and dynamic asset allocation strategies. Held academic positions at renowned institutions, including Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University. Published numerous influential papers and books in finance, shaping the understanding of derivative instruments and market behavior.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on March 28th
Ryuichi Sakamoto
Pianist and composer of film scores
Born
January 17th, 1952 74 years ago
Died
March 28th, 2023 3 years ago — 71 years old
A pianist and composer, significant contributions included film scores and collaborations across various musical genres. Debuted with the electronic music group Yellow Magic Orchestra in the late 1970s, which pioneered synth-pop and techno. Created acclaimed scores for films such as 'Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence' and 'The Last Emperor', the latter winning an Academy Award. Collaborated with numerous artists and showed a versatile approach to composition, merging Eastern and Western musical influences.
Continue ReadingLorenzo Semple Jr.
Screenwriter for Batman (1966) TV series
Born
1923 103 years ago
Died
March 28th, 2014 12 years ago — 91 years old
A prominent American screenwriter and producer, contributed significantly to the film and television industry. Best recognized for the 1960s television series 'Batman,' which blended camp humor and superhero action. Worked on various projects, including adaptations and original screenplays for television and film, bringing a unique style to the works. Collaborated with notable directors and writers throughout a prolific career, leaving a lasting legacy in screenwriting.
Continue ReadingWilliam Giauque
Chemist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
May 12th, 1895 131 years ago
Died
March 28th, 1982 44 years ago — 86 years old
A prominent chemist and academic, engaged in significant research in thermodynamics, particularly at low temperatures. Contributed to the understanding of the physical behavior of substances. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1949 for pioneering work in the field of chemical thermodynamics. Served as a professor and influenced numerous students and researchers in the discipline.
Continue ReadingPope Martin IV
Pope with papacy during the 13th century
Died
March 28th, 1285 741 years ago — None years old
Served as pope from 1281 until death in 1285. Elected following the papacy's return to Rome, focused on restoring order within the church and consolidating papal power. Engaged in political maneuvering to counteract the influence of powerful families in Italy, particularly in Rome and Sicily. Advocated for church reform and addressed issues related to clerical misconduct during tenure as pope. His papacy also coincided with conflicts involving Charles I of Anjou and the ongoing struggles for control in Sicily.
Continue ReadingGene Saks
American actor and theater director
Born
1921 105 years ago
Died
March 28th, 2015 11 years ago — 94 years old
An influential figure in American theater, played a significant role in numerous Broadway productions. Directed several acclaimed plays, particularly those written by Neil Simon. Achieved success as both an actor and director, working on various productions across different genres. Contributions to theater spanned decades, leaving a lasting legacy in dramatic arts.
Continue ReadingMiroslav Ondříček
Czech cinematographer of 'Amadeus'
Born
1934 92 years ago
Died
March 28th, 2015 11 years ago — 81 years old
A Czech cinematographer, contributions spanned several decades in film. Collaborated with prominent directors, particularly Milos Forman. Captured striking visuals for acclaimed films such as 'Amadeus' and 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest'. Received multiple awards for cinematography, recognized for creating compelling imagery that enhanced storytelling.
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