Gérard de Villiers

French journalist and author of SAS series

Gérard de Villiers - French journalist and author of SAS series
Born

1929
96 years ago

Died

October 31st, 2013
11 years ago — 84 years old

Category

Artists & Creatives

Country

France

Links & References

A journalist and author specialized in spy fiction, gained recognition through the SAS series, which includes over 200 novels. The series features the character Malko Linge, an Austrian nobleman and CIA agent. This extensive work, spanning from the 1960s to the 2010s, merged espionage and thriller elements in an engaging narrative style. De Villiers traveled extensively for research purposes, often drawing on real-world events and geopolitical contexts. This approach contributed to the series' authenticity and detail, appealing to a wide readership across Europe and beyond.

Authored the SAS spy novel series

Created the character Malko Linge

Other People Who Died on October 31st

Sachin Dev Burman

Indian composer and singer of film music
Born
1906 119 years ago
Died
October 31st, 1975 49 years ago — 69 years old

A prominent composer and singer, created music for numerous Hindi films during the mid-20th century. His work blended classical Indian music with contemporary styles, leaving a lasting legacy in Indian cinema. Contributions include compositions for renowned films such as 'Pyaasa' and 'Guide', showcasing mastery in diverse musical arrangements. Influenced by Indian folk traditions, developed a unique sound that attracted many followers. Also served as a playback singer in several of his films, enhancing their emotional depth. Continued to inspire generations of musicians and composers after passing.

Continue Reading

Marie Bashkirtseff

Ukrainian-Russian painter and sculptor
Born
1858 167 years ago
Died
October 31st, 1884 140 years ago — 26 years old

Born in 1858, Bashkirtseff became a prominent painter and sculptor, primarily active in France. She exhibited at the Paris Salon and gained recognition for her compelling self-portraits and portrayals of modern life. Despite her early death at 26, her work reflects a unique perspective on femininity and social norms in the late 19th century. Bashkirtseff's diary gained attention and is regarded as an important document of her time, detailing her artistic journey and personal reflections.

Continue Reading

Michael Alsbury

Engineer and test pilot for SpaceShipTwo
Born
1975 50 years ago
Died
October 31st, 2014 10 years ago — 39 years old

An engineer and test pilot who contributed significantly to the development of commercial spaceflight. Worked with Scaled Composites, where pivotal tests were conducted for the SpaceShipTwo spacecraft. Involved in designing and testing innovative aerospace technologies. Played a central role in the SpaceShipTwo program until the tragic accident in 2014, which occurred during a test flight aimed at achieving suborbital space travel.

Continue Reading

Kitagawa Utamaro

Japanese woodblock printmaker
Died
October 31st, 1806 218 years ago — None years old

A prominent artist of the Edo period, specialized in ukiyo-e, particularly portraits of women. Contributed significantly to the genre through a unique style characterized by delicate lines and innovative compositions. Created a variety of works including landscapes and narratives, yet focused primarily on bijin-ga (beautiful women). His techniques influenced subsequent generations of Japanese artists. Developed series such as 'Ten Beautiful Women' and produced prints that captured the beauty and fashion of the time.

Continue Reading

Cosimo III de' Medici

Grand Duke of Tuscany
Born
August 14th, 1642 382 years ago
Died
October 31st, 1723 301 years ago — 81 years old

Ruled as Grand Duke of Tuscany from 1670 to 1723, overseeing a period marked by significant economic and cultural development. His reign followed a long lineage of the Medici family, characterized by their influence in politics, education, and the arts. Led various initiatives to strengthen Tuscany's economy, including promoting trade and agriculture. Established the Accademia della Crusca and supported the arts, commissioning works from prominent artists. His diplomatic efforts contributed to maintaining stability in Tuscany during a time of political turbulence in Italy.

Continue Reading

Huang Xing

Chinese revolutionary leader and statesman
Born
October 25th, 1874 150 years ago
Died
October 31st, 1916 108 years ago — 42 years old

Born in 1874, contributed to the early 20th-century revolutionary movement against the Qing Dynasty in China. Studied in Japan, where revolutionary ideas took root. Formed alliances with other revolutionaries and played a crucial role in several uprisings, leading to the establishment of the Republic of China in 1912. Served as the military governor of Hunan and held various influential positions in the new government, advocating for modern military reform and national unification. His vision for a republican China included significant democratic principles and modernization efforts.

Continue Reading