Gilles Ménage
French philologist and scholar
A prominent figure in the study of language and literature, this individual contributed significantly to the fields of philology and lexicography. Authored works on etymology, which explored the origins and meanings of words. Published a comprehensive dictionary that influenced the French language. Engaged in scholarly correspondence with notable contemporaries and participated in linguistic debates.
Authored the 'Dictionnaire étymologique'
Contributed to the study of ancient languages
Other People Born on August 15th
Antonín Petrof
Czech piano maker, founded Petrof Pianos
Born
August 15th, 1839 186 years ago
Died
1915 111 years ago — 76 years old
A prominent piano maker, established a piano manufacturing company in 1864 in Hradec Králové, Czech Republic. Contributed to the development of high-quality pianos, which gained recognition in Europe and beyond. The company operated under the name Petrof and became one of the largest piano manufacturers in the world. Instrumental in advancing piano design and craftsmanship, the company produced a range of has continued into the 21st century.
Continue ReadingMike Connors
Television actor and star of Mannix
Born
August 15th, 1925 100 years ago
Died
January 26th, 2017 9 years ago — 91 years old
An American actor who gained prominence through a leading role in the television series 'Mannix.' The show, which aired from 1967 to 1975, showcased a private investigator and became a staple of the crime drama genre during its time. Connors' portrayal of Joe Mannix allowed for a blend of tough detective work with personal dilemmas. He also made guest appearances in various other shows and films throughout his career, further establishing his presence in Hollywood until his passing in 2017.
Continue ReadingIvan Meštrović
Croatian sculptor and architect
Born
August 15th, 1883 142 years ago
Died
January 16th, 1962 64 years ago — 78 years old
A prominent sculptor and architect, this individual played a significant role in the development of modern sculpture in the 20th century. Educational background included studies at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna. Major works include the sculptures of the 'Gospa od Tarca' and 'Pieta', and the architectural design of St. George's Church in the village of Dreznik. Resided in the United States during parts of his career and became a professor at Syracuse University, influencing future generations of artists.
Continue ReadingJacques Ibert
Composer known for 'Concerto for Flute'
Born
August 15th, 1890 135 years ago
Died
February 5th, 1962 64 years ago — 71 years old
A prominent composer in the 20th century, Ibert's works span numerous genres including opera, chamber music, and orchestral compositions. Ibert completed his studies at the Paris Conservatoire, where he gained recognition for his originality. His compositions often incorporate elements of French folk music and display wit and charm. Notable works include the 'Concerto for Flute and Orchestra' and the score for the film 'Les Chansons de France'. Ibert served as the director of the French Academy in Rome and was instrumental in promoting contemporary music during his tenure. He received the prestigious Prix de Rome for his contributions to music composition, reaffirming his status within the classical music community.
Continue ReadingStanley Milgram
American social psychologist, Milgram Experiment
Born
August 15th, 1933 92 years ago
Died
December 20th, 1984 41 years ago — 51 years old
A social psychologist conducted groundbreaking research on obedience to authority. The Milgram Experiment, which began in 1961, demonstrated individuals' willingness to perform actions conflicting with their personal conscience when instructed by an authority figure. The study involved participants administering electric shocks to a subject in a controlled setting, revealing alarming insights into human behavior and conformity. This influential work raised ethical questions in psychology and highlighted the complexities of authority dynamics in social situations.
Continue ReadingSuhasini Maniratnam
Indian actress and screenwriter
Born
August 15th, 1961 64 years ago
Started acting in the early 1980s and gained prominence in the Tamil film industry. She made significant contributions as a screenwriter alongside her acting career. Received accolades at various film festivals for performances in movies like "Sindhu Bhairavi" and "Mouna Raagam." Known for her roles in multiple languages, including Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam films. Served as a jury member at several prestigious film festivals, amplifying her influence in cinema.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on July 23rd
William Ramsay
Scottish chemist, Nobel Prize winner
Born
October 2nd, 1852 173 years ago
Died
July 23rd, 1916 109 years ago — 63 years old
A Scottish chemist and academic, contributed significantly to the field of chemistry, particularly in the study of noble gases. Conducted groundbreaking work on the identification and isolation of argon, neon, krypton, and xenon. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1904 for discoveries in the chemistry of rare gases. Served as a professor at University College London and held various academic positions throughout an extensive career.
Continue ReadingGlenn Curtiss
Aviation pioneer and engineer
Born
May 21st, 1878 147 years ago
Died
July 23rd, 1930 95 years ago — 52 years old
Became a leading figure in early aviation, contributing extensively to the development of aircraft design and technology. Founded the Curtiss Aeroplane Company, which was instrumental in the growth of the aviation industry. His innovations included the development of the aileron and significant contributions to hydroaviation. He also produced military aircraft during World War I, including the Curtiss JN-4 'Jenny', which became one of the most popular training aircraft for the U.S. Army.
Continue ReadingVan Heflin
American film actor and Oscar winner
Born
December 13th, 1908 117 years ago
Died
July 23rd, 1971 54 years ago — 62 years old
A prominent figure in American cinema, this actor gained recognition for a career that spanned several decades. His work included performances in both film and theater, showcasing a range of characters and emotions. Notably, won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for the role in 'Shane' in 1953. Often collaborated with esteemed directors and participated in numerous productions that highlighted his versatility. The late actor also made appearances in television series during his career, further solidifying his presence in the entertainment industry.
Continue ReadingMontgomery Clift
American actor in classic films
Born
October 17th, 1920 105 years ago
Died
July 23rd, 1966 59 years ago — 45 years old
Acclaimed for a powerful film career, an American actor rose to prominence in the 1940s and 1950s. Breakout roles included performances in 'Red River' and 'A Place in the Sun.' Starred in 'From Here to Eternity,' receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Clift's method acting style brought depth to characters, redefining male roles in cinema. Struggled with personal challenges throughout life, impacting later performances.
Continue ReadingGeorges Auric
French composer of film scores
Born
February 15th, 1899 126 years ago
Died
July 23rd, 1983 42 years ago — 84 years old
A prominent composer in the 20th century, created scores for several classic films. Collaborated with directors such as Jean Cocteau and worked on notable projects including 'Beauty and the Beast' and 'The Blood of a Poet'. Also composed classical works and music for ballets, contributing significantly to the development of music in cinema and theater. His work reflects a blend of traditional and modern styles, earning recognition in both the film industry and concert halls.
Continue ReadingNorman Leyden
Composer and conductor of orchestral works
Born
October 17th, 1917 108 years ago
Died
July 23rd, 2014 11 years ago — 96 years old
A prominent American composer and conductor, associated with the sounds of orchestral and television music, played a significant role in the realm of musical performance and composition. Leyden's work included conducting the Oregon Symphony, where he contributed to the enrichment of orchestral music in the region. Leyden also gained recognition for compositions that became staples in American music programs. His contributions extended to recording and arranging music that enhanced the quality of performances across various media, including television.
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