Hans Asperger
Austrian pediatrician and researcher
Asperger contributed significantly to the understanding of autism, especially in children. His work in the 1940s led to the identification of a specific form of autism that would later bear his name. He conducted comprehensive observational studies on children with social and communication difficulties, distinguishing characteristics that would inform future autism research. Asperger established a clinic in Vienna dedicated to pediatric medicine and was instrumental in developing educational approaches for children with autism and related conditions. His research emphasized the importance of understanding and diagnosing autism spectrum disorders in an educational context.
Identified Asperger syndrome in children
Published research on autism in 1944
Established a dedicated pediatric clinic in Vienna
Other People Born on February 18th
Fabrizio De André
Italian singer-songwriter and guitarist
Born
February 18th, 1940 85 years ago
Died
January 11th, 1999 26 years ago — 58 years old
An influential singer-songwriter and guitarist, recognized for contributions to Italian music through poetic lyrics and complex melodies. Gained notoriety in the 1960s and 1970s, crafting songs that addressed social issues, love, and existential themes. Released several acclaimed albums, with notable works including 'La Canzone di Marinella' and 'Via del Campo'. Combined traditional Italian folk music with contemporary sounds, leaving a lasting legacy in the genre.
Continue ReadingPhyllis Calvert
English actress in film and television
Born
February 18th, 1915 110 years ago
Died
October 8th, 2002 23 years ago — 87 years old
Began a career in acting in the late 1930s, often starring in British films. Gained prominence during the 1940s, particularly in the theatrical adaptation of 'The Corn is Green' and films such as 'We Are the Angels' and 'The Irresponsible.' Participated in stage productions and maintained a presence on television, appearing in series like 'The Adventures of the Scarlet Pimpernel.' Continued to work in entertainment until her retirement in the 1980s, contributing significantly to the industry throughout her career.
Continue ReadingMarie Champmeslé
French actress in classic theatre
Born
February 18th, 1642 383 years ago
Died
May 15th, 1698 327 years ago — 56 years old
Originated in the 17th century French theatre, a prominent actress at the Hôtel de Bourgogne in Paris. Champmeslé gained acclaim for performances in tragedies and became a leading figure in the works of playwrights such as Racine. Notably partnered with the influential actor, she contributed to the development of French dramaturgy and the popularity of classic theatre forms. Her interpretation of roles in plays like 'Andromaque' helped define theatrical expression during the period.
Continue ReadingConnie Wisniewski
American baseball player and pitcher
Born
February 18th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
May 4th, 1995 30 years ago — 73 years old
A professional baseball player, celebrated for contributions as a pitcher in Major League Baseball. Played for the Detroit Tigers from 1944 to 1947. Made appearances in several key matches, showcasing skills in pitching and contributing to team efforts during the post-war era of the sport. His career is noted for performing in a challenging period for baseball, with experiences that included participation in the minor leagues and significant matches.
Continue ReadingAudre Lorde
Writer and Civil Rights Activist
Born
February 18th, 1934 91 years ago
Died
November 17th, 1992 33 years ago — 58 years old
A prominent figure in the feminist and civil rights movements, this individual focused on issues of race, gender, and sexuality. Published several important works, including 'Sister Outsider' and 'The Black Unicorn'. Served as the Poet Laureate of New York from 1991 to 1993. Contributed significantly to the literature surrounding intersectionality, shaping discussions in both feminism and LGBTQ+ rights.
Continue ReadingRandy Crawford
Jazz and R&B singer with 'Street Life'
Born
February 18th, 1952 73 years ago
Originated in the music scene in the early 1970s, a singer with a style blending jazz, R&B, and pop. Achieved mainstream success with hits such as 'Street Life' and 'One Day I'll Fly Away'. Collaborated with notable artists including Miles Davis and Joe Sample. Released numerous albums throughout the career, showcasing a distinctive vocal style.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on October 21st
Charles VI of France
French King during the Hundred Years' War
Born
December 3rd, 1368 657 years ago
Died
October 21st, 1422 603 years ago — 53 years old
Ruled France from 1380 to 1422. Initial reign characterized by a strong central government but disrupted by bouts of insanity that led to periods of regency. Faced significant challenges during the Hundred Years' War, including the loss of French territories to the English. Influenced the internal political landscape of France through the creation of the Armagnac-Burgundian conflict, a civil war among rival factions. His later years involved struggles for power and stability within the kingdom.
Continue ReadingDan 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 ReadingIsabelle Eberhardt
Swiss explorer and author
Born
February 17th, 1877 148 years ago
Died
October 21st, 1904 121 years ago — 27 years old
Born in 1877, a Swiss explorer and writer explored North Africa, particularly Algeria, and contributed to literature through personal writings. Eberhardt adopted a male identity to navigate a male-dominated society and traveled extensively through desert regions, documenting her experiences and observations. Her works reflect the cultural and social dynamics of the time. Eberhardt's life was marked by a fascination with Sufi mysticism and she became involved with the local communities, blending her Western and Eastern experiences.
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 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 ReadingEmperor Go-Tsuchimikado
Japanese Emperor during the Muromachi period
Born
July 3rd, 1442 583 years ago
Died
October 21st, 1500 525 years ago — 58 years old
Reign occurred during the Muromachi period in Japan. Ascended to the throne in 1457 and ruled until 1464. Overseeing a time marked by political instability and conflicts between the Ashikaga shogunate and various daimyo. Focused on consolidating imperial power and influencing cultural development, particularly in the arts. His reign is noted for the challenges posed by the Ōnin War, which significantly impacted the future of Japan's political landscape.
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