Harold Russell
Canadian-American soldier and actor
Born
Died
Category
Performers & Entertainers
Country
Canada/United States
Links & References
A soldier and actor recognized for contributions during World War II. Served in the U.S. Army as a demolition expert and lost both hands during a training accident. Later starred in the film 'The Best Years of Our Lives' (1946), which focused on the challenges faced by returning veterans. Received two Academy Awards for his performance, including Best Supporting Actor, making history as the first veteran to win an Oscar. Continued to act in various television shows and films thereafter.
Starred in 'The Best Years of Our Lives'
Won two Academy Awards
Other People Born on January 14th
Slick Rick
Rapper and producer known for 'La Di Da Di'
Born
January 14th, 1965 61 years ago
Born in London and later moving to New York, significant contributions to hip hop music occurred in the 1980s. Pioneered storytelling in rap with a distinctive style and smooth flow. Debut album, 'The Great Adventures of Slick Rick', released in 1988, became influential within the genre. Collaborations with notable artists helped shape numerous tracks and bring creative lyrics to the forefront. Recognized for unique fashion sense and iconic eye patch.
Continue ReadingCory Gibbs
Soccer player with U.S. National Team
Born
January 14th, 1980 46 years ago
Professional soccer player participated in Major League Soccer (MLS) and represented the United States National Team. Played as a defender with several MLS teams including the Chicago Fire, New England Revolution, and FC Dallas. Competed in prestigious international tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup. Career included a tenure in Europe with clubs such as FC St. Pauli in Germany. Gibbs was recognized for defensive skills and contributions to the teams and National Team.
Continue ReadingErick Aybar
Baseball player, known for MLB career
Born
January 14th, 1984 42 years ago
A professional baseball player with a career spanning over a decade in Major League Baseball (MLB). Primarily played as a shortstop and second baseman. Made his debut in 2004 with the Los Angeles Angels. Spent the majority of his career with the Angels, contributing to the team's success during the 2000s. After leaving the Angels, played for other teams including the Atlanta Braves and the Detroit Tigers. Was part of the Angels' playoff teams and played in the 2009 ALDS. Demonstrated consistent defensive skills and offensive contributions throughout the career.
Continue ReadingSteven Soderbergh
Film director and producer, 'Traffic'
Born
January 14th, 1963 63 years ago
An American director, producer, and screenwriter. Gained prominence in the early 1990s with the film 'Sex, Lies, and Videotape', which won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. Achieved critical acclaim for the film 'Traffic', which won four Academy Awards, including Best Director. Directed the popular 'Oceans' series, starting with 'Ocean's Eleven' in 2001, which featured an ensemble cast and was commercially successful. Also directed 'Erin Brockovich', which garnered three Academy Awards and solidified strong collaboration with Julia Roberts. Worked on various projects across genres, showcasing versatility in filmmaking.
Continue ReadingLelisa Desisa
Ethiopian long-distance runner, Marathon champion
Born
January 14th, 1990 36 years ago
Born in 1990, a long-distance runner proficient in marathon events. Achieved significant success in competitive running with notable performances in major international marathons. In 2013, won the Boston Marathon, finishing in a time of 2:10:22. Claimed victory at the 2015 World Championships in Beijing, securing a gold medal in the marathon. Competed in various prestigious races around the world, consistently ranking among the top elite runners. Represented Ethiopia in multiple international competitions, showcasing exceptional endurance and speed.
Continue ReadingNadia Maftouni
Iranian philosopher and educator
Born
January 14th, 1966 60 years ago
A philosopher and educator, contributions focused on the intersection of philosophy and aesthetics, particularly in the context of Iranian culture and philosophy. Engaged with issues related to contemporary philosophy and introduced new perspectives on traditional philosophical themes. Worked in academia, teaching and mentoring students in various philosophical subjects, emphasizing critical thinking and the importance of philosophical inquiry. Participated in numerous conferences and published extensively in philosophical journals, contributing to the discourse surrounding philosophy in Iran and beyond.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on January 29th
Jack Hylton
English band leader and impresario
Born
1892 134 years ago
Died
January 29th, 1965 60 years ago — 73 years old
A prominent figure in British popular music during the early 20th century, achieved success as a pianist, composer, and band leader. Led the Jack Hylton Band, which became well-known for its dance music. Involved in the musical theatre scene, producing and presenting various shows, including the successful revue 'Hylton's Musical Revue'. Contributed to the popularization of jazz in the UK and was instrumental in the development of radio broadcasting in the 1920s and 1930s.
Continue ReadingSalwan Momika
Iraqi anti-Islam activist
Born
1986 40 years ago
Died
January 29th, 2025 0 years ago — 39 years old
An Iraqi refugee engaged in anti-Islam activities, faced significant controversies due to public protests and provocative actions. Gained attention through the burning of the Quran, leading to various international responses. Moved from Iraq to Europe, highlighting issues related to freedom of speech and activism within the context of migration and religious discourse.
Continue ReadingWalker Boone
Canadian actor known for television roles
Born
1944 82 years ago
Died
January 29th, 2021 4 years ago — 77 years old
Gained prominence as an actor in Canadian television, with significant roles in series such as 'Corner Gas' and 'Little Mosque on the Prairie'. Worked in various productions that showcased talent and versatility. Career spanned several years with appearances across multiple platforms, contributing to the Canadian entertainment landscape. Recognized for contributions to the industry before passing in 2021.
Continue ReadingRod McKuen
Singer-songwriter and poet
Born
April 29th, 1933 92 years ago
Died
January 29th, 2015 10 years ago — 81 years old
A prominent singer-songwriter and poet, contributed significantly to popular music and literature during the 20th century. Best known for poetic lyrics in albums such as 'The Sea' and 'Listen to the Warm'. Garnered acclaim for melodic compositions in the folk and pop genres. Authored numerous poetry collections, which further solidified a reputation as a respected literary figure. Collaborated with various artists and achieved commercial success in both music and publishing, leaving a lasting legacy in American culture.
Continue ReadingHans Hedtoft
Danish politician and Prime Minister
Born
1903 123 years ago
Died
January 29th, 1955 70 years ago — 52 years old
Served as Prime Minister of Denmark from 1947 to 1950 and again from 1953 until death in 1955. Played a significant role in post-World War II reconstruction and political stabilization in Denmark. Engaged in efforts for social reform and the expansion of democratic governance. Contributed to the development of the Social Democrats as a leading political force during this period.
Continue ReadingVincent R. Impellitteri
American politician, 101st Mayor of NYC
Born
1900 126 years ago
Died
January 29th, 1987 38 years ago — 87 years old
Served as the 101st Mayor of New York City from 1950 to 1953. Held the position of New York City Council President prior to becoming mayor. Contributed to the expansion of the city’s infrastructure during a period of post-war growth. After mayoralty, continued public service as a judge, influencing local governance and judicial processes.
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