Harry Houdini
Magician and escape artist
Born in Hungary and later becoming a prominent figure in the American entertainment scene, gained recognition as a magician and escape artist. Specializing in sensational escape acts, performed high-profile stunts such as escaping from handcuffs, straitjackets, and water-filled containers. Often incorporated dramatic elements into acts, captivating audiences with his unparalleled skills and theatrical flair. Also ventured into film, appearing in movies like "The Master's Hand" and "Houdini". Promoted the art of magic and heavily involved in debunking fraudulent spiritualists.
Escaped from handcuffs and water tanks
Starred in films such as 'The Master’s Hand'
Debunked fraudulent spiritualists
Other People Born on March 24th
Kelly Le Brock
Actress in 'The Woman in Red'
Born
March 24th, 1960 65 years ago
Born in 1960, an English-American actress and model gained recognition for a leading role in the comedy film 'The Woman in Red' alongside Gene Wilder. Early in her career, appeared in television commercials, which led to modeling opportunities and eventual film roles. Featured in movies such as 'Weird Science' and 'Hard Bounty'. Transitioned into business with ventures in health and wellness products after stepping back from acting.
Continue ReadingStar Jones
Lawyer and talk show host
Born
March 24th, 1962 63 years ago
Engaged in law and journalism, transitioned into television as a co-host of 'The View' from 1997 to 2006. Focused on women's issues and pop culture discussions. Served as a legal analyst and authored books including 'Shining Through'. Became a public figure for advocating health and wellness after undergoing weight loss surgery, which ignited discussions on body image. Established a presence in the media with various talk show appearances.
Continue ReadingOrest Kiprensky
Painter, Portrait of Pushkin
Born
March 24th, 1782 243 years ago
Died
October 17th, 1836 189 years ago — 54 years old
Born in 1782, a renowned painter associated with the Russian-Italian artistic tradition. Specialized in portraiture, capturing the essence of his subjects with finesse and depth. His work exhibited the influence of both Russian and Italian styles, blending techniques that showcased the character and emotion of his sitters. Created some of the most memorable portraits of notable figures of his time, including Alexander Pushkin and other prominent personalities in Russian literature and society. His career flourished during the early 19th century, making significant contributions to the art world.
Continue ReadingKeisha Castle-Hughes
Actress known for Whale Rider role
Born
March 24th, 1990 35 years ago
An Australian-New Zealand actress gained recognition for the lead role in the film 'Whale Rider' released in 2002. This debut performance earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, making her one of the youngest nominees in that category. Following the success of 'Whale Rider', continued to work in both film and television, contributing to various projects including the series 'Game of Thrones'. Also involved in advocacy related to social issues and environmental awareness.
Continue ReadingTig Notaro
Stand-up comedian and actor known for 'One Mississippi'
Born
March 24th, 1971 54 years ago
A stand-up comedian and actor, gained recognition for a unique storytelling style and candid humor. Developed a notable career in comedy with performances that often include personal experiences. Starred in the semi-autobiographical series 'One Mississippi,' which highlighted aspects of life, including illness and family dynamics. Additionally, performed at numerous comedy festivals and released multiple stand-up specials, including 'Tig Notaro: Happy To Be Here.' Work includes engagements on television shows and collaborations with various artists in the comedy and entertainment industry.
Continue ReadingGeorgius Agricola
Mineralogist; author of 'De re metallica'
Born
March 24th, 1494 531 years ago
Died
November 21st, 1555 470 years ago — 61 years old
A prominent mineralogist and scholar, contributions to the field of mining and metallurgy were significant. Authored 'De re metallica', a comprehensive work detailing mining processes, metals, and their properties. This influential book served as a standard reference for the field well into the 17th century. Engaged in studies that combined observation and experimental methods, laying groundwork for modern geology.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on October 31st
Michael Alsbury
Engineer and test pilot for SpaceShipTwo
Born
1975 50 years ago
Died
October 31st, 2014 11 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 ReadingJoseph Papp
Theater director and producer of 'Shakespeare in the Park'
Born
June 22nd, 1921 104 years ago
Died
October 31st, 1991 34 years ago — 70 years old
A theater director and producer, focused on expanding the accessibility of theatrical productions. Founded the Public Theater in New York City, which served as a platform for new plays and classic works. Pioneered the 'Shakespeare in the Park' festival, bringing free performances of Shakespeare's plays to the public in Central Park. His work significantly contributed to American theater, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and the promotion of diverse voices in performing arts.
Continue ReadingMustafa Mahmud
Egyptian physician and author
Born
1921 104 years ago
Died
October 31st, 2009 16 years ago — 88 years old
A prominent Egyptian physician and author, contributed significantly to the fields of medicine and literature. Published numerous works addressing medical issues and philosophical inquiries. Founded a medical center in Cairo aimed at improving healthcare. Actively engaged in writing, with a focus on bridging the gap between science and religion through literature. Gained recognition for both medical insights and literary contributions, influencing public discourse in Egypt.
Continue ReadingGae Aulenti
Italian architect and designer
Born
1927 98 years ago
Died
October 31st, 2012 13 years ago — 85 years old
An architect and designer gained recognition for innovative and functional designs. Worked on notable projects such as the Musee d'Orsay in Paris, showcasing the transformation of a former railway station into a museum. Designed the Italian Pavilion for the 1998 Expo in Lisbon, emphasizing modernism in architecture. Significant contributions to furniture design and exhibition spaces marked a distinct style, blending traditional Italian elements with contemporary aesthetics.
Continue ReadingGus Savage
American politician and businessman
Born
1925 100 years ago
Died
October 31st, 2015 10 years ago — 90 years old
Served as a U.S. Congressman representing Illinois from 1981 to 1993. In Congress, focused on issues affecting the African American community and was involved in various social justice initiatives. Prior to his election, had a successful career in business and community organizing. Also served on the Chicago Board of Education. Had a reputation for strong advocacy on civil rights and education reform.
Continue ReadingHal Anger
Biophysicist and engineer, inventor of PET
Born
1920 105 years ago
Died
October 31st, 2005 20 years ago — 85 years old
A biophysicist and engineer contributed to the development of positron emission tomography (PET), a powerful imaging technique used in medical diagnostics. Worked on the design of the first clinical PET scanner in the 1970s. This technology revolutionized the ability to visualize metabolic processes in the body, providing crucial insights into various diseases, including cancer and neurological disorders. Published numerous research papers detailing advancements in imaging technologies and contributed significantly to the fields of nuclear medicine and radiology.
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