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
Orest 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 ReadingMyles Turner
Basketball player for Indiana Pacers
Born
March 24th, 1996 29 years ago
Professional basketball player competed in the NBA primarily with the Indiana Pacers. Played as a center and earned recognition for defensive skills and shot-blocking ability. Achieved a notable career-high average of 3.4 blocks per game during the 2018-2019 season. Participated in multiple seasons with the Pacers, demonstrating consistency in performance and contributing to overall team success.
Continue ReadingEpico Colon
Professional wrestler, tag team champion
Born
March 24th, 1982 43 years ago
Born in Puerto Rico, a professional wrestler gained recognition in various promotions including WWE. Made debut in 2006 and achieved success as part of a tag team. Collaborated with cousin, forming the duo known as the Colons, and competed under the name Epico. Captured the WWE Tag Team Championship with partner Primo. Known for blending traditional Puerto Rican wrestling styles with American wrestling techniques and entertaining audiences through high-energy performances.
Continue ReadingAlyssa Healy
Australian cricketer, wicketkeeper-batter
Born
March 24th, 1990 35 years ago
An accomplished cricketer played for the Australian national team and several domestic teams. Gained recognition as a wicketkeeper-batter, contributing significantly to matches in formats such as One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20s. Played a crucial role in Australia's success at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup, securing victories and demonstrating exceptional skills behind the stumps and with the bat. Participated in multiple international tours and series, earning a reputation for aggressive batting and sharp wicketkeeping. Holds records for runs scored in crucial matches, highlighting contributions to the team's achievements both domestically and internationally.
Continue ReadingMike Vanderjagt
Football placekicker with highest accuracy
Born
March 24th, 1970 55 years ago
Born in 1970, Vanderjagt played as a placekicker in the National Football League (NFL) for several teams, most notably the Indianapolis Colts. He gained recognition for his exceptional kicking accuracy, setting an NFL record for most consecutive field goals made at one point in his career. Vanderjagt also played for the Dallas Cowboys and had a brief stint with the Toronto Argonauts in the Canadian Football League. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2003, where he solidified his reputation as one of the premier kickers of his time.
Continue ReadingGary Paffett
Racing driver and DTM champion
Born
March 24th, 1981 44 years ago
Accomplished English racing driver, active in motorsport since the late 1990s. Competed primarily in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM), winning the championship in 2005 and 2018. Participated in various racing series including the British Formula 3 Championship and American Champ Car series. Served as a test driver for McLaren in Formula One. Also contributed as a development driver for Aston Martin and Mercedes-Benz.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on October 31st
George Roth
American gymnast, 1932 Olympic medalist
Born
April 25th, 1911 114 years ago
Died
October 31st, 1997 28 years ago — 86 years old
Competed in gymnastics, winning a bronze medal in the team event at the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics. Contributed to the growth and popularity of gymnastics in the United States during the 1930s. Achieved multiple titles in national competitions, showcasing skill across various gymnastics disciplines.
Continue ReadingGae Aulenti
Italian architect and designer
Born
1927 99 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 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 ReadingStuds Terkel
Historian and author of 'Working'
Born
May 16th, 1912 113 years ago
Died
October 31st, 2008 17 years ago — 96 years old
A prominent American oral historian and author, this individual produced significant works that captured the voices of everyday Americans. The most notable book, 'Working', published in 1974, offers a collection of interviews that give insight into the lives and experiences of various laborers across different occupations. Beyond this monumental work, contributions include 'The Good War', an exploration of World War II through personal narratives, and numerous other titles that reflect on American life and history. This individual engaged with complex social issues, articulating the experiences of ordinary people through storytelling that resonated widely.
Continue ReadingAlfred Pellan
Canadian painter and educator
Born
May 16th, 1906 119 years ago
Died
October 31st, 1988 37 years ago — 82 years old
An influential painter and educator, contributed significantly to the development of modernist art in Canada. Worked in various styles, but became known for abstract and surreal works. Had a strong involvement in art education, teaching in multiple institutions and influencing future generations of artists. His work was featured in various exhibitions throughout Canada and internationally, reflecting a blend of European modernism and Canadian themes.
Continue ReadingMarcel Carné
French film director, 'Les Enfants du Paradis'
Born
August 18th, 1906 119 years ago
Died
October 31st, 1996 29 years ago — 90 years old
A pivotal figure in French cinema, contributed significantly to the poetic realism movement. Directed the critically acclaimed film 'Les Enfants du Paradis', which premiered in 1945 and is celebrated for its rich storytelling and character development. Collaborated with screenwriters such as Jacques Prévert and worked with notable cinematographers. Involved in several other successful films, including 'Jour se lève' and 'Drôle de drame'. His body of work left a lasting legacy in the French film industry.
Continue Reading