Henri Druey
Swiss lawyer and politician, 2nd President
Born
Died
1855
170 years ago — 56 years old
Category
Leaders & Politicians
Country
Switzerland
Links & References
A prominent Swiss lawyer and politician, served as the 2nd President of the Swiss Confederation in 1848. Played a significant role in the drafting of the first Federal Constitution of Switzerland. Druey's tenure included a focus on strengthening the federal government and promoting national unity. His advocacy for civil liberties and education reform also marked his political career during a transformative period in Swiss history.
Served as 2nd President of the Swiss Confederation
Contributed to the drafting of the Federal Constitution
Other People Born on April 12th
John Landy
Runner and Governor of Victoria
Born
April 12th, 1930 95 years ago
Died
2022 3 years ago — 92 years old
An accomplished Australian runner, gained recognition for breaking the four-minute mile barrier in 1954, achieving a time of 3:57.9. Transitioning into politics, served as the 26th Governor of Victoria from 2001 to 2006. His athletic career included notable performances at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, where he competed in the 1500 meters. Later, contributed to the development of sport and education in Victoria and was involved in various community initiatives.
Continue ReadingIgor Volk
Ukrainian-Russian astronaut and pilot
Born
April 12th, 1937 88 years ago
Died
2017 8 years ago — 80 years old
Born in 1937, this individual served as a colonel in the Soviet Air Force and became a test pilot and astronaut. Participation in the Soviet space program led to a flight aboard the Soyuz 27 mission in 1978. This flight contributed to the continued operations of the Salyut 7 space station. Extensive experience in flying various aircraft complemented contributions to aerospace technology. After retiring from military service, continued to engage in aviation and aerospace education.
Continue ReadingDennis Banks
American author and activist
Born
April 12th, 1937 88 years ago
Died
2017 8 years ago — 80 years old
An author and activist focused on Indigenous rights and culture. Co-founded the American Indian Movement (AIM) in 1968, advocating for the rights of Native Americans. Participated in various protests, including the occupation of Alcatraz Island in 1969 and the Wounded Knee incident in 1973. Authored several books discussing Indigenous issues and history, contributing to the visibility of Native American culture.
Continue ReadingJohnny Raper
Rugby league player and coach
Born
April 12th, 1939 86 years ago
Died
February 9th, 2022 3 years ago — 82 years old
Played rugby league for the St. George Dragons and the Australian national team. Won significant titles including the NSWRL premiership and the World Cup. Transitioned to coaching after his playing career, contributing to the development of players and strategies in the sport. Recognized as one of the all-time greats of Australian rugby league.
Continue ReadingElspet Gray
Scottish actress with notable stage performances
Born
April 12th, 1929 96 years ago
Died
2013 12 years ago — 84 years old
A prominent figure in British theater and television, this actress had a lengthy career that spanned decades. Best recognized for her work in the Royal Shakespeare Company, she excelled in classical and contemporary roles. Contributions to television included significant roles in series such as "The Forsyte Saga" and "Wives and Daughters." Additionally, performances at the Edinburgh Festivals highlighted her talents in both comedy and drama. Recognized for her dedication to the craft, she also earned accolades for her stage performances, particularly in the works of playwrights such as Shakespeare and Shaw.
Continue ReadingManuel Neri
Sculptor and painter, notable for modern art
Born
April 12th, 1930 95 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 91 years old
Born in 1930, this American artist excelled in sculpture and painting, becoming a prominent figure in the contemporary art scene. The works often explored themes of the human figure and abstraction, characterized by their expressive forms. Emerging from the San Francisco Bay Area, this artist integrated elements of the figure with dynamic applications of color and texture. The artist's contributions to sculpture and painting have been widely exhibited in galleries and museums across the United States.
Continue Reading