Hermann de Pourtalès
Swiss sailor and Olympic champion
Born
Died
Category
Athletes & Sports Figures
Country
Switzerland
Links & References
Born in Switzerland, participated in sailing events during his athletic career. Competed in the 1900 Paris Olympics, where sailing was included for the first time. Achieved significant success, winning a gold medal in the 1 to 2 ton sailing class. Dedicated to the sport, contributed to the growth of competitive sailing in Switzerland, particularly in yacht racing.
Won gold medal at the 1900 Paris Olympics
Competed in the 1 to 2 ton sailing class
Other People Born on March 31st
Evan Williams
Businessman, co-founder of Twitter
Born
March 31st, 1972 54 years ago
American businessman co-founded Pyra Labs, which developed Blogger, a widely used blog publishing platform. Later co-founded Twitter, a popular social media platform that revolutionized online communication. Williams served as CEO during the platform's early development and subsequent growth, facilitating significant increases in user engagement and media presence.
Continue ReadingAshikaga Yoshiteru
Japanese shōgun during the Sengoku period
Born
March 31st, 1536 490 years ago
Died
June 17th, 1565 461 years ago — 29 years old
Born in 1536, served as the 13th shōgun of the Ashikaga shogunate during a tumultuous period in Japanese history known as the Sengoku period. Yoshiteru ascended to power at a young age amidst ongoing conflicts and instability among feudal lords. His reign was marked by efforts to consolidate power and control among the factions vying for dominance. Despite initial support, faced significant opposition, leading to his eventual downfall. His time in power included attempts to align major clans through diplomacy, but these efforts were often undermined by betrayal and shifting alliances. Yoshiteru's life came to an end in 1549, greatly influencing the power dynamics of the era.
Continue ReadingGordie Howe
Ice hockey player, the 'Mr. Hockey'
Born
March 31st, 1928 98 years ago
Died
June 10th, 2016 10 years ago — 88 years old
Born in 1928, this Canadian ice hockey player enjoyed a prolific career in the National Hockey League (NHL) primarily with the Detroit Red Wings. Spanning over 32 seasons, he became a symbol of excellence in the sport, amassing numerous records and accolades. Renowned for his exceptional skill and toughness on the ice, he played in 1,767 regular-season games, scoring 801 goals and providing 1,049 assists. The player also represented Canada in international competitions, contributing to successes in various tournaments. His contributions to the game earned the nickname 'Mr. Hockey', solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest players in the history of ice hockey.
Continue ReadingJohn Fowles
English Novelist, author of 'The French Lieutenant's Woman'
Born
March 31st, 1926 100 years ago
Died
November 5th, 2005 20 years ago — 79 years old
An English novelist, Fowles gained prominence with his literary contributions in the mid to late 20th century. His breakthrough work, 'The French Lieutenant's Woman', published in 1969, blended historical fiction with existential themes. Fowles explored the intersections of freedom and fate, often challenging narrative conventions. Other notable works include 'The Collector', his debut novel released in 1963, which delved into psychological themes of obsession and power. Fowles also published essays and nonfiction, including explorations of literature and philosophy, further establishing his reputation as a significant literary figure.
Continue ReadingEliyahu M. Goldratt
Physicist and economist; authored The Goal
Born
March 31st, 1947 79 years ago
Died
June 11th, 2011 15 years ago — 64 years old
An Israeli physicist and economist, focused on management theory and production efficiency. Developed the Theory of Constraints, a management philosophy that emphasizes the importance of identifying and addressing limiting factors in a process. Authored the influential book 'The Goal,' which is a business novel that illustrates these principles in a factory setting. Founded the Avraham Goldratt Institute, which provides education and consulting on operational efficiency. Contributed to the fields of supply chain management and project management through various publications and educational initiatives.
Continue ReadingDennis Kamakahi
Guitarist and composer of Hawaiian music
Born
March 31st, 1953 73 years ago
Died
April 28th, 2014 12 years ago — 61 years old
A prominent figure in Hawaiian music, contributed significantly to the genre through guitar playing and songwriting. Mastered multiple instruments and incorporated traditional styles into original compositions. Worked extensively as a recording artist and performer, sharing Hawaiian culture through music. Received recognition for dedication to Hawaiian music and arts, influencing many artists within the genre.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on November 28th
Prince Johnson
Liberian politician and warlord
Born
1952 74 years ago
Died
November 28th, 2024 1 years ago — 72 years old
Served as a prominent figure during the First Liberian Civil War in the 1990s, establishing a militia group known as the Independent National Patriotic Front of Liberia (INPFL). Led forces that captured then-President Samuel Doe in 1990. Transitioned into a political role following the war, winning a seat in the Senate of Liberia. Advocated for various political agendas and played a significant role in the post-war political landscape.
Continue ReadingJack Matthews
American author and playwright
Born
July 22nd, 1925 100 years ago
Died
November 28th, 2013 12 years ago — 88 years old
An influential figure in American literature and theater, this individual contributed extensively to both fields. Notable for writing several acclaimed novels and plays, works include 'The Chair' and 'The Fleece'. Academic involvement included teaching at various universities, shaping future writers and playwrights. Engaged in the literary community through contributions to journals and anthologies, promoting the arts and encouraging emerging talent.
Continue ReadingGerry Byrne
English-Welsh footballer, Liverpool player
Born
1938 88 years ago
Died
November 28th, 2015 10 years ago — 77 years old
Played as a left-back for Liverpool Football Club during the 1950s and 1960s. Spent his entire professional career at Liverpool, making over 400 appearances. Contributed to the team's success in winning numerous titles, including multiple Football League championships and the FA Cup. Notably featured in the 1965 FA Cup final, where Liverpool secured a victory against Leeds United. Also represented the Welsh national team on several occasions.
Continue ReadingAnanda Krishnan
Malaysian businessman and investor
Born
1938 88 years ago
Died
November 28th, 2024 1 years ago — 86 years old
A prominent businessman in Malaysia, active in diverse sectors including telecommunications and media. Founded Maxis Communications, a leading telecommunications provider in the country. Held significant stakes in various businesses, including Astro Malaysia Holdings, a prominent satellite television provider. Engaged in several philanthropic initiatives, contributing to educational and healthcare sectors in Malaysia. His ventures expanded beyond Malaysia, impacting telecommunications in other regions.
Continue ReadingDale Armstrong
Canadian race car driver and crew chief
Born
1941 85 years ago
Died
November 28th, 2014 11 years ago — 73 years old
A prominent figure in motorsports, this individual was a successful race car driver and later transitioned to a successful role as a crew chief. Competed in various racing series, including the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). Achieved multiple wins in the Top Fuel category and contributed to the development of winning race cars. As a crew chief, led teams to significant victories in drag racing.
Continue ReadingSaid Akl
Lebanese poet and playwright
Born
1912 114 years ago
Died
November 28th, 2014 11 years ago — 102 years old
A prominent poet, playwright, and linguist, this individual contributed extensively to Arabic literature. His works often explored themes of identity, love, and culture, reflecting the complexities of modernity in the Arab world. The poetry captured the essence of Lebanese culture and was characterized by lyrical beauty and emotional depth. Additionally, this individual engaged in translations and adaptations, bridging cultural gaps and enriching the literary landscape. Contributions included advocacy for the Arabic language and literature through various public and private initiatives.
Continue Reading