Hermann Obrecht
Swiss politician and public figure
Born in 1882, became a prominent figure in Swiss politics during the 20th century. Represented the Socialist Party and served as a member of the Swiss Federal Council from 1934 to 1940. Focused on social policies and labor rights. Contributed to the development of welfare programs and labor regulations in Switzerland, advocating for workers' rights and social justice.
Served as a member of the Swiss Federal Council
Advocated for labor rights
Promoted social welfare programs
Other People Born on March 26th
Wilhelm Backhaus
Pianist, educator, and Beethoven interpreter
Born
March 26th, 1884 141 years ago
Died
July 5th, 1969 56 years ago — 85 years old
A prominent pianist and educator, emphasized classical music, particularly works by Beethoven. Gained recognition for concert performances and recordings, showcasing exceptional technique and musicality. Served as a professor at various institutions, influencing a generation of pianists through teaching and mentorship. Achieved acclaim for interpreting the piano concertos and sonatas of Beethoven, leaving a lasting legacy within the classical music community.
Continue ReadingAndreas Hinkel
Footballer with Celtic FC recognition
Born
March 26th, 1983 42 years ago
A former professional footballer played as a right-back. Started a career in Germany with SC Freiburg before moving to VfB Stuttgart, where contributed to the team's success in the Bundesliga. Transferred to Celtic FC in Scotland, achieving notable success in the Scottish Premier League. Later played for the German national team, participating in various international competitions.
Continue ReadingBernard Katz
Biophysicist, Nobel Prize recipient
Born
March 26th, 1911 114 years ago
Died
April 20th, 2003 22 years ago — 92 years old
Born in Germany and later moving to England, this biophysicist made significant contributions to the understanding of neurotransmission. Research focused on the mechanisms of synaptic transmission, revealing how nerve cells communicate through chemical signals. Achievements included the development of the voltage clamp technique, which allowed precise measurements of ionic currents across cell membranes. This work paved the way for advances in neurobiology and pharmacology.
Continue ReadingLarry Page
Computer Scientist, Google Co-founder
Born
March 26th, 1973 52 years ago
A significant figure in the technology sector, contributed to the development of search engines. Co-founded Google in 1998 while pursuing a Ph.D. at Stanford University. Developed PageRank, a pivotal algorithm improving the relevance of search results. Served as CEO of Google from 1997 until 2001 and later from 2011 to 2015. Played a crucial role in the creation of Alphabet Inc., the parent company of Google. Focused on innovations in technology and artificial intelligence.
Continue ReadingA. E. Housman
English poet and classical scholar
Born
March 26th, 1859 166 years ago
Died
April 30th, 1936 89 years ago — 77 years old
Achieved recognition as a poet and scholar of Latin literature. Published 'A Shropshire Lad' in 1896, which gained significant popularity and contributed to his reputation as a skilled lyricist. Held a professor position of Latin at University College London and later at Cambridge University, influencing classical studies and literary scholarship.
Continue ReadingOthmar Ammann
Bridge Engineer, designed iconic bridges
Born
March 26th, 1879 146 years ago
Died
1965 60 years ago — 86 years old
An engineer who significantly contributed to modern bridge design, specializing in arch and suspension bridges. Designed the George Washington Bridge, completed in 1931, which became a vital transportation route across the Hudson River. Additionally, developed the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, finished in 1964, which served as a critical link between Staten Island and Brooklyn, and was recognized for its engineering excellence.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on August 21st
Rodolfo Enrique Fogwill
Argentinean sociologist and author
Born
1941 84 years ago
Died
August 21st, 2010 15 years ago — 69 years old
An Argentinean sociologist and author gained recognition for contributions to literature and social commentary. Fogwill's work often explored themes of identity, politics, and society. His most notable works include literary novels that delve into contemporary Argentine culture and its complexities. In addition to writing, he was involved in film and television, contributing to the cultural discourse in Argentina through various mediums.
Continue ReadingKaka Kalelkar
Indian Hindi Writer and Poet
Born
1885 140 years ago
Died
August 21st, 1981 44 years ago — 96 years old
Contributed significantly to Hindi literature through poetry, essays, and criticism. Played a pivotal role in the development of modern Hindi literature. Advocated for social reforms and was involved in various cultural movements. Served as the editor of prominent literary magazines and published numerous works that explored themes of nationalism and identity.
Continue ReadingStefán Karl Stefánsson
Icelandic actor best known for LazyTown
Born
July 10th, 1975 50 years ago
Died
August 21st, 2018 7 years ago — 43 years old
An Icelandic actor gained prominence for portraying the character Robbie Rotten in the children's television series LazyTown. The show, which premiered in 2004, featured a mix of live-action and puppetry and became popular among younger audiences. Besides this role, the actor worked in various theatrical productions throughout his career. He also lent his voice to animated projects and participated in other TV series and films, contributing to the entertainment industry both in Iceland and internationally.
Continue ReadingJohn Coplans
British artist and photographer
Born
1920 105 years ago
Died
August 21st, 2003 22 years ago — 83 years old
Coplans was a British artist noted for his self-portraits and exploration of the human body. He utilized photography as a means to convey the complexities of aging and human form. His works often featured stark contrasts and rich textures, drawing attention to the body in a candid manner. Coplans' artistic journey included roles as an editor for Artforum and a professor at the California Institute of the Arts. His legacy includes promoting photography as a fine art form and influencing generations of artists.
Continue ReadingBuford Pusser
American police officer and sheriff
Born
1937 88 years ago
Died
August 21st, 1974 51 years ago — 37 years old
Served as a sheriff in McNairy County, Tennessee, achieving national attention due to efforts against organized crime. His leadership in combating illegal activities earned him a reputation for significant law enforcement actions. Buford Pusser's life inspired the film 'Walking Tall,' which depicted his battles against criminal elements and his personal struggles following violent confrontations. The film highlighted his dedication to his role as a lawman despite facing numerous challenges.
Continue ReadingNell McCafferty
Northern Irish journalist and playwright
Born
1944 81 years ago
Died
August 21st, 2024 1 years ago — 80 years old
A journalist and playwright from Northern Ireland. Focused on civil rights and women's issues throughout the career. Worked with various publications, contributing to significant political and social discourse in Northern Ireland. Playwright for numerous stage productions that addressed social justice themes. Engaged in activism during the Troubles, raising awareness of issues related to equality and human rights.
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