Hippolyte Fizeau
French physicist and academic
Contributed significantly to the field of physics in the 19th century. Developed innovative methods for measuring the speed of light and proposed the Fizeau formula for calculating the speed of light in a medium. Conducted experiments that solidified the wave theory of light. Fizeau also served as a professor of physics and played a major role in the advancement of scientific education in France.
Measured the speed of light using rotating mirrors
Performed experiments demonstrating wave theory of light
Other People Born on September 23rd
Chris Volstad
Baseball Pitcher with Chicago Cubs
Born
September 23rd, 1986 39 years ago
Played Major League Baseball as a pitcher from 2008 to 2018. Made debut with the Florida Marlins and also played for the Chicago Cubs among other teams. Recorded a career-high 12 wins in 2010 while with the Marlins. Concluded career with the New York Yankees organization in 2018.
Continue ReadingEleonore Gonzaga
Italian Empress consort of the Holy Roman Empire
Born
September 23rd, 1598 427 years ago
Died
1655 371 years ago — 57 years old
Born in 1598, this individual became the Empress consort of Ferdinand II, Holy Roman Emperor, through marriage. As Empress, she played a significant role in the cultural and political life of the empire during the Thirty Years' War. Her influence was felt in matters of court and diplomacy, especially in fostering alliances and securing the Habsburg dynasty. This individual was also known for her patronage of the arts, contributing to the flourishing of Baroque culture within the empire. The marriage to Ferdinand II was a strategic union, reinforcing connections between powerful noble families.
Continue ReadingYannick Weber
Swiss ice hockey player, Olympic competitor
Born
September 23rd, 1988 37 years ago
An ice hockey player from Switzerland participated in the National Hockey League (NHL) for teams including the Vancouver Canucks and the Montreal Canadiens. Competed in international tournaments, representing Switzerland in various championships. Contributed to the team's defensive strategies and playmaking abilities throughout a professional career spanning several years. Competed in the 2014 Winter Olympics held in Sochi, showcasing talent on an international stage. Played a significant role in various club-level competitions in both Switzerland and North America.
Continue ReadingWalter Pidgeon
Actor in 'Mrs. Miniver' and 'Advise & Consent'
Born
September 23rd, 1897 128 years ago
Died
September 25th, 1984 41 years ago — 87 years old
Born in 1897, this Canadian-American actor and singer gained prominence in Hollywood during the Golden Age of Cinema. His career spanned several decades, with significant roles in various films. Major achievements include starring in 'Mrs. Miniver', which won an Academy Award for Best Picture, and 'Advise & Consent', a political drama that showcased his dramatic range. Pidgeon received several Academy Award nominations throughout his career, highlighting his talent and versatility in acting. Apart from film, he performed in theater and made appearances on television.
Continue ReadingMartin Cranie
English footballer with notable club career
Born
September 23rd, 1986 39 years ago
Career in professional football spanned over a decade, primarily as a defender. Played for several clubs including Coventry City, Barnsley, and Huddersfield Town. Competed in both the Football League Championship and League One. Made significant contributions to teams while maintaining a solid defensive record. Also had spells with Brighton & Hove Albion and a few other clubs, influencing team dynamics and performance. Retired from professional play but remains a recognized figure in English football circles.
Continue ReadingPetteri Lindbohm
Finnish ice hockey player; Stanley Cup champion
Born
September 23rd, 1993 32 years ago
Played ice hockey as a defenseman in the NHL, contributing to multiple teams. Drafted in 2012 and began professional career with the St. Louis Blues. Played for teams including the Chicago Wolves and the HPK in Liiga. Achieved a notable milestone by winning the Stanley Cup with the St. Louis Blues in 2019.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on September 18th
Adélard Godbout
Canadian politician and agronomist
Born
September 24th, 1892 133 years ago
Died
September 18th, 1956 69 years ago — 63 years old
An agronomist and politician, served as the 15th Premier of Québec from 1936 to 1939 and again from 1944 to 1948. Focused on agrarian policies, agricultural production, and rural education reforms. Worked to improve agricultural practices and community development within Québec, enhancing the quality of life in rural areas. Contributed to the foundation of cooperative organizations and the modernization of agriculture in the province.
Continue ReadingMelchior Klesl
Austrian cardinal and statesman
Born
February 19th, 1552 474 years ago
Died
September 18th, 1630 395 years ago — 78 years old
Born in 1552, served as a prominent cardinal within the Catholic Church and played a significant role in Austro-Hungarian politics during the early 17th century. Klesl was instrumental in the organization of the religious practices in his region and contributed to the Counter-Reformation efforts. He held several key positions, including Archbishop of Vienna, and took part in the negotiations of the Peace of Augsburg.
Continue ReadingLouis VII
King of France during the Crusades
Born
1120 906 years ago
Died
September 18th, 1180 845 years ago — 60 years old
A monarch of the Capetian dynasty, held the throne from 1137 until 1180. Led the French during the Second Crusade from 1147 to 1149. Experienced conflicts with rival factions, notably the Plantagenets and struggled to strengthen royal authority. His marriage to Eleanor of Aquitaine initially expanded French territory, but the union ended in annulment in 1152, leading to significant territorial losses. His reign also witnessed efforts to reorganize the kingdom's administration and secure his legacy.
Continue ReadingStanisław Ignacy Witkiewicz
Polish author and painter
Born
February 24th, 1885 141 years ago
Died
September 18th, 1939 86 years ago — 54 years old
An author, poet, and painter, contributed significantly to the development of Polish theatre and literature in the early 20th century. Established a unique style characterized by the integration of visual arts and dramatic literature. Developed a psychological and philosophical system, particularly through his plays which explored themes of existentialism and identity. Active in the avant-garde movement, Witkiewicz's work often challenged societal norms and traditional artistic expressions. His artistic contributions are marked by a deep engagement with complex human emotions and the absurdities of life.
Continue ReadingJolidee Matongo
Politician, 97th Mayor of Johannesburg
Born
1975 51 years ago
Died
September 18th, 2021 4 years ago — 46 years old
Served as the 97th Mayor of Johannesburg from 2021 until death in September 2021. Before becoming mayor, held positions within the African National Congress and local government structures, contributing to various community initiatives and governance reforms. Participated actively in addressing issues such as housing, urban development, and social services during tenure. Worked on enhancing the delivery of basic services to residents in Johannesburg. His term was marked by a commitment to improve living conditions in the city.
Continue ReadingJimi Hendrix
Rock guitarist and singer-songwriter
Born
November 27th, 1942 83 years ago
Died
September 18th, 1970 55 years ago — 27 years old
A prominent figure in rock music, this guitarist revolutionized the genre with innovative techniques and memorable performances. Rising to fame in the late 1960s, he founded the Jimi Hendrix Experience and produced iconic albums such as 'Are You Experienced?' and 'Axis: Bold as Love'. Renowned for a unique blend of blues, rock, and psychedelia, noteworthy live performances included his rendition of 'The Star-Spangled Banner' at Woodstock in 1969. His style and flair set a new standard for electric guitar playing and influenced countless musicians.
Continue Reading