Howard Hanson
Composer, Conductor, and Educator
This individual was a prominent American composer and conductor. He served as the director of the Eastman School of Music for several decades and significantly influenced American orchestral music during the 20th century. He composed several orchestral works, choral pieces, and operas. His Symphony No. 2, known as 'Romantic,' gained significant acclaim and is one of his most performed works. His efforts in music education shaped the careers of numerous musicians and composers.
Served as director of the Eastman School of Music
Composed Symphony No. 2 'Romantic'
Received the American Academy of Arts and Letters Award
Other People Born on October 28th
Gershon Kingsley
Pianist and composer of electronic music
Born
October 28th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
December 10th, 2019 6 years ago — 97 years old
A pianist, composer, and conductor, contributed significantly to the development of electronic music during the 20th century. His work included compositions for film, television, and theater. Gained prominence with the creation of the Moog synthesizer and its incorporation into popular music. Co-founded the electronic music group First Moog Quartet and worked on various projects that showcased the capabilities of electronic instruments. Developed educational programs to teach electronic music composition. Held numerous performances across the United States and Europe.
Continue ReadingJohn Connell
American actor in 'The Manchurian Candidate'
Born
October 28th, 1923 102 years ago
Died
2015 11 years ago — 92 years old
An American actor with a career in film and television. Gained recognition for appearances in the 1962 film 'The Manchurian Candidate' and the TV series 'The Twilight Zone'. Appeared in various other productions throughout the mid-20th century, showcasing a range of performances across different genres.
Continue ReadingJonas Salk
Virologist who developed the polio vaccine
Born
October 28th, 1914 111 years ago
Died
June 23rd, 1995 31 years ago — 80 years old
A prominent biologist and physician, research focused on vaccines and immunology. Developed the first effective polio vaccine in the early 1950s, leading to a significant decline in polio cases worldwide. Established the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, California, which became a center for research in the biological sciences. Contributed to the understanding of viral infections and their prevention.
Continue ReadingButch van Breda Kolff
Basketball player and coach
Born
October 28th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
2007 19 years ago — 85 years old
Played college basketball at Lafayette College and later earned recognition as a head coach in NCAA basketball. Coached teams at the University of New York at Albany and at the University of New Orleans, leading a successful career in coaching. Served as a coach for several professional teams including the Detroit Pistons and the New Jersey Nets. Contributed to the game by influencing many young players and coaches during decades of involvement in basketball.
Continue ReadingJuliette Béliveau
Canadian actress and singer
Born
October 28th, 1889 136 years ago
Died
1975 51 years ago — 86 years old
An accomplished actress and singer, celebrated for contributions to the performing arts in Canada. Achieved recognition in the early 20th century, with performances in various theatrical productions and musical pieces. Enacted significant roles in popular plays that showcased talent and versatility. Also contributed to the growth of the artistic community in Canada through teaching and encouragement of new artists.
Continue ReadingElsa Lanchester
Actress in 'Bride of Frankenstein'
Born
October 28th, 1902 123 years ago
Died
December 26th, 1986 39 years ago — 84 years old
Active in film and theater, this English-American actress and singer gained recognition for her role as the Bride in 'Bride of Frankenstein'. Her career spanned several decades, featuring appearances in both films and Broadway productions. Lanchester's unique persona and distinctive voice contributed to her success in various musical and dramatic roles, demonstrating versatility throughout her performances. She also lent her talents to voice acting, contributing to animated features, thereby broadening her artistic reach.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on February 26th
Prince Josias of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld
Prince and Military Leader of Saxe-Coburg
Born
December 26th, 1737 288 years ago
Died
February 26th, 1815 211 years ago — 77 years old
Held the title of Prince of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld and served as a military officer. Participated in the Napoleonic Wars, particularly noted for contributions to the campaigns against France. Involved in various military engagements during the early 19th century, demonstrating leadership and strategic skills.
Continue ReadingJef Raskin
Computer Scientist, Creator of Macintosh
Born
1943 83 years ago
Died
February 26th, 2005 21 years ago — 62 years old
A computer scientist played a pivotal role in the development of the Macintosh computer. Initiated the project in the late 1970s to create a user-friendly interface that would make personal computing accessible to a wider audience. Contributed significantly to software design principles and interface usability, emphasizing the importance of graphical user interfaces and direct manipulation. Worked at Apple Inc. until the mid-1980s, where innovative ideas transformed the way individuals interacted with technology. Authored several important works on human-computer interaction and interface design.
Continue ReadingWendy Richard
English actress known for EastEnders
Born
July 20th, 1943 82 years ago
Died
February 26th, 2009 17 years ago — 65 years old
An English actress achieved fame for portraying Pauline Fowler in the BBC soap opera EastEnders from 1985 to 2006. Initially trained at the Arts Educational Schools, participated in various stage productions before transitioning to television. Appeared in the sitcom Are You Being Served? as Miss Brahms, showcasing comedic talent. Throughout the career, involved in numerous other television projects, cementing a legacy as an enduring figure in British popular culture.
Continue ReadingMargaret of England
Queen consort of Scots
Born
September 29th, 1240 785 years ago
Died
February 26th, 1275 751 years ago — 34 years old
Margaret served as the queen consort of Scotland from 1286 until her death in 1290. She married King Alexander III of Scotland in 1285, strengthening ties between England and Scotland. Following the king's untimely death, her claim to the Scottish throne came into focus during a succession crisis. Her life was marked by significant political maneuvering and her role in the dynastic struggles of the time. Despite her early death, she played a pivotal role in the political landscape of Scotland.
Continue ReadingPhyllis Krasilovsky
Author known for children's literature
Born
1927 99 years ago
Died
February 26th, 2014 12 years ago — 87 years old
An American author and academic, contributions included children's literature and educational writing. The literary works spanned several decades, with significant attention to themes relevant to young readers. Authored 'The Noisy Paint Box,' a picture book reflecting on the life of artist Mark Rothko. Taught at various educational institutions, contributing to the development of future writers and educators. Engaged in initiatives promoting literacy and the importance of children's books.
Continue ReadingTjalling Koopmans
Economist, Nobel Prize laureate
Born
August 28th, 1910 115 years ago
Died
February 26th, 1985 41 years ago — 74 years old
A Dutch-American economist and mathematician, contributions centered around operations research and economic theory. Played a significant role in developing the theory of optimal economic organization, particularly in decentralized economies. Work laid the foundation for the field of mathematical economics. Received the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 1975 for contributions to the economic theory that highlights the allocation of resources in a decentralized context. Also served as a professor at Yale University, influencing the next generation of economists.
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