I. L. Patterson
American politician, 18th Governor of Oregon
Served as the 18th Governor of Oregon from 1927 to 1931. Prior held the position of state treasurer and was active in state politics. During tenure as governor, focused on economic issues and the state's infrastructure. Advocated for policies that addressed the challenges faced by Oregon during the late 1920s and early 1930s. Engaged in efforts to modernize state government operations and improved relations with various interest groups within the state.
Served as Governor of Oregon from 1927 to 1931
Previously held the office of state treasurer
Other People Born on September 17th
Pumpkinhead
American rapper with cult following
Born
September 17th, 1975 50 years ago
Died
June 9th, 2015 10 years ago — 39 years old
Emerging from the underground hip hop scene in the mid-1990s, a rapper gained recognition for intricate lyrics and skilled performances. This artist became influential in battle rap circles and was associated with the New York City hip hop community. Releases include the acclaimed album 'The Pumpkinhead' and various mixtapes that showcased lyrical prowess. Collaborations with prominent artists enhanced visibility in the genre. Engaged in community initiatives supporting youth in hip hop culture.
Continue ReadingDorothy Loudon
American actress with Broadway success
Born
September 17th, 1925 100 years ago
Died
November 15th, 2003 22 years ago — 78 years old
An accomplished actress and singer, presented a remarkable career primarily on Broadway. Gained recognition for the role of Miss Hannigan in the original production of 'Annie', earning a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. Apart from the theatrical stage, also appeared in television shows and movies, including guest spots on 'The Muppet Show' and 'The Twilight Zone'. Contributed vocals to various recordings and performances throughout her career, showcasing a robust singing talent.
Continue ReadingLupe Ontiveros
American actress in film and television
Born
September 17th, 1942 83 years ago
Died
July 26th, 2012 13 years ago — 69 years old
An accomplished actress, recognized for roles in both film and television, particularly in projects that delve into Hispanic culture and identity. Achievements include significant performances in 'Selena' as the mother of Selena Quintanilla and in 'The Goonies' portraying the character of Rosalita. Career spanned over several decades, showcasing talents across a variety of genres and platforms.
Continue ReadingOrlando Cepeda
Baseball player, 1967 NL MVP
Born
September 17th, 1937 88 years ago
Died
June 28th, 2024 1 years ago — 86 years old
Born in Puerto Rico, a baseball player achieved prominence in Major League Baseball, playing primarily as a first baseman and outfielder. Debuted in 1958 with the San Francisco Giants and became a critical part of the team. Won the National League Most Valuable Player Award in 1967 while playing for the St. Louis Cardinals. Helped lead the Cardinals to a World Series championship in 1967. The player was selected for the All-Star Game multiple times during a successful career that lasted nearly two decades. After retirement, contributed to baseball through various roles, including coaching and mentoring young players.
Continue ReadingYuji Naka
Video game designer, created Sonic
Born
September 17th, 1965 60 years ago
A prominent video game designer, played a significant role in the creation and development of the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise. Began career at Sega, where contributions to numerous titles cemented his place in gaming history. Served as director and programmer for various projects, influencing the evolution of platform games. Established his own company after leaving Sega, focusing on new game developments utilizing innovative designs and technologies.
Continue ReadingKen Kesey
American novelist 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest'
Born
September 17th, 1935 90 years ago
Died
November 10th, 2001 24 years ago — 66 years old
A prominent figure in American literature, this individual gained fame as a novelist and essayist during the 1960s. 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest', published in 1962, stands as a significant work of contemporary fiction and was adapted into an award-winning film in 1975. The novel critiqued the psychiatric system and explored themes of individuality and authority. In addition to fiction, contributions to the genre of counterculture writing were notable with the work 'Sometimes a Great Notion'. He was also associated with the Merry Pranksters, a group that promoted psychedelic culture and may have inspired the later events of the 1960s. This individual actively participated in the exploration of consciousness through various means, adding to the literary and cultural dialogue of the era.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on December 21st
Richard Long
English painter and sculptor
Born
June 2nd, 1945 80 years ago
Died
December 21st, 1974 51 years ago — 29 years old
Born in 1945, this individual is recognized for contributions to land art and environmental art. A career spanned several decades, focusing on using natural materials to create artworks that are often situated in outdoor settings. The practice involved walking in landscapes, with artworks documented through photography. This artist's approach emphasizes the relationship between nature and artistic expression.
Continue ReadingClaude Champagne
Canadian composer and violinist
Born
May 27th, 1891 134 years ago
Died
December 21st, 1965 60 years ago — 74 years old
Born in 1891, this individual was a prominent Canadian composer, violinist, and pianist. He studied at the Conservatoire de Paris and became instrumental in the development of Canadian classical music. The composition style blended French influences with Canadian themes. Contributions to music included innovative works that showcased Canadian cultural elements. Champagne held academic positions, teaching composition and music theory at various institutions. His work extended to the realm of arranging, with a focus on traditional Quebecois music. The legacy includes numerous compositions for orchestra, chamber ensembles, and solo instruments.
Continue ReadingJack Hobbs
Cricketer and sports journalist
Born
December 16th, 1882 143 years ago
Died
December 21st, 1963 62 years ago — 81 years old
Played cricket for England and Surrey during the early 20th century. Established a remarkable reputation as one of the greatest opening batsmen in cricket history. Accumulated over 61,000 first-class runs and 199 centuries. Contributed significantly to the sport both as a player and as a journalist, providing insights and commentary on cricket.
Continue ReadingCarl Van Vechten
Author and photographer of musical figures
Born
June 17th, 1880 145 years ago
Died
December 21st, 1964 61 years ago — 84 years old
An American author and photographer, recognized for contributions to literature and the artistic world in the early to mid-20th century. Published several novels, with 'Nigger Heaven' being one of the most discussed works. Engaged with the Harlem Renaissance, capturing its essence through photography and literature. Developed friendships with numerous artists and musicians, influencing cultural trends of the time. Documented important figures in the 1920s and 1930s, producing a significant body of photographic work that portrayed the vibrancy of this artistic period.
Continue ReadingFriedrich August von Quenstedt
Geologist and palaeontologist
Born
July 10th, 1809 216 years ago
Died
December 21st, 1889 136 years ago — 80 years old
Contributed significantly to geology and palaeontology during the 19th century. Worked extensively on the classification of fossils, particularly from the Jurassic period. Authored several pivotal works, including the influential treatise 'Die Gesteine Württembergs', detailing the geology of Württemberg. His research focused on the stratigraphy and fossil records, establishing foundational concepts in the study of prehistoric life.
Continue ReadingEdwin G. Krebs
American biochemist, Nobel Prize winner
Born
June 6th, 1918 107 years ago
Died
December 21st, 2009 16 years ago — 91 years old
A prominent figure in biochemistry contributed to understanding the regulation of enzymes and cellular processes. Conducted research on the protein kinase cascade and discovered reversible protein phosphorylation. This research laid the foundation for the field of signal transduction in cells. Held a faculty position at the University of Washington for many years and served as chair of the biochemistry department. Received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1992 for work on signal transduction in cells.
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