Irving Layton
Canadian poet and university professor

Born
March 12th, 1912
113 years ago
Died
January 4th, 2006
19 years ago — 93 years old
Category
Artists & Creatives
Country
Canada
Links & References
Born in Romania and later emigrating to Canada, contributed significantly to Canadian poetry. Layton's work often addressed themes of love, existentialism, and social justice. He became a prominent figure in Canadian literature, emphasizing free verse and personal expression. Layton held a faculty position at numerous Canadian universities, influencing generations of writers. His poetry collections include 'The Cold Green Element' and 'A Red Carpet for the Sun'. Layton received accolades including the Governor General's Award for Poetry.
Published acclaimed poetry collections
Received the Governor General's Award
Other People Born on March 12th
Tian Han
Born in 1898, a significant figure in modern Chinese theatre, contributing to the establishment of the Chinese national drama. Worked extensively in the development of the Beijing opera and wrote numerous plays that focused on social issues. Also crafted lyrics for revolutionary songs, including 'March of the Volunteers', which became the national anthem of the People's Republic of China. His artistic expressions reflected a blend of traditional Chinese and modern Western elements.
Continue ReadingMatias Myttynen
Played professional ice hockey primarily in Finland and has been involved in various roles within the sport. Myttynen has represented teams in the Finnish leagues and gained recognition for his on-ice skills. Transitioned to coaching after retirement, contributing to player development and team strategies. Contributed to the growth of ice hockey in local communities through engagement and training programs.
Continue ReadingCasey Mears
Initiated a professional racing career in the late 1990s. Competed in various NASCAR series, achieving significant recognition. Won the 2006 Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, marking a career highlight. Participated in over 500 NASCAR Cup Series races throughout the career. Transitioned to work as a television analyst after retirement from competitive driving.
Continue ReadingRichard Eckersley
A professional footballer specializing in the right-back position, played for several clubs in England. Started his career in the youth system of Manchester United, progressing to the senior team without making a league appearance. Had loan spells at various clubs including Plymouth Argyle, where made notable contributions. Subsequently signed by Burnley, where played in the Championship. Later transitioned to play for clubs such as Bradford City and Bury, contributing to team efforts in League One and League Two. Retired from professional football but continued to engage in the sport.
Continue ReadingJane Pierce
Served as First Lady of the United States from 1853 to 1857 during the presidency of Franklin Pierce. Her tenure was marked by personal tragedy and political challenges. The loss of her son in a train accident influenced her public life. Focused on her family's well-being and often engaged in social issues of the time, she played a supportive role in her husband's political career. Her involvement in the role of First Lady included hosting events and being an example of 19th-century domesticity.
Continue ReadingPaul Gerhardt
A prominent German poet and composer, this individual contributed significantly to the development of Lutheran hymnody in the 17th century. Born in 1607, the work revolved around the themes of faith and devotion, leading to a collection of hymns that became integral to Protestant worship. Many of the hymns composed were set to melodies by other composers and remain in use today, reflecting deep religious sentiment and theological insight. The individual's poetry often captured the struggles and hopes of the time, especially during the turmoil of the Thirty Years' War, providing spiritual solace to many.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on January 4th
Edward William Cooke
A prominent marine painter and illustrator, this individual specialized in detailed depictions of ships and maritime scenes. Early in the career, significant contributions were made to art exhibitions. The individual was a member of the Royal Academy and exhibited works that showcased the nautical world, predominantly during the 19th century. Works included depictions of naval battles and merchant ships, reflecting technological advancements in maritime industry. In addition to painting, illustrations were created for various publications, capturing the essence of maritime life. The use of light and detail in the artworks provided a vivid portrayal of the sea and its vessels.
Continue ReadingRosi Mittermaier
A highly accomplished alpine skier, secured two gold medals at the 1976 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck, one in the downhill and another in the slalom events. Mittermaier won the overall World Cup title in 1976, showcasing her talent across multiple disciplines. She also earned several World Cup victories during her career, establishing herself as a leading figure in the sport. Following retirement from skiing, Mittermaier contributed to the sport through coaching and promoting winter sports. She received numerous accolades for her achievements in skiing, cementing her legacy in the alpine skiing community.
Continue ReadingMilton Himmelfarb
Contributed extensively to the field of sociology and Jewish studies. Worked as a professor and published several significant works. Engaged with topics such as Jewish identity and social dynamics within Jewish communities. Served as the editor of influential publications and held positions at various academic institutions.
Continue ReadingChristopher Isherwood
An author and academic, this figure gained recognition for works exploring the complexity of human relationships and identity. Major literary contributions include the semi-autobiographical novel 'Goodbye to Berlin,' which depicts life in 1930s Germany. The novel served as inspiration for the musical 'Cabaret' and offered a vivid portrayal of the rise of the Nazi regime. Another significant work, 'A Single Man,' delves into the life of a gay man navigating grief and loneliness in 1960s Los Angeles. This figure also taught creative writing, influencing a new generation of writers.
Continue ReadingStephen Hales
An English clergyman and physiologist, contributed significantly to the fields of plant physiology and animal mechanics. Hales published 'Vegetable Staticks' in 1727, detailing experiments on the movement of fluids in plants. His research established foundations for modern botany, including concepts of plant respiration and sap flow. He also made advancements in the understanding of blood pressure through his work 'Statical Essays'. Hales's explorations in physiological measurement laid groundwork for future studies in both physiology and biophysics.
Continue ReadingMae Questel
An American voice actress and comedian, contributed significantly to animation and voice work. Gained recognition for voicing iconic characters in several popular animated series and films. The character Betty Boop was brought to life through her unique vocal style and personality, which defined the character's charm. Also voiced Olive Oyl in the Popeye cartoons, further solidifying a legacy in animation history. Continued to perform and engage with audiences throughout her career, showcasing talent in various entertainment mediums.
Continue Reading