Jacques Offenbach
Composer of operettas and songs
Born in Germany and later settled in France, a prominent cellist and composer flourished during the 19th century. Worked primarily in the operetta genre, contributing significantly to the development of the form. Best remembered for composing "Orphée aux Enfers," which features the famous "Can-Can" music. Offenbach's style combined wit and satirical commentary, leading to a resurgence of popularity in comic opera.
Composed 'Orphée aux Enfers'
Influenced the operetta genre
Other People Born on June 20th
Andrzej Gawroński
Polish linguist and academic
Born
June 20th, 1885 140 years ago
Died
1927 99 years ago — 42 years old
Specialized in linguistics and contributed to various linguistic studies. Served as a professor at several universities, influencing the field of Polish linguistics. Authored numerous publications that explored language structure and syntax, becoming a key figure in academic discussions during the early and mid-20th century.
Continue ReadingIlan Ramon
Israeli astronaut and space shuttle pilot
Born
June 20th, 1954 71 years ago
Died
2003 23 years ago — 49 years old
An Israeli colonel and fighter pilot, entered NASA's astronaut program in 1998. Flew on the STS-107 mission aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia in 2003. This mission included scientific experiments and educational outreach. Tragically, Columbia disintegrated during re-entry on February 1, 2003, resulting in the loss of all seven crew members.
Continue ReadingSamson Raphael Hirsch
Rabbi and scholar of Jewish philosophy
Born
June 20th, 1808 217 years ago
Died
December 31st, 1888 137 years ago — 80 years old
A prominent rabbi and scholar in 19th-century Germany. Played a significant role in the development of Orthodox Judaism. Founded the Jewish community in Frankfurt and established a network of educational institutions. Authored numerous works on Jewish philosophy and law, advocating for a synthesis of tradition and modernity. His writings have had a lasting influence on Jewish thought and practice.
Continue ReadingVasili Berezutski
Russian footballer and defender
Born
June 20th, 1982 43 years ago
Played professional football primarily as a central defender. Spent most of the career with PFC CSKA Moscow, contributing to the team's successes in both domestic and European competitions. Earned multiple Russian Premier League titles and was part of the squad that won the UEFA Europa League in 2005. Represented the national team, participating in major tournaments, including the 2014 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2016.
Continue ReadingJacob Hübner
Entomologist and author of Lepidoptera works
Born
June 20th, 1761 264 years ago
Died
1826 200 years ago — 65 years old
Contributions to entomology included extensive research on Lepidoptera, the order of insects that includes butterflies and moths. Authored numerous works that documented various species, enhancing the understanding of insect taxonomy and classification. Established a systematic approach to the study of butterflies, which served as a reference for future entomologists. His published works significantly advanced the field of entomological science during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
Continue ReadingBob King
High jumper and obstetrician
Born
June 20th, 1906 119 years ago
Died
1965 61 years ago — 59 years old
Born in 1906, this individual excelled as a high jumper and pursued a successful career in obstetrics. Participated in the 1932 Summer Olympics, representing the United States in athletics. After retirement from competitive sports, transitioned into medicine, contributing to the field of obstetrics.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on October 5th
Lincoln Loy McCandless
Businessman and politician in Nevada
Born
September 18th, 1859 166 years ago
Died
October 5th, 1940 85 years ago — 81 years old
Born in 1859, a businessman and politician played a significant role in Nevada's early 20th-century development. McCandless was involved in mining and served as a prominent figure in various business ventures. Elected to the Nevada State Senate, he was influential in shaping state legislation and economic policy. His political career included serving as the Governor of Nevada, where efforts focused on infrastructure and governance improvements. Active in local and state politics, contributed to various civic projects and supported economic growth initiatives.
Continue ReadingBernard Clavel
French author of historical novels
Born
May 29th, 1923 102 years ago
Died
October 5th, 2010 15 years ago — 87 years old
Born in France in 1923, an author focused on historical themes and regional stories. The literary career began in the 1950s, with numerous works published over decades. Clavel’s narratives often explored the human condition and historical events, offering insight into culture and society. The author received several prestigious literary awards during his lifetime, including the Grand Prix du roman de l'Académie française in 1968. Clavel was also engaged in social issues and served as a cultural advisor. His contribution to literature remains significant, reflecting the complexity of French history and identity.
Continue ReadingRobert Coover
American novelist and short story writer
Born
February 4th, 1932 94 years ago
Died
October 5th, 2024 1 years ago — 92 years old
Born in 1932, this author gained prominence in postmodern literature through the exploration of narrative structure and the interplay of fiction and reality. Works featured elements of magical realism, metafiction, and satire, reflecting contemporary cultural themes. The writing style often challenged conventional storytelling, inviting readers to question the nature of narratives. Significant contributions included novels and short stories in collections that garnered attention for their inventive approach to literary form.
Continue ReadingBrian Pillman
Professional wrestler and football player
Born
May 22nd, 1962 63 years ago
Died
October 5th, 1997 28 years ago — 35 years old
Played college football at the University of Miami and went on to play professionally in the Canadian Football League. Transitioned to professional wrestling, where gained prominence in World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW). Became recognized for innovative wrestling style and intense persona, contributing to the rise of the attitude era in wrestling. His career was marked by notable rivalries and storylines, which left a lasting legacy in the wrestling community.
Continue ReadingChuck Rayner
Ice hockey player and Vezina Trophy winner
Born
August 11th, 1920 105 years ago
Died
October 5th, 2002 23 years ago — 82 years old
A Canadian ice hockey player played as a goaltender primarily for the New York Rangers and the Detroit Red Wings. Rayner began his career in the National Hockey League (NHL) in 1940 and quickly established himself as a skilled goalie. He achieved significant recognition in 1950, winning the Vezina Trophy, awarded to the league's top goaltender. After a successful playing career, Rayner transitioned into coaching and management roles in professional hockey, influencing the game beyond his playing days.
Continue ReadingRodney Dangerfield
Comedian and actor in 'Caddyshack'
Born
November 22nd, 1921 104 years ago
Died
October 5th, 2004 21 years ago — 82 years old
An American comedian and actor, this individual gained recognition for his stand-up performances and memorable roles in films. The trademark catchphrase 'I don't get no respect' defined his comedic style. Numerous television appearances included hosting 'The Tonight Show' and featuring in his own shows. 'Caddyshack' and 'Back to School' highlighted his film career, bringing him mainstream fame. This individual was instrumental in shaping the landscape of comedy with a distinctive persona that remains influential in the industry.
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