Jan Oort
Dutch astronomer and academic
Contributed significantly to the field of astronomy, particularly in the study of galaxies and the structure of the Milky Way. Proposed the existence of the Oort Cloud, a theoretical cloud of icy bodies believed to surround the solar system. Served as a professor at Leiden University and published numerous papers in astrophysics. Played a crucial role in advancing radio astronomy in the Netherlands.
Proposed the existence of the Oort Cloud
Studied the rotation of the Milky Way
Advanced radio astronomy in the Netherlands
Other People Born on April 28th
Matt Chapman
Baseball player for the Oakland Athletics
Born
April 28th, 1993 32 years ago
Born in 1993, played professional baseball as a third baseman. Achieved prominence as a member of the Oakland Athletics in Major League Baseball. Showcased exceptional defensive skills and power-hitting abilities. Contributed significantly to the team's success across multiple seasons and earned recognition for his performance in the All-Star game.
Continue ReadingJay Leno
Comedian and former talk show host
Born
April 28th, 1950 75 years ago
Started stand-up comedy career in the 1970s and became a prominent figure in American television. Served as the host of 'The Tonight Show with Jay Leno' from 1992 to 2009 and again in 2010 until 2014. Known for a monologue format and celebrity interviews, the show maintained high ratings during his tenure. Leno produced and hosted 'Jay Leno's Garage', showcasing classic cars and automotive culture, further establishing a connection with car enthusiasts.
Continue ReadingBill Blackbeard
Author and illustrator of comics history
Born
April 28th, 1926 99 years ago
Died
March 10th, 2011 14 years ago — 84 years old
A prominent author and illustrator, contributed significantly to the preservation and appreciation of comic strip art. Played a crucial role in increasing awareness of comic history through various publications. Established and edited the critical comic history magazine 'The Nostalgia Journal'. Authored numerous books and articles on the subject, including 'The Smithsonian Book of Comic-Book Comics'. Served as a curator for the San Francisco Academy of Comic Art.
Continue ReadingAnthony Volpe
Baseball player for the New York Yankees
Born
April 28th, 2001 24 years ago
A professional baseball player, debuted in Major League Baseball with the New York Yankees. Played as a shortstop and quickly gained attention for exceptional skills on the field. In 2023, contributed significantly to the team's performance, showcasing strong batting and defensive abilities. Volpe's transition from the minor leagues to the major leagues exemplified his dedication and talent. A standout player in youth and collegiate baseball prior to entering the MLB.
Continue ReadingLucas Jakubczyk
German Sprinter and Long Jumper
Born
April 28th, 1985 40 years ago
Competitor in athletics events specializing in sprinting and long jump. Represented Germany at various international competitions. Achieved notable results in various championships, contributing to the development of the sport in the country.
Continue ReadingTerry Pratchett
Author of Discworld series
Born
April 28th, 1948 77 years ago
Died
March 12th, 2015 10 years ago — 66 years old
An English author and journalist, created a vast and satirical fantasy universe through the Discworld series, which spans over 40 novels. These works blend humor, social commentary, and fantasy elements, gaining a significant following. Also wrote several novels outside the Discworld universe, including 'Good Omens' in collaboration with Neil Gaiman. Pratchett received numerous accolades, including the British Fantasy Award and the World Fantasy Award for Lifetime Achievement.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on November 5th
Luis Cernuda
Spanish poet, critic, and author
Born
September 21st, 1902 123 years ago
Died
November 5th, 1963 62 years ago — 61 years old
A prominent figure in the Spanish Generation of '27, this poet is recognized for contributions to Spanish literature through various poetic forms and critical essays. His work often explored themes of desire, exile, and identity. Important collections include 'Los placeres prohibidos' and 'La realidad y el deseo'. His literary career spanned several decades, marked by a commitment to blending traditional and avant-garde styles in poetry. Cernuda spent much of his life in exile due to the Spanish Civil War, residing in places such as Mexico and the United States, where his writings continued to evolve and gain recognition.
Continue ReadingAbdelwahab Meddeb
Tunisian-French author and poet
Born
1946 79 years ago
Died
November 5th, 2014 11 years ago — 68 years old
An author, poet, and scholar engaged with themes of identity, culture, and the modern Arab world. Received education in Tunisia and France, enriching the literary landscape with a distinctive voice. Contributed significantly to literature with a rich blend of prose and poetry, exploring the complexities of the Mediterranean socio-political climate. Authored works in both French and Arabic, highlighting the nuances of intercultural dialogue. Selected works include the novel 'Talismano' and contributions to various literary journals and anthologies.
Continue ReadingAl Capp
American cartoonist of 'Li'l Abner'
Born
September 28th, 1909 116 years ago
Died
November 5th, 1979 46 years ago — 70 years old
An author and illustrator from the United States, created the comic strip 'Li'l Abner' which ran from 1934 to 1977. This work satirized American culture and social issues through the adventures of a fictional Appalachian character and his quirky community. Capp's distinctive style and humor garnered widespread attention and became a staple in American comic art. In addition to his famous comic strip, he contributed to various political and social commentary through his artistic work, influencing the landscape of American cartoons.
Continue ReadingEddie Harris
Jazz saxophonist and bandleader
Born
October 20th, 1934 91 years ago
Died
November 5th, 1996 29 years ago — 62 years old
An American saxophonist contributed significantly to jazz music. Active from the 1960s, introduced innovative techniques such as the use of electronic effects on the saxophone. Gained recognition with the album 'Elevator to the Gallows' and the hit single 'Listen Here'. Collaborated with prominent artists and bands, influencing a generation of musicians. Continued performing and recording until the 1990s, showcasing versatility across jazz styles.
Continue ReadingCzesław Kiszczak
Polish politician and military leader
Born
October 19th, 1925 100 years ago
Died
November 5th, 2015 10 years ago — 90 years old
Born in 1925, a Polish general and politician served as the 11th Prime Minister of the People's Republic of Poland. Held significant power during the 1980s, particularly amid the political turmoil associated with the Solidarity movement. Played a pivotal role during the imposition of martial law in 1981, aimed at suppressing dissent and maintaining governmental control. Continued to influence political events in Poland during the transition from communism to a parliamentary democracy in the early 1990s. His legacy includes shaping military and political strategies of Poland during a transformative period.
Continue ReadingAdolf Brudes
Polish-German racing driver
Born
October 15th, 1899 126 years ago
Died
November 5th, 1986 39 years ago — 87 years old
Competed in various European racing events during the early 20th century. Achieved notable success in the European Championship for Drivers. Participated in multiple races, showcasing driving talent and technical skill.
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