Jean-Paul Riopelle
Canadian painter and sculptor of great acclaim
Born in 1923, a painter and sculptor emerged as a key figure in Abstract Expressionism. He developed a unique style that combined elements of both painting and sculpture, often utilizing thick textures and vibrant colors. His works reflect a deep connection to nature and a range of emotions. Riopelle's career spanned several decades, with significant contributions to the Canadian art scene as well as international recognition. He received numerous awards, including the Governor General's Award in Visual and Media Arts and was made a Companion of the Order of Canada. In addition to his artistic endeavors, he also held a passion for wildlife conservation, which influenced his artistic themes.
Created large-scale abstract paintings
Awarded the Governor General's Award in Visual and Media Arts
Served on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society
Other People Born on October 7th
Frederick I of Denmark
King of Denmark and Norway
Born
October 7th, 1471 554 years ago
Died
1533 493 years ago — 62 years old
Ruled as King of Denmark from 1523 until 1533 and King of Norway from 1524 until 1533. Implemented policies that strengthened royal authority and the centralization of power in the regions. Oversaw the transition of Denmark towards the Lutheran Reformation, contributing to significant religious and political change in the country. His reign was marked by conflicts with Sweden and internal struggles that characterized the period.
Continue ReadingCharles XIII of Sweden
King of Sweden and Duke of Södermanland
Born
October 7th, 1748 277 years ago
Died
1818 208 years ago — 70 years old
Ascended to the throne in 1809, ruled until 1818. His reign witnessed significant changes in Sweden’s government and military structure. In the early years of his rule, he supported the introduction of the 1809 constitution, which established a parliamentary system. He was also Duke of Södermanland and played a role in the formation of the modern Swedish state. His foreign policy focused on maintaining peace following the Napoleonic Wars, opting for neutrality that positioned Sweden favorably in European politics. Additionally, he established relations with various nations during a transformative period for Sweden.
Continue ReadingPrincess Senate Seeiso
Princess of Lesotho
Born
October 7th, 2001 24 years ago
Born into the royal family of Lesotho, held the title of Princess. Engaged in various philanthropic activities focused on education and community development. Actively participated in events promoting the cultural heritage of Lesotho. Undertook initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of children and women in the country.
Continue ReadingDwayne Bravo
Trinidadian cricketer and musician
Born
October 7th, 1983 42 years ago
An accomplished cricketer and musician, played for the West Indies national cricket team. Achieved recognition as a leading all-rounder in limited-overs cricket. Notable for his contributions in T20 leagues around the world, including the Indian Premier League, where played for teams like Chennai Super Kings. Transitioned into music, releasing several singles and working in the entertainment industry.
Continue ReadingGrand Prince Aleksandr Mikhailovich of Tver
Grand Prince of Tver, civil war leader
Born
October 7th, 1301 724 years ago
Died
1339 687 years ago — 38 years old
Born in 1301, led the principality of Tver in the early 14th century. Engaged in power struggles with the Mongol Golden Horde and rival princes, including the Grand Duchy of Moscow. Played a significant role during the succession crisis following the death of his father, Mikhail of Tver. Attempted to centralize authority in Tver and strengthen its position within the fragmented polity of Eastern Europe. Died in 1339, leaving a legacy as a key figure in the political landscape of Rus during a tumultuous period.
Continue ReadingHenri Elzéar Taschereau
Canadian Chief Justice of Canada
Born
October 7th, 1836 189 years ago
Died
April 14th, 1911 114 years ago — 74 years old
Taschereau served as the fourth Chief Justice of Canada from 1874 until 1894. His legal career began in 1845 after being called to the bar in Lower Canada. He was appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada in 1874, where his judgments addressed various important legal issues. His tenure established important precedents in Canadian law. After retiring from the Supreme Court, he was appointed to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, further influencing Canadian jurisprudence until his retirement.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on March 12th
Morton Downey Jr.
Talk show host and pop culture figure
Born
December 9th, 1933 92 years ago
Died
March 12th, 2001 24 years ago — 67 years old
A talk show host and singer-songwriter, gained prominence in the late 1980s with a controversial format focusing on confrontational and sensational topics. Hosted 'The Morton Downey Jr. Show,' which featured heated debates and unfiltered discussions, attracting a significant audience. The show became a precursor to later tabloid talk shows, setting a tone for sensationalist television. Downey also recorded several music albums, adding to his profile as a multi-faceted entertainer. His career was marked by both popularity and controversy, often engaging in public feuds and outspoken commentary.
Continue ReadingLazare Ponticelli
Soldier and last surviving French poilu
Born
1897 129 years ago
Died
March 12th, 2008 17 years ago — 111 years old
Born in Italy, Ponticelli migrated to France and served in the French Army during World War I. After the war, he worked as a laborer and lived a long life, becoming the last verified French combat veteran of World War I. Ponticelli reached the age of 110 and became widely recognized for his status as a supercentenarian, providing insights into the experiences of soldiers during the war.
Continue ReadingLloyd Shapley
Mathematician and economist, Nobel laureate
Born
June 2nd, 1923 102 years ago
Died
March 12th, 2016 9 years ago — 92 years old
Contributions included the development of game theory and economic allocation mechanisms. Authored many influential papers and co-created the Shapley value, a solution concept for cooperative games that allocates payouts fairly among players based on their contributions. Worked on matching theory, which has applications in various fields including economics and market design. Shapley was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 2012 for contributions to the analysis of economic processes.
Continue ReadingPaul C. Donnelly
Scientist and Engineer in Electronics
Born
March 28th, 1923 102 years ago
Died
March 12th, 2014 11 years ago — 90 years old
Contributed significantly to advancements in electronic engineering and systems. Worked extensively in the field of microelectronics, focusing on device physics and design, which included semiconductor technology. Played a crucial role in various research projects leading to advancements in integrated circuits and systems for telecommunications. Authored numerous publications that provided insights into the development of electronic materials and performance enhancements.
Continue ReadingVěra Chytilová
Czech film director, notably Daisies
Born
February 2nd, 1929 97 years ago
Died
March 12th, 2014 11 years ago — 85 years old
An influential figure in the Czechoslovak New Wave, contributions as a director included acclaimed films that challenged traditional narratives. Daisies, released in 1966, became a landmark of feminist cinema, exploring themes of female identity and rebellion. The director's innovative techniques and social critique garnered attention both domestically and internationally. Other significant works include The Fruit of Paradise and The Apple Game, which further established a distinct voice in filmic storytelling.
Continue ReadingTheodor Plievier
German author of anti-war literature
Born
1892 134 years ago
Died
March 12th, 1955 70 years ago — 63 years old
An influential author, wrote significant anti-war literature during the early to mid-20th century. The most recognized work is the novel 'Stalingrad', which depicted the brutal realities of war. His literature focused on the futility and devastation of conflict, reflecting the horrors faced during World War II. Plievier's works contributed to discussions on pacifism and the moral implications of warfare, gaining attention for their emotional depth and historical accuracy. His writings were driven by personal experiences and observations of the war's impact on humanity, sparking important conversations in the literary and historical arenas.
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