Jim Prentice
Canadian lawyer and politician
Served as the 16th Premier of Alberta from 2014 to 2015. Held various positions within the government, including Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development. Represented the federal Conservative Party as a Member of Parliament for Edmonton—St. Albert from 2004 to 2010 and Calgary Centre-North from 2010 to 2014. Worked as a lawyer prior to entering politics, focusing on issues impacting Alberta.
Served as Premier of Alberta
Held federal cabinet minister roles
Contributed to Indigenous affairs legislation
Other People Born on July 20th
Heather Chasen
English actress with stage and screen roles
Born
July 20th, 1927 98 years ago
Died
2020 6 years ago — 93 years old
An English actress, recognized for a prolific career in theatre, television, and film. Gained recognition for performances in productions such as 'The Forsyte Saga' and 'The Saint'. Appeared in various British television series and worked in repertory theatre. Spent several decades in the industry, showcasing versatility across different media.
Continue ReadingRichard Owen
Biologist and paleontologist, Dinosaur taxonomy
Born
July 20th, 1804 221 years ago
Died
December 18th, 1892 133 years ago — 88 years old
A prominent English biologist and paleontologist, focused extensively on the study of fossilized remains. Played a pivotal role in establishing the field of vertebrate paleontology. Credited with coining the term 'Dinosauria' to categorize large extinct reptiles. Contributed significantly to the understanding of numerous prehistoric species through meticulous anatomical studies and fossil reconstructions. Served as the first director of the Natural History Museum in London, where numerous discoveries were made under his leadership.
Continue ReadingJulie Vinter Hansen
Danish-Swiss astronomer and academic
Born
July 20th, 1890 135 years ago
Died
July 27th, 1960 65 years ago — 70 years old
Born in 1890, this astronomer contributed significantly to the field of astronomy through research and teaching. She earned a doctorate in astronomy and worked on stellar photometry and the study of variable stars. With a focus on enhancing educational opportunities in the sciences, she contributed to various academic institutions. Her work helped lay the groundwork for future advancements in the study of astrophysics.
Continue ReadingBelaid Abdessalam
Algerian Prime Minister
Born
July 20th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
2020 6 years ago — 92 years old
Belaid Abdessalam served as the Prime Minister of Algeria during a critical period in the 1990s. His tenure included navigating the country through a challenging civil conflict. Abdessalam played a significant role in political reforms and economic strategies aimed at stabilization. Prior to his role as Prime Minister, he held various governmental positions, contributing to Algeria's political landscape and governance during a time of national turmoil.
Continue ReadingBo Rein
American football player and coach
Born
July 20th, 1945 80 years ago
Died
1980 46 years ago — 35 years old
Played college football at North Dakota State University, where he gained recognition as a standout quarterback. Transitioned to coaching, leading multiple high school teams and eventually serving as head coach for the Louisiana State University football team. During the coaching tenure, focused on team development and strategy, contributing to the growth of the program. Faced challenges before an untimely passing in a plane crash.
Continue ReadingThomas Berger
American author and playwright, wrote 'Little Big Man'
Born
July 20th, 1924 101 years ago
Died
July 13th, 2014 11 years ago — 89 years old
An American author and playwright achieved recognition for notable literary works throughout a career spanning several decades. The novel 'Little Big Man' brought attention to the complexities of American history and the perspective of Native Americans. This work was adapted into a successful film in 1970, enhancing its reach and cultural significance. Other notable publications include 'Regeneration' and 'The Return of Little Big Man.' The ability to blend humor with serious themes distinguished his writing style and resonated with readers. Contributions to both fiction and drama have established a lasting legacy in American literature.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on October 13th
Tage Danielsson
Swedish author and film director
Born
February 5th, 1928 98 years ago
Died
October 13th, 1985 40 years ago — 57 years old
An influential figure in Swedish cinema and literature, contributed significantly to both fields. Worked as a screenwriter, director, and actor. Gained prominence in the 1960s and 1970s, blending humor with social critique. Collaborated frequently with the film company AB Svensk Filmindustri and produced memorable works that explored societal issues. Created a legacy through engaging narratives and iconic performances.
Continue ReadingNichiren
Founder of Nichiren Buddhism
Born
February 16th, 1222 803 years ago
Died
October 13th, 1282 743 years ago — 60 years old
Born in 1222, an influential figure established a major school of Japanese Buddhism. Introduced the practice of chanting the mantra 'Nam-myoho-renge-kyo' as a means of attaining enlightenment. Emphasized the importance of the Lotus Sutra as the ultimate teaching of the Buddha. Confronted opposition from other Buddhist sects and government authorities, leading to periods of exile. His teachings inspired a significant following and numerous schools within Nichiren Buddhism, which continue to thrive today.
Continue ReadingLouise Glück
American poet and Nobel laureate
Born
April 22nd, 1943 82 years ago
Died
October 13th, 2023 2 years ago — 80 years old
Born in New York City in 1943, a poet received numerous awards throughout the career, including the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2020. The poetry often explored themes of childhood, family, and nature, showcasing a distinctive voice in contemporary literature. Notable collections include 'The Wild Iris,' which won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1993, and 'A Village Life'. The work is characterized by a sharp emotional depth and innovative use of traditional forms.
Continue ReadingWalter Houser Brattain
Physicist and co-inventor of the transistor
Born
February 10th, 1902 123 years ago
Died
October 13th, 1987 38 years ago — 85 years old
Contributed significantly to the development of solid-state physics. Co-invented the transistor in 1947 alongside John Bardeen and William Shockley. This invention laid the groundwork for modern electronics, enabling the development of various electronic devices. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1956 for this work, which fundamentally transformed technology. Also served as a professor and researcher at several institutions, including Whitman College and the University of California.
Continue ReadingBob Denard
French soldier and mercenary leader
Born
April 7th, 1929 96 years ago
Died
October 13th, 2007 18 years ago — 78 years old
A French soldier and mercenary, served in multiple conflicts worldwide. Gained prominence as a mercenary in African countries, particularly in the Congo and Angola during the 1960s. Played a significant role in the Comoros Islands, overseeing several coups and interventions. The involvement in these events garnered international attention and controversy regarding military and political methods employed.
Continue ReadingSamuel von Pufendorf
German economist and jurist
Born
January 8th, 1632 394 years ago
Died
October 13th, 1694 331 years ago — 62 years old
Born in 1632, this individual contributed significantly to the fields of economics and law. Pufendorf's scholarship emphasized natural law and the importance of social contract theory. His significant works, including 'De Jure Naturae et Gentium' and 'The Whole Duty of Man', established a foundation for modern legal and economic thought. Engaging with issues of state and society, he argued for the role of natural rights and the mutual obligations of social contracts. His ideas influenced subsequent generations of thinkers, shaping Enlightenment philosophy and the development of legal frameworks in Europe.
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