Johann Heinrich Voss
German poet and translator of Homer
Recognized as a prominent poet and translator, significant contributions included poetic works as well as the German translations of Homer's 'Iliad' and 'Odyssey'. Active in the literary circles of his time and involved with the Göttingen School of Poets, engaged in discussions about aesthetics and literature. Held a professorship at the University of Heidelberg, influencing future generations of poets and scholars through both teachings and writings.
Translated Homer's 'Iliad' in 1793
Translated Homer's 'Odyssey' in 1781
Published several original poetic works
Other People Born on February 20th
Jay Johnson Morrow
Engineer and Governor of Panama Canal Zone
Born
February 20th, 1870 156 years ago
Died
April 16th, 1937 89 years ago — 67 years old
An American engineer and politician, served as the 3rd Governor of the Panama Canal Zone. Morrow's tenure spanned significant developments in the administration and operation of the Canal, focusing on infrastructure improvements and management of the waterway. Under his leadership, the Canal Zone experienced continued growth and adaptation following its construction. Morrow's background in engineering facilitated advancements in the functionality of the Panama Canal, which became a crucial maritime route for global trade.
Continue ReadingWillie Garson
Actor, notable for Sex and the City
Born
February 20th, 1964 62 years ago
Died
September 21st, 2021 4 years ago — 57 years old
An actor and director active in film and television, contributed significantly to the industry with a career spanning several decades. Best recognized for the role of Stanford Blatch in the television series 'Sex and the City,' portrayed a loyal friend in the lives of the main characters. Also featured in the series 'White Collar' as Mozzie, showcasing versatility across both comedic and dramatic roles. Garson took part in various film projects alongside television, leaving a lasting legacy through performances that resonated with audiences.
Continue ReadingE. H. Harriman
Businessman and railroad magnate
Born
February 20th, 1848 178 years ago
Died
September 9th, 1909 116 years ago — 61 years old
A prominent American businessman and philanthropist, established a significant presence in the railroad industry. Played a critical role in transforming the Union Pacific Railroad into one of the leading railroads in the United States. Involved in various business ventures, including investments in mining and utilities. A supporter of numerous philanthropic efforts, focusing on education and the arts, significantly contributed to the endowment of cultural institutions.
Continue ReadingBuddy Rogers
Professional wrestler and WWE Hall of Famer
Born
February 20th, 1921 105 years ago
Died
April 21st, 1999 27 years ago — 78 years old
A professional wrestler active from the 1940s to the 1960s, contributed significantly to the early days of televised wrestling. Gained popularity as the first WWE Champion, winning the title in 1963. Known for a flamboyant personality and charismatic style in the ring, which paved the way for future generations of wrestlers. Influenced the development of professional wrestling by helping elevate the sport's profile through media appearances and public engagements.
Continue ReadingGeorges Bernanos
French writer and author of "Diary of a Country Priest"
Born
February 20th, 1888 138 years ago
Died
July 5th, 1948 77 years ago — 60 years old
A French author and soldier, contributions include influential novels that explore themes of faith, morality, and the human condition. Published seminal works such as "Diary of a Country Priest" and "The Last Inquisitor," which are significant in 20th-century literature. Bernanos served in World War I, which deeply influenced his writing and philosophical outlook. His literary style combined vivid imagery with deep psychological insight, earning a place among notable French writers of the time. Throughout life, engaged with political issues and expressed strong Catholic beliefs.
Continue ReadingKurt Cobain
Singer-songwriter and guitarist of Nirvana
Born
February 20th, 1967 59 years ago
Died
April 5th, 1994 32 years ago — 27 years old
A prominent figure in the grunge music scene, this artist co-founded the band Nirvana in 1987. The band's breakthrough album, "Nevermind," released in 1991, brought alternative rock to mainstream audiences and featured the iconic single "Smells Like Teen Spirit." The use of angst-filled lyrics and a raw sound defined a generation of music. Struggles with addiction and personal issues influenced both the band's music and the artist's life. His untimely death in 1994 marked a significant moment in music history, cementing the band's legacy as leaders of the grunge movement.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on March 29th
Alexei Abrikosov
Physicist, 2003 Nobel laureate in Physics
Born
1928 98 years ago
Died
March 29th, 2017 9 years ago — 89 years old
A physicist contributed significantly to the theory of superconductivity. Developed the Ginzburg-Landau theory in collaboration with Vitaly Ginzburg, which provided a theoretical framework for understanding superconductors. His work led to the discovery of the Abrikosov vortex lattice, which describes the behavior of magnetic fields in type-II superconductors. Awards include the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2003 for contributions to the development of the theory of superconductivity. Held a prestigious position at Argonne National Laboratory and published extensively in the field of condensed matter physics.
Continue ReadingJoe Diffie
Country music singer and Grammy Award winner
Born
1958 68 years ago
Died
March 29th, 2020 6 years ago — 62 years old
A country music singer achieved significant success in the 1990s. Gained popularity with a distinctive voice and storytelling ability in lyrics. Released several chart-topping hits and albums during a prolific career. Won a Grammy Award for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals for the song 'Same Old Train.' Part of the Grand Ole Opry and contributed to the genre through songwriting as well. Continued to perform and release music until the later years.
Continue ReadingAgnès Varda
French film director, 'Cléo from 5 to 7'
Born
May 30th, 1928 98 years ago
Died
March 29th, 2019 7 years ago — 90 years old
A notable figure in the French New Wave, directed numerous influential films throughout a career spanning over six decades. Created a unique style that emphasized personal storytelling and documentary techniques. Associated with the feminist movement in cinema, explored themes of identity and memory. Contributed to film as both a director and a visual artist, merging elements of photography and art installation into her work.
Continue ReadingAlan Merrill
Musician and songwriter, co-wrote 'I Love Rock 'n' Roll'
Born
1951 75 years ago
Died
March 29th, 2020 6 years ago — 69 years old
An American musician and songwriter, played guitar and provided vocals for the band The Restless Hearts. Co-wrote the iconic song 'I Love Rock 'n' Roll', which gained immense popularity after being covered by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts. Contributed to the music industry as a prominent figure in the glam rock movement during the 1970s. Throughout his career, collaborated with various artists and bands, leaving a lasting mark on rock music.
Continue ReadingLouis Gossett Jr.
American actor and Oscar winner
Born
May 27th, 1936 90 years ago
Died
March 29th, 2024 2 years ago — 87 years old
An acclaimed actor, achieved prominence through powerful performances on stage and film. Won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for the role in the film 'An Officer and a Gentleman.' Featured in the mini-series 'Roots,' which became a cultural milestone. Contributed to both television and film, showcasing a range of complex characters. Actively involved in the arts and mentoring young talent, helping to shape future generations of actors.
Continue ReadingEric Williams
Trinidadian historian and 1st Prime Minister
Born
September 25th, 1911 114 years ago
Died
March 29th, 1981 45 years ago — 69 years old
A prominent historian and politician, served as the first Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago from 1962 until 1981. Played a crucial role in the independence movement and helped shape the nation’s post-colonial framework. Authored several works on Caribbean history, including 'Capitalism and Slavery', which examined the economic implications of slavery and colonialism in the Caribbean. His leadership was marked by efforts to nationalize various industries and enhance education.
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