John Amos
American actor, playwright, and producer
An accomplished actor, Amos gained recognition for roles in television series and film. Significant work includes a lead role in the sitcom 'Good Times', where he portrayed James Evans Sr. and contributed to addressing social issues of the time. Additionally, Amos featured in the film 'Coming to America' as Cleo McDowell, further establishing presence in the entertainment industry. His contributions extended beyond acting as Amos also engaged in writing and producing projects that highlighted various narratives.
Portrayed James Evans Sr. in 'Good Times'
Appeared as Cleo McDowell in 'Coming to America'
Other People Born on December 27th
T. Nadaraja
Sri Lankan lawyer and academic
Born
December 27th, 1917 107 years ago
Died
January 20th, 2004 21 years ago — 86 years old
Practiced law and contributed to academia in Sri Lanka. Served in various capacities within the legal community and committed to advancing legal education. Engaged in scholarly work that addressed legal issues pertinent to Sri Lanka, influencing both practitioners and students. Involved in initiatives aimed at improving the legal system and fostering a better understanding of law among the populace.
Continue ReadingGhalib
Indian poet and educator
Born
December 27th, 1797 227 years ago
Died
February 15th, 1869 156 years ago — 71 years old
A prominent Urdu and Persian poet, acclaimed for intricate ghazals, which explored themes of love, loss, and existentialism. Contributions to literature fostered appreciation for vernacular poetry in the 19th century. Ghalib's works captured the complexities of human emotion and social context during British India. Renowned for stylistic innovations and philosophical musings through poetry, he influenced generations of poets and writers.
Continue ReadingCharles Olson
Poet and educator known for The Maximus Poems
Born
December 27th, 1910 114 years ago
Died
1970 55 years ago — 60 years old
An American poet and educator. Played an influential role in the post-World War II poetry movement. Served as a professor at Black Mountain College, fostering innovative approaches to poetry and education. Developed a theory of 'Projective Verse,' which emphasized the importance of breath and sound in poetry. Wrote 'The Maximus Poems,' a pivotal work that explored themes of place, identity, and history.
Continue ReadingJohn I of Aragon
Monarch of Aragon with a complex reign
Born
December 27th, 1350 674 years ago
Died
May 19th, 1396 629 years ago — 45 years old
Ruled as King of Aragon from 1387 until death in 1396. Challenges during the reign included internal conflicts and struggles over influence in the Iberian Peninsula. Worked to maintain Aragon’s alliances, particularly with the Papacy and in relations with Castile. Oversaw military campaigns against the Moors. His reign saw notable events like the siege of the central Catalan city of Barcelona.
Continue ReadingLouis Bromfield
Environmentalist and author
Born
December 27th, 1896 128 years ago
Died
March 18th, 1956 69 years ago — 59 years old
Bromfield was an American author and environmentalist, recognized for contributions to agriculture and conservation. He wrote several novels, with 'The Farm' being a significant work that reflects his passion for farming and sustainability. Bromfield founded the Malabar Farm in Ohio, which became a model for innovative agricultural practices, emphasizing organic farming methods. He advocated for responsible land management and conservation through his writings and personal efforts in environmental stewardship.
Continue ReadingHeather O'Rourke
Child actress in Poltergeist movies
Born
December 27th, 1975 49 years ago
Died
February 1st, 1988 37 years ago — 12 years old
Began acting at a young age, featuring prominently in the horror film series Poltergeist. Her first appearance was in the original Poltergeist film released in 1982, where she portrayed the character Carol Anne Freeling. Continued her role in the sequels, becoming a well-recognized figure in the genre. Tragically passed away at a young age, which drew significant attention to her early career and the circumstances surrounding her death.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on August 21st
Hermann Obrecht
Swiss politician and public figure
Born
March 26th, 1882 143 years ago
Died
August 21st, 1940 85 years ago — 58 years old
Born in 1882, became a prominent figure in Swiss politics during the 20th century. Represented the Socialist Party and served as a member of the Swiss Federal Council from 1934 to 1940. Focused on social policies and labor rights. Contributed to the development of welfare programs and labor regulations in Switzerland, advocating for workers' rights and social justice.
Continue ReadingHenrik Pontoppidan
Danish novelist and Nobel laureate
Born
July 24th, 1857 168 years ago
Died
August 21st, 1943 82 years ago — 86 years old
Born in 1857, this individual was a prominent Danish journalist and novelist whose works explored themes of social realism and individual struggle. His writing often depicted the complexities of Danish society and manifested a critical perspective on materialism and human relationships. The author produced significant novels including 'Lucky Per' and 'The Last of the Old-Time Farmers'. In 1917, this individual received the Nobel Prize in Literature for a deeply insightful body of work that captured the essence of the Danish experience. During a prolific career, the author contributed extensively to literary journals and became recognized as a pivotal figure in Danish literature.
Continue ReadingSubrahmanyan Chandrasekhar
Astrophysicist, Nobel Prize laureate
Born
October 19th, 1910 115 years ago
Died
August 21st, 1995 30 years ago — 84 years old
An Indian-American astrophysicist, astronomer, and mathematician, contributed significantly to the understanding of stellar evolution and black holes. In 1983, received the Nobel Prize in Physics for the theoretical studies of the physical processes important to the structure and evolution of the stars. His work on the Chandrasekhar limit explained the maximum mass of a stable white dwarf star. Authored more than 400 scientific papers and several influential books, advancing the field of astrophysics.
Continue ReadingCharles Tristan
French general and marquis de Montholon
Born
July 21st, 1783 242 years ago
Died
August 21st, 1853 172 years ago — 70 years old
Served as a French general during the Napoleonic Wars. Played a significant role in the defense of France and was involved in key military campaigns. After the fall of Napoleon, accompanied him into exile on the island of Saint Helena. Documented Napoleon's final days and contributed to his biographical accounts. Held various military titles throughout his service and engaged in post-war politics.
Continue ReadingTeodoro de Villa Diaz
Filipino guitarist and songwriter
Born
April 1st, 1963 62 years ago
Died
August 21st, 1988 37 years ago — 25 years old
Teodoro de Villa Diaz was a Filipino guitarist and songwriter. He has a significant contribution to the Filipino music scene. His ability to blend traditional Filipino music with modern guitar techniques helped to shape contemporary sounds. He was also involved in various music collaborations that highlighted his innovative approach to guitar playing. His work has been recognized within local music circles and contributed to the growth of the genre in the Philippines.
Continue ReadingConstant Lambert
English composer and conductor
Born
August 23rd, 1905 120 years ago
Died
August 21st, 1951 74 years ago — 45 years old
Born in 1905, this English figure contributed significantly to the world of music as both a composer and conductor. He studied at the Royal College of Music and composed various works including operas, orchestral pieces, and ballets. His most notable work includes the ballet 'Horatio', which reflects his abilities as a notable composer of his time. Lambert also served as the conductor of the BBC Symphony Orchestra, where he played an essential role in promoting contemporary music through performances and broadcasts.
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