John Candy
Canadian comedian and actor in film
A prominent figure in comedy and film, this individual starred in multiple successful movies during the 1980s and early 1990s. Iconic roles included performances in 'Planes, Trains and Automobiles', 'Uncle Buck', and 'Cool Runnings'. The blend of humor and heart characterized the individual's work, making these films memorable for audiences. Alongside acting, contributions to television included work on 'SCTV', which showcased various comedic talents through skits and characters.
Starred in 'Planes, Trains and Automobiles'
Played Uncle Buck in 'Uncle Buck'
Featured in 'Cool Runnings' as Irv Blitzer
Contributed to 'SCTV' as a cast member
Other People Born on October 31st
Yeongjo of Joseon
Korean monarch during the Joseon Dynasty
Born
October 31st, 1694 331 years ago
Died
1776 249 years ago — 82 years old
Ruled the Joseon Dynasty from 1724 to 1776, implementing significant reforms in governance and society. Sought to stabilize the kingdom through a focus on Confucian ideals and promoted civil service examinations. Addressed social issues such as famine relief and corruption within the bureaucracy. Oversaw a flourishing of culture, particularly in literature and the arts, during the latter part of the dynasty. His reign was marked by efforts to strengthen royal authority and diminish factional conflicts.
Continue ReadingJohn Keats
English Romantic poet and writer
Born
October 31st, 1795 230 years ago
Died
February 23rd, 1821 204 years ago — 25 years old
This poet contributed significantly to English literature during the Romantic period. His work featured themes of beauty, nature, and mortality. Prominent works include 'Ode to a Nightingale', 'Ode on a Grecian Urn', and 'Endymion'. Keats's poetry is characterized by vivid imagery and lyrical quality that have influenced many poets after him. The poet struggled with illness throughout his life and died at a young age, but left behind a lasting legacy in the world of poetry.
Continue ReadingPope Clement XIV
Pope with major papal decrees
Born
October 31st, 1705 320 years ago
Died
September 22nd, 1774 251 years ago — 68 years old
Elected pope in 1769, served until 1774. Played a crucial role in the dissolution of the Society of Jesus, leading to the suppression of Jesuit missions globally. Oversaw various reform efforts within the papacy and the Catholic Church during a period of tumultuous political changes in Europe. Engaged in diplomacy to manage relations among Catholic states, particularly in light of rising Enlightenment ideologies. His tenure was marked by significant challenges, including managing opposition from various monarchies and church factions.
Continue ReadingSamaire Armstrong
American actress and fashion designer
Born
October 31st, 1980 45 years ago
Born in 1980, a model and actress gained prominence through roles in television series and film. Featured in the TV series 'The OC' as Anna Stern, contributed to several other productions including 'Entourage' and 'Not Another Teen Movie'. In addition to acting, engaged in fashion design, launching her own clothing line which reflects personal style and artistic vision.
Continue ReadingJohn Pople
Chemist, Nobel Prize in Chemistry
Born
October 31st, 1925 100 years ago
Died
March 15th, 2004 21 years ago — 78 years old
A chemist and academic contributed to the development of computational methods in quantum chemistry. His work provided significant insights into chemical processes, leading to advancements in molecular modeling. Pople's pioneering efforts in the field established new methods for computational simulations in chemistry. He collaborated with various institutions and made lasting contributions that shaped modern chemistry practices. Pople was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1998 for his foundational contributions to computational quantum chemistry.
Continue ReadingAlexander Alekhine
Russian chess player and World Champion
Born
October 31st, 1892 133 years ago
Died
March 24th, 1946 79 years ago — 53 years old
A prominent chess player, achieved the title of World Chess Champion in 1927 and held it until 1935, then regained it from 1937 until death in 1946. Renowned for innovative strategies and complex play, contributed extensively to chess literature, particularly in opening theory. His rivalry with José Raúl Capablanca and subsequent matches are considered pivotal in chess history.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on March 4th
Carlos Sherman
Uruguayan-Belarusian author and activist
Born
October 25th, 1934 91 years ago
Died
March 4th, 2005 20 years ago — 70 years old
An author and activist connected with human rights and social justice issues. Contributed significant writings that examined political and cultural themes in both Uruguay and Belarus. Engaged in various initiatives aimed at promoting equity and social change. Actively participated in discussions and movements concerning political freedoms and civil rights, particularly in the context of post-Soviet states and South America. His work spanned both literary contributions and grassroots activism, establishing a legacy in the realms of literature and social advocacy.
Continue ReadingJohn Marvin Jones
American judge and politician
Born
1882 143 years ago
Died
March 4th, 1976 49 years ago — 94 years old
Served as a state district judge in Texas for several years, applying the law in various significant cases. Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, represented Texas from 1935 until 1943. Played a role in establishing legal precedents impacting state politics and judicial practices. Contributed to legislation during his tenure in Congress. His legal and political career influenced the development of judiciary procedures in Texas.
Continue ReadingElizabeth Smart
Canadian poet and author of 'By Grand Central Station I Sat Down and Wept'
Born
December 27th, 1913 111 years ago
Died
March 4th, 1986 39 years ago — 72 years old
A Canadian poet and author, she gained recognition for her lyrical and often autobiographical writing. Her most significant work, 'By Grand Central Station I Sat Down and Wept', published in 1945, has been praised for its emotional depth and exploration of themes such as love and despair. Beyond poetry, contributions included criticism and essays that illuminated her literary perspective. She was also involved in various literary circles, influencing other writers and artists throughout her life. Smart's work often drew upon personal experiences, capturing the complexities of human emotions and relationships.
Continue ReadingArjun Singh
Indian politician and cabinet minister
Born
1930 95 years ago
Died
March 4th, 2011 14 years ago — 81 years old
Served as an Indian politician and held various significant positions in government throughout a lengthy career. Focused on education and social justice, contributing to numerous policy reforms. Served as the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh from 1980 to 1985 and later held the position of Union Minister for Human Resource Development. Played a crucial role in implementing the Mandal Commission recommendations, which addressed reservations for backward classes in education and employment. His political influence spanned several decades and included leadership within the Indian National Congress.
Continue ReadingCharles Scott Sherrington
Neurophysiologist, Nobel Prize laureate
Born
November 27th, 1857 168 years ago
Died
March 4th, 1952 73 years ago — 94 years old
A prominent neurophysiologist and pathologist, contributions included significant research on the functions of the nervous system. Sherrington's work provided foundational insights into reflexes and synaptic transmission, including the identification of the concept of the synapse. His studies on the spinal cord and brain helped elucidate how signals are transmitted within the nervous system. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1932 for discoveries in the physiology of the nervous system, which remain influential in neuroscience. Leadership roles included serving as a professor and head of the Department of Physiology at the University of Oxford.
Continue ReadingToren Smith
Canadian businessman and manga publisher
Born
1960 65 years ago
Died
March 4th, 2013 12 years ago — 53 years old
A Canadian businessman founded Studio Proteus, a pivotal company in the localization of manga for English-speaking audiences. The studio played a significant role in adapting and translating various manga titles, helping to popularize the medium in North America. In addition to localization work, efforts included collaborations with publishers to ensure authentic cultural representation. Smith's contributions have shaped the landscape of manga distribution and accessibility for English readers, making it a critical part of the comic book industry.
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