John Casper

American astronaut and military pilot

John Casper - American astronaut and military pilot
Born

July 9th, 1943
82 years ago

Category

Explorers & Adventurers

Country

United States

Links & References

Served as a colonel in the United States Air Force and flew missions as a test pilot. Participated in NASA's Space Shuttle program and flew on three Space Shuttle missions. Mission highlights include STS-36, STS-54, and STS-66, contributing to various scientific experiments and payload operations in space. Worked with complex payloads in a zero-gravity environment and played a significant role in the increasingly intricate task of space exploration.

Completed three Space Shuttle missions

Served as a test pilot in the Air Force

Contributed to scientific payloads in space

Other People Born on July 9th

Elsa Lystad

Norwegian actress and comedian
Born
July 9th, 1930 95 years ago
Died
2023 2 years ago — 93 years old

An actress and comedian, Lystad gained recognition for contributions to Norwegian television and film. Began career in the 1950s and became widely recognized for performances in 'Hjemmets Teater' and 'Folketeateret'. Played leading roles in various productions, showcasing comedic talents. Lystad also made significant contributions to the variety show landscape in Norway. Achievements include a prominent role in the television series 'Norske Talenter'.

Continue Reading

Luigi Oreglia di Santo Stefano

Italian cardinal and diplomat
Born
July 9th, 1828 197 years ago
Died
December 7th, 1913 111 years ago — 85 years old

Luigi Oreglia di Santo Stefano served as a cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church and had a significant role in ecclesiastical diplomacy. Born in 1828, he was elevated to the cardinalate in 1893 by Pope Leo XIII. His tenure included significant involvements in church affairs during the tumultuous periods of the late 19th century, particularly regarding relations between the Vatican and various European states. He participated in the conclave that elected Pope Pius X in 1903. Oreglia held various posts within the Church, contributing to important diplomatic discussions.

Continue Reading

Vince Edwards

Actor and Director of 'Ben Casey'
Born
July 9th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
March 11th, 1996 29 years ago — 67 years old

An American actor and director, had a prominent career in film and television during the mid-20th century. Gained significant recognition for the role of Dr. Ben Casey in the medical drama series 'Ben Casey', which aired from 1961 to 1966. Expanded career to directing and starred in various films and television shows, including 'The Killing of Sister George' and 'The Devil's Brigade'. Also worked on stage productions, further showcasing versatility in the arts. Continued to engage in acting until the mid-1990s, leaving a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry.

Continue Reading

Tom Hanks

Actor, producer, director, screenwriter
Born
July 9th, 1956 69 years ago

Born in 1956, this individual achieved prominence as an actor, producer, director, and screenwriter in the United States. Early roles in television led to significant film appearances, establishing a reputation in Hollywood. Key films include 'Forrest Gump', where a portrayal of a man with a low IQ garnered an Academy Award for Best Actor. Collaborations with acclaimed director Steven Spielberg included 'Saving Private Ryan' and 'Catch Me If You Can'. Also recognized for voice work in animated films such as 'Toy Story', this individual contributed significantly to both comedy and drama. In addition to acting, directed films like 'That Thing You Do!' and produced several projects. Received numerous awards, including multiple Golden Globes and Academy Awards.

Continue Reading

K. Balachander

Indian film director and screenwriter
Born
July 9th, 1930 95 years ago
Died
2014 11 years ago — 84 years old

K. Balachander was an influential Indian film director, producer, and screenwriter predominantly involved in Tamil cinema. Emerging in the 1960s, he established a reputation for introducing new talents and addressing complex social issues through cinema. Balachander founded the production company Kavithalayaa Productions, which produced numerous acclaimed films. He directed landmark movies such as '24 Mani Neram' and 'Veedu'. His storytelling often focused on the lives of the marginalized and dealt with themes of love, familial ties, and societal norms. Balachander received various awards, including the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for lifetime contribution to Indian cinema.

Continue Reading

David Zinman

Conductor and violinist; Zurich Philharmonic
Born
July 9th, 1936 89 years ago

A prominent American violinist and conductor. Studied violin at the Juilliard School and conducting with renowned instructors. Led multiple orchestras including the Zurich Philharmonic and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Focused on expansive repertoire, ranging from classical to contemporary works. Played a key role in the introduction of new compositions to various audiences and collaborated with numerous acclaimed artists. Contributed significantly to the field of music education and served as a mentor for young musicians.

Continue Reading