John Ehrlichman
Lawyer and 12th White House Counsel
Served as the 12th White House Counsel during the Nixon administration. Played a significant role in the Watergate scandal, providing legal advice to President Nixon and helping to manage the administration's response to the crisis. After leaving office, faced legal consequences related to the Watergate cover-up, including conviction and imprisonment for conspiracy, obstruction of justice, and perjury. Authored several works, including a memoir reflecting on his time in the Nixon administration.
Served as White House Counsel under Nixon
Convicted in relation to the Watergate scandal
Authored 'Witness to Power: The Nixon Years'
Other People Born on March 20th
Sviatoslav Richter
Ukrainian pianist and composer, concert artist
Born
March 20th, 1915 110 years ago
Died
1997 29 years ago — 82 years old
This individual was a prominent Ukrainian pianist and composer, celebrated for exceptional artistry and technical mastery. Born in 1915, he made his debut in the 1930s and quickly gained recognition in the Soviet Union. His concert tours encompassed prestigious venues internationally, and performances included collaborations with esteemed conductors and orchestras. Renowned for interpretations of works by composers such as Beethoven, Chopin, and Rachmaninoff, his recordings remain highly regarded. He also contributed to contemporary music by premiering works composed specifically for him, influencing the landscape of classical music.
Continue ReadingB. F. Skinner
Psychologist and author of behaviorism
Born
March 20th, 1904 121 years ago
Died
August 18th, 1990 35 years ago — 86 years old
A prominent psychologist and author, focused on behaviorism and learning processes. Developed the theory of operant conditioning, emphasizing reinforcement and punishment in shaping behavior. Contributed significantly to psychological research and education methodologies. Authored several influential books, including 'Walden Two' and 'Verbal Behavior', which explored behavior analysis and its applications. Established the Skinner Box, a device used to measure behavior in controlled environments, advancing the field of experimental psychology.
Continue ReadingIsmail Gasprinski
Crimean Tatar educator and politician
Born
March 20th, 1851 174 years ago
Died
1914 112 years ago — 63 years old
An influential educator, publisher, and politician, contributed to the intellectual revival of the Crimean Tatar community. Founded the first Tatar-language newspaper, 'Tercüman', which played a significant role in promoting modern education and cultural awareness. Actively engaged in political movements advocating for the rights and reforms for Crimean Tatars. Helped establish schools and educational institutions to advance Tatar language and literature, fostering a sense of national identity among the Tatar people.
Continue ReadingMichael Redgrave
English actor and director in theater
Born
March 20th, 1908 117 years ago
Died
March 21st, 1985 40 years ago — 77 years old
Played leading roles in theater and film from the 1930s to the 1970s. Directed several theatrical productions and made significant contributions to the British stage. In film, appeared in classics such as 'The Lady Vanishes' and 'The Browning Version'. Received critical acclaim for performances and directed the film 'The Seagull'.
Continue ReadingMaud Menten
Canadian physician and biochemist
Born
March 20th, 1879 146 years ago
Died
July 17th, 1960 65 years ago — 81 years old
Contributions to biochemistry included work on enzyme kinetics and histochemistry. Collaborated with Leonor Michaelis to describe the Michaelis-Menten equation, a foundational principle in enzyme kinetics. Menten's research also advanced understanding of enzyme reactions and tissue staining techniques. Held a faculty position at the University of Toronto and published many scientific papers throughout a career spanning several decades.
Continue ReadingJohn Lavery
Irish painter and academic renowned for portraits
Born
March 20th, 1856 169 years ago
Died
January 10th, 1941 85 years ago — 84 years old
Born in Ireland, a painter and academic emerged as a prominent figure in the art world. Lavery studied under notable artists and became associated with the Glasgow School. Known for his portraiture, many of his works capture the essence of society's elite. His style included influences from Impressionism, blending color and light effectively. His work had a significant presence in various exhibitions, including the Royal Academy in London, which showcased several of his paintings. Also taught at prestigious institutions, cultivating the next generation of artists. Throughout his career, he received accolades for his contributions to art, leaving a lasting legacy.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on February 14th
Carlos Menem
Argentine President and statesman
Born
July 2nd, 1930 95 years ago
Died
February 14th, 2021 4 years ago — 90 years old
Served as the President of Argentina from 1989 to 1999. Focused on economic reforms and integrating Argentina into the global economy. Implemented privatization policies that changed many state-owned industries. Prior to his presidency, held the position of governor of La Rioja Province. Played a key role in the political maneuverings during a period marked by economic instability in Argentina. His government faced criticism over corruption allegations and human rights issues, especially during the country's military dictatorship era. After leaving office, remained a significant figure in Argentine politics until his passing.
Continue ReadingJulian Huxley
Biologist, co-founder of WWF
Born
June 22nd, 1887 138 years ago
Died
February 14th, 1975 50 years ago — 87 years old
A prominent English biologist and eugenicist contributed significantly to the understanding of evolutionary biology. Huxley played a crucial role in founding the World Wildlife Fund in 1961, advocating for wildlife conservation and environmental issues. He published numerous works on biology and evolution, including 'Evolution: The Modern Synthesis,' which integrated genetics with Darwinian evolution. His ideas influenced both scientific thought and conservation efforts during his lifetime.
Continue ReadingRonald Dworkin
American legal philosopher and scholar
Born
December 11th, 1931 94 years ago
Died
February 14th, 2013 12 years ago — 81 years old
A prominent philosopher and scholar, contributed significantly to legal and political theory. Developed influential ideas on law and morality, emphasizing the importance of individual rights. Wrote several key texts including 'Taking Rights Seriously' and 'Law's Empire', addressing the relationship between law and ethics. Engaged in public debates on various issues including abortion and assisted suicide, advocating for liberal principles based on rights and dignity.
Continue ReadingSteven Stucky
Composer and educator, Pulitzer Prize winner
Born
November 7th, 1949 76 years ago
Died
February 14th, 2016 9 years ago — 66 years old
An American composer and academic contributed extensively to contemporary music. Stucky studied at the University of California, Berkeley, and received advanced degrees from Cornell University. He served as a professor of composition at the Ithaca College School of Music and later as the composer-in-residence for major orchestras, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Stucky composed numerous orchestral, chamber, and vocal works. His most notable piece, 'Silent Woods,' won the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 1993.
Continue ReadingHeikki Ritavuori
Finnish politician and lawyer
Born
March 23rd, 1880 145 years ago
Died
February 14th, 1922 103 years ago — 41 years old
A lawyer and politician contributed to the legal and political landscape of Finland during the early 20th century. Participated actively in political discourse and governance, representing the interests of his constituents. His career was cut short when assassinated in 1922, which highlighted the political tensions of the period.
Continue ReadingTom Finney
English footballer and PFA Player of the Year
Born
April 5th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
February 14th, 2014 11 years ago — 91 years old
A prominent figure in English football, the individual played as a forward primarily for Preston North End from 1946 to 1960. Appearing in 433 games, the player scored 210 goals. Represented England at the international level, earning 76 caps and scoring 30 goals. Achievements include participation in the 1950 and 1954 FIFA World Cups. Renowned for exceptional dribbling skills and versatility on the field, the player received recognition as the PFA Player of the Year in 1961. After retirement, the individual became a respected football ambassador and continued to engage with the sport until passing in 2014.
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