John Francis Regis

French priest and saint

John Francis Regis - French priest and saint
Born

January 31st, 1597
428 years ago

Died

December 30th, 1640
384 years ago — 43 years old

Category

Activists & Humanitarians

Country

France

Links & References

Ordained as a priest in the Society of Jesus, dedicated to preaching and teaching in France during the 17th century. Focused on the spiritual needs of the marginalized and carried out missionary work, notably among the poor and the sick. Established a strong connection with the people through his compassionate approach. Contributed to the founding of the parish and worked on spiritual guidance and catechesis. Canonized as a saint by Pope Clement XII in 1737.

Preached among the poor in France

Canonized as a saint in 1737

Other People Born on January 31st

Lunalilo of Hawaii

Hawaiian King and Constitution Drafting
Born
January 31st, 1835 190 years ago
Died
1874 151 years ago — 39 years old

Ascended to the throne in 1873, ruled until 1874. Became the first elected monarch of Hawaii, taking the title of King. Promoted the development of a constitution that emphasized civil rights, including equal rights for all races. His reign was marked by efforts to modernize the Hawaiian government and foster economic stability. Established a legacy of promoting education and public welfare.

Continue Reading

Gwen Graham

American lawyer and politician
Born
January 31st, 1963 62 years ago

A prominent American lawyer and politician who served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from Florida's 2nd congressional district. Played a pivotal role in various legislative initiatives during tenure from 2015 to 2017. Prior to political career, practiced law and worked as an educator, emphasizing importance of education and community service. Gained attention for advocating for environmental issues, healthcare reforms, and support for veterans. Elected to the House after defeating incumbent representative in the Democratic primary, showcasing significant political influence.

Continue Reading

Stewart Udall

American Secretary of the Interior
Born
January 31st, 1920 105 years ago
Died
March 20th, 2010 15 years ago — 90 years old

Served as the 37th United States Secretary of the Interior from 1961 to 1969 under Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. Played a key role in the creation of several national parks, including the expansion of the National Park System. Focused on environmental issues and advocated for conservation efforts during a transformative era in American environmental policy. Worked on the establishment of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which aimed to protect natural resources.

Continue Reading

Brenda Hale

English lawyer and judge, Supreme Court President
Born
January 31st, 1945 80 years ago

Born in 1945, a significant figure in the British legal system, served as the President of the Supreme Court from 2017 until 2020. Educated at the University of Cambridge and the Newnham College, later becoming a law lecturer and academic. Appointed to the Court of Appeal in 2004, becoming the first female Law Lord. Contributed to several landmark legal decisions, especially in human rights and constitutional law. Worked extensively to promote gender equality within the legal profession and participated in various initiatives aimed at enhancing the judiciary's accessibility and public understanding.

Continue Reading

Suzanne Pleshette

American actress in television and film
Born
January 31st, 1937 88 years ago
Died
January 19th, 2008 17 years ago — 70 years old

An accomplished actress, Pleshette garnered attention for performances in television and film throughout her career. She gained recognition for her role as Bob Newhart's wife Emily Hartley on the iconic television series 'The Bob Newhart Show'. Additionally, Pleshette starred in several films, including 'The Birds' directed by Alfred Hitchcock. With a career spanning several decades, she became a familiar face on both stage and screen, receiving several accolades for her work in the entertainment industry.

Continue Reading

Nikita Dragun

American YouTuber and beauty influencer
Born
January 31st, 1996 29 years ago

A beauty influencer and content creator established a significant online presence through makeup tutorials and lifestyle vlogs. Gained a large following on social media platforms, particularly on YouTube and Instagram. Transitioned to fashion and entrepreneurship by launching a makeup line that catered to diverse beauty standards. Advocated for transgender issues and representation within the beauty community.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on December 30th

Galeazzo Alessi

Italian architect, Basilica of Santa Maria
Born
1512 513 years ago
Died
December 30th, 1572 452 years ago — 60 years old

An Italian architect, contributions centered on ecclesiastical and civil architecture during the Renaissance. Studied architecture in Milan and gained prominence through important commissions in various Italian cities. The design of the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli in Rome stands out as a significant achievement. His works featured innovative use of space and classical elements. Alessi's influence extended beyond his lifetime, impacting subsequent generations of architects.

Continue Reading

Jim Galloway

Clarinetist and saxophonist
Born
1936 89 years ago
Died
December 30th, 2014 10 years ago — 78 years old

A clarinet player and saxophonist contributed significantly to the Canadian jazz scene. Born in Scotland, migrated to Canada and became an integral part of Toronto's music community. Played with numerous jazz greats and led the Delta Rhythm Kings, a prominent jazz ensemble. Founded the Toronto Jazz Festival, fostering the growth of jazz music in the region. Known for a distinctive style and deep appreciation for jazz traditions.

Continue Reading

Saddam Hussein

Iraqi President and military leader
Born
April 28th, 1937 88 years ago
Died
December 30th, 2006 18 years ago — 69 years old

Served as the 5th President of Iraq from 1979 until 2003. Played a significant role in the Ba'ath Party and became a leading figure in Iraq's politics during the late 20th century. Oversaw the Iran-Iraq War from 1980 to 1988 and initiated the Gulf War in 1990 by invading Kuwait. After the 2003 invasion of Iraq by a coalition led by the United States, was captured, tried for crimes against humanity, and executed in 2006.

Continue Reading

Romain Rolland

French author and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
January 29th, 1866 159 years ago
Died
December 30th, 1944 80 years ago — 78 years old

A prominent literary figure, contributed significantly to literature through works that encompass plays, novels, and essays. Achieved widespread recognition for the novel 'Jean-Christophe', which depicted the life of a composer in a tumultuous era. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1915 for writings that expressed humanism and a belief in the goodness of humanity amid the backdrop of World War I. Engaged in political and social issues through literature and supported various causes including peace.

Continue Reading

John Gregory Dunne

Novelist and screenwriter of 'Play It as It Lays'
Born
May 25th, 1932 93 years ago
Died
December 30th, 2003 21 years ago — 71 years old

An American novelist, screenwriter, and critic contributed significantly to literature and film through a career spanning several decades. Authored several novels, including 'Play It as It Lays', which explored themes of despair and disillusionment in modern society. Collaborated with wife Joan Didion on screenplays such as 'Panic in Needle Park' and 'The Seven-Per-Cent Solution'. Additionally, served as a critic for various publications, offering insights into contemporary American culture. Dunne's writing often reflected personal experiences and societal observations, garnering attention for its incisive prose and depth of characterization.

Continue Reading

Shinichi Hoshi

Japanese author of science fiction stories
Born
1926 99 years ago
Died
December 30th, 1997 27 years ago — 71 years old

An author and illustrator from Japan, produced numerous works focusing on science fiction. Works often featured whimsical and unforeseen twists, exploring the relationship between humanity and technology. Gained recognition for concise storytelling and imaginative narratives. Contributions to short stories and essays led to distinct recognition in the literary community, with a profound influence on the genre in Japan. Continued to inspire future writers and readers with an enduring legacy.

Continue Reading