John H. Reed
67th Governor of Maine
Served as the 67th Governor of Maine from 1975 to 1979. Before the governorship, held various leadership roles in local and state government, including serving as a member of the Maine House of Representatives. Played a significant role in state politics during tenure.
Served as Governor of Maine from 1975 to 1979.
Was a member of the Maine House of Representatives.
Other People Born on January 5th
Alvin Ailey
Choreographer and founder of Ailey American Dance Theater
Born
January 5th, 1931 95 years ago
Died
December 1st, 1989 36 years ago — 58 years old
Ailey established a significant presence in American dance, focusing on African-American cultural experiences. He founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1958, which became a leading company in modern dance, showcasing a repertoire that celebrated African-American heritage. Ailey's choreography often combined elements from African-American spirituals and modern dance styles. One of the most acclaimed works, 'Revelations,' premiered in 1960 and continues to be performed worldwide, highlighting themes of struggle and triumph. Ailey's innovative approach transformed the landscape of American dance and broadened the appeal of modern dance to include audiences from diverse backgrounds.
Continue ReadingSivaya Subramuniyaswami
Guru and author, founder of Iraivan Temple
Born
January 5th, 1927 99 years ago
Died
2001 25 years ago — 74 years old
Born in 1927, an American guru and author, established the Iraivan Temple in Hawaii, a unique structure dedicated to Lord Shiva. Founded the Hindu Heritage Endowment and the Saiva Siddhanta Church, which serves as a spiritual and cultural hub for Hindus worldwide. Authored several books on Hindu philosophy, spirituality, and lifestyle, contributing to the preservation and dissemination of Hindu teachings. Promoted the importance of yoga and meditation, emphasizing personal spiritual growth through traditional practices.
Continue ReadingMarkus Reiner
Physicist with contributions to fluid dynamics
Born
January 5th, 1886 140 years ago
Died
April 25th, 1976 49 years ago — 90 years old
Born in 1886, a prominent physicist and engineer, made significant contributions to the field of fluid dynamics. Emphasized the study of behavior of fluids under various conditions and contributed to theoretical frameworks that are fundamental to modern fluid mechanics. Engaged in academic work and influenced future generations through teaching and research. Published various scholarly papers and co-authored texts in the field, establishing a foundation for future advancements in physics and engineering.
Continue ReadingClaude Martin
French-English general and explorer
Born
January 5th, 1735 291 years ago
Died
September 13th, 1800 225 years ago — 65 years old
Born in 1735, a military officer served in the French and British armies. Participated in various campaigns in India, notably during the Anglo-Mysore Wars. Established a significant presence in India, contributed to military strategies, and served as a key figure in British colonial administration. Engaged in architectural projects, leaving a lasting legacy through the construction of several notable buildings, including the Farhat Bakhsh Palace in Lucknow. His life reflected the complexities of colonial interplay between Europe and India during the 18th century.
Continue ReadingGeorge Tenet
Civil servant, 18th Director of CIA
Born
January 5th, 1953 73 years ago
Served as the 18th Director of Central Intelligence from 1997 to 2004. Oversaw the CIA during significant events including the September 11 attacks and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Played a crucial role in intelligence operations and national security policy. Worked on the formation of Homeland Security after the 9/11 attacks. Previously held various positions within the intelligence community, including Deputy National Security Advisor for President Bill Clinton.
Continue ReadingKonrad Adenauer
Chancellor of West Germany
Born
January 5th, 1876 150 years ago
Died
April 19th, 1967 58 years ago — 91 years old
A lawyer and politician served as the first Chancellor of West Germany from 1949 to 1963. Adenauer played a central role in shaping the post-World War II landscape and the integration of West Germany into Western Europe. His policies focused on economic recovery and modernization, establishing a social market economy that contributed to the 'Wirtschaftswunder' or economic miracle. Adenauer was instrumental in founding the European Economic Community, which laid the groundwork for the European Union. He was also a key figure in the establishment of NATO, solidifying West Germany's alignment with the West during the Cold War.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on October 31st
Indira Gandhi
Indian politician, 3rd Prime Minister
Born
November 19th, 1917 108 years ago
Died
October 31st, 1984 41 years ago — 66 years old
Served as the third Prime Minister of India from 1966 to 1977 and again from 1980 until her assassination in 1984. Played a significant role in the Green Revolution, which transformed India into a self-sufficient nation in food grains. Implemented the Emergency from 1975 to 1977, a controversial period of political repression. Focused on reducing poverty and increasing industrialization through various programs and policies.
Continue ReadingBobby Parker
American singer-songwriter and guitarist
Born
August 31st, 1937 88 years ago
Died
October 31st, 2013 12 years ago — 76 years old
Active in the music industry from the 1950s, a singer-songwriter and guitarist contributed significantly to the blues genre. Notable for the hit song 'Watch Your Step,' which influenced later rock musicians. Performed at various venues and festivals, garnering a reputation for an energetic stage presence and distinctive guitar style. Released several albums over the decades, showcasing a blend of blues, rock, and R&B elements.
Continue ReadingGérard de Villiers
French journalist and author of SAS series
Born
1929 97 years ago
Died
October 31st, 2013 12 years ago — 84 years old
A journalist and author specialized in spy fiction, gained recognition through the SAS series, which includes over 200 novels. The series features the character Malko Linge, an Austrian nobleman and CIA agent. This extensive work, spanning from the 1960s to the 2010s, merged espionage and thriller elements in an engaging narrative style. De Villiers traveled extensively for research purposes, often drawing on real-world events and geopolitical contexts. This approach contributed to the series' authenticity and detail, appealing to a wide readership across Europe and beyond.
Continue ReadingMichail Stasinopoulos
Greek jurist and President of Greece
Born
July 27th, 1903 122 years ago
Died
October 31st, 2002 23 years ago — 99 years old
Born in 1903, a prominent Greek jurist and politician served as the President of Greece from 1974 to 1975. Held the position after the fall of the military junta and the restoration of democracy in the country. Stasinopoulos focused on constitutional reform and strengthening democratic institutions during his presidency. Prior to his presidential role, served as a member of the Greek Parliament and contributed to various legal and political reforms.
Continue ReadingSean Connery
Scottish actor known for James Bond role
Born
August 25th, 1930 95 years ago
Died
October 31st, 2020 5 years ago — 90 years old
An influential Scottish actor and producer, contributed significantly to the film industry with a career that spanned several decades. Rose to prominence portraying the character James Bond in seven films from 1962 to 1983, including 'Dr. No' and 'Goldfinger'. The portrayal set a standard for future actors in the role. Secured an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for the role in 'The Untouchables' in 1988. Also starred in renowned films like 'The Hunt for Red October', 'Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade', and 'The Name of the Rose', showcasing a range of characters across different genres.
Continue ReadingRichard Neustadt
Political Scientist and Scholar
Born
June 26th, 1919 106 years ago
Died
October 31st, 2003 22 years ago — 84 years old
Contributed significantly to political science, particularly in the area of presidential power. Served as a professor at Harvard University and published influential works analyzing the role of the presidency in American politics. His book, 'Presidential Power and the Modern Presidents,' examined the complexities of executive authority and the dynamics between the presidency and Congress. Engaged deeply with the practical implications of political theory, shaping academic discourse on governance.
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