John Holland
1st Duke of Exeter, English politician
Born
Died
Category
Leaders & Politicians
Country
England
Links & References
Held the title of 1st Duke of Exeter and served as Lord Great Chamberlain of England. Played a significant role in the Lancastrian court during the late 14th century. Participated in various military campaigns including the wars against the French during the Hundred Years' War. Established alliances through marriage and noble connections.
Held the title of 1st Duke of Exeter
Served as Lord Great Chamberlain
Participated in military campaigns in France
Other People Born on March 18th
Bonnie Blair
American speed skater, Olympic champion
Born
March 18th, 1964 62 years ago
Born in 1964, this American speed skater dominated the ice in the late 1980s and early 1990s, achieving remarkable success in international competitions. Competing primarily in the 500 meters and 1000 meters, the skater secured five Olympic gold medals over three Winter Games, specifically at the 1988 and 1992 Olympics. With a strong showing at the World Championships, multiple titles were earned, showcasing exceptional talent and endurance in the sport. The athlete's career contributed to the growth of speed skating in the United States, inspiring future generations.
Continue ReadingJohn Zachary Young
Zoologist and neurophysiologist
Born
March 18th, 1907 119 years ago
Died
July 4th, 1997 28 years ago — 90 years old
Contributed significantly to the fields of zoology and neurophysiology. Conducted extensive research on the nervous systems of various species. Played a crucial role in understanding the structure and function of neurons, particularly through studies on cephalopods. Served as a professor at University College London and published several influential works.
Continue ReadingGian Francesco Malipiero
Italian composer and music educator
Born
March 18th, 1882 144 years ago
Died
August 1st, 1973 52 years ago — 91 years old
Born in 1882, this Italian composer contributed significantly to 20th-century music through operas, orchestral works, and chamber music. Emphasizing the integration of traditional Italian musical elements with contemporary forms, the composer sought to establish a distinctive national style. Teaching at various institutions, he influenced generations of musicians in Italy. Notable works include a series of operas and symphonies, including 'L'aldilà' and 'Sinfonia Italiana'. Malipiero's role as a musicologist and curator of historical Italian music also shaped the discourse around Italy's musical heritage.
Continue ReadingRudolf Diesel
Engineer and inventor of the Diesel engine
Born
March 18th, 1858 168 years ago
Died
September 29th, 1913 112 years ago — 55 years old
Born in 1858 in Germany, a pioneering engineer developed the Diesel engine, which revolutionized the efficiency of internal combustion engines. The invention was aimed at improving energy consumption compared to existing steam engines. Diesel conducted extensive research and experimentation, leading to the patenting of the Diesel engine in 1892. This new engine technology became integral in various industries, including transportation and manufacturing. The Diesel engine's design enhanced fuel efficiency and reduced environmental impact, laying the groundwork for modern diesel engines used in automobiles, ships, and industrial applications.
Continue ReadingMike Webster
American football player, center for Steelers
Born
March 18th, 1952 74 years ago
Died
September 24th, 2002 23 years ago — 50 years old
An American football player played as a center for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the National Football League (NFL). Contributed to the team's four Super Bowl victories in the 1970s, participating in Super Bowls IX, X, XIII, and XIV. Played a total of 245 games over a career spanning 17 seasons, earning the nickname 'Iron Man' for durability and tenacity. After retirement, dealt with health issues linked to brain injury due to the sport. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1997.
Continue ReadingHarriet Smithson
Irish actress and muse of Berlioz
Born
March 18th, 1800 226 years ago
Died
1854 172 years ago — 54 years old
An Irish actress gained recognition for her role as Ophelia in Shakespeare's 'Hamlet'. She inspired composer Hector Berlioz, resulting in works such as 'Symphonie Fantastique', which is partly based on her. Smithson's theatrical career included performances in London and Dublin. Her influence on Berlioz and the Romantic movement in music solidified her legacy in the arts.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on January 16th
Robert R. Wilson
Physicist and Fermilab founder
Born
March 4th, 1914 112 years ago
Died
January 16th, 2000 26 years ago — 85 years old
An American physicist and academic made significant contributions to particle physics, including the design and construction of the Fermilab accelerator complex in Batavia, Illinois. Wilson served as the laboratory's first director from 1967 to 1978. His work in developing the synchrotron design for the Fermilab allowed for groundbreaking research in high-energy physics, significantly advancing the understanding of fundamental particles. Wilson also played a role in various public scientific initiatives and advocated for science education and research funding. He held various academic positions, contributing to the training of future physicists.
Continue ReadingLorna Doom
Musician, bassist for the band The Germs
Born
1958 68 years ago
Died
January 16th, 2019 7 years ago — 61 years old
A prominent figure in the punk rock scene, contributed to the development of the genre in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Played bass guitar for the influential band The Germs, whose raw sound and energy captured the essence of punk. The band released their seminal album, 'GI,' in 1979, which became a cornerstone of punk music and influenced numerous artists in the years that followed. The Germs were known for their chaotic live performances and cultural significance within the punk movement, often associated with the Los Angeles music scene.
Continue ReadingFrank Hurley
Photographer and cinematographer for 'The Shackleton Expedition'
Born
1885 141 years ago
Died
January 16th, 1962 64 years ago — 77 years old
An Australian photographer and cinematographer, Hurley contributed significantly to early 20th-century visual storytelling. His most notable work involved documenting Ernest Shackleton's Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition from 1914 to 1917. The photographic collections and films from the expedition highlighted the extreme conditions and challenges faced during the journey. In 1919, Hurley produced a groundbreaking film about the expedition, 'South', which combined his photography with narrative and visual storytelling techniques. He also worked as a war correspondent during World War I, capturing images that illustrated the realities of conflict. His contributions to photography and film laid the groundwork for later documentary practices, reflecting a keen eye for detail and storytelling.
Continue ReadingAndrija Artuković
Croatian Minister of Interior
Born
November 29th, 1899 126 years ago
Died
January 16th, 1988 38 years ago — 88 years old
Served as the Minister of Interior during the Independent State of Croatia from 1941 to 1945. Oversaw the internal security and law enforcement agencies of the wartime regime. Worked closely with the Ustaše government, contributing to policies that led to significant human rights violations during World War II. After the war, faced charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity, resulting in a long exile before being apprehended and tried in the 1980s.
Continue ReadingPauline Phillips
Journalist and creator of Dear Abby
Born
July 4th, 1918 107 years ago
Died
January 16th, 2013 13 years ago — 94 years old
A journalist and radio host played a significant role in American media by creating the advice column 'Dear Abby'. The column provided guidance on various personal issues and became a staple in newspapers across the country. For decades, the work reached millions, addressing topics ranging from relationships to moral dilemmas. The columnist's straightforward style and humor attracted a wide readership and engagement, contributing to the ongoing popularity of advice columns in print and digital media.
Continue ReadingEdmond François Valentin About
French journalist and author of novels
Born
February 14th, 1828 198 years ago
Died
January 16th, 1865 161 years ago — 36 years old
A journalist and author, focused on social and political themes. Authored several novels, including "Tolla" and "Le Roman d'un jeune homme pauvre". Noted for satirical works and criticism of society, especially concerning the issues of the time. Engaged in journalism with regular contributions to various publications, providing insightful commentary on contemporary events. His works often reflected personal experiences and the struggles of the individual within society.
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