John Hughes
Film director and screenwriter of 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off'
Born
Died
Category
Artists & Creatives
Country
United States
Links & References
American director, producer, and screenwriter contributed significantly to the teen comedy genre in the 1980s and 1990s. Authored and directed several influential films, focusing on teenage life and culture. Work included titles such as 'Sixteen Candles', 'The Breakfast Club', and 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off'. Established a distinctive style that combined humor with critical commentary on adolescence. Founded his production company, Hughes Entertainment, which produced multiple successful films.
Directed 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off'
Wrote and directed 'The Breakfast Club'
Created 'Pretty in Pink'
Other People Born on February 18th
Alessandro Volta
Italian physicist, inventor of the battery
Born
February 18th, 1745 280 years ago
Died
March 5th, 1827 198 years ago — 82 years old
Born in 1745, this physicist made significant contributions to the study of electricity. He developed the first true chemical battery, known as the voltaic pile, in 1800. This invention provided a continuous source of electric current and laid the groundwork for the field of electrochemistry. His work contributed to advancements in the understanding of electrical phenomena and inspired later innovations in energy storage. Volta also conducted experiments on gas and was involved in the development of the electrophorus, a device used to generate static electricity.
Continue ReadingAlexander Kielland
Norwegian author and playwright
Born
February 18th, 1849 176 years ago
Died
April 6th, 1906 119 years ago — 57 years old
An influential author and playwright contributed significantly to Norwegian literature during the 19th century. Authored novels exploring social issues, including 'Skipper Worse', which depicted the struggles of the working class. Additionally, wrote plays that criticized societal norms, with notable works such as 'Gisken' and 'St. John's Eve'. Involved in politics as a member of the Norwegian parliament, advocating for social reform. His literary contributions played a role in the foundation of modern Norwegian realism.
Continue ReadingPee Wee King
Country musician and bandleader
Born
February 18th, 1914 111 years ago
Died
March 7th, 2000 25 years ago — 86 years old
A prominent figure in country music, significant contributions included the formation of the Golden West Cowboys. The use of the accordion in a country music context helped popularize the instrument in the genre. Best known for the hit song "Tennessee Waltz," which became a major crossover success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard charts. The musical style blended traditional country with Western swing, leaving a lasting influence on the genre.
Continue ReadingUesugi Kenshin
Japanese daimyō and military leader
Born
February 18th, 1530 495 years ago
Died
April 19th, 1578 447 years ago — 48 years old
A significant daimyō during the Sengoku period in Japan, he controlled the Echigo province. Renowned for military prowess, engaged in numerous battles against rival daimyō. Established a reputation for strategic brilliance, particularly in the famous battles of Kawanakajima. Governed with a strong sense of justice and promoted cultural development in his domain. Actively involved in the political landscape of Japan during a time of unrest.
Continue ReadingEmanuel Granberg
Finnish church painter
Born
February 18th, 1754 271 years ago
Died
August 1st, 1797 228 years ago — 43 years old
Born in Finland, a prominent church painter gained recognition for significant contributions to ecclesiastical art during the late 18th century. Granberg trained in the traditional techniques of painting and specialized in altarpieces and murals, which adorned numerous churches throughout Finland. His works often reflected the Baroque and Rococo styles, featuring elaborate decorations and biblical themes that engaged congregations. Granberg played a critical role in the development of Finnish religious art and influenced later generations of artists in the region. Additionally, Granberg was instrumental in the establishment of church art as a distinct category within the Finnish cultural heritage.
Continue ReadingWallace Stegner
American novelist and essayist
Born
February 18th, 1909 116 years ago
Died
April 13th, 1993 32 years ago — 84 years old
Born in 1909, a prominent American novelist, short story writer, and essayist. Associated with the Western U.S., spent significant time in California. Works often reflected themes of nature and the American experience. Published several novels while also contributing essays that discussed environmentalism and the cultural history of the West. Played a significant role in establishing creative writing programs at universities, notably at Stanford University.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on August 6th
Francesco I of Lesbos
Despot of Lesbos, poet and ruler
Died
August 6th, 1384 641 years ago — None years old
Ruled the island of Lesbos from the late 14th century. Governed as a despot and engaged in significant diplomatic efforts during a time of political instability in the Aegean region. Renowned for promoting culture and the arts, particularly poetry, and known for his contributions to the literary world. Contributed to the political landscape and cultural development of Lesbos before death in 1384.
Continue ReadingHarry Reasoner
American journalist and television anchor
Born
April 17th, 1923 102 years ago
Died
August 6th, 1991 34 years ago — 68 years old
A prominent journalist, contributed significantly to American television news. Anchored CBS Evening News alongside Dan Rather and was a founding anchor of ABC's 20/20. Gained recognition for in-depth reporting and investigative journalism. Played an instrumental role in covering major events, including the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal. Worked at various major news outlets, leaving a substantial legacy in broadcast journalism.
Continue ReadingMava Lee Thomas
American baseball player, All-Star selection
Born
September 1st, 1929 96 years ago
Died
August 6th, 2013 12 years ago — 83 years old
Played professional baseball primarily as a pitcher. Competed in the Major Leagues from 1949 to 1954. Played for teams including the Chicago White Sox and the Philadelphia Phillies. Achieved All-Star status in 1952, showcasing a strong performance during the season. Contributed significantly to the teams’ pitching rotations and was recognized for talent on the mound.
Continue ReadingPope Sixtus II
Pope, martyr, and early church leader
Died
August 6th, 258 1767 years ago — None years old
Pope Sixtus II served as the Bishop of Rome from 257 to 258 AD during the reign of Valerian. This papacy occurred during a time of intense persecution of Christians. Sixtus II emphasized the importance of theological consistency within the church and upheld the faith among believers. His leadership is marked by an unwavering commitment to the teachings of Christianity, which he maintained in the face of adversity. Sixtus II ultimately became a martyr, executed along with several deacons in 258, due to the edicts against Christians. The legacy of his papacy continues to be recognized in the annals of church history, especially regarding Christian martyrdom.
Continue ReadingRiccardo Cassin
Mountaineer and author of climbing guides
Born
January 2nd, 1909 116 years ago
Died
August 6th, 2009 16 years ago — 100 years old
A prominent figure in the world of mountaineering, one significant work involved the first ascent of the Walker Spur on the Grandes Jorasses. Cassin co-founded the Italian Alpine Club in 1945 and published several influential climbing guides throughout his career. His climbing achievements extended to notable summits including the first ascent of the South Face of Montagnola and the first ascent of the north face of the Matterhorn. Over decades, he contributed to the development of alpine climbing techniques and fostered a spirit of exploration and adventure in Italy. He also served as a mentor to many climbers, passing on skills and knowledge essential for success in extreme conditions.
Continue ReadingRobin Cook
American physician and author of thrillers
Born
May 4th, 1940 85 years ago
Died
August 6th, 2005 20 years ago — 65 years old
A physician by training and an author, contributions include numerous bestselling medical thrillers. The most commercially successful works include 'Coma', which explores medical ethics and patient care in a suspenseful narrative. Cook's writing often combines medical knowledge with fiction, creating engaging stories that highlight complexities in the healthcare system. Ventures into non-fiction include discussing health-related topics in accessible terms. Cook's successful career in literature began in the late 1970s, leading to the publication of multiple novels that have been translated into several languages.
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