John Loudon McAdam
Scottish engineer and road builder
An engineer and road builder, this individual developed a method for constructing roads using layers of crushed stone, which became known as macadamization. This innovation significantly improved road surfaces and enabled better transportation of goods and people. His designs were adopted widely and influenced road engineering practices. Many modern roads utilize principles that trace back to his methods, fundamentally changing road infrastructure throughout the 19th century.
Developed macadamization for roads
Influenced modern road construction techniques
Other People Born on September 23rd
Mickey Rooney
Actor and dancer in classic films
Born
September 23rd, 1920 105 years ago
Died
April 6th, 2014 11 years ago — 93 years old
An American actor and dancer, this individual began performing in silent films as a child and rose to prominence in the 1930s and 1940s. Notable work included leading roles in The Andy Hardy series, for which there were a total of 16 films. Over a career spanning nearly nine decades, this performer showcased versatility in both comedic and dramatic roles. Apart from acting, also gained recognition for considerable work in dance and musical theater.
Continue ReadingGeorge Jackson
American activist and author
Born
September 23rd, 1941 84 years ago
Died
August 21st, 1971 54 years ago — 29 years old
An influential activist and author emerged during the civil rights movement. Co-founded the Black Guerrilla Family while incarcerated, focusing on prison reform and societal change. Authored the books 'Soledad Brother' and 'Blood in My Eye', which discussed issues of racial injustice and the prison system. His writings and activism highlighted the struggles faced by African Americans and prisoners.
Continue ReadingIgor Ivanov
Russian politician and diplomat
Born
September 23rd, 1945 80 years ago
Served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia from 1998 to 2004. Played a key role in shaping Russia's foreign policy during the early 2000s. Participated in numerous international negotiations and forums, emphasizing the importance of multilateralism. Contributed to Russia's relations with NATO and the European Union.
Continue ReadingKublai Khan
Mongol emperor and conqueror
Born
September 23rd, 1215 810 years ago
Died
February 18th, 1294 731 years ago — 78 years old
Founded the Yuan dynasty in China, ruling from 1271 to 1294. Expanded the Mongol Empire to include significant parts of East Asia. Established Beijing as the capital and promoted trade and cultural exchange along the Silk Road. Implemented administrative reforms and supported the arts and sciences.
Continue ReadingSuzanne Valadon
French painter and artist
Born
September 23rd, 1865 160 years ago
Died
April 7th, 1938 87 years ago — 72 years old
An influential French painter, played a significant role in the Post-Impressionist movement. Initially a model for artists such as Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Toulouse-Lautrec, transitioned to painting and developed a distinctive style characterized by bold colors and expressive brushwork. Valadon became the first woman admitted to the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts and was known for her depictions of everyday life, particularly of women. Many of her works feature subjects taken from modern life, challenging traditional representations of female figures. Valadon’s work gained recognition during her lifetime and continued to influence artists in subsequent generations.
Continue ReadingMariano Moreno
Argentinian journalist and politician
Born
September 23rd, 1778 247 years ago
Died
March 4th, 1811 214 years ago — 32 years old
Educated as a lawyer, contributed significantly to the early Argentine revolutionary movement. Served as the first lawyer of the local interests in the Primera Junta, helping to lay the foundations for modern Argentina. Moreno established the first newspaper in Buenos Aires, 'La Gaceta de Buenos Aires', advocating for independence and reform. His writings promoted revolutionary ideas and intellectual growth in the region.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on November 26th
Vivien Thomas
American surgeon and academic
Born
August 29th, 1910 115 years ago
Died
November 26th, 1985 40 years ago — 75 years old
An American surgeon and medical researcher contributed significantly to the field of cardiac surgery. Worked alongside Alfred Blalock at Johns Hopkins Hospital, developing the Blalock-Taussig shunt, a groundbreaking procedure for treating congenital heart defects in infants. Overcame racial barriers to achieve recognition in the medical field, becoming an instructor and establishing a legacy in surgical technique and education. Received numerous honors for contributions to medicine.
Continue ReadingManon Cleary
American painter and academic
Born
November 14th, 1942 83 years ago
Died
November 26th, 2011 14 years ago — 69 years old
Born in 1942, a prominent American painter and academic. Specialized in contemporary art with a focus on abstraction. Contributed significantly to art education through various teaching roles at academic institutions. Exhibited work widely across the United States, gaining recognition for a unique style that melded color and form. Active in art communities and participated in numerous exhibitions, showcasing the evolution of abstract expressionism in contemporary art.
Continue ReadingIsabella I
Queen known for financing Columbus
Born
1451 575 years ago
Died
November 26th, 1504 521 years ago — 53 years old
Ruler of Castile and León, played a significant role in the unification of Spain and the promotion of overseas exploration. In 1492, financed Christopher Columbus's voyage, leading to the discovery of the Americas. Establishment of the Spanish Inquisition aimed to maintain Catholic orthodoxy. Worked with Ferdinand II of Aragon to complete the Reconquista, capturing Granada in 1492, which marked the end of Muslim rule in the Iberian Peninsula.
Continue ReadingStephen Hillenburg
Animator and creator of SpongeBob SquarePants
Born
August 21st, 1961 64 years ago
Died
November 26th, 2018 7 years ago — 57 years old
An animator, voice actor, and marine science educator, created the animated television series SpongeBob SquarePants. The show premiered in 1999 and gained widespread popularity for its unique characters and humor. Prior to animation, worked as a marine biology teacher, integrating oceanic themes into later projects. Hillenburg's work contributed significantly to children's television, influencing a generation of viewers. He passed away in 2018 after a battle with ALS, leaving behind a legacy through SpongeBob SquarePants and its extensive merchandise and media adaptations.
Continue ReadingJohn Cockburn
Politician, 18th Premier of South Australia
Born
August 23rd, 1850 175 years ago
Died
November 26th, 1929 96 years ago — 79 years old
Served as the 18th Premier of South Australia from 1881 to 1883. Played a key role in the establishment of the state’s land policies and educational reforms. Contributed to the development of railways and the expansion of public works in the region. Served in various political capacities, including as a member of both the House of Assembly and the Legislative Council.
Continue ReadingJim Abrahams
American film director, writer of Airplane!
Born
1944 82 years ago
Died
November 26th, 2024 1 years ago — 80 years old
A prominent film director and writer, involved in the creation of several successful comedies. Collaborated with David Zucker and Jerry Zucker to co-direct and write the iconic comedy film 'Airplane!' released in 1980. Additionally, co-created and produced the television series 'Police Squad!' which served as a precursor to the 'Naked Gun' film series. Also wrote and produced 'Top Secret!' in 1984, showcasing a blend of satire and parody. As a key figure in the ZAZ trio, contributed significantly to the parody genre in film and television.
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