Josefa Idem
Italian Olympic gold medalist kayaker
Born in Germany, this athlete became a prominent figure in the sport of kayaking, competing for Italy in international events. Competed in six Olympic Games from 1984 to 2004 and earned medals in various championships. Achieved significant success in sprint kayaking and excelled in both individual and team events. Transitioned to a career in sports administration and politics after retiring from competitive kayaking.
Won a silver medal in K-1 500m at the 1984 Olympics
Earned a gold medal in K-1 500m at the 1996 Olympics
Secured multiple titles at World Championships
Other People Born on September 23rd
Frank Moss
American lawyer and politician
Born
September 23rd, 1911 114 years ago
Died
January 29th, 2003 23 years ago — 91 years old
Served as a U.S. Senator from Utah from 1959 to 1977. During tenure, focused on education and social welfare issues. Held roles in various committees, including the Senate Aeronautical and Space Sciences Committee, during the early years of the space race. Elected to the Democratic National Committee after leaving the Senate. Actively involved in local Utah politics after Senate service.
Continue ReadingEleonore Gonzaga
Italian Empress consort of the Holy Roman Empire
Born
September 23rd, 1598 427 years ago
Died
1655 371 years ago — 57 years old
Born in 1598, this individual became the Empress consort of Ferdinand II, Holy Roman Emperor, through marriage. As Empress, she played a significant role in the cultural and political life of the empire during the Thirty Years' War. Her influence was felt in matters of court and diplomacy, especially in fostering alliances and securing the Habsburg dynasty. This individual was also known for her patronage of the arts, contributing to the flourishing of Baroque culture within the empire. The marriage to Ferdinand II was a strategic union, reinforcing connections between powerful noble families.
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 ReadingLes Haylen
Journalist and Australian politician
Born
September 23rd, 1898 127 years ago
Died
September 12th, 1977 48 years ago — 78 years old
Started a career in journalism before entering politics. Served as a member of the Australian House of Representatives representing the Division of Parkes from 1943 to 1949. Worked with various media outlets and contributed to political discourse through writing and public speaking. Engaged in significant political reforms and advocacy during tenure.
Continue ReadingTiny Bradshaw
American singer-songwriter and pianist
Born
September 23rd, 1907 118 years ago
Died
1958 68 years ago — 51 years old
Born in 1907, this musician contributed significantly to the rhythm and blues genre. Active during the mid-20th century, he was a prominent figure in the development of jump blues and played a key role in shaping the sound of early rock and roll. His musical career included work as a bandleader and recording artist, with a distinctive approach that influenced many others in the industry.
Continue ReadingMatt Kemp
Baseball player, 2006 NL Rookie of the Year
Born
September 23rd, 1984 41 years ago
Played Major League Baseball as an outfielder from 2006 to 2020, primarily with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Achieved success as a power hitter and was recognized for outstanding offensive skills. Selected for the All-Star team multiple times throughout a notable career. In 2011, won the National League Most Valuable Player award after leading in several statistical categories.
Continue Reading