Josh Gibson
Baseball player with Negro League standout
Played as a catcher for the Homestead Grays and the Pittsburgh Crawfords. Regarded as one of the greatest power hitters in baseball history during the Negro Leagues. Recorded an estimated 800 home runs over his career, though official statistics remain incomplete due to the era in which he played. Inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972, recognizing his contributions to the sport and excellence on the field. Played in several All-Star games, showcasing talent that transcended barriers in the sport.
Played for the Homestead Grays
Inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame
Other People Born on December 21st
Thomas Chipman McRae
Governor of Arkansas, lawyer
Born
December 21st, 1851 174 years ago
Died
1929 97 years ago — 78 years old
Served as the 26th Governor of Arkansas from 1913 to 1917. Focused on progressive reforms, including improvements in education, public health, and infrastructure. Played a significant role in state politics and advocated for better labor laws. Prior to governorship, held positions in the Arkansas House of Representatives and the Arkansas Senate.
Continue ReadingZdeněk Fibich
Czech composer, known for Poem
Born
December 21st, 1850 175 years ago
Died
October 15th, 1900 126 years ago — 49 years old
A prominent Czech composer and poet, contributions spanned opera, symphonic, and chamber music. Major works include the opera 'Šárka' and the symphonic poem 'Poem', which showcased the lyrical qualities of the Czech musical landscape. Worked alongside musical circles in Prague, influencing the transition from Romanticism to early Modernism in Czech music. His compositions often integrated dramatic narratives and folkloric elements, reflecting contemporary trends and personal expression.
Continue ReadingRebecca West
English author and literary critic
Born
December 21st, 1892 133 years ago
Died
March 15th, 1983 43 years ago — 90 years old
A prominent English author and critic, gained recognition for both fiction and non-fiction works. Explored themes of politics, society, and feminism. Most acclaimed for the novel 'The Fountain Overflows,' published in 1956, which is noted for its characterization and narrative style. Contributed significantly to literary criticism through essays and reviews in various periodicals. Received several honors throughout the career, including the English-speaking Union's Golden Pen Award.
Continue ReadingJoe Paterno
American football coach at Penn State
Born
December 21st, 1926 99 years ago
Died
January 22nd, 2012 14 years ago — 85 years old
A college football coach, led the Penn State Nittany Lions for 46 seasons. Achieved the most wins in NCAA Division I football history at the time of retirement. Coached the team to two national championships and numerous bowl game victories. Developed a reputation for his commitment to academic integrity and player development throughout his tenure.
Continue ReadingAnthony Powell
English soldier and author
Born
December 21st, 1905 120 years ago
Died
March 28th, 2000 26 years ago — 94 years old
Served in the British Army during World War II. Began writing novels after the war, with a significant focus on English society. Authored the twelve-volume work 'A Dance to the Music of Time,' which explored themes of time, memory, and the passage of life. Received various literary accolades during a prolific writing career, contributing essays and criticism as well.
Continue ReadingThomas Bracken
Journalist, poet, and politician
Born
December 21st, 1843 182 years ago
Died
February 16th, 1898 128 years ago — 54 years old
Born in Ireland and later settling in New Zealand, contributed significantly to literature and politics. Bracken's poetry often reflected the themes of nationalism and the landscape of New Zealand. He served as a member of the New Zealand Parliament and was a prominent advocate for the cultural identity of the nation. His most celebrated work includes the poem 'God Defend New Zealand', which was later adopted as one of the national anthems. His efforts in journalism helped shape public discourse in 19th-century New Zealand.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on January 20th
Jaramogi Oginga Odinga
first Kenyan Vice-President
Born
1911 115 years ago
Died
January 20th, 1994 32 years ago — 83 years old
Served as the first Vice-President of Kenya from 1964 to 1966. Played a significant role in the political landscape during the early years of Kenya's independence. Advocated for African socialism and championed the rights of the Luo community. After his resignation, he continued to be an influential leader within the opposition and remained an important figure in Kenyan politics until his death.
Continue ReadingKalākaua
King of Hawaii and last monarch
Born
1836 190 years ago
Died
January 20th, 1891 135 years ago — 55 years old
Became the last reigning monarch of Hawaii from 1874 until his death in 1891. Established a new constitution that restored the monarchy's authority, known as the Bayonet Constitution. Promoted Hawaiian culture, music, and hula. Sponsored the construction of ʻIolani Palace, the only royal palace in the United States. Strengthened trade relations with the United States and Europe.
Continue ReadingAlamgir Kabir
Bangladeshi film director and screenwriter
Born
December 26th, 1938 87 years ago
Died
January 20th, 1989 37 years ago — 50 years old
A prominent Bangladeshi director, producer, and screenwriter, this individual significantly contributed to the country's film industry. Working in the 1970s and 1980s, created notable films that explored social themes and cultural issues. Contributions included involvement with the film 'A River Named Titas' and other cinematic works that reflected the struggles of the Bangladeshi people. This person's work is celebrated for its artistic integrity and thought-provoking narratives, influencing a generation of filmmakers in Bangladesh.
Continue ReadingJohnny Weissmuller
Swimmer and Tarzan movie star
Born
June 2nd, 1904 122 years ago
Died
January 20th, 1984 42 years ago — 79 years old
Achieved prominence as a competitive swimmer, winning five Olympic gold medals in the 1920s. Set numerous world records in swimming, many of which stood for years. Transitioned to a successful acting career, becoming the first actor to portray Tarzan in film with the 1932 movie 'Tarzan the Ape Man.' Continued to star in multiple sequels, cementing a legacy in American cinema. Weissmuller's portrayal became iconic, and he contributed to popularizing the character of Tarzan in popular culture.
Continue ReadingMykolas Burokevičius
Lithuanian politician, signatory of independence
Born
1927 99 years ago
Died
January 20th, 2016 10 years ago — 89 years old
A prominent Lithuanian carpenter and politician, played a significant role in the country's move towards independence from the Soviet Union. Actively participated in the Sąjūdis movement, which rallied support for national sovereignty in the late 1980s. Served as a member of the Supreme Council of Lithuania during the critical period of the restoration of independence. Contributed to the drafting of the State of the Republic of Lithuania Act in 1990, which declared Lithuania an independent nation.
Continue ReadingGeorge V of the United Kingdom
British monarch and World War I leader
Born
June 3rd, 1865 161 years ago
Died
January 20th, 1936 90 years ago — 70 years old
Ascended to the throne in 1910, serving as King of the United Kingdom during World War I. His reign saw the establishment of the House of Windsor, following the change from the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha due to anti-German sentiment. Played a significant role in shaping British royal protocols and modernizing the monarchy. Involved in numerous state affairs and presided over major changes in British society during the early 20th century, including the impact of the war on the nation and the evolving relationship with the dominions. Died in 1936 and was succeeded by Edward VIII.
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