Juan Antonio Samaranch

President of the International Olympic Committee

Juan Antonio Samaranch - President of the International Olympic Committee
Born

July 17th, 1920
104 years ago

Died

April 21st, 2010
14 years ago — 89 years old

Category

Leaders & Politicians

Country

Spain

Links & References

Served as the seventh President of the International Olympic Committee from 1980 to 2001, overseeing the Olympic Games during a period of significant transformation. Implemented major reforms within the organization, including the introduction of new marketing strategies that greatly increased revenues. Played a key role in the development of the Olympic movement and advocated for the inclusion of professional athletes in the Games. Promoted the Olympic ideals internationally and was involved in various charitable initiatives post-retirement.

Led the IOC during the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics

Initiated the Olympic marketing program

Contributed to the revival of the Olympic Games' prestige

Other People Born on July 17th

Craig Morgan

Singer-songwriter and guitarist
Born
July 17th, 1965 59 years ago

This individual is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist. Started a career in music in the late 1990s and gained prominence with the hit single "That's What I Love About Sundays" in 2005. Released several successful albums, including "My Kind of Livin'" and "Little Bit of Life." Served in the U.S. Army before pursuing a full-time music career. Active in the country music scene, also known for his work as a television personality.

Continue Reading

Luc Bondy

Theater director and opera producer
Born
July 17th, 1948 76 years ago
Died
November 28th, 2015 9 years ago — 67 years old

A prominent theater and opera director, associated with various prestigious productions across Europe. Directed the acclaimed production of 'The Last Days of Mankind' in 1992. Engaged with numerous major opera houses including the Paris Opera and the Vienna State Opera. Involved in the creation and direction of several international festivals, contributing to the development of contemporary theater.

Continue Reading

Patrick Smith

Irish politician and agriculture minister
Born
July 17th, 1901 123 years ago
Died
March 18th, 1982 42 years ago — 80 years old

Served as Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in Ireland. Engaged in agricultural policy and legislation during a pivotal time for the farming community. Played a significant role in addressing the needs of Irish farmers, focusing on food production and sustainability. Contributed to various initiatives that impacted the agricultural landscape of Ireland. His tenure included efforts aimed at enhancing the agricultural sector and supporting local farmers.

Continue Reading

Matti Nykänen

Ski Jumper and Olympic Gold Medalist
Born
July 17th, 1963 61 years ago
Died
February 4th, 2019 6 years ago — 55 years old

A prominent ski jumper from Finland, achieved significant success during the 1980s and 1990s. Secured four Olympic gold medals, earning gold in the 70m and 90m events at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics. Also claimed multiple World Championship titles, contributing to a storied career in the sport. Transitioned into music later in life and released several albums, showcasing personal talents beyond sports.

Continue Reading

Jeremih

R&B singer and songwriter with 'Birthday Sex'
Born
July 17th, 1987 37 years ago

Born in 1987, this American singer, songwriter, and record producer rose to prominence with the 2009 hit single 'Birthday Sex,' which topped the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The artist released a self-titled debut album that featured a mix of smooth R&B and hip-hop influences. Subsequent albums included 'All About You' and 'Late Nights,' both of which showcased a unique sound blending contemporary R&B. Collaborations with other artists, such as 'Down on Me' with 50 Cent, further solidified a presence in the music industry. In addition to solo work, the singer contributed to various projects and features, receiving acclaim for vocal talent.

Continue Reading

Peter Schickele

Composer and educator, created P.D.Q. Bach
Born
July 17th, 1935 89 years ago
Died
2024 1 years ago — 89 years old

A prominent American composer and educator, this individual gained recognition for comedic classical compositions, particularly those attributed to the fictional composer P.D.Q. Bach. The performance persona and works brought humor and satire to classical music, appealing to a wide audience. Education in music theory and composition shaped a successful career in both performance and teaching. Contributions to music included lectures, compositions, and arrangements, often blending traditional classical elements with innovative humor. Engagements as a conductor and host on radio further showcased expertise and creativity in music.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on April 21st

Edward Victor Appleton

Physicist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
September 6th, 1892 132 years ago
Died
April 21st, 1965 59 years ago — 72 years old

A physicist and academic contributed to the study of radio waves in the ionosphere. Conducted experiments that led to the discovery of the Appleton layer, a significant feature of the ionosphere, which has implications for radio communication. Served as a professor at various institutions, including the University of Reading. Received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1947 for research on the ionosphere and its chemical properties, influencing both science and technology.

Continue Reading

Henry VII of England

King of England, founder of the Tudor dynasty
Born
1457 568 years ago
Died
April 21st, 1509 515 years ago — 52 years old

Became the first monarch of the House of Tudor and ruled from 1485 until death in 1509. Seized the crown after defeating King Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth Field, effectively ending the Wars of the Roses. Instituted financial and administrative reforms that strengthened the monarchy, including the establishment of the Court of Star Chamber. Married Elizabeth of York to unify the warring houses and solidify his claim to the throne.

Continue Reading

Mark Twain

American novelist, humorist, and critic
Born
November 30th, 1835 189 years ago
Died
April 21st, 1910 114 years ago — 74 years old

An influential American writer and humorist, this individual gained prominence in the 19th century. Works include masterpieces such as 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer' and 'Adventures of Huckleberry Finn'. These novels explored themes of race, identity, and the moral dilemmas faced by individuals in society. In addition to novels, contributed essays and short stories that showcased wit and social commentary. Engaged in public speaking and journalism, reflecting on societal issues of the time.

Continue Reading

Rudi Gernreich

Fashion designer, created the monokini
Born
August 8th, 1922 102 years ago
Died
April 21st, 1985 39 years ago — 62 years old

An Austrian-American fashion designer, Gernreich gained recognition for innovative swimwear designs that challenged conventional notions of fashion. His work included the bold introduction of the monokini, a daring one-piece swimsuit that featured an open design. Gernreich's approach to fashion also encompassed unisex clothing, reflecting a progressive view on gender and self-expression. He worked with his own brand and had notable collaborations with several prominent fashion companies. His designs were frequently featured in leading fashion magazines, and his influence extended into the realms of art and culture during the 1960s and 1970s.

Continue Reading

Jimmy Snyder

Sportscaster and television personality
Born
September 9th, 1919 105 years ago
Died
April 21st, 1996 28 years ago — 76 years old

Snyder was a prominent American sportscaster noted for his colorful personality and unique commentary style. He gained fame for hosting various sports programs, including 'The Jimmy Snyder Show'. With a career spanning several decades, Snyder became a fixture in American sports media, providing commentary on major events and offering insights into the world of sports. His approach blended entertainment with sports analysis, earning him a dedicated following. Snyder also contributed to the growth of sports broadcasting on television, influencing future generations of sports announcers. He was active in the sportscasting industry from the late 1950s until his retirement in the 1990s, leaving a lasting legacy in the field.

Continue Reading

Emperor Xian of Han

Emperor of Han dynasty during turmoil
Born
April 2nd, 181 1843 years ago
Died
April 21st, 234 1790 years ago — 53 years old

Ruled as the last emperor of the Eastern Han dynasty, succeeding his adoptive father, Emperor Ling. Ascended the throne at a young age amid political instability. His reign saw the decline of central authority and the rise of powerful eunuchs and warlords. The power struggle led to the eventual dissolution of the Han dynasty. In 189, a coalition of warlords sought to reduce eunuch control, leading to significant internal conflict. In 220, the Han dynasty was effectively ended when Liu Bei declared himself emperor in the southwest, marking the beginning of the Three Kingdoms period. Despite the turbulent times, the reign illustrated the complexities of governance in ancient China.

Continue Reading