Junot Diaz

American novelist and essayist

Junot Diaz - American novelist and essayist
Born

December 31st, 1968
56 years ago

Category

Thinkers & Philosophers

Country

United States

Links & References

Born in the Dominican Republic, a writer focused on themes of immigration and identity. He gained recognition with the novel 'The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao', which won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2008. The work explores the life of a Dominican-American boy and examines the complexities of the immigrant experience. Other works include short story collections such as 'Drown' and 'This Is How You Lose Her', which explore themes of love, loss, and cultural dislocation. Besides fiction, contributions to various literary and cultural discussions occurred through essays and critiques published in leading magazines and journals.

Won the Pulitzer Prize for 'The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao'

Authored the short story collection 'Drown'

Published essays in major publications

Other People Born on December 31st

Don James

American football coach and player.
Born
December 31st, 1932 92 years ago
Died
October 20th, 2013 11 years ago — 80 years old

An American football player and coach, served as the head coach at the University of Washington from 1975 to 1992. Achieved significant success during tenure, leading the team to a national championship in 1991. Before coaching, played as a quarterback at the University of Washington and later served as an assistant coach at various institutions. Developed a reputation for strong defensive strategies and a disciplined approach to coaching, contributing to the team's consistent performances in the Pac-10.

Continue Reading

Mary Logan Reddick

Neuroembryologist, developmental research
Born
December 31st, 1914 110 years ago
Died
1966 59 years ago — 52 years old

Contributed to the understanding of neuroembryology and the development of the nervous system. Focused on the embryonic development of the cerebral cortex and the impact of environmental factors on developing tissues. Worked at the University of Washington and published significant research on brain development in relation to genetics and environment.

Continue Reading

Julius Meier

American businessman and politician
Born
December 31st, 1874 150 years ago
Died
July 14th, 1937 88 years ago — 62 years old

A businessman and politician served as the 20th Governor of Oregon from 1931 to 1935. Contributed to the development of Oregon's infrastructure and played a key role in the state's recovery during the Great Depression. Advocated for educational reforms and worked towards improving public welfare programs. As governor, focused on issues such as unemployment relief and public works initiatives.

Continue Reading

Emperor Go-Yōzei

Emperor of Japan during the Edo period
Born
December 31st, 1572 452 years ago
Died
1617 408 years ago — 45 years old

Born in 1572, ruled as the 107th emperor of Japan during the Edo period. His reign spanned from 1586 to 1611. Oversaw the continuation of the unification of Japan under Tokugawa Ieyasu. The era was marked by relative peace and stability, which allowed for cultural growth and development. His death in 1617 led to the ascension of his successor. The Tokugawa shogunate maintained power throughout the remaining years of the period, which lasted until 1868.

Continue Reading

Henri Matisse

French painter and sculptor, Fauvism leader
Born
December 31st, 1869 155 years ago
Died
November 3rd, 1954 70 years ago — 84 years old

Born in 1869, this individual became a leading figure in modern art. Renowned for vibrant color usage and expressive brushwork, his contributions helped define the Fauvism movement. Works like 'The Dance' and 'Woman with a Hat' exemplified innovative approaches to color and form. Transitioning into cut-out collages later in life, continued to explore boundaries of artistic expression until passing in 1954.

Continue Reading

Barry Hughes

Welsh football manager and player
Born
December 31st, 1937 87 years ago
Died
2019 6 years ago — 82 years old

A footballer and manager, played as a winger and had a career that spanned several clubs. Transitioned into management, leading various teams in the Welsh and English leagues. Achieved notable success at clubs such as Wrexham, where he guided the team to promotion and other competitive finishes. Developed a reputation for improving team performance and player development throughout managerial career.

Continue Reading