Katharina von Bora

Reformer and Wife of Martin Luther

Katharina von Bora - Reformer and Wife of Martin Luther
Born

January 29th, 1499
526 years ago

Died

December 20th, 1552
472 years ago — 53 years old

Category

Leaders & Politicians

Country

Germany

Links & References

Born in 1499, a nun who fled her convent, later married Martin Luther in 1525. She managed the household and raised six children. Played a significant role in the Reformation, supporting her husband's work and promoting his ideas. Demonstrated financial acumen in managing the family's household and properties, contributing to their stability amid the tumultuous changes of the Reformation. Katharina became a prominent figure in the movement, exemplifying the role of women in the Reformation and offering a model of partnership in marriage. Died in 1552, leaving a lasting legacy in religious history.

Marriage to Martin Luther

Support of the Reformation

Other People Born on January 29th

Germaine Greer

Journalist and author of The Female Eunuch
Born
January 29th, 1939 86 years ago

Born in Australia in 1939, Greer became a prominent journalist and author, widely recognized for her contributions to feminist literature and cultural criticism. Greer gained significant attention with the publication of The Female Eunuch in 1970, which challenged traditional views on women and sexuality. Throughout her career, Greer engaged in public discourse on topics such as gender, sexuality, and women's rights. She has authored numerous books, articles, and essays, and her provocative ideas inspired discussions in both academic and popular contexts. Greer's work has frequently ignited debates around feminism, leading to both support and criticism. By the turn of the century, her ideas continued to spark discourse in contemporary feminist movements.

Continue Reading

W. C. Fields

Comedian and actor in classic films
Born
January 29th, 1880 145 years ago
Died
December 25th, 1946 78 years ago — 66 years old

An American actor, comedian, and screenwriter, primarily active from the 1920s to the 1940s. Gained popularity through stage performances and became a significant figure in early Hollywood cinema. Featured in classic films such as 'It's a Gift' and 'The Bank Dick,' often portraying curmudgeonly characters with a distinctively humorous style. Known for a distinctive comedic persona that included a penchant for wit and a cynical view of life. Fields also worked in vaudeville and wrote many of his own screenplays, which highlighted his talent for both comedy and storytelling.

Continue Reading

Strive Masiyiwa

Businessman and philanthropist in Zimbabwe
Born
January 29th, 1961 64 years ago

A prominent businessman and philanthropist, major contributions include founding Econet Wireless, which revolutionized telecommunications in Zimbabwe. Established the Higherlife Foundation to support education and healthcare initiatives. Advocated for digital and economic development throughout Africa, driving significant investments in infrastructure and technology. Played a crucial role in promoting entrepreneurship and access to financial services within the region.

Continue Reading

Sara Gilbert

Actress and producer from 'Roseanne'
Born
January 29th, 1975 50 years ago

Acquired recognition as an actress in a prominent role on the television series 'Roseanne', which aired from 1988 to 1997. Established a career in both acting and producing, co-creating and producing the daytime talk show 'The Talk'. Appeared in multiple television series including 'The Conners', a continuation of 'Roseanne'. Actively engaged in various philanthropic efforts, contributing to discussions on impactful societal topics.

Continue Reading

John Raitt

Broadway actor and singer with iconic roles
Born
January 29th, 1917 108 years ago
Died
February 20th, 2005 20 years ago — 88 years old

An American actor and singer, recognized for contributions to the musical theater scene, particularly during the mid-20th century. Starred in original productions of notable musicals such as 'Oklahoma!' and 'Carousel'. Worked extensively in both Broadway and television, delivering memorable performances that showcased a powerful voice and dynamic stage presence. Influenced many performers in the musical genre and left a lasting legacy in theater.

Continue Reading

Sacha Distel

French singer and guitarist
Born
January 29th, 1933 92 years ago
Died
July 22nd, 2004 21 years ago — 71 years old

Born in France, a prominent singer and guitarist gained popularity in the 1960s. Contributed significantly to the French music scene with a distinctive style that blended pop and jazz. Achieved international success with the hit song 'Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head' and recorded multiple albums throughout his career. Also enjoyed acclaim for his performances in cabaret and television, showcasing a smooth vocal delivery and engaging stage presence.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on December 20th

Margaret of Provence

French queen and consort of Louis IX
Born
1221 804 years ago
Died
December 20th, 1295 729 years ago — 74 years old

Margaret of Provence served as the queen consort of Louis IX of France. Born in 1221, she married Louis IX in 1234, uniting the French crown with the house of Provence. Her marriage contributed to the political landscape of 13th-century France. Margaret actively supported her husband during the Seventh Crusade. After Louis IX's death in 1270, she managed the affairs of the kingdom and played a crucial role in the education of their children. Margaret's reign and influence continued until her death in 1295.

Continue Reading

Alan Lloyd Hodgkin

Physiologist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
February 5th, 1914 111 years ago
Died
December 20th, 1998 26 years ago — 84 years old

Worked extensively in neurophysiology, particularly in researching the ionic basis of nerve conduction. Collaborated with Andrew Huxley to develop the first quantitative model of nerve action potentials. Conducted investigations using the giant axon of the squid which led to critical insights into the behavior of neurons. Became a professor at the University of Cambridge, contributing significantly to the academic field through teaching and research.

Continue Reading

Titus Flavius Sabinus

Roman politician and soldier
Died
December 20th, 69 1955 years ago — None years old

Titus Flavius Sabinus served as a Roman politician and military leader during the 1st century AD. He was a prominent figure during the Flavian dynasty. His career included significant roles within the military and political spheres of ancient Rome. He played a key role in the administration of the empire, contributing to various military campaigns and political decisions. Sabinus's actions were influential in the context of the imperial power structure.

Continue Reading

Émile Loubet

French politician, 7th President of France
Born
December 31st, 1838 186 years ago
Died
December 20th, 1929 95 years ago — 90 years old

Became involved in politics, acting as a member of the French National Assembly. Served as Minister of War before assuming the presidency. Elected as the 7th President of France, serving from 1899 to 1906. Focused on reforming the military and improving relations with foreign nations during tenure. Played a significant role in the Dreyfus Affair, advocating for justice and transparency.

Continue Reading

Jean Jannon

French typefounder and designer
Born
1580 445 years ago
Died
December 20th, 1658 366 years ago — 78 years old

A prominent figure in the world of typography, Jannon contributed significantly to type design in the 17th century. He established a successful typefoundry in Paris, creating various typefaces that were widely used in printing. Jannon's work included designs that influenced later typographers and helped shape the visual appearance of printed materials during his time. His most recognized typeface is the 'Jannon', which features an elegant and readable serif style, becoming popular among printers in France and beyond. Jannon's legacy lives on through the continued use of his typefaces in modern design.

Continue Reading

James Hilton

Author of 'Lost Horizon'
Born
September 9th, 1900 124 years ago
Died
December 20th, 1954 70 years ago — 54 years old

Born in England, a significant literary figure contributed to both literature and film through novels and screenplays. Gained prominence with the publication of 'Lost Horizon' in 1933, which introduced the mythical utopia of Shangri-La. Worked in Hollywood during the 1940s, adapting several of his own works for the screen. Also wrote 'Goodbye, Mr. Chips', which became a classic film in 1939. His exploration of themes such as idealism and escapism resonated during challenging societal times, earning a lasting place in literary and cinematic history.

Continue Reading