Keiko Awaji
Japanese actress in film and television
Began acting career in 1958, appearing in films and television series. Gained widespread recognition for roles in the popular television series 'Hana no Asukagumi' and in the film 'The Last Ronin'. Contributed significantly to Japanese entertainment over several decades. Continued to act until the later years of life, maintaining a presence in the industry.
Appeared in the television series 'Hana no Asukagumi'
Featured in the film 'The Last Ronin'
Acted in various dramas and films throughout a career spanning decades
Other People Born on July 17th
James Somerville
English admiral and politician
Born
July 17th, 1882 143 years ago
Died
March 19th, 1949 76 years ago — 66 years old
An English admiral and politician served notably as Lord Lieutenant of Somerset. Played a crucial role during both World Wars, particularly in naval operations. Actively involved in military strategy and command, influencing several key engagements and outcomes. Contributed to political discussions surrounding military affairs in the post-war period.
Continue ReadingErle Stanley Gardner
American lawyer and author of Perry Mason
Born
July 17th, 1889 136 years ago
Died
March 11th, 1970 55 years ago — 80 years old
Practiced law while writing pulp fiction. Created the character Perry Mason, a defense attorney appearing in a series of detective novels. The character became the basis for a successful television series. Also wrote under various pseudonyms and produced numerous other works, including thrillers and mysteries. Garnered popularity for courtroom drama and intricate plots.
Continue ReadingMohammad Hasan Sharq
Afghan politician and former prime minister
Born
July 17th, 1925 100 years ago
Served as prime minister of Afghanistan during a critical period in the 1960s. Focused on modernization and development initiatives aimed at improving the Afghan economy and infrastructure. Oversaw significant changes in education and health sectors. Played a key role in the establishment of diplomatic relations with several countries, enhancing Afghanistan's international presence. Worked within a challenging political landscape, navigating tensions with both external powers and internal factions.
Continue ReadingJohn Jacob Astor
Businessman and fur trader
Born
July 17th, 1763 262 years ago
Died
March 29th, 1848 177 years ago — 84 years old
A prominent businessman, built a fortune primarily through the fur trade in North America during the early 19th century. Established the American Fur Company in 1808, which became the largest fur trading business in the United States. Invested in real estate in New York City, contributing significantly to the city's development. Astor was a key figure in the early American economy, known for his role in the expansion of the fur industry and real estate ventures. His wealth made him one of the first multimillionaires in the United States.
Continue ReadingCory Doctorow
Author and activist focused on digital rights
Born
July 17th, 1971 54 years ago
An author and activist, contributed extensively to discussions on technology, copyright, and digital rights. Founded the website Boing Boing and served as a co-editor of the site. Wrote several novels, including 'Little Brother' and 'Homeland', which explore the implications of surveillance and authoritarianism in the digital age. Engaged in advocacy for open access and progressive copyright reform through various organizations. Regularly speaks on issues surrounding technology and civil liberties.
Continue ReadingArthur Rothstein
American photographer known for FSA work
Born
July 17th, 1915 110 years ago
Died
November 11th, 1985 40 years ago — 70 years old
This individual was an American photographer and educator. He played a key role in the Farm Security Administration, capturing images that depicted the struggles of rural America during the Great Depression. Rothstein's work aimed to document the impact of the Dust Bowl and his photographs contributed significantly to the visual documentation of American history. In addition to his photography, he held teaching positions at several institutions, influencing future generations of photographers. His expertise in visual storytelling was recognized throughout his career.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on January 11th
Hans Sloane
Physician and founder of the British Museum
Born
April 16th, 1660 365 years ago
Died
January 11th, 1753 273 years ago — 92 years old
An Irish-English physician and academic, played a crucial role in advancing natural history and medicine during the 18th century. Served as the physician to the royal family and contributed to the establishment of the British Museum. Collected over 71,000 items during his lifetime, enriching the cultural and scientific heritage of Britain. His notes and collections laid the groundwork for systematic categorization in biology and anthropology.
Continue ReadingAureliano Pertile
Italian tenor and renowned vocal educator
Born
November 9th, 1885 140 years ago
Died
January 11th, 1952 74 years ago — 66 years old
Famed tenor and educator contributed significantly to the operatic world in the early 20th century. Pertile performed leading roles in major operas and gained recognition for his outstanding vocal technique and interpretation. In addition to a successful singing career, he dedicated time to teaching, influencing many young singers. His performances included renowned roles in operas such as 'Tosca' and 'La Bohème'. Later in life, Pertile took on educational roles, shaping future generations of vocalists through his instructional methods.
Continue ReadingDomenico Cimarosa
Italian composer and educator
Born
December 17th, 1749 276 years ago
Died
January 11th, 1801 225 years ago — 51 years old
A significant figure in the development of opera, Cimarosa produced numerous works during the late 18th century. His most celebrated composition, the comic opera "Il matrimonio segreto," premiered in 1792 and received acclaim across Europe. Cimarosa also contributed to symphonic music and chamber works, showcasing a blend of Italian melodic style and theatricality. Throughout his career, he held several important positions, including serving as the conductor at the Teatro San Carlo in Naples and composing a variety of operas that enriched the Italian operatic tradition.
Continue ReadingAaron Swartz
Programmer and internet activist
Born
November 8th, 1986 39 years ago
Died
January 11th, 2013 13 years ago — 26 years old
A prominent figure in the tech community, contributed to the development of the RSS web feed format and co-founded Reddit. Advocated for open access to information and legal reform for the internet. Involved in the movement against the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and worked on initiatives to make data freely available. Faced legal challenges related to the downloading of academic journal articles, which led to public discourse on internet freedoms and the ethics of information access. Died in 2013.
Continue ReadingTheodor Schwann
German physiologist and biologist
Born
December 7th, 1810 215 years ago
Died
January 11th, 1882 144 years ago — 71 years old
A German physiologist and biologist contributed significantly to the field of cellular biology. Schwann formulated the cell theory, which posits that all living organisms are composed of cells. This theory was foundational in understanding the structure and function of organisms. In addition to advancements in cell theory, Schwann conducted research on muscle tissue and discovered Schwann cells, which play a critical role in the peripheral nervous system. His work laid the groundwork for later developments in histology and neurology, influencing future research and study in biology.
Continue ReadingRichmal Crompton
Author of the William series
Born
November 15th, 1890 135 years ago
Died
January 11th, 1969 57 years ago — 78 years old
An English author and educator wrote the popular children's book series featuring a mischievous schoolboy named William Brown. The series debuted in 1922 and gained substantial popularity, leading to numerous books, radio adaptations, and films. Crompton's works often included themes of childhood and adventure, resonating with young readers for decades. In addition to the William series, Crompton published novels for adults and children's stories. Crompton's literary contributions helped shape children's literature in the 20th century.
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