Kenji Mizoguchi
Japanese film director and screenwriter
A prominent director and screenwriter in Japanese cinema. Pioneered the vertical narrative style in film with a focus on women's struggles in society. Established a significant body of work during the 1940s and 1950s. Influenced international cinema with unique storytelling and visual compositions. His films often explored themes of suffering and social issues, particularly those affecting women in Japan. Received critical acclaim, including awards at major film festivals.
Directed 'Ugetsu'
Directed 'The Life of Oharu'
Directed 'Sansho the Bailiff'
Other People Born on May 16th
Celâl Bayar
Turkish politician, 3rd President of Turkey
Born
May 16th, 1883 142 years ago
Died
August 22nd, 1986 39 years ago — 103 years old
Served as the 3rd President of Turkey from 1950 to 1960. Played a significant role in Turkish politics, becoming the founding member of the Justice Party. Contributed to economic policies and modernization efforts during the post-World War II era. His presidency was marked by political challenges and he was later imprisoned following a military coup.
Continue ReadingDavid Edward Hughes
Physicist, co-inventor of the microphone
Born
May 16th, 1831 194 years ago
Died
January 22nd, 1900 125 years ago — 68 years old
A Welsh-American physicist contributed significantly to the field of acoustics through the invention of the microphone. This invention was pivotal in the development of sound technology. His work in electrical engineering also included innovations in telegraphy and the study of electromagnetic waves. Hughes's contributions enabled advances in communication and sound reproduction.
Continue ReadingMerton Miller
Economist, Nobel Prize laureate
Born
May 16th, 1923 102 years ago
Died
2000 25 years ago — 77 years old
An economist and academic contributed significantly to the field of finance and economics. Developed the capital asset pricing model alongside other crucial theories. Received the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 1990 for contributions to the understanding of financial markets and derivatives. Had a long academic career, including teaching at the University of Chicago, influencing generations of economists and practitioners in financial theory.
Continue ReadingNílton Santos
Brazilian footballer, 1958 World Cup winner
Born
May 16th, 1925 100 years ago
Died
November 27th, 2013 12 years ago — 88 years old
A renowned Brazilian footballer, played as a left-back. Contributed significantly to the Brazilian national team, participating in the 1954 and 1958 World Cups. Instrumental in Brazil's victory in the 1958 World Cup held in Sweden. Spent the majority of his club career at Botafogo, becoming a key player and an emblematic figure of the team. His style and skills on the pitch influenced the modern full-back role in football.
Continue ReadingMarco Aurelio Denegri
Television host and sexologist
Born
May 16th, 1938 87 years ago
Died
July 27th, 2018 7 years ago — 80 years old
A prominent television host and sexologist, contributed significantly to public discussions about sexuality in Peru. Hosted the popular television program 'La Cosa Eres Tú', which educated audiences on sexual health and relationships. Conducted lectures and wrote extensively on topics related to sexuality, personal relationships, and intimate life, becoming a well-respected figure in the field of sexology.
Continue ReadingPeter Underwood
English parapsychologist and author
Born
May 16th, 1923 102 years ago
Died
July 7th, 2014 11 years ago — 91 years old
Born in 1923, a parapsychologist and author focused on investigating paranormal phenomena and the afterlife. Contributed to the field through numerous writings and research initiatives, including comprehensive studies on ghosts and hauntings. Served as the president of the Ghost Club, an organization dedicated to paranormal research. Authored several books that explore these subjects, combining personal experiences with investigative methods. Engaged in public discussions and lectures about parapsychology, aiming to raise awareness and promote understanding of the field.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on August 24th
Paul Gottlieb Nipkow
Inventor of the Nipkow disk
Born
August 22nd, 1860 165 years ago
Died
August 24th, 1940 85 years ago — 80 years old
Contributed to the field of television technology with the invention of the Nipkow disk, a crucial component in early mechanical televisions. Developed this device in 1884, which enabled the transmission of images by scanning them. The innovation laid foundational work for future television systems and influenced video technology development through the 20th century.
Continue ReadingTom Norman
English businessman and entrepreneur
Born
May 7th, 1860 165 years ago
Died
August 24th, 1930 95 years ago — 70 years old
A businessman from England, played a significant role in the candy industry. Established a successful confectionery company that produced a wide variety of sweets. Became prominent for creating a popular line of products that gained a large customer base. The business was rooted in traditional recipes and showcased an understanding of market trends. Focused on quality and innovation, which led to an expansion in the company’s offerings. Managed the brand to achieve recognition during its peak years in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Continue ReadingRonald Knox
English Catholic priest and theologian
Born
February 17th, 1888 137 years ago
Died
August 24th, 1957 68 years ago — 69 years old
An English Catholic priest and theologian, this individual became a significant figure in the 20th century for contributions to Christian apologetics and literature. Noteworthy for translating the Bible into English, this translation is recognized for its clarity and accuracy. The individual also authored numerous theological works and was instrumental in the development of the Catholic literary scene in England. As a member of the prestigious Oxford University, contributions were made to the field of theology and philosophy, influencing both religious and intellectual circles.
Continue ReadingEwald Christian von Kleist
German soldier and poet
Born
March 7th, 1715 310 years ago
Died
August 24th, 1759 266 years ago — 44 years old
Ewald Christian von Kleist served as a soldier in the Prussian army and also gained recognition as a poet. His literary contributions were significant during the 18th century, combining themes of nature and human emotion. He was part of the literary scene in Germany, engaging with contemporaries and being influenced by the Enlightenment. His poetry often reflected his military experiences and observations of life and death. His works were notable during his time, contributing to the cultural landscape of Germany.
Continue ReadingHanna Reitsch
German pilot and test pilot
Born
March 29th, 1912 113 years ago
Died
August 24th, 1979 46 years ago — 67 years old
Born in 1912, a pioneering test pilot in Germany. Worked with the German military during World War II and was involved in the development of advanced aircraft. Reitsch flew various aircraft types, including the Messerschmitt Me 163 rocket plane and the Focke-Wulf Fw 190. After the war, she continued to work in aviation, promoting flight safety and training new pilots. Played a crucial role in demonstrating the capabilities of German aircraft in the early era of jet and rocket propulsion. Despite controversies surrounding her affiliations, her contributions to aviation technology remain noted.
Continue ReadingSimone Weil
French mystic and philosopher
Born
February 3rd, 1909 116 years ago
Died
August 24th, 1943 82 years ago — 34 years old
Contributed to philosophy and mysticism through a unique blend of ideas about labor, religion, and social justice. Explored various topics such as attention and gravity, leading to significant concepts in philosophy. Worked in factories to understand the worker's experience and wrote on the nature of force. Critiqued political ideologies and engaged deeply with religious thought, emphasizing the importance of compassion and attention in human experience.
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