Konstantin Päts
Estonian politician and 1st President
A prominent journalist and lawyer, this individual played a key role in the establishment of the Republic of Estonia. Overseeing the country during its formative years, served as the first President from 1938 to 1940. Engaged in political activities prior to independence, contributed to the development of the Estonian constitution, and guided the nation through a significant transition. After the Soviet occupation, faced imprisonment and later lived in exile until death.
Served as the first President of Estonia
Contributed to the Estonian constitution
Other People Born on February 23rd
César Ritz
Founder of luxury Ritz hotels
Born
February 23rd, 1850 175 years ago
Died
1918 107 years ago — 68 years old
A Swiss businessman, established the Ritz Hotel in London and Hôtel Ritz Paris, revolutionizing luxury hospitality. Emphasized high standards of service and comfort. His hotels became synonymous with elegance and sophistication, attracting affluent clientele from around the world.
Continue ReadingPeter Fonda
Actor in Easy Rider and The Hired Hand
Born
February 23rd, 1940 85 years ago
Died
August 16th, 2019 6 years ago — 79 years old
An actor, director, producer, and screenwriter, contributed significantly to American cinema. Debuted in the late 1950s, with significant roles in films throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Co-wrote and starred in the film “Easy Rider”, which became a landmark in the countercultural movement of the era. Directed films including “The Hired Hand” and “Flesh and Blood”, showcasing talents beyond acting. Continued to act in various films and television series until later in life.
Continue ReadingAllan McLeod Cormack
Physicist, Nobel Prize in Physiology
Born
February 23rd, 1924 101 years ago
Died
May 7th, 1998 27 years ago — 74 years old
Contributed to the development of computed tomography, a pivotal technique in medical imaging that allows for cross-sectional imaging of the body. Worked at Tufts University where significant research and advancements in x-ray technology were made. Collaborated with others to further improve imaging resolutions and techniques.
Continue ReadingPope Paul II
Pope and author of significant papal bulls
Born
February 23rd, 1417 608 years ago
Died
1471 554 years ago — 54 years old
Elected as pope in 1464, played a crucial role in the Catholic Church during the Renaissance. Focused on church reform and suppression of corruption. Initiated the reconstruction of St. Peter's Basilica and supported the arts, contributing to the cultural revival of the era. Authored numerous papal bulls, including those addressing ecclesiastical governance and social issues. Died in 1471, leaving a lasting legacy within the Catholic Church.
Continue ReadingKathleen Harrison
English actress in film and theater
Born
February 23rd, 1892 133 years ago
Died
December 7th, 1995 30 years ago — 103 years old
Born in England in 1892, an accomplished actress built a robust career in film and theater, spanning several decades. Played memorable roles in classic films, including the character of Mrs. Cratchit in the 1946 adaptation of 'A Christmas Carol' and appeared in 'The Man in the White Suit' (1951). Also prominently featured in the 1954 television series 'The Adventures of Robin Hood.'
Continue ReadingJohnny Winter
Blues guitarist and music producer
Born
February 23rd, 1944 81 years ago
Died
July 16th, 2014 11 years ago — 70 years old
Born in 1944, a prominent figure in the blues and rock music scenes. Became known for exceptional guitar skills and a distinct slide guitar technique. Released several influential albums throughout the career, including 'Johnny Winter' and 'Still Alive and Well'. Worked with various notable artists, enhancing the blues genre with a mix of rock elements. Continued to perform and record music until death in 2014.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on January 18th
Kathryn Abbe
Photographer and author, known for photobooks
Born
1919 106 years ago
Died
January 18th, 2014 11 years ago — 95 years old
Active primarily in the mid-20th century, a photographer and author focused on capturing everyday life through the lens. Work included a significant series of photobooks that documented both urban and rural environments. Collaborated with other artists and contributed to various publications. Explored themes related to communities, nature, and the human experience.
Continue ReadingSaint Margaret of Hungary
Catholic saint and daughter of a king
Born
1242 783 years ago
Died
January 18th, 1271 754 years ago — 29 years old
A daughter of Hungarian King Béla IV, devoted life to the church after early vows of celibacy. Entered a convent at the age of 9, becoming abbess at the Convent of the Blessed Virgin Mary on the island of Óbuda. Known for piety and various acts of charity. Helped to promote the Cistercian order in Hungary. Contributed to the community through leadership and spiritual guidance until death on January 18, 1271. Canonized in 1943 by Pope Pius XII.
Continue ReadingLeo I
Byzantine Emperor during the 5th century
Died
January 18th, 474 1551 years ago — None years old
Reigned as the Byzantine Emperor from 457 to 474. Strengthened the eastern Roman Empire through military reforms and administrative policies. Promoted the use of Greek in government and the church. Worked towards the consolidation of the imperial power and sought to establish religious unity within the empire. Oversaw successful military campaigns against the Persians and the Vandals, enhancing the empire's borders and security.
Continue ReadingGoose Tatum
Basketball player and Harlem Globetrotter
Born
1921 104 years ago
Died
January 18th, 1967 58 years ago — 46 years old
Played basketball for the Harlem Globetrotters during the 1940s and 1950s, helping to popularize the team with impressive skill and showmanship. Served as a soldier in the U.S. Army during World War II. Tatum's unique style and abilities contributed to the global recognition of the Globetrotters as an entertaining sports team. His contributions to the team blended athleticism with comedy, captivating audiences worldwide.
Continue ReadingMargarete Schütte-Lihotzky
Austrian architect, pioneer of functionalism
Born
January 23rd, 1897 128 years ago
Died
January 18th, 2000 25 years ago — 102 years old
An architect associated with progressive design, introduced the Frankfurt Kitchen, which became a model for efficient kitchen design in modernist architecture. Worked in Vienna and collaborated with several international architects on various projects during the early to mid-20th century. Contributed to architectural discourse through writings and lectures, promoting the importance of functionality and social engagement in residential design. Engaged in political efforts against fascism, leading to temporary exile and continued work in Turkey, where undertook several educational architecture projects. Returned to Austria post-WWII to teach and practice architecture, influencing future generations.
Continue ReadingEmperor Go-Hanazono
Japanese Emperor during the Muromachi period
Born
July 10th, 1419 606 years ago
Died
January 18th, 1471 554 years ago — 51 years old
Reigned as Emperor of Japan from 1448 until abdication in 1455, ruling during a time marked by internal conflict and political intrigue. His reign saw the continuing power of the Ashikaga shogunate and ongoing struggles between rival factions in the court. After his abdication, lived in seclusion for many years and was involved in Buddhist study, reflecting a shift from political to spiritual pursuits. The period was characterized by significant cultural developments, particularly in the realms of art and literature, influenced by the political climate of the time. Go-Hanazono's significance lies not only in his reign but also in his contributions to cultural and religious life in Japan.
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