Kurt Waldheim

Austrian politician and former President

Kurt Waldheim - Austrian politician and former President
Born

December 21st, 1918
106 years ago

Died

June 14th, 2007
18 years ago — 88 years old

Category

Leaders & Politicians

Country

Austria

Links & References

Served as the 9th President of Austria from 1986 to 1992. Held various roles in the Austrian government, including Minister of Foreign Affairs. Worked as the Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1972 to 1981, overseeing multiple peacekeeping missions and international diplomacy efforts. His presidency was marked by controversy regarding his military service during World War II. Engaged in European and international politics throughout his career, emphasizing neutrality and cooperation.

Served as Secretary-General of the United Nations

Elected as President of Austria

Other People Born on December 21st

Giuseppina Leone

Italian sprinter celebrated for athletics
Born
December 21st, 1934 90 years ago

A prominent Italian sprinter, specialized in track events. Competed in the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, representing Italy in the women's 100 meters and 4x100 meters relay. Secured multiple national titles and distinguished herself in European Championships. Contributed to the growth of athletics in Italy during the 1950s, setting competitive times in various sprint competitions.

Continue Reading

Heinrich Böll

German novelist, Nobel Prize laureate
Born
December 21st, 1917 107 years ago
Died
July 16th, 1985 40 years ago — 67 years old

Born in 1917, this individual was a prominent German novelist and short story writer. Active during the post-World War II period, his work often explored themes of alienation and the moral consequences of war. Achievements include receiving the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1972 for a body of work characterized by a deep psychological insight into his characters and a critical perspective on German society. His writings, including 'The Clown' and 'Billiards at Half-Past Nine', highlighted the existential struggles of individuals in a changing world. In addition to novels, he engaged in essays and plays, addressing cultural and political issues of his time.

Continue Reading

U. R. Ananthamurthy

Indian author and critic of Kannada literature
Born
December 21st, 1932 92 years ago
Died
August 22nd, 2014 10 years ago — 81 years old

An influential figure in Kannada literature, contributed significantly through novels, stories, and essays. Gained recognition with the novel 'Samskara' which explored complex social issues, earning a place in regional and national literary circles. Served as the Vice-Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi University and held various academic positions, promoting literature and culture. Engaged with themes of spirituality, modernity, and cultural identity in works, creating a lasting legacy in Indian literature.

Continue Reading

Arnošt Lustig

Czech author and Holocaust survivor
Born
December 21st, 1926 98 years ago
Died
February 26th, 2011 14 years ago — 84 years old

An influential Czech author and playwright, this individual gained recognition for literary works that centered around the Holocaust and experiences of Jewish identity. Born in Prague, the person survived various concentration camps during World War II, which deeply shaped the narratives penned in novels and screenplays. The body of work includes notable titles such as 'Dita Saxová' and 'Night and Hope', which explore themes of suffering, survival, and resilience. In addition to fiction, contributions to screenwriting included themes from Jewish history and culture, which garnered significant attention both domestically and internationally. The individual also spent time in the U.S., where involvement in educational and cultural exchange programs promoted awareness of Holocaust history through literature.

Continue Reading

Rutina Wesley

American actress in HBO's True Blood
Born
December 21st, 1978 46 years ago

An American actress gained prominence for roles in television and film. Best recognized for playing Tara Thornton in the HBO series True Blood and for the lead role in the series Queen Sugar, created by Ava DuVernay. The performances showcased talent and versatility in portraying complex characters. Additional works include a variety of guest appearances in other series and roles in stage productions, reflecting skills across different mediums.

Continue Reading

Thomas Graham

Scottish chemist and diffusion theory pioneer
Born
December 21st, 1805 219 years ago
Died
December 18th, 1843 181 years ago — 37 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of chemistry, particularly in the study of gas diffusion. Developed Graham's Law of Effusion, which describes the rates at which gases diffuse through different mediums. Conducted important experiments on the diffusion of gases, leading to a deeper understanding of molecular movement. Also served as a professor at University College London, influencing future generations of chemists through academic leadership.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on June 14th

Roger Zelazny

Author of the Amber series
Born
May 13th, 1937 88 years ago
Died
June 14th, 1995 30 years ago — 58 years old

An American author and poet, contributed significantly to the genre of speculative fiction and fantasy. Became prominent in the 1960s and 1970s, with major works that often blurred the lines between reality and fantasy. The 'Chronicles of Amber' series is among the most recognized works, detailing the adventures of Corwin and the complexities of royal family politics in a multiverse. Received several awards throughout the career, including multiple Hugo and Nebula awards for outstanding contributions to science fiction literature.

Continue Reading

Jorge Ubico

21st President of Guatemala
Born
1878 147 years ago
Died
June 14th, 1946 79 years ago — 68 years old

Served as the 21st President of Guatemala from 1931 to 1944. Implemented various infrastructure projects including roads and schools during his tenure. Emphasized modernizing the agricultural sector, supporting large landowners and foreign companies, particularly the United Fruit Company. His administration was characterized by autocratic rule and suppression of political opposition. Forced to resign in 1944 due to widespread dissent and protests against his regime.

Continue Reading

Alan Reed

Voice actor, original Fred Flintstone
Born
1907 118 years ago
Died
June 14th, 1977 48 years ago — 70 years old

An American actor provided the original voice of Fred Flintstone in the animated television series 'The Flintstones' from 1960 to 1966. Reed also had a successful career in radio and portrayed various characters in numerous television programs. Notable appearances included roles in 'The Jack Benny Program' and 'The Ed Sullivan Show'. His distinctive voice became iconic with the character of Fred, contributing to the series becoming a landmark in animation. The character remains one of the most recognized figures in American pop culture.

Continue Reading

Frederick Stanley

16th Earl of Derby, Governor General of Canada
Born
January 15th, 1841 184 years ago
Died
June 14th, 1908 117 years ago — 67 years old

Served as the 6th Governor General of Canada from 1888 to 1893. Played a significant role in Canadian politics during his tenure. Participated in the development of the Stanley Cup, which later became the championship trophy for the National Hockey League. Held political positions in the United Kingdom, contributing to British political affairs in the late 19th century.

Continue Reading

Isabelle Collin Dufresne

French actress and author
Born
September 6th, 1935 89 years ago
Died
June 14th, 2014 11 years ago — 78 years old

An actress and author emerged as a notable figure in the French cultural landscape. Gained prominence through performances in the film 'La Jetée' and the series 'L'Amour Fou.' Authored several works that explored themes of identity and existence, contributing to literary discussions within the avant-garde movement. Engaged with various artistic and literary circles throughout a prolific career.

Continue Reading

Mary Cassatt

American painter, The Child's Bath
Born
May 22nd, 1844 181 years ago
Died
June 14th, 1926 99 years ago — 82 years old

An influential painter and educator, significant contributions to the Impressionist movement defined a distinct style characterized by bold colors and intimate depictions of women and children. Cassatt studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and later moved to Paris, where she became acquainted with prominent Impressionists, including Edgar Degas. Throughout her career, she exhibited regularly with the Impressionist group and received praise for her innovative techniques and subject matter. In addition to painting, Cassatt advocated for women's education in the arts and served as a mentor to aspiring female artists.

Continue Reading