Kurt Waldheim
Austrian politician and former President
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
Madelyn Cline
Actress known for 'Outer Banks'
Born
December 21st, 1997 28 years ago
Born in December 1997, this American actress gained recognition for her role as Sarah Cameron in the Netflix series 'Outer Banks'. The series premiered in 2020 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon, earning a dedicated fan base. In addition to acting, she has worked as a model and appeared in advertising campaigns, showcasing her versatility in the entertainment industry.
Continue ReadingJamie Oleksiak
Ice Hockey Player for Dallas Stars
Born
December 21st, 1992 33 years ago
A Canadian ice hockey player competed in the National Hockey League (NHL). Drafted 14th overall by the Dallas Stars in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. Played for the Dallas Stars and the Pittsburgh Penguins before returning to the Stars. Contributed to the Stars' defensive lineup and participated in multiple NHL seasons, showcasing skills in both defense and physical play. Notable for his size and reach, which made him a valuable asset on the ice.
Continue ReadingRiccardo Saponara
Italian footballer and midfielder
Born
December 21st, 1991 34 years ago
Played as a midfielder for several Italian clubs, contributing to their successes in league competitions. Initiated professional career at Empoli, where performances led to a transfer to AC Milan. Played in Serie A, gaining recognition for technical skills and playmaking abilities. Featured prominently in national youth teams and participated in various domestic leagues.
Continue ReadingPeter Mohyla
Ruthenian Orthodox metropolitan and saint
Born
December 21st, 1596 429 years ago
Died
1646 379 years ago — 50 years old
Born in 1596, a significant figure in the Ruthenian Orthodox Church. Played a pivotal role in the establishment of educational institutions, including the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy. Focused on church reforms and the promotion of Orthodox Christianity in Eastern Europe. Engaged in theological debates and advocated for the unification of Orthodox and Catholic churches during a time of political turmoil. Passed away in 1647 and recognized as a saint in Eastern Orthodox Christianity.
Continue ReadingJohn William McCormack
American politician, 53rd House Speaker
Born
December 21st, 1891 134 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 89 years old
Served as a lawyer and politician, representing Massachusetts in the United States House of Representatives. Held the position of Speaker of the House from 1962 to 1971. During tenure, advocated for civil rights and various social welfare programs. Played a significant role in the legislative processes of the Johnson administration, particularly with the Great Society initiatives.
Continue ReadingIris Cummings
Swimmer and aviator
Born
December 21st, 1920 105 years ago
Died
January 24th, 2025 0 years ago — 104 years old
Accomplished in both swimming and aviation, Cummings made a significant mark in both fields. In swimming, participation in national championships showcased exceptional skills. A notable achievement includes winning several gold medals at the National Women's Championships. In aviation, Cummings broke barriers as one of the early female aviators, obtaining a pilot's license and contributing to the promotion of women in aviation. Cummings' dual career illustrates the blend of athleticism and adventurous spirit, paving the way for future generations in both sports and aviation.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on June 14th
G. K. Chesterton
Essayist and playwright
Born
May 29th, 1874 151 years ago
Died
June 14th, 1936 89 years ago — 62 years old
An English essayist, poet, and playwright contributed significantly to early 20th-century literature. Worked as a journalist, providing cultural criticism and commentary through various publications. Developed a distinctive writing style characterized by wit and paradox. Achieved recognition for creating the detective character Father Brown, who featured in numerous short stories and novels. Published influential works, including 'Orthodoxy' and 'The Everlasting Man', which discussed topics of faith and philosophy. Participated actively in debates on social issues and contributed to discussions on religion, politics, and art.
Continue ReadingUlrich Inderbinen
Swiss mountaineer and climber
Born
December 3rd, 1900 125 years ago
Died
June 14th, 2004 21 years ago — 103 years old
Born in 1900, this individual became a prominent figure in mountaineering, particularly known for climbing the Matterhorn multiple times. Active during the early to mid-20th century, he also led several expeditions in the Swiss Alps, showcasing considerable technical skill and endurance. His contributions helped popularize alpine climbing and promote safety standards within the sport. He continued to climb well into his later years, reaching remarkable heights as a senior climber, thus inspiring subsequent generations of mountaineers.
Continue ReadingErna Berger
German soprano and actress
Born
October 19th, 1900 125 years ago
Died
June 14th, 1990 35 years ago — 89 years old
Gained prominence as a soprano, particularly in German opera. Achieved success in leading roles in productions such as Richard Wagner's operas. Also had a significant career in concert performances across Europe, showcasing a wide vocal range and artistry. Transitioned into acting, appearing in films during the mid-20th century. Contributed to the cultural scene in Germany and beyond through performances and recordings.
Continue ReadingA. B. Yehoshua
Israeli novelist and playwright
Born
1936 89 years ago
Died
June 14th, 2022 3 years ago — 86 years old
An influential Israeli novelist, essayist, and playwright contributed significantly to contemporary Hebrew literature. Notable works include 'The Lover,' which explores complex themes of love and identity, and 'A Woman in Jerusalem,' addressing issues of cultural identity and loss in a modern context. Yehoshua's writings often reflect the nuances of Israeli society and the challenges faced by its people. He participated in literary festivals and academic discussions, promoting the Hebrew language and literature. In addition to novels, Yehoshua wrote plays and essays that further established his literary reputation.
Continue ReadingIsabelle Collin Dufresne
French actress and author
Born
September 6th, 1935 90 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 ReadingSalvatore Quasimodo
Italian poet and Nobel Prize winner
Born
August 20th, 1901 124 years ago
Died
June 14th, 1968 57 years ago — 66 years old
Born in 1901, a prominent Italian poet and novelist, the individual contributed significantly to the literary landscape of the 20th century. The work often addressed themes of existentialism and human suffering, reflecting the turmoil of the era. The poet was associated with the Hermetic movement, emphasizing a dense and symbolic style. In 1959, the individual received the Nobel Prize in Literature for the lyrical beauty of poetry, which articulated the human experience amidst the aftermath of World War II. Several collections, including 'Oboe Sommerso,' showcased a profound engagement with the complexity of life and nature, solidifying the individual's position within modern Italian literature.
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