Lavrentiy Beria

Georgian-Russian general and politician

Lavrentiy Beria - Georgian-Russian general and politician
Born

March 29th, 1899
125 years ago

Died

December 23rd, 1953
71 years ago — 54 years old

Category

Leaders & Politicians

Country

Russia

Links & References

Beria served as a prominent general and politician in the Soviet Union, rising to significant power during the leadership of Joseph Stalin. He was appointed as the head of the Soviet secret police, overseeing state security and intelligence operations. His influence expanded during and after World War II, managing various security apparatuses and contributing to the Soviet atomic bomb project. Following Stalin's death in 1953, Beria briefly held a position of power but was arrested and executed within months during a political power struggle.

Led the Soviet secret police during Stalin's regime

Oversaw the Soviet atomic bomb project

Other People Born on March 29th

Sheila Kitzinger

Childbirth activist and author
Born
March 29th, 1929 95 years ago
Died
2015 10 years ago — 86 years old

An influential childbirth activist and author, focused on women's rights in maternity care. Published numerous books on childbirth and women's experiences, including 'The Childbirth Book' and 'Women as Mothers.' Engaged in discussions surrounding the medicalization of childbirth and advocated for women's autonomy in childbirth choices. Worked alongside various organizations to promote midwifery and respectful maternity care, contributing to the dialogue on women's rights in healthcare settings.

Continue Reading

Hanna Reitsch

German pilot and test pilot
Born
March 29th, 1912 112 years ago
Died
August 24th, 1979 45 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 Reading

Michael Winterbottom

Film director and producer
Born
March 29th, 1961 63 years ago

A prominent English director and producer, contributed to cinema with a range of works across various genres. Directed films such as '24 Hour Party People' and 'The Road to Guantanamo'. Collaborated with notable actors and explored complex narratives and themes. Engaged in both fictional and documentary filmmaking, highlighting social issues and human experiences. Received recognition in film festivals for innovative storytelling techniques and unique stylistic choices.

Continue Reading

Megan Hilty

Broadway actress and singer
Born
March 29th, 1981 43 years ago

An accomplished actress and singer, this individual gained recognition for performances in Broadway productions. Notable roles include Broadway's 'Wicked' as Glinda and the NBC television series 'Smash'. This individual has also lent her voice to various animated projects, contributing to a robust career in musical theater and television.

Continue Reading

Elle Macpherson

Australian model and actress, 'The Body'
Born
March 29th, 1964 60 years ago

Born in 1964, a prominent Australian model and actress gained international recognition in the fashion industry during the 1980s and 1990s. Achieved considerable fame through magazine covers, particularly for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, where appeared five times. Transitioned into acting with roles in films such as 'Batman & Robin' and 'The Edge'. Also established a successful lingerie line, further solidifying presence in the fashion world. Her modeling career earned her the nickname 'The Body.'

Continue Reading

Jennifer Capriati

Tennis player and Olympic gold medalist
Born
March 29th, 1976 48 years ago

A professional tennis player achieved significant success during the 1990s and early 2000s. Rose to prominence as a young prodigy, winning the French Open in 2001 and the Australian Open in both 2002 and 2004. Honored with an Olympic gold medal at the 1992 Barcelona Games. Concluded a successful career with a total of 14 WTA singles titles.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on December 23rd

Caesar du Choiseul

French general and diplomat
Born
1602 423 years ago
Died
December 23rd, 1675 349 years ago — 73 years old

Served as a French general and diplomat during the 17th century. Took part in military campaigns and played a vital role in French foreign relations. Contributed to the development of military strategies and policies of the time. Engaged in significant diplomatic negotiations that influenced France's standing in Europe. Held various military ranks and positions throughout the career, influencing both military and political landscapes in France.

Continue Reading

Alfred G. Gilman

Pharmacologist and Nobel laureate
Born
July 1st, 1941 83 years ago
Died
December 23rd, 2015 9 years ago — 74 years old

A prominent pharmacologist and biochemist contributed significantly to the understanding of G-protein coupled receptors. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1994. Worked extensively at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, where research focused on intracellular signaling. Published numerous influential scientific papers that advanced the field of pharmacology.

Continue Reading

Lajos Baróti

Hungarian football manager and player
Born
August 19th, 1914 110 years ago
Died
December 23rd, 2005 19 years ago — 91 years old

A prominent figure in Hungarian football, this individual was a skilled player before transitioning to management. Playing primarily as a forward, contributions were significant during the late 1930s. Later became a successful manager, overseeing the national team during a pivotal era. Achieved notable success at the club level, particularly with teams like MTK Budapest and several other Hungarian clubs. Focused on developing young talent and implementing strategic innovations in the sport.

Continue Reading

Iwane Matsui

Japanese general during World War II
Born
1878 147 years ago
Died
December 23rd, 1948 76 years ago — 70 years old

A general in the Imperial Japanese Army, played a significant role during World War II. Led the Japanese forces during the Nanking Massacre in 1937, which resulted in numerous casualties and atrocities. His leadership in China and subsequent military actions contributed to Japan's expansionist efforts. After the war, faced trial for war crimes due to actions taken during the conflict, resulting in a sentence and execution in 1948.

Continue Reading

Kurt Meyer

German general during World War II
Born
December 23rd, 1910 114 years ago
Died
December 23rd, 1961 63 years ago — 51 years old

Born in Germany, a military officer played a significant role during World War II. Commanded the 12th SS Panzer Division Hitlerjugend, which was involved in several key battles, including the Normandy invasion. Participated in the defense of the Eastern Front and held various leadership positions throughout the conflict. After the war, faced war crime charges for actions taken during military operations.

Continue Reading

Huneric

Vandal King and ruler of North Africa
Died
December 23rd, 484 1540 years ago — None years old

Ruled as king of the Vandals and Alans from 477 until death in 484. Governed the Vandal kingdom in North Africa, which included regions of modern-day Tunisia and Algeria. Engaged in a campaign against the Roman Empire, attempting to consolidate territorial gains made by predecessors. Advanced policies favoring Arian Christianity, often resulting in conflict with the Nicene Christians. His reign was marked by internal strife and conflict with the eastern Roman Empire, particularly during the period of the Vandalic War.

Continue Reading