Lee Falk
Cartoonist and creator of The Phantom
A cartoonist active from the 1930s, created the comic strip The Phantom in 1936, known as the first superhero to wear a costume. The Phantom was groundbreaking for its depiction of a hero in a jungle setting. Falk also co-created the comic strip Mandrake the Magician in 1934. In addition to his work as a cartoonist, he was a playwright and director, contributing to theatrical adaptations of his creations.
Created The Phantom comic strip in 1936
Co-created Mandrake the Magician in 1934
Other People Born on April 28th
Odette Hallowes
French nurse and World War II spy
Born
April 28th, 1912 113 years ago
Died
March 13th, 1995 30 years ago — 82 years old
Served as a nurse in World War II and worked with the Special Operations Executive in the United Kingdom. Conducted several missions in occupied France, including the establishment of escape routes and the gathering of intelligence. Captured by the Gestapo, endured torture but maintained resilience. Eventually rescued and returned to Britain, receiving recognition for bravery and service.
Continue ReadingBarry Larkin
Baseball player and sportscaster
Born
April 28th, 1964 61 years ago
Played shortstop for the Cincinnati Reds from 1986 to 2004. Helped the team win the World Series in 1990. Managed in the Arizona Fall League after retirement and later became a sportscaster. Inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2012.
Continue ReadingGeorgy Voronoy
Mathematician known for Voronoi diagrams
Born
April 28th, 1868 157 years ago
Died
November 20th, 1908 117 years ago — 40 years old
Contributed significantly to mathematics, particularly in the field of number theory and geometry. Developed Voronoi diagrams, which are used in various scientific and engineering applications. Served as a professor and contributed to mathematical education and research. Involved with mathematical modeling and theoretical aspects of geometry throughout academic career.
Continue ReadingLionel Barrymore
Actor and director in 'It's a Wonderful Life'
Born
April 28th, 1878 147 years ago
Died
November 15th, 1954 71 years ago — 76 years old
Active in the early to mid-20th century, this individual contributed to film and theater as both an actor and a director. Highly praised for performances, highlighted in the classic film 'It's a Wonderful Life' as Mr. Potter. Worked extensively in silent films before transitioning to talkies, earning acclaim in various dramatic roles. Besides film, directed multiple stage productions and showcased talent on radio.
Continue ReadingJan Oort
Dutch astronomer and academic
Born
April 28th, 1900 125 years ago
Died
November 5th, 1992 33 years ago — 92 years old
Contributed significantly to the field of astronomy, particularly in the study of galaxies and the structure of the Milky Way. Proposed the existence of the Oort Cloud, a theoretical cloud of icy bodies believed to surround the solar system. Served as a professor at Leiden University and published numerous papers in astrophysics. Played a crucial role in advancing radio astronomy in the Netherlands.
Continue ReadingKurt Gödel
Mathematician and philosopher; incompleteness theorem
Born
April 28th, 1906 119 years ago
Died
January 14th, 1978 47 years ago — 71 years old
A mathematician and philosopher made significant contributions to mathematical logic and the philosophy of mathematics. Developed the incompleteness theorems, which demonstrated inherent limitations in formal axiomatic systems. These theorems had profound implications for the foundations of mathematics and prompted extensive philosophical discussions. Held a position at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey, influencing numerous areas of mathematics and philosophy. Engaged with contemporary thinkers and contributed to discussions around computability and set theory.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on March 13th
Murray Walker
Motorsport commentator during F1 races
Born
October 10th, 1923 102 years ago
Died
March 13th, 2021 4 years ago — 97 years old
Engaged in motorsport commentary for several decades, building a reputation as one of the leading voices in Formula One. Worked for the BBC and ITV, providing live commentary and analysis during races. Contributed significantly to the popularization of Formula One in the UK and beyond through insightful and enthusiastic commentary. Authored a book detailing experiences in motorsport and was inducted into the British Sports Hall of Fame.
Continue ReadingEdward Haughey
Irish businessman and politician
Born
1944 81 years ago
Died
March 13th, 2014 11 years ago — 70 years old
Held the title of Baron Ballyedmond and was a prominent figure in Irish business and political circles. Founded a successful pharmaceutical company, which contributed significantly to the industry. Served as a member of the House of Lords, representing the interests of Northern Ireland. Involved in various charitable endeavors and initiatives to support community development.
Continue ReadingVittorio Jano
Italian automotive engineer and designer
Born
April 22nd, 1891 134 years ago
Died
March 13th, 1965 60 years ago — 73 years old
An influential automotive engineer contributed to the design and development of several successful racing cars. Played a key role at Alfa Romeo, where significant innovations in automotive engineering took place during the 1920s and 1930s. Designed the 158 and 159 Grand Prix cars, which secured numerous championships for Alfa Romeo in the pre-World War II era. Emphasized performance and aerodynamics in automotive design, establishing benchmarks for future vehicles.
Continue ReadingHenry Shrapnel
English general and artillery innovator
Born
1761 264 years ago
Died
March 13th, 1842 183 years ago — 81 years old
Served as an artillery officer in the British Army. Developed the shrapnel shell, which allowed for a more effective lethality on the battlefield. This invention was first used successfully during the Napoleonic Wars. Participated in multiple military campaigns including the Duke of Wellington's campaigns in the Peninsular War and the Battle of Waterloo. Contributed significantly to artillery tactics and the modern conception of explosive projectiles.
Continue ReadingNana Fadnavis
Indian minister and politician
Born
1742 283 years ago
Died
March 13th, 1800 225 years ago — 58 years old
Served as a prominent minister and influential politician in the Maratha Empire during the late 18th century. Played a critical role in the administration and politics of the empire, especially during its decline. Navigated the complexities of Maratha politics, balancing various factions and maintaining power through strategic alliances and negotiations. His leadership significantly shaped the political landscape of the time, especially in relation to British colonial interests.
Continue ReadingMarvelous Marvin Hagler
Professional Boxer, Middleweight Champion
Born
May 23rd, 1954 71 years ago
Died
March 13th, 2021 4 years ago — 66 years old
Renowned as a professional boxer, achieved notable success in the middleweight division. Holds the record for the longest reign as the undisputed middleweight champion from 1980 to 1987. Fought in legendary bouts against opponents such as Thomas Hearns and Sugar Ray Leonard. Retired with an impressive record, highly regarded within the boxing community.
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