Les Aspin
American politician and Secretary of Defense
Served as the 18th United States Secretary of Defense from 1993 to 1994 under President Bill Clinton. Prior to this role, held a seat in the United States House of Representatives for Wisconsin's 1st congressional district from 1971 to 1993. Played a significant role in various defense policies during a time of transition after the Cold War. His governmental career included extensive work on budget and defense issues, contributing to military strategy and readiness.
Served as the 18th United States Secretary of Defense
Represented Wisconsin's 1st congressional district
Other People Born on July 21st
Anand Bakshi
Indian poet and film lyricist
Born
July 21st, 1930 96 years ago
Died
March 30th, 2002 24 years ago — 71 years old
Contributed extensively to Indian cinema as a lyricist, writing around 4,000 songs for numerous films. Worked with prominent music directors and gained recognition for the ability to capture the essence of emotions in lyrics. Collaborated with notable filmmakers in the Hindi film industry and became associated with hit songs from movies of the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. Received several awards for contributions to music and articulated various themes that resonated with audiences.
Continue ReadingMiles Ukaoma
Nigerian Hurdler, NCAA Champion
Born
July 21st, 1992 34 years ago
Born in the United States, this hurdler represented Nigeria in international competitions. Achievements include winning the NCAA title in the 400 meters hurdles during collegiate athletics. Competed internationally, showcasing remarkable talent and skill on the track.
Continue ReadingDante Marini
American soccer player
Born
July 21st, 1992 34 years ago
Played as a midfielder in professional soccer. Began a collegiate career at the University of California, Los Angeles, before turning professional. Competed in Major League Soccer with the Chicago Fire and made appearances in multiple seasons. Also played for various lower division teams in the United States, contributing to the development of soccer at those levels.
Continue ReadingAndrew Rayel
Moldovan DJ and music producer
Born
July 21st, 1992 34 years ago
Born in Moldova, a prominent DJ and music producer emerged in the electronic dance music (EDM) scene in the early 2010s. Gained recognition for intricate melodies and energetic performances. Debuted with the single 'One In A Million,' which charted in multiple countries. Regularly performed at major music festivals such as Tomorrowland and A State of Trance. In 2014, released the album 'Find Your Harmony,' which solidified a position in the trance music genre. Collaborated with various artists and produced remixes for well-known tracks.
Continue ReadingEvan McPherson
NFL Placekicker for Cincinnati Bengals
Born
July 21st, 1999 27 years ago
A placekicker in American football, played college football at the University of Florida. Entered the NFL in 2021 as a member of the Cincinnati Bengals. Contributed to the Bengals' playoff run in 2021, achieving success with reliable field goal performance during crucial games.
Continue ReadingRobert Mackenzie
Politician, 3rd Premier of Queensland
Born
July 21st, 1811 215 years ago
Died
September 19th, 1873 153 years ago — 62 years old
Born in Scotland and later moving to Australia, served as the third Premier of Queensland. Held office during significant growth periods for the colony and contributed to the development of infrastructure and governance. Implemented various reforms that shaped the political landscape of Queensland in the 19th century.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 21st
Fred Gladding
Baseball player and pitching coach
Born
1936 90 years ago
Died
May 21st, 2015 11 years ago — 79 years old
Played Major League Baseball as a pitcher for multiple teams including the Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, and New York Mets. Transitioned to coaching, serving as a pitching coach for the Houston Astros and New York Mets. Contributed to the development of many players throughout his coaching career. Enjoyed a long tenure in professional baseball both as a player and a coach.
Continue ReadingAnn Little
American actress in silent films
Born
1891 135 years ago
Died
May 21st, 1984 42 years ago — 93 years old
Active in the early 20th century, this actress starred in silent films. Gained attention for performances in movies such as 'The Coming of Amos' (1913) and 'The Count of Monte Cristo' (1922). Transitioned to sound films but her prominence diminished with the advent of talkies. Continued to work in various acting roles throughout the late 1920s and early 1930s.
Continue ReadingKenneth Clark
English historian and author of art books
Born
July 13th, 1903 123 years ago
Died
May 21st, 1983 43 years ago — 79 years old
A prominent English art historian and author, contributed significantly to the field of art history through extensive writing and broadcasting. Engaged as a director of the Ashmolean Museum and later served as the director of the British Museum. Played a crucial role in the development of art education, especially through television, bringing complex concepts to a wider audience. His book 'Civilisation' and the accompanying television series provided a comprehensive overview of Western art history. Advocated for the importance of art in education and cultural understanding.
Continue ReadingPandolfo Petrucci
Tyrant of Siena
Born
February 14th, 1452 574 years ago
Died
May 21st, 1512 514 years ago — 60 years old
Governed Siena during the late 15th century. Achieved power through a combination of political maneuvering and military strength. Established a ruling dynasty in Siena that controlled the city for decades, influencing its affairs and politics. Oversaw significant changes in the governance and administration of the city-state. His rule marked the transition of Siena from a free comune to a more centralized authority.
Continue ReadingWang Anshi
Chinese economist and chancellor
Born
December 8th, 1021 1004 years ago
Died
May 21st, 1086 940 years ago — 64 years old
An influential Chinese economist and chancellor, focused on reforming the Sung dynasty's economic policies. Implemented the New Policies, which aimed to stabilize the economy, improve agricultural productivity, and expand state control over tax collection. These reforms included the promotion of state-sponsored loans and the establishment of a better government procurement system for grain. Writings on economic theory, governance, and philosophy contributed extensively to intellectual discourse during his time and afterward.
Continue ReadingJassem Al-Kharafi
Kuwaiti politician and Speaker of the Assembly
Born
1940 86 years ago
Died
May 21st, 2015 11 years ago — 75 years old
Served as the 8th Speaker of the National Assembly in Kuwait. Held the position from 2006 to 2013 and was instrumental in various legislative processes during his tenure. Al-Kharafi was also a prominent businessman and engaged in numerous commercial activities within the region, contributing to the economic landscape of Kuwait. His leadership in the assembly was marked by a focus on governance and political reform.
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