Les Haylen
Journalist and Australian politician
Started a career in journalism before entering politics. Served as a member of the Australian House of Representatives representing the Division of Parkes from 1943 to 1949. Worked with various media outlets and contributed to political discourse through writing and public speaking. Engaged in significant political reforms and advocacy during tenure.
Served in the Australian House of Representatives
Contributed to political journalism
Other People Born on September 23rd
Tiny Bradshaw
American singer-songwriter and pianist
Born
September 23rd, 1907 118 years ago
Died
1958 68 years ago — 51 years old
Born in 1907, this musician contributed significantly to the rhythm and blues genre. Active during the mid-20th century, he was a prominent figure in the development of jump blues and played a key role in shaping the sound of early rock and roll. His musical career included work as a bandleader and recording artist, with a distinctive approach that influenced many others in the industry.
Continue ReadingTony Smith
American sculptor and educator
Born
September 23rd, 1912 113 years ago
Died
December 26th, 1980 45 years ago — 68 years old
Significant contributions made to the field of sculpture through both art and education. Focused on large-scale geometric forms, developing a unique style that incorporated industrial materials. Served as a professor at the School of Architecture and Design at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, where influenced generations of artists.
Continue ReadingEmpress Go-Sakuramachi of Japan
Japanese Empress during Edo period
Born
September 23rd, 1740 285 years ago
Died
December 24th, 1813 212 years ago — 73 years old
Reigned as Empress of Japan from 1762 until abdication in 1771. Oversaw a period characterized by political stability and cultural growth. Had significant influence over court politics and ceremonial practices. After abdication, lived in retirement as a retired empress and actively involved in court affairs.
Continue ReadingGeorge Jackson
American activist and author
Born
September 23rd, 1941 84 years ago
Died
August 21st, 1971 54 years ago — 29 years old
An influential activist and author emerged during the civil rights movement. Co-founded the Black Guerrilla Family while incarcerated, focusing on prison reform and societal change. Authored the books 'Soledad Brother' and 'Blood in My Eye', which discussed issues of racial injustice and the prison system. His writings and activism highlighted the struggles faced by African Americans and prisoners.
Continue ReadingEmperor Kōkaku of Japan
Japanese Emperor during the Edo period
Born
September 23rd, 1771 254 years ago
Died
December 11th, 1840 185 years ago — 69 years old
Reigned from 1779 to 1817, emphasized cultural development and administration reform. Guided the nation through a period characterized by stability and relative peace, known as the Edo period. Oversaw significant changes in Japanese society, including art, literature, and the economy. Advocated for the growth of traditional Japanese arts and encouraged interaction with Western cultures, leading to gradual modernization. After abdication, continued to influence the imperial court.
Continue ReadingMohamed Hassanein Heikal
Egyptian journalist and author
Born
September 23rd, 1923 102 years ago
Died
February 17th, 2016 9 years ago — 92 years old
A prominent journalist and author, contributed extensively to the understanding of Arab politics through analytical writings. Served as the editor of Al-Ahram, one of the leading newspapers in Egypt, for several decades. Authored multiple influential books that explored Egyptian and Arab history, politics, and society. His insights into the events of the 1952 Egyptian Revolution and his relationships with key figures such as Gamal Abdel Nasser shaped public discourse in the region.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on September 12th
Jean Bolland
Flemish priest and hagiographer
Born
August 18th, 1596 429 years ago
Died
September 12th, 1665 360 years ago — 69 years old
A priest in the Society of Jesus, contributed significantly to the study of saints' lives. Established a systematic chronological collection of hagiographies, known as the 'Acta Sanctorum', which served as a reference for future studies on saints. Focused on the critical examination of sources, promoting a scholarly approach to hagiography. Worked extensively in Belgium and had lasting influence in the field of religious literature.
Continue ReadingDerek Jameson
Journalist and radio host in England
Born
November 29th, 1929 96 years ago
Died
September 12th, 2012 13 years ago — 82 years old
Began a career in journalism in the mid-20th century. Worked for several prominent newspapers, including the Daily Mirror, where served as editor. Transitioned to radio, hosting programs that attracted significant audiences. Gained recognition for engaging interviewing style and ability to connect with a broad listener base. Contributed to discussions on various social and cultural issues throughout a lengthy career. Published several books, including autobiographical works and analyses of the media industry.
Continue ReadingTommy Armour
Golfer and sportscaster, U.S. Open winner
Born
September 24th, 1894 131 years ago
Died
September 12th, 1968 57 years ago — 73 years old
A prominent golfer and sportscaster, this individual became one of the first celebrities in professional golf. Competed in the early 20th century, achieving significant success on the PGA Tour. Won the U.S. Open in 1927, along with victories at the 1930 PGA Championship and the 1931 Western Open. Transitioned to a successful career in broadcasting, providing commentary and analysis for golf tournaments, influencing the way golf was presented to audiences. Authored several instructional books on golfing techniques that contributed to the sport’s educational resources.
Continue ReadingJohn Qualen
Actor in classic Hollywood films
Born
December 8th, 1899 126 years ago
Died
September 12th, 1987 38 years ago — 87 years old
Born in Canada and later becoming a U.S. citizen, an actor with a prolific career in film and television emerged in the early 20th century. Gained prominence in the 1930s and 1940s with critical roles in several classic films. Played notable parts in 'Casablanca' and 'The Maltese Falcon', showcasing a talent for character roles that contributed to the development of supporting performances in cinema. His career spanned several decades, resulting in many memorable appearances across various genres.
Continue ReadingHugo Schmeisser
German weapons designer and engineer
Born
September 24th, 1884 141 years ago
Died
September 12th, 1953 72 years ago — 68 years old
Born in 1884 in Germany, significant contributions were made to the development of automatic firearms. Designed the MP 18, the first-ever submachine gun, which influenced modern firearm design. His experience included working with various military contracts during World War I and World War II, focusing on small arms development for military use. Schmeisser's designs helped shape infantry tactics and the evolution of weaponry in the 20th century.
Continue ReadingWilliam Hudson
Engineer and inventor from Australia
Born
April 27th, 1896 129 years ago
Died
September 12th, 1978 47 years ago — 82 years old
An engineer and inventor contributed significantly to the field of engineering. Born in New Zealand and later moving to Australia, developed various technologies and innovations that advanced engineering practices. Worked extensively in electrical engineering and played a role in numerous engineering projects that improved infrastructure and technology. Established a reputation for problem-solving and innovative design, influencing the engineering field during the early to mid-20th century.
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