Louis Antoine de Bougainville

French Admiral and Explorer

Louis Antoine de Bougainville - French Admiral and Explorer
Born

November 12th, 1729
295 years ago

Died

August 31st, 1811
214 years ago — 81 years old

Category

Explorers & Adventurers

Country

France

Links & References

An admiral and explorer, contributed to the exploration of the Pacific Ocean. Participated in the Seven Years' War and later commanded France's first South Pacific expedition. His voyage, which lasted from 1766 to 1769, provided insights into the peoples and geography of the region. Authored works that detailed these explorations, influencing maritime navigation and knowledge of the Pacific islands.

Led France's first round-the-world expedition

Authored 'Voyage autour du monde'

Other People Born on November 12th

Sandara Park

South Korean singer and actress on PBS
Born
November 12th, 1984 40 years ago

Born in 1984, a South Korean singer, dancer, and actress gained prominence as a member of the girl group 2NE1, which debuted in 2009. The group released several successful albums, establishing a strong presence in the K-pop industry. The act became known for hits such as 'I Am the Best' and 'Fire'. Following the group's disbandment in 2016, pursued a solo career, which included music and acting roles. Sandara also participated in various television programs, showcasing her talents and engaging with fans.

Continue Reading

Roland Barthes

French linguist and literary theorist
Born
November 12th, 1915 109 years ago
Died
March 26th, 1980 45 years ago — 64 years old

A prominent figure in literary theory and semiotics, contributed significantly to the understanding of texts and interpretation. Explored various areas including structuralism, mythology, and narrative theory. Authored several influential works that shaped literary criticism, particularly focusing on the relation between language and meaning. His ideas in 'Mythologies' and 'S/Z' interrogated the complexities of representation in culture, critique, and sign systems, establishing a foundational perspective in post-structuralist thought.

Continue Reading

Hassan Rouhani

Iranian politician and 7th President
Born
November 12th, 1948 76 years ago

Served as the 7th President of Iran from 2013 to 2021. Prior to the presidency, held various government roles including member of the Supreme National Security Council. Played a key role in negotiating the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, known as the Iran nuclear deal, which aimed to limit Iran's nuclear program in exchange for lifting economic sanctions. Advocated for moderate policies and attempted to improve diplomatic relations with the West during tenure.

Continue Reading

Dudley Nourse

Cricketer and South Africa Test captain
Born
November 12th, 1910 114 years ago
Died
August 14th, 1981 44 years ago — 70 years old

An accomplished cricketer, this athlete made significant contributions to the South African national team during the 1930s and 1940s. Playing primarily as a top-order batsman, he exhibited remarkable skill and consistency on the field. He served as captain of the national team and led South Africa to several victories in Test matches. His batting prowess and tactical acumen garnered respect from teammates and opponents alike.

Continue Reading

Rebecca Wisocky

Actress, known for 'Once Upon a Time'
Born
November 12th, 1971 53 years ago

An actress has appeared in television and film productions. Gained recognition for roles in 'Devious Maids' and 'Once Upon a Time'. Other works include appearances in 'The Mentalist' and 'American Crime Story'. Education received from the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University. Early work included theater performances off-Broadway.

Continue Reading

Judith Roitman

Mathematician and academic in topology
Born
November 12th, 1945 79 years ago

Pursued a prominent career in mathematics with a focus on topology. Contributed significantly to the field through research and teaching. Held a faculty position at the University of Kansas, influencing students and the academic community. Engaged in various mathematical conferences and collaborations, furthering research in her area of expertise.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on August 31st

Emīls Dārziņš

Latvian composer and conductor
Born
November 3rd, 1875 150 years ago
Died
August 31st, 1910 115 years ago — 34 years old

Born in 1875, a notable Latvian composer and conductor contributed significantly to the music of Latvia. Received education in music at the St. Petersburg Conservatory. Worked as a conductor for various orchestras and was actively involved in promoting choral music and folk songs. Composed symphonic works, operas, and numerous songs that reflect national themes and the spirit of Latvian culture. Dārziņš also played a vital role in the early development of Latvian classical music and music education.

Continue Reading

Georges Braque

Painter and sculptor, Cubism pioneer
Born
May 13th, 1882 143 years ago
Died
August 31st, 1963 62 years ago — 81 years old

A major figure in the development of Cubism, this artist collaborated closely with Pablo Picasso in creating this revolutionary art movement. The approach deconstructed objects into geometric forms, reshaping modern art. Early works displayed influence from Fauvism before the shift towards Cubism. The artist's still lifes and portraits incorporated bold colors and complex structures. In addition to painting, involved in sculpture and collage, pushing boundaries of artistic expression. Participation in World War I influenced later works with a more subdued palette. Retrospective exhibitions celebrated contributions to art throughout multiple decades.

Continue Reading

Andrei Zhdanov

Soviet politician and cultural figure
Born
February 26th, 1896 129 years ago
Died
August 31st, 1948 77 years ago — 52 years old

Served as a prominent Soviet politician and civil servant. Played a significant role in the cultural policies of the Soviet Union during the post-World War II period. Oversaw the implementation of Zhdanovism, a doctrine that emphasized socialist realism in literature and arts. Held the post of Leningrad Party Secretary and contributed to the rebuilding of the city after the war. Influenced various cultural institutions and was instrumental in promoting the Communist Party's agenda through literature and the arts.

Continue Reading

Leslie Green

English architect and designer of tube stations
Born
1875 150 years ago
Died
August 31st, 1908 117 years ago — 33 years old

An architect based in England, focused on designing important transport buildings in the early 20th century. Instrumental in designing iconic London Underground stations featuring a distinctive style characterized by green tiles and elegant façades. Actively worked on the redevelopment of existing and new stations, contributing significantly to the modernization of London's transport infrastructure. The work reflects the burgeoning importance of public transportation in urban life during that era.

Continue Reading

Aidan of Lindisfarne

Bishop and saint, founder of Lindisfarne
Died
August 31st, 651 1374 years ago — None years old

Served as a bishop in Northumbria and founded the monastery on Lindisfarne, promoting Christianity in the region. Facilitated the establishment of the Irish Christian tradition in English churches and worked on the conversion of the Anglo-Saxons. Aidan is recognized for his role in developing educational and missionary efforts in Northern England during the early medieval period, and his influence extended beyond his death, shaping the future of Christianity in Britain.

Continue Reading

Carole Shelley

British-American stage and screen actress
Born
1939 86 years ago
Died
August 31st, 2018 7 years ago — 79 years old

This actress gained recognition for performances on stage and screen throughout her career. Notable appearances included roles in the Broadway production of 'The Odd Couple' and television series such as 'The Good Wife'. She also featured in the film 'The Last Unicorn', showcasing her versatile acting skills across genres. Her contributions to theatre and television were significant, with a career spanning several decades.

Continue Reading