Lyndon B. Johnson
36th President of the United States
Served as the 36th President of the United States from 1963 to 1969. Assumed presidency after the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Focused on domestic policies under the Great Society initiative, which aimed to eliminate poverty and racial injustice. Significant legislation included the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Increased American involvement in the Vietnam War during his administration, which led to widespread protests and political controversy. Did not seek reelection in 1968 amid declining popularity. Died on January 22, 1973.
Civil Rights Act of 1964
Voting Rights Act of 1965
Great Society programs
Other People Born on August 27th
Aaron Paul
Actor in Breaking Bad and The Path
Born
August 27th, 1979 46 years ago
An American actor and producer, gained recognition for roles in notable television series. Portrayed Jesse Pinkman in the critically acclaimed series Breaking Bad, which aired from 2008 to 2013. Received several awards for this role, including three Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. Starred in the series The Path from 2016 to 2018, exploring themes of faith and self-discovery. Participated in film projects such as Need for Speed in 2014, contributing to the action genre. Involved in various charitable activities focusing on causes such as education and health.
Continue ReadingGiorgio Mitrovich
Maltese politician and public figure
Born
August 27th, 1795 230 years ago
Died
March 13th, 1885 140 years ago — 89 years old
Served as a prominent political figure in Malta during the 19th century. Engaged in various political activities and contributed to discussions on governance and law. Elected to the Legislative Assembly and actively participated in shaping Maltese politics. Advocated for civil rights, education reforms, and social issues relevant to the Maltese populace. His work laid the groundwork for subsequent political developments in Malta.
Continue ReadingLester Young
Saxophonist influential in jazz music
Born
August 27th, 1909 116 years ago
Died
March 15th, 1959 66 years ago — 49 years old
An American saxophonist and clarinet player, contributed significantly to the development of jazz music in the early 20th century. Young's unique style, characterized by a smooth, laid-back sound, influenced many musicians. He gained prominence while playing with the Count Basie Orchestra during the 1930s. His work included numerous recordings, both as a solo artist and as a collaborator, showcasing his innovative approach to improvisation. His notable compositions, like 'Lester Leaps In' and 'Savoy Blues,' became jazz standards, helping to shape the genre.
Continue ReadingKoxinga
Ming loyalist and military leader
Born
August 27th, 1624 401 years ago
Died
1662 364 years ago — 38 years old
Born in 1624, Koxinga was a military leader known for his efforts to restore the Ming dynasty. He launched military campaigns against the Qing dynasty and established a base on Taiwan, which served as a center for Ming loyalism. Koxinga aimed to defeat the Qing and reinstate the Ming emperor, becoming a significant figure in Chinese history. His legacy includes the establishment of a short-lived kingdom in Taiwan, which marked a pivotal moment in Taiwanese history.
Continue ReadingKatharine McCormick
Biologist, philanthropist, women's rights advocate
Born
August 27th, 1875 150 years ago
Died
December 28th, 1967 58 years ago — 92 years old
Born in 1875, a prominent biologist and philanthropist contributed significantly to women's reproductive rights. Played a vital role in funding research for the development of the birth control pill. Actively participated in the women's suffrage movement and improved access to education for women in science. Co-founded several organizations focused on women's rights and health.
Continue ReadingPokwang
Filipino comedian and actress
Born
August 27th, 1972 53 years ago
A prominent figure in Philippine entertainment, this comedian, actress, television host, and singer has showcased talent across various platforms. Gained recognition in comedy through television shows, films, and various live performances. Established a significant presence in the entertainment industry with hosting roles on popular programs.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on January 22nd
Telly Savalas
American actor and TV detective
Born
January 21st, 1922 104 years ago
Died
January 22nd, 1994 32 years ago — 72 years old
An American actor gained prominence through television and film roles. Played the titular character in the long-running detective series 'Kojak', which aired from 1973 to 1978. His performance as Kojak earned critical acclaim and multiple nominations and awards. Savalas also appeared in numerous films, with notable roles in 'The Dirty Dozen' and 'Birds'. His distinct bald head and expressive acting style became his trademark.
Continue ReadingShah Jahan
Mughal emperor and architect of the Taj Mahal
Born
January 5th, 1592 434 years ago
Died
January 22nd, 1666 360 years ago — 74 years old
Ascended to the throne in 1628 as the fifth Mughal emperor. His reign from 1628 to 1658 was marked by significant architectural achievements, most notably the construction of the Taj Mahal in Agra, a mausoleum built in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is regarded as a masterpiece of Mughal architecture, combining elements from Persian, Islamic, and Indian architectural styles. Jahan's rule also saw the expansion of the Mughal Empire and a flourishing of culture and the arts. His later years were marred by conflict with his son, Aurangzeb, who eventually imprisoned him.
Continue ReadingJeremiah Dixon
Surveyor and astronomer, Dixon's Line
Born
July 27th, 1733 292 years ago
Died
January 22nd, 1779 247 years ago — 45 years old
A prominent English surveyor and astronomer contributed significantly to the mapping of the American colonies. Alongside Charles Mason, conducted the Mason-Dixon survey between 1763 and 1767, establishing a boundary between Pennsylvania and Maryland. This work helped settle disputes over territory while providing a foundation for the border between the North and South in the United States. The survey derived its fame from later associations with the sectional conflict in American history. Dixon also developed astronomical tables and contributed to various surveying methods. His work in astronomy included observations of celestial events, enhancing navigation and cartography.
Continue ReadingSimon Marsden
Photographer and author of Gothic imagery
Born
1948 78 years ago
Died
January 22nd, 2012 14 years ago — 64 years old
This individual focused on Gothic architecture through photography. Published several books that showcased extensive photographic work, emphasizing dark and atmospheric imagery. Notable works include 'The Haunted Landscape' and 'The Last of England,' which captured the essence of Gothic structures and landscapes. Contributed to exhibitions that brought attention to historical sites and their melancholic beauty. Engaged in a unique approach to capturing the interplay of light and shadow, often exploring themes of decay and memory in architecture.
Continue ReadingThích Nhất Hạnh
Buddhist monk and peace activist
Born
October 11th, 1926 99 years ago
Died
January 22nd, 2022 4 years ago — 95 years old
A Vietnamese Thiền Buddhist monk and peace activist founded the Plum Village Tradition, which emphasizes mindfulness and engaged Buddhism. In the 1960s, he became an outspoken critic of the Vietnam War, advocating for peace and reconciliation. His writings and teachings spread globally, inspiring countless individuals to adopt mindfulness practices. He established numerous mindfulness centers worldwide, emphasizing the importance of living in the present moment. In the 1980s, he was instrumental in promoting socially engaged Buddhism, linking spiritual practice with social change. His prolific contributions to literature include insightful books on mindfulness, compassion, and peace.
Continue ReadingMiles Lerman
Holocaust survivor and activist
Born
1920 106 years ago
Died
January 22nd, 2008 18 years ago — 88 years old
A Holocaust survivor who actively participated in raising awareness about the Holocaust and advocating for Jewish rights. Helped to establish the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and played a role in preserving Holocaust education. Lerman's experiences during the Holocaust propelled a lifelong commitment to human rights activism.
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