Martin Van Buren

American politician, 8th U.S. President

Martin Van Buren - American politician, 8th U.S. President
Born

December 5th, 1782
242 years ago

Died

July 24th, 1862
163 years ago — 79 years old

Category

Leaders & Politicians

Country

United States

Links & References

Served as the 8th President of the United States from 1837 to 1841. Played a key role in founding the Democratic Party. Served as the Secretary of State and the Vice President under Andrew Jackson. Worked on issues such as the economy and the fallout from the Panic of 1837.

Established the Democratic Party

Served as U.S. Secretary of State

Managed the U.S. response to the Panic of 1837

Other People Born on December 5th

Keri Hilson

Singer-songwriter and actress, 'Knock You Down'
Born
December 5th, 1982 42 years ago

Singer-songwriter and actress gained recognition in the music industry with hit singles and collaborations. Debut album, 'In a Perfect World...', included chart-topping tracks like 'Knock You Down' featuring Ne-Yo and Kanye West. Further releases included 'No Boys Allowed', contributing to her reputation as a prominent figure in R&B. In addition to music, performed in films and television, including roles in 'Think Like a Man'. Hilson's work has earned several nominations, including Grammy nominations for Best New Artist.

Continue Reading

Werner Heisenberg

Theoretical physicist and Nobel laureate
Born
December 5th, 1901 123 years ago
Died
February 1st, 1976 49 years ago — 74 years old

Contributed significantly to quantum mechanics, particularly through the formulation of the uncertainty principle. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1932 for the creation of quantum mechanics. Held a position at the University of Munich and served as director of the Max Planck Institute for Physics. Engaged in scientific discussions during the development of atomic theory and contributed to nuclear physics and particle physics.

Continue Reading

Don Touhig

Welsh Politician and Journalist
Born
December 5th, 1947 77 years ago

Born in Wales in 1947, a career in journalism transitioned into a political role. Served as a Member of Parliament for the Labour Party from 1997 to 2010. His tenure included advocacy for public services and community issues. After leaving Parliament, he continued to engage in public discourse through various platforms.

Continue Reading

Semi Ojeleye

Basketball player with the Boston Celtics
Born
December 5th, 1994 30 years ago

A professional basketball player, participated in college basketball at Southern Methodist University, earning All-Conference recognition. Entered the NBA in 2017, selected by the Boston Celtics. Contributed significantly to the team's playoff runs and maintained a role as a versatile defender. Achieved notable performances in the NBA playoffs, particularly in series against the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Miami Heat.

Continue Reading

Emeric Pressburger

Hungarian-English film director and producer
Born
December 5th, 1902 122 years ago
Died
1988 37 years ago — 86 years old

Born in Hungary and later becoming a British citizen, Pressburger collaborated with Michael Powell to form one of the most significant partnerships in British cinema. He co-wrote, produced, and directed numerous influential films in the 1940s and 1950s. Often blending fantasy and reality, his work remained committed to rich storytelling and strong visual style. Major films include 'The Red Shoes', 'Black Narcissus', and 'A Matter of Life and Death', each receiving critical acclaim for their innovative techniques and vibrant narratives. His efforts in film have left a lasting legacy on the industry, particularly within the realms of British filmmaking and storytelling.

Continue Reading

Henry Lawes

English composer of madrigals and songs
Born
December 5th, 1596 428 years ago
Died
October 21st, 1662 362 years ago — 65 years old

An English composer, contributed significantly to the development of music during the early 17th century. Focused on vocal music, particularly madrigals and songs, with a remarkable ability to blend lyrical poetry with melodic lines. Collaborated with notable poets of the time, including Robert Herrick and John Milton, enhancing the expressive potential of English song. Familiar for compositions that exhibit clarity and emotional depth. Served as a court musician for notable patrons, which elevated his status in the music community. Maintained a significant influence on the music that followed.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on July 24th

Benedetto Marcello

Italian composer and educator
Born
1686 339 years ago
Died
July 24th, 1739 286 years ago — 53 years old

A prominent Italian composer and educator, contributed significantly to the development of Baroque music. Composed numerous works, including the oratorio 'Estro Poetico Armonico', which set a foundation for future compositions in the genre. Also known for his writing on music theory and education, particularly through 'Il teatro alla moda', which provided a satirical view of opera. Engaged in various musical projects and held a position in the Venetian nobility, emphasizing the importance of music in society.

Continue Reading

Peg Lynch

Actress and screenwriter of radio shows
Born
November 25th, 1916 108 years ago
Died
July 24th, 2015 10 years ago — 98 years old

Pioneered in radio and television with notable contributions to comic entertainment. Created and starred in the long-running radio show 'Ethel and Albert', which debuted in 1944 and continued for over a decade. Transitioned to television, bringing the characters to life in a 1953 episode of 'The Ed Sullivan Show' and short-lived series adaptations. Also authored and performed in various other radio dramas and series. Her work demonstrated significant artistic writing and performance skills during the early days of multimedia entertainment.

Continue Reading

Saw Maung

Burmese general and seventh Prime Minister
Born
1928 97 years ago
Died
July 24th, 1997 28 years ago — 69 years old

A military leader and politician, served as the seventh Prime Minister of Burma from 1988 to 1990. Took power following a military coup and led the country during a period of political unrest. Implemented various policies aimed at stabilizing the nation amid ongoing protests and international criticism. The tenure was marked by efforts to consolidate military control over the government amidst significant opposition from pro-democracy movements.

Continue Reading

Peter Sellers

English actor and comedian renowned for Pink Panther
Born
September 8th, 1925 100 years ago
Died
July 24th, 1980 45 years ago — 54 years old

Originated as a radio comedian, developed into a prominent film actor and comedian. Gained recognition for portraying Inspector Clouseau in the 'Pink Panther' series. Excelled in character roles, including Dr. Strangelove in 'Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb'. Showcased versatility through multiple roles in 'The Party' and 'Being There'. Won a BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for 'I'm All Right Jack'.

Continue Reading

Wilfrid Noyce

Mountaineer and author of climbing literature
Born
December 31st, 1917 107 years ago
Died
July 24th, 1962 63 years ago — 44 years old

A prominent English mountaineer and author, contributed significantly to mountaineering literature and exploration. Played a key role in the first ascent of Makalu in 1955 as part of a British expedition. Authored several works on mountain climbing, including 'The Hard Road' which detailed personal experiences and the philosophy of climbing. Actively participated in numerous expeditions to the Himalayas and other regions, promoting the sport and sharing knowledge on climbing techniques and ethics.

Continue Reading

Fritz Albert Lipmann

Nobel Prize-winning biochemist
Born
June 12th, 1899 126 years ago
Died
July 24th, 1986 39 years ago — 87 years old

Significant contributions were made to the understanding of energy transfer in biological systems. Developed the concept of coenzymes and discovered adenosine triphosphate (ATP) as a major energy carrier in cells. Held academic positions at renowned institutions, including Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1953 for research on the role of ATP in cellular metabolism.

Continue Reading