Maud Menten
Canadian physician and biochemist
Contributions to biochemistry included work on enzyme kinetics and histochemistry. Collaborated with Leonor Michaelis to describe the Michaelis-Menten equation, a foundational principle in enzyme kinetics. Menten's research also advanced understanding of enzyme reactions and tissue staining techniques. Held a faculty position at the University of Toronto and published many scientific papers throughout a career spanning several decades.
Co-developed the Michaelis-Menten equation
Pioneered techniques in histochemistry
Contributed to advancement of enzyme kinetics
Other People Born on March 20th
Jack Barry
Game show host and producer
Born
March 20th, 1918 108 years ago
Died
May 2nd, 1984 42 years ago — 66 years old
Co-founded Barry & Enright Productions, a successful television production company. Hosted several popular game shows including 'The Joker's Wild' and 'Twenty-One'. Played a significant role in the game show genre of the 20th century. Contributed to the format and creation of many television programs, impacting the landscape of entertainment programming during his era.
Continue ReadingGerhard Barkhorn
German Luftwaffe pilot, fighter ace
Born
March 20th, 1919 107 years ago
Died
January 8th, 1983 43 years ago — 63 years old
Served as a general and fighter pilot in the German Luftwaffe during World War II. Achieved significant success in aerial combat, becoming one of the top German aces of the war. Barkhorn flew numerous missions on the Eastern Front, demonstrating effectiveness in dogfights and contributing to air superiority for German forces. Post-war, faced challenges as a prisoner of war before eventually resuming a career in aviation and becoming involved in private industry.
Continue ReadingAmalie Sara Colquhoun
Landscape and portrait painter
Born
March 20th, 1894 132 years ago
Died
June 16th, 1974 52 years ago — 80 years old
Born in 1894, significant contributions to Australian art were made through landscape and portrait painting. Colquhoun studied at prestigious institutions and developed a unique style that captured the essence of the Australian landscape and the human form. Works were displayed in numerous exhibitions, gaining recognition in artistic circles. Life-long dedication to painting highlighted a commitment to the craft, with many pieces remaining influential in Australian art history.
Continue ReadingOzzie Nelson
American bandleader and actor
Born
March 20th, 1906 120 years ago
Died
June 3rd, 1975 51 years ago — 69 years old
Bandleader and actor gained fame through the radio and television series The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet. Featured prominently alongside wife Harriet Hilliard and sons David and Ricky in the show. The series ran from 1952 to 1966, becoming one of the longest-running sitcoms in American television history. Throughout the show's duration, maintained a successful music career while contributing to the television landscape of the era.
Continue ReadingHeinrich Clauren
German author of romantic novels
Born
March 20th, 1771 255 years ago
Died
August 2nd, 1854 171 years ago — 83 years old
An influential German author contributed significantly to the romantic literature of the early 19th century. Clauren's works often blended elements of fantasy and adventure with emotional and moral dilemmas. His most notable work, 'Die Geister', exemplified the gothic and romantic themes prevalent in his writing. He engaged with contemporary literary movements and was admired for his storytelling abilities. His writings not only entertained but also reflected the values and concerns of his time, appealing to a broad audience across Europe. Clauren's contributions to literature helped shape the evolving narrative styles of the Romantic period.
Continue ReadingJay Ingram
Canadian television host and author
Born
March 20th, 1945 81 years ago
Hosted the long-running science television program, 'Daily Planet', airing on the Discovery Channel. Authored several books on science and popular science topics. Contributed to science communication in Canada through public speaking and writing.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on July 17th
Dizzy Dean
Baseball player and sportscaster
Born
January 16th, 1910 116 years ago
Died
July 17th, 1974 51 years ago — 64 years old
Played as a pitcher in Major League Baseball, primarily for the St. Louis Cardinals. Achieved significant success in the 1930s, earning the National League Most Valuable Player Award in 1934. Known for his distinctive personality and entertaining style, transitioned to a career in broadcasting after retiring from professional baseball.
Continue ReadingEkaterina Alexandrovskaya
Pair skater, World Junior Champion
Born
2000 26 years ago
Died
July 17th, 2020 5 years ago — 20 years old
Competed in pair skating for Australia after switching from representing Russia. Achieved significant success as part of a competitive figure skating partnership. Won the World Junior Figure Skating Championships in 2017. Excelled in international competitions, contributing to the visibility of pair skating in Australia. Represented Australia at various global events, including the ISU Grand Prix series.
Continue ReadingJules Bianchi
Formula One race car driver
Born
August 3rd, 1989 36 years ago
Died
July 17th, 2015 10 years ago — 25 years old
A French race car driver competed in Formula One for the Marussia team from 2013 to 2015. Bianchi had a successful career in lower racing categories, winning the Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup and the FIA Formula 2 Championship. His time in Formula One was marked by notable performances, including a remarkable 9th place finish at the 2014 Monaco Grand Prix. Tragically, an accident at the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix led to severe injuries, resulting in his death in 2015 after a long hospitalization.
Continue ReadingBernice Johnson Reagon
American singer-songwriter and activist
Born
October 4th, 1942 83 years ago
Died
July 17th, 2024 1 years ago — 81 years old
A significant figure in American music and social justice, contributed to the civil rights movement through song and leadership. Founder of the vocal group Sweet Honey in the Rock, which became a prominent ensemble performing African American spirituals and contemporary music. Worked with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) during the civil rights movement, advocating for social change and equality. Developed a career combining music and activism, utilizing song as a tool for education and social justice.
Continue ReadingChas Chandler
Bass player and producer, The Animals
Born
December 18th, 1938 87 years ago
Died
July 17th, 1996 29 years ago — 57 years old
Born in 1938, played bass for the rock band The Animals, contributing to the band's success in the 1960s. The group achieved significant popularity with hits such as 'House of the Rising Sun.' After leaving the band, entered the production field and managed notable acts, including Jimi Hendrix, helping to shape Hendrix's early career and sound. Chandler's influence extended beyond performance into the music production realm, where he played a crucial role in developing some iconic records during the late 1960s.
Continue ReadingVan Miller
American sportscaster and announcer
Born
1927 99 years ago
Died
July 17th, 2015 10 years ago — 88 years old
A prominent voice in sports broadcasting, specializiing in American football play-by-play commentary. Served as the voice of the Buffalo Bills for several decades, providing coverage of numerous seasons in the National Football League (NFL). Gained recognition for unique style and deep knowledge of the game. Enjoyed a long career that spanned over 40 years in the industry, contributing to various local and national broadcasts. Also hosted a radio show focusing on sports news and analysis.
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