Melvyn Douglas
American actor with two Academy Awards
Born
Died
Category
Performers & Entertainers
Country
United States
Links & References
Born in 1901, an American actor achieved prominence in film and theater. Featured in notable films including 'Ninotchka' and 'Hud', which garnered critical acclaim. Received two Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor for 'The Terminal' and 'Hud'. His career spanned several decades, marked by a transition from stage to screen, and includes a significant presence in Broadway productions.
Won Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for 'Hud'
Won Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for 'Being There'
Starred in 'Ninotchka' along with Greta Garbo
Other People Born on April 5th
Jean-Honoré Fragonard
French painter renowned for Rococo art
Born
April 5th, 1732 293 years ago
Died
August 22nd, 1806 219 years ago — 74 years old
A prominent painter and etcher, worked primarily during the Rococo period in France. Fragonard studied under François Boucher and became famous for his dynamic compositions and vibrant colors. His artwork often depicted romantic and playful themes. Major pieces include 'The Swing', 'The Progress of Love', and 'The Reader'. Fragonard’s style epitomized the essence of 18th-century French art, showcasing elegance and frivolity in the midst of societal change due to the approaching Enlightenment.
Continue ReadingArthur Hailey
Author of airport thriller novels
Born
April 5th, 1920 105 years ago
Died
November 24th, 2004 21 years ago — 84 years old
Born in 1920, this English-Canadian soldier served in the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II. After the war, this individual transitioned to a writing career, producing a series of best-selling novels primarily set in high-stakes environments. Major works included 'Airport,' which provided an in-depth view of the operations at a busy airport, and 'Hotel,' focusing on the intricacies of a hotel management. The writing style combined meticulous research with gripping narratives, resulting in widespread readership and commercial success.
Continue ReadingNigel Hawthorne
Actor acclaimed for 'The Madness of King George'
Born
April 5th, 1929 96 years ago
Died
December 26th, 2001 24 years ago — 72 years old
An English actor and producer, gained prominence for performances in theater and film. Achieved success with roles in various productions, particularly in the film 'The Madness of King George' as King George III. Also starred in the television series 'Yes Minister' and its sequel 'Yes, Prime Minister'. His career spanned several decades during which he received critical acclaim and multiple award nominations, including two BAFTA Awards for Best Actor in a Leading Role. Contributed significantly to both stage and screen, leaving a lasting legacy in the performing arts.
Continue ReadingWonjong of Goryeo
24th ruler of Goryeo dynasty
Born
April 5th, 1219 806 years ago
Died
1274 752 years ago — 55 years old
Ruled as the 24th king of the Goryeo dynasty, serving from 1259 to 1274. His reign was marked by significant military challenges, particularly from the Mongol invasions. Focused on stabilizing the kingdom during turbulent times, efforts included strengthening defenses and managing diplomatic relations. Adapted administrative practices to cope with the realities of Mongol suzerainty, often balancing the interests of various factions within Goryeo. His reign witnessed the introduction of certain cultural elements influenced by Mongol contact, impacting the societal fabric of the kingdom.
Continue ReadingMargravine Elisabeth Sophie of Brandenburg
Margravine of Brandenburg and patroness
Born
April 5th, 1674 351 years ago
Died
1748 278 years ago — 74 years old
Born in 1674, a member of the House of Hohenzollern, held the title of Margravine of Brandenburg and exercised influence in cultural and religious matters. Played a significant role in the promotion of arts and sciences in the region. Known for the construction of the Schönhausen Palace and her contributions to the development of educational institutions. Her court became a center for intellectual discourse, attracting noted thinkers and artists.
Continue ReadingSergey Chaplygin
Physicist and mathematician in fluid mechanics
Born
April 5th, 1869 156 years ago
Died
October 8th, 1942 83 years ago — 73 years old
Specialized in theoretical fluid mechanics and gas dynamics, made significant contributions to the mathematical description of airflows and fluid behavior. Developed the Chaplygin gas model, which is integral to cosmology and the understanding of dark energy. Worked as a professor at several universities, influencing future generations of engineers and physicists. Contributed to the field of aerodynamics through research and publication, particularly during the early 20th century.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on August 4th
Henry I of France
King of France; established royal authority
Born
1008 1018 years ago
Died
August 4th, 1060 965 years ago — 52 years old
Ruled as King of France from 1031 until death in 1060. Focused on consolidating royal power in a period marked by fragmentation and conflicts among nobility. Strengthened ties with the Church and promoted monastic reforms. Played a significant role in the early stages of the Capetian dynasty's development.
Continue ReadingSamuel J. Tilden
American lawyer and Governor of New York
Born
February 9th, 1814 211 years ago
Died
August 4th, 1886 139 years ago — 72 years old
Served as the 28th Governor of New York from 1874 to 1876. Acted as a key figure in the Democratic Party, particularly during the contentious 1876 presidential election. His efforts in political reform included a campaign against the corruption prevalent in the Tammany Hall political machine. Played a significant role in the constitutional crisis that followed the disputed election results, which remains a pivotal moment in U.S. history.
Continue ReadingZe'ev Jabotinsky
Journalist and military theorist
Born
October 18th, 1880 145 years ago
Died
August 4th, 1940 85 years ago — 59 years old
Born in 1880, this individual was a prominent figure in the Zionist movement, advocating for Jewish self-defense and the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine. Jabotinsky established the Jewish Self-Defense Organization in response to anti-Semitic violence. A journalist and writer, he founded the Hebrew-language newspaper 'HaShiloach'. His political ideology, termed Revisionist Zionism, emphasized the need for a strong military presence in the Jewish community. Jabotinsky also served as a general during World War I, leading efforts to recruit Jewish volunteers for the Allied forces. His influential writings on military strategy further cemented his legacy as a significant thinker in both Jewish and military affairs.
Continue ReadingWenceslaus III of Bohemia
King of Bohemia and Hungary, 1301-1306
Born
October 6th, 1289 736 years ago
Died
August 4th, 1306 719 years ago — 16 years old
Wenceslaus III served as King of Bohemia from 1305 until his death in 1306. He also became King of Hungary in 1301. His reign was marked by the turbulent political conditions of the region, including conflicts with neighboring powers and internal strife. Wenceslaus III was the last ruler of the Přemyslid dynasty. His death in 1306 led to a power vacuum and contributed to the eventual decline of the dynasty's influence in Central Europe.
Continue ReadingAdam Duncan
Admiral and British naval commander
Born
July 1st, 1731 294 years ago
Died
August 4th, 1804 221 years ago — 73 years old
Born in 1731, an admiral served the British Royal Navy during the late 18th century. Commanded forces at the Battle of Camperdown in 1797, achieving a decisive victory against the Dutch fleet during the French Revolutionary Wars. This victory significantly strengthened British naval supremacy and led to the capture of numerous enemy ships. Elevated to the title of Viscount Duncan in 1800, his contributions to naval warfare were recognized with various honors throughout his career.
Continue ReadingVictor Mature
American Film Actor, 'The Robe'
Born
January 29th, 1913 113 years ago
Died
August 4th, 1999 26 years ago — 86 years old
An American actor made significant contributions to the film industry during the mid-20th century, particularly noted for works in biblical epics and dramas. Achieved prominence in the 1940s and 1950s, frequently collaborating with prestigious directors and featuring in major productions. Gained attention for performance in 'The Robe', considered one of the first CinemaScope films, and 'Ben-Hur', both of which showcased his leading man appeal. Additionally appeared in films such as 'My Darling Clementine' and 'Kiss of Death', demonstrating versatility across genres.
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