Michael William Balfe

Irish composer of opera 'The Bohemian Girl'

Michael William Balfe - Irish composer of opera 'The Bohemian Girl'
Born

May 15th, 1808
217 years ago

Died

October 20th, 1870
154 years ago — 62 years old

Category

Artists & Creatives

Country

Ireland

Links & References

An Irish composer and conductor contributed significantly to the world of opera during the 19th century. Established a successful career in London, where numerous works premiered. Most notable composition is 'The Bohemian Girl', first performed in 1843 at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Also composed other operas, including 'The Daughter of the Regiment' and 'The Crusaders'. Served as the conductor at various theaters and was deeply involved in the musical scene of his time. His works were characterized by melodic complexity and lyrical richness, earning popularity among audiences.

Composed the opera 'The Bohemian Girl'

Conducted at prominent theaters in London

Wrote over 30 operas and numerous orchestral works

Other People Born on May 15th

Segundo Castillo

Ecuadorian footballer, World Cup player
Born
May 15th, 1982 43 years ago

Born in Ecuador, a professional footballer played as a midfielder. Played for several clubs including El Nacional and Independiente del Valle. Gained international recognition by representing Ecuador in the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Had a successful club career in various leagues, including stints in Colombia and Mexico.

Continue Reading

Luis Monti

Footballer and manager, won World Cup
Born
May 15th, 1901 124 years ago
Died
1983 42 years ago — 82 years old

A prominent figure in football, played for Argentina and Italy, earning distinction in both national teams. Monti competed in the 1930 FIFA World Cup, contributing to Argentina's runner-up finish. Later, represented Italy in the 1934 World Cup, where the team secured victory. Transitioned to management after his playing career, leading various clubs and contributing to the development of football tactics.

Continue Reading

Laura Harvey

Football coach, NWSL Champion
Born
May 15th, 1985 40 years ago

A football coach with a focus on developing women's teams, started coaching at a young age. Managed the Seattle Reign FC in the National Women's Soccer League, leading the team to a championship title. Later appointed as head coach for the U.S. U-20 Women's National Team, contributing to its success on the international stage. Held coaching positions at various clubs, emphasizing growth in women's football and the development of youth players. Known for implementing tactical strategies that enhance team performance and player skills.

Continue Reading

Joseph Wiseman

Canadian-American actor in films
Born
May 15th, 1918 107 years ago
Died
October 19th, 2009 15 years ago — 91 years old

Born in Canada and later becoming a naturalized American, significant contributions to film and theater were made. Gained recognition for the role of Dr. No, the first James Bond villain, in the 1962 film of the same name. Featured in various stage productions throughout his career, showcasing a range of characters. Worked with numerous renowned directors and actors, earning a reputation for distinctive performances.

Continue Reading

Beau Scott

Rugby league player, NRL Premiership winner
Born
May 15th, 1984 41 years ago

A rugby league player who competed in the National Rugby League (NRL) primarily as a second-row forward. Played for the Newcastle Knights and the St. George Illawarra Dragons. Achieved significant success in the NRL, contributing to team dynamics and performance. Also represented Australia in international matches, showcasing skills on a global stage. Known for a robust playing style and commitment to the sport, becoming a respected figure in rugby league.

Continue Reading

James Mason

English Actor in 'North by Northwest'
Born
May 15th, 1909 116 years ago
Died
July 27th, 1984 41 years ago — 75 years old

An accomplished actor, producer, and screenwriter, gained prominence in the mid-20th century. Began his career in British theater and transitioned to cinema during the 1940s. Achieved recognition for performances in films such as 'The Man in Grey', 'A Star Is Born', and 'North by Northwest'. Earned extensive acclaim for his distinct voice and commanding screen presence. Worked in both British and American film industries, appearing in a variety of genres from drama to thrillers.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on October 20th

Arno Gruen

Psychologist and psychoanalyst
Born
1923 102 years ago
Died
October 20th, 2015 9 years ago — 92 years old

A psychologist and psychoanalyst with a focus on the relationship between society and the individual. Contributed to the understanding of the impact of social structures on human behavior and development. Published several books, emphasizing the importance of empathy and social responsibility. Explored themes of alienation and the psychological consequences of fascism, drawing from personal experiences in Nazi Germany.

Continue Reading

Richard Francis Burton

Geographer and explorer of Africa
Born
March 19th, 1821 204 years ago
Died
October 20th, 1890 134 years ago — 69 years old

Accomplishments included extensive exploration of Africa and the Middle East. In 1858, discovered the sources of the Nile River alongside John Hanning Speke. Worked as a soldier and diplomat, notably serving in various missions for the British Empire. Translated 'The Arabian Nights' into English, contributing significantly to Western understanding of Eastern literature. Conducted studies in anthropology and folklore, documenting languages and cultures encountered during travels.

Continue Reading

Steve Gaines

American singer-songwriter, guitar player
Born
September 14th, 1949 76 years ago
Died
October 20th, 1977 47 years ago — 28 years old

Born in 1949, this musician rose to prominence as a guitarist and songwriter in the southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. His contributions to the band's sound were significant during the early 1970s. He joined Lynyrd Skynyrd shortly before the release of their acclaimed album "Street Survivors". The album featured popular tracks that showcased his guitar skills and songwriting. Tragically, his career was cut short when he died in a plane crash in 1977, which also claimed the lives of several band members.

Continue Reading

Lydia Maria Child

American journalist and abolitionist
Born
February 11th, 1802 223 years ago
Died
October 20th, 1880 144 years ago — 78 years old

A prominent journalist, author, and activist, contributed significantly to social reform in the 19th century. Published a series of influential books, including 'Hobomok' in 1824, which was one of the first novels to depict Native American characters sympathetically. Actively campaigned against slavery and supported women's rights, writing extensively on both subjects. Served as editor for the influential magazine 'The National Anti-Slavery Standard' and was among the first to advocate for the rights of women and children. Her work laid the foundation for the abolitionist movement and she became a respected voice among reformers.

Continue Reading

Jane Wyatt

American actress, 'Father Knows Best'
Born
August 12th, 1910 115 years ago
Died
October 20th, 2006 18 years ago — 96 years old

An American actress, born in 1910, became prominent in film and television during the mid-20th century. Gained widespread recognition for the role of Margaret Anderson on the television series 'Father Knows Best', which aired from 1954 to 1960. Also appeared in films such as 'High Noon' and 'The Daughter of Rosie O'Grady'. Wyatt's work spanned several decades, showcasing versatility across various genres.

Continue Reading

E. Donnall Thomas

Physician, Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
Born
March 15th, 1920 105 years ago
Died
October 20th, 2012 12 years ago — 92 years old

E. Donnall Thomas was an American physician and academic who pioneered bone marrow transplantation as a treatment for leukemia and other blood disorders. This innovative approach has led to significant advancements in the field of hematology. Thomas conducted extensive research that established the techniques necessary for successful transplants and developed immunosuppressive regimens to help prevent organ rejection. His groundbreaking work earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1990, which he shared with Joseph E. Murray for their contributions to organ transplantation.

Continue Reading