Michel Debré
French politician and Prime Minister
A prominent lawyer and politician, served as Prime Minister of France from 1959 to 1962. Played a significant role in drafting the Constitution of the Fifth Republic, which established a strong executive branch. Actively participated in the decolonization process, particularly in Algeria, and emphasized modernization in national policies.
Served as Prime Minister of France from 1959 to 1962
Drafted the Constitution of the Fifth Republic
Other People Born on January 15th
Victor Rasuk
American actor in 'Raising Victor Vargas'
Born
January 15th, 1984 41 years ago
An actor specialized in film and television roles. Rose to prominence with the lead role in the 2002 film 'Raising Victor Vargas'. Appeared in the TV series 'Breaking Bad' and 'How to Make It in America'. In 2015, starred in the film 'Godzilla' as a key supporting character. Often represented the experiences and challenges faced by young Latino men in America. Has participated in various independent films, showcasing a range of characters.
Continue ReadingMuhammad Wakkas
Bangladeshi teacher and parliamentarian
Born
January 15th, 1952 73 years ago
Died
March 31st, 2021 4 years ago — 69 years old
Born in 1952, a notable figure in Bangladeshi education and politics. Served as a teacher and held a significant role in parliament as a member of the Awami League. Engaged in various educational initiatives aimed at improving literacy and access to education in Bangladesh. Contributed to legislative discussions and policies affecting the educational sector in the country.
Continue ReadingWilliam R. Higgins
American colonel, military officer
Born
January 15th, 1945 80 years ago
Died
1990 35 years ago — 45 years old
Born in 1945, served as a colonel in the United States Army. Played a significant role during the Lebanon crisis in the 1980s. Assigned to lead a multinational peacekeeping mission in Beirut, overseeing U.S. military operations and coordination with allied forces. Captured by Hezbollah in 1988 while conducting a mission, and unfortunately, was later declared deceased. His service contributed to discussions regarding military engagements in complex geopolitical conflicts.
Continue ReadingPavle Kozjek
Slovenian mountaineer and photographer
Born
January 15th, 1959 66 years ago
Died
2008 17 years ago — 49 years old
Accomplished in mountaineering, engaged in numerous expeditions across challenging terrains. Contributed to the field of outdoor photography, capturing images of mountains and climbers. Participated in significant climbs in the Himalayas and the Alps, documenting the culture and environment around these areas. Worked on various photography projects that emphasized the beauty and challenges of climbing.
Continue ReadingRuby Laffoon
American politician, 43rd Governor of Kentucky
Born
January 15th, 1869 156 years ago
Died
1941 84 years ago — 72 years old
A lawyer and politician served as the 43rd Governor of Kentucky from 1931 to 1935. During the tenure, focused on economic development and infrastructure improvements in the state. His administration faced the challenges of the Great Depression, implementing policies aimed at relief and recovery for Kentucky's citizens.
Continue ReadingMartin Petrov
Bulgarian footballer and winger
Born
January 15th, 1979 46 years ago
A professional footballer with a career spanning over a decade, played primarily as a winger. Began the professional journey in 1995 with Pirin Blagoevgrad. Made a significant impact in European leagues, including stints in the English Premier League with Manchester City and in La Liga with Deportivo de La Coruña. Represented the Bulgarian national team, earning over 90 caps and participating in major international tournaments.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on August 2nd
Jacques-Étienne Montgolfier
Inventor of the hot air balloon
Born
1745 280 years ago
Died
August 2nd, 1799 226 years ago — 54 years old
Co-invented the hot air balloon alongside his brother Joseph-Michel. The first successful flight of their invention took place on September 19, 1783, in Annonay, France, achieving an altitude of approximately 3,000 feet. The Montgolfier brothers demonstrated their invention publicly, which captured the imagination of audiences and laid the groundwork for future developments in aeronautics. Their contributions significantly advanced the field of flight, marking a pivotal moment in the history of aviation.
Continue ReadingRobert Campbell of Glenlyon
Scottish soldier and politician
Born
1630 395 years ago
Died
August 2nd, 1696 329 years ago — 66 years old
Served as a Scottish soldier and politician in the late 17th century. Participated in military campaigns during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. Engaged in conflicts involving the Scottish Highlands, including significant battles in which he led troops. Played a role in local governance and land ownership in Scotland, reflecting the complexities of Scots society during this period. His family lineage had ties to the Campbell clan, which further influenced his legacy in Scottish history. Died in 1696, leaving behind a historical context of his military and political endeavors.
Continue ReadingLazare Carnot
French general and mathematician
Born
May 13th, 1753 272 years ago
Died
August 2nd, 1823 202 years ago — 70 years old
A military leader, mathematician, and politician, served as a general during the French Revolutionary Wars. Contributed significantly to military engineering and logistics. Held the position of French Minister of the Interior, overseeing administrative reforms. Actively participated in the establishment of the Consulate and played a role in the political developments of France during the late 18th century.
Continue ReadingJean-Pierre Melville
French film director and screenwriter
Born
October 20th, 1917 108 years ago
Died
August 2nd, 1973 52 years ago — 55 years old
A prominent figure in French cinema, contributions included directing influential films during the post-war era. Established a unique style that fused American noir with French storytelling, leading to the emergence of the 'nouvelle vague' movement. Key works included 'Le Samouraï', which showcased minimalistic dialogue and strong visual storytelling, and 'Les Enfants Terribles', an adaptation of Jean Cocteau's novel. Additionally, founded his own production company, which allowed for creative freedom in filmmaking.
Continue ReadingWallace Stevens
American poet and Pulitzer Prize winner
Born
October 2nd, 1879 146 years ago
Died
August 2nd, 1955 70 years ago — 75 years old
Born in 1879, a prominent American poet whose work bridged the gap between modernism and traditional forms. Employed as an insurance executive while creating a significant body of poetry, focusing on themes of imagination and reality. The collection 'Harmonium,' published in 1923, established a lasting reputation. Received the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1955 for 'The Collected Poems of Wallace Stevens.' His poetry often employs vivid imagery and philosophical undertones, contributing to discussions on aesthetics and the role of imagination in life.
Continue ReadingPope Stephen I
Pope and early Christian martyr
Died
August 2nd, 257 1768 years ago — None years old
Served as Pope from 254 to 257, leading the early Christian Church during a time of persecution under Emperor Valerian. Advocated for the legitimacy of baptism performed by heretics, emphasizing its importance for salvation. His papacy was marked by the establishment of key doctrines that would influence the Church's teachings. Martyrdom occurred during the Valerian persecution, securing a legacy as a holy figure in Christian history.
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