Molière

French playwright and actor of comedy

Molière - French playwright and actor of comedy
Born

January 15th, 1622
403 years ago

Died

February 17th, 1673
352 years ago — 51 years old

Category

Artists & Creatives

Country

France

Links & References

A prominent figure in French literature, this individual established a legacy as a playwright and actor during the 17th century. His works often presented biting social commentary wrapped in humor. Many of his plays challenged societal norms and are still performed today. He founded the Illustre Théâtre in 1643, later becoming a leading actor in his own works. His most celebrated plays include 'Tartuffe', 'The Misanthrope', and 'Don Juan', which satirized hypocrisy and highlighted human follies. His impact on the development of comedic theatre remains significant.

Wrote 'Tartuffe'

Created 'The Misanthrope'

Acted in 'Don Juan'

Other People Born on January 15th

Joanne Linville

Actress known for Star Trek role
Born
January 15th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 93 years old

An American actress, active from the late 1940s, gained recognition for portraying the character of Narcissa in the iconic television series Star Trek in the episode titled "The Enterprise Incident." Additionally, appeared in guest roles on numerous television shows including The Twilight Zone, The Fugitive, and columbo. Also worked in theatre, particularly on Broadway. Voiced characters in animated series.

Continue Reading

Giovanni Segantini

Italian painter, creator of 'The Seasons'
Born
January 15th, 1858 167 years ago
Died
September 28th, 1899 125 years ago — 41 years old

An Italian painter, recognized for contributions to the Symbolist movement and known for the use of vibrant color and emotive subject matter. Spent significant time in the Alps, which influenced the landscapes portrayed in works. Emphasized themes of nature and the human experience, integrating symbolism and expressiveness. Some of the major paintings included 'The Seasons', which illustrates the cyclical nature of life, and 'Il Memoriale', reflecting on themes of death and spirituality. Segantini's unique approach to light and color established a noteworthy style within the late 19th-century art scene.

Continue Reading

Cliff Barker

Basketball player, 1947 NBA Champion
Born
January 15th, 1921 104 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 77 years old

Played professional basketball as a guard in the National Basketball Association. Contributed to the success of the New York Knicks during the late 1940s. Helped lead the Knicks to win the 1947 NBA Championship. Transitioned later to coaching and mentoring young athletes in the sport.

Continue Reading

Gene Krupa

Renowned American jazz drummer
Born
January 15th, 1909 116 years ago
Died
October 16th, 1973 51 years ago — 64 years old

An influential jazz drummer and bandleader, contributions to the music scene included pioneering the use of the drum set as a solo instrument. Achievements in the 1930s involved performances with Benny Goodman and leading his own band, known for energetic music that characterized the swing era. Composed several pieces, broadening the role of drums in jazz. Achieved notable fame through performances in films and recordings, contributing significantly to the popularization of jazz music.

Continue Reading

Margaret Beckett

Metallurgist and politician, Foreign Secretary
Born
January 15th, 1943 82 years ago

A prominent figure in British politics and metallurgy, served as Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs from 2006 to 2007. Started a career in metallurgy, contributing to advancements in the field before transitioning into politics. Elected as a Member of Parliament and held various ministerial roles, including Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Played a significant role in the Labour Party and influenced foreign policy during her tenure.

Continue Reading

Rex Ingram

Film director and producer of 'The Four Horsemen'
Born
January 15th, 1893 132 years ago
Died
1950 75 years ago — 57 years old

Born in Ireland, a film director, producer, writer, and actor. Ingram began directing silent films in the 1910s, gaining recognition for his work. He became a prominent figure in early Hollywood, particularly noted for directing 'The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse' in 1921, which was one of the first films to achieve great commercial success, contributing to the popularity of the medium. He also directed 'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' and 'The Magician,' which showcased his storytelling abilities. Venturing into both directing and acting, his work spanned several genres, leaving a mark on the silent film era before transitioning into sound films. Ingram's contributions to cinema, especially during its formative years, cemented his place in film history.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on February 17th

Grand Duke Sergei Alexandrovich of Russia

Grand Duke and Governor of Moscow
Born
1857 168 years ago
Died
February 17th, 1905 120 years ago — 48 years old

Fifth son and seventh child of Tsar Alexander II. Served as the Governor of Moscow and played a significant role in the administration of the city during a transformative period. Known for military service and involvement in the development of the Russian military infrastructure.

Continue Reading

Adolphe Quetelet

Belgian mathematician and social statistician
Born
February 22nd, 1796 229 years ago
Died
February 17th, 1874 151 years ago — 77 years old

A prominent figure in the development of social statistics and the study of human behavior, contributions included the establishment of the concept of 'l'homme moyen' or the average man. Utilized statistical methods to analyze social phenomena, influencing both sociology and demography. Founded the Belgian Statistical Society and authored several works that laid the groundwork for modern statistics. Worked on applications of statistical analysis in various fields, emphasizing the importance of data in understanding societal trends.

Continue Reading

Al-Tabari

Persian scholar and historical writer
Died
February 17th, 923 1102 years ago — None years old

Born in 839, this scholar made significant contributions to history and exegesis. His major work, 'History of Prophets and Kings,' is an extensive chronicle of Islamic history and provides valuable insights into early Islamic society and events. The scholar also wrote a renowned commentary on the Quran, which has been influential in the field of Islamic studies. His works were widely used by later historians and scholars.

Continue Reading

Tony Phillips

Baseball player and coach
Born
April 25th, 1959 66 years ago
Died
February 17th, 2016 9 years ago — 56 years old

Career spanned from 1982 to 1999 as a versatile utility player in Major League Baseball. Played for several teams including the Chicago White Sox, Oakland Athletics, and Detroit Tigers. Contributed significantly during the Athletics' 1989 World Series championship run. Transitioned to coaching after retirement, focusing on developing young talent.

Continue Reading

Andy Ganteaume

Trinidadian cricketer and record holder
Born
1921 104 years ago
Died
February 17th, 2016 9 years ago — 95 years old

A Trinidadian cricketer, made significant contributions to the sport during a career that spanned from the late 1940s to the early 1950s. Played first-class cricket for Trinidad and participated in a single Test match for the West Indies in 1948 against England. Recorded a batting average of 112 in Test cricket, which remains one of the highest averages in the format's history. Post-retirement, engaged in various administrative roles within cricket, promoting the game at the grassroots level.

Continue Reading

Wilfrid Laurier

Canadian Prime Minister and lawyer
Born
November 20th, 1841 183 years ago
Died
February 17th, 1919 106 years ago — 77 years old

Served as the 7th Prime Minister of Canada from 1896 to 1911. Led the country during a time of significant national growth and fostered the expansion of Canadian confederation. Advocated for a liberal and progressive vision of Canada, promoting immigration and economic development. His government implemented policies expanding railways and offered support for the growth of the west. Laurier also played a crucial role in navigating Canada's relationship with Britain and the United States during his tenure.

Continue Reading