Norman Taurog
Film director and screenwriter
Directed numerous films during a prolific career, contributing to the entertainment industry for over five decades. Taurog's work reflects a range of genres, with significant involvement in musicals and comedies. Directed the Elvis Presley films 'Jailhouse Rock' and 'Blue Hawaii', which became iconic in the rock and roll era. Served as a director for multiple successful films which achieved commercial success.
Directed 'Jailhouse Rock'
Directed 'Blue Hawaii'
Won Academy Award for Best Director
Other People Born on February 23rd
Allan McLeod Cormack
Physicist, Nobel Prize in Physiology
Born
February 23rd, 1924 101 years ago
Died
May 7th, 1998 27 years ago — 74 years old
Contributed to the development of computed tomography, a pivotal technique in medical imaging that allows for cross-sectional imaging of the body. Worked at Tufts University where significant research and advancements in x-ray technology were made. Collaborated with others to further improve imaging resolutions and techniques.
Continue ReadingKevin Connauton
Ice hockey player, Vancouver Canucks
Born
February 23rd, 1990 35 years ago
This athlete played professional ice hockey primarily in the National Hockey League (NHL), with stints at various teams including the Vancouver Canucks, Dallas Stars, and Arizona Coyotes. Career in the NHL began after being drafted in 2011. Competed in the league for several seasons, showcasing skills as a defenseman. In addition to the NHL, also played in the American Hockey League (AHL), contributing to the teams' defensive lines and earning recognition in junior hockey leagues.
Continue ReadingAziz Ansari
Comedian and actor from 'Parks and Recreation'
Born
February 23rd, 1983 42 years ago
Born in 1983, this individual is an American comedian, actor, producer, and screenwriter. He gained prominence through stand-up comedy and the television series 'Parks and Recreation' where he portrayed the character Tom Haverford. The individual also co-created and starred in the Netflix series 'Master of None', which earned critical acclaim and several awards, including Emmy Awards for writing. The comedic style often incorporates personal experiences, cultural observations, and social issues.
Continue ReadingAndrew Wiggins
Basketball player; NBA Champion
Born
February 23rd, 1995 30 years ago
Born in 1995, a Canadian basketball player achieved significant success in the NBA. Played for the Minnesota Timberwolves after being selected first overall in the 2014 NBA Draft. Demonstrated athleticism and skill as a forward. In 2022, contributed to the Golden State Warriors' victory in the NBA Championship. Participated in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, where the Canadian national team finished in fourth place.
Continue ReadingSamuel Pepys
English diarist and politician
Born
February 23rd, 1633 392 years ago
Died
May 26th, 1703 322 years ago — 70 years old
A prominent figure in 17th century England, he served as a Member of Parliament and held various government positions. The diary, started in 1660, documented daily life, significant events such as the Great Fire of London, and personal reflections. Pepys' meticulous accounts provide insights into the political and social life of the time, illustrating the evolution of London following the Restoration. The diary was kept until 1669, after which it was written in shorthand and remained unpublished for many years. His works are considered crucial primary sources for understanding the period.
Continue ReadingPaul Tibbets
American general and pilot of Enola Gay
Born
February 23rd, 1915 110 years ago
Died
November 1st, 2007 18 years ago — 92 years old
Served as a general in the United States Air Force. Played a critical role during World War II as a pilot and commanded the aircraft that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima in 1945. Tibbets was pivotal in the development of strategic bombing tactics. His career included various leadership roles in military operations post-war, influencing airpower doctrine.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on April 7th
Shimazu Tadatsune
Japanese daimyō of the Shimazu clan
Born
November 27th, 1576 449 years ago
Died
April 7th, 1638 387 years ago — 61 years old
Served as a daimyō during the early Edo period. Led the Shimazu clan's governance in Satsuma Province, significantly influencing the region's political landscape. Fostered the clan's military strength and supported the arts and culture in the region. Played a key role in the administration and consolidation of power within the clan, ensuring its prominence in Japanese feudal society.
Continue ReadingHarald Ertl
Race car driver and journalist
Born
August 31st, 1948 77 years ago
Died
April 7th, 1982 43 years ago — 33 years old
Competed in Formula One during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Participated in 29 Grands Prix, with a best finish of sixth place. Also worked as a journalist, providing insights and analysis on motorsport events. His tenure in racing was cut short by an untimely death in a plane crash.
Continue ReadingThomas D'Arcy McGee
Irish-Canadian politician and journalist
Born
April 13th, 1825 200 years ago
Died
April 7th, 1868 157 years ago — 42 years old
Born in Ireland, played a significant role in Canadian politics and journalism. Moved to Canada in 1842, where engagement in political affairs began. Advocated for the Confederation of Canada and served as a member of the Canadian Parliament. Contributed to numerous publications, particularly focusing on topics such as Irish nationalism and Canadian unity. McGee was assassinated in 1868, becoming a martyr for the cause of Canadian nationalism.
Continue ReadingMaria Doolaeghe
Flemish novelist and playwright
Born
October 25th, 1803 222 years ago
Died
April 7th, 1884 141 years ago — 80 years old
A prominent figure in 19th-century Flemish literature, contributed significantly with novels and plays that captured the social issues of the time. Doolaeghe's works often explored themes of personal struggle and societal norms. Among her contributions, the novel 'Het Leven van een Vrouw' gained attention for its poignant portrayal of women's lives. The influence extended beyond her writing as Doolaeghe also engaged in literary activism, fostering the development of Flemish as a literary language.
Continue ReadingDave Arneson
Game designer, co-created Dungeons & Dragons
Born
1947 78 years ago
Died
April 7th, 2009 16 years ago — 62 years old
A game designer specialized in tabletop role-playing games. Contributed significantly to the gaming industry by co-creating the seminal game Dungeons & Dragons alongside Gary Gygax. This game introduced innovative mechanics and storytelling elements that set the foundation for modern role-playing games. The first edition was published in 1974, capturing the imagination of countless players and influencing the development of future tabletop and video game genres. Arneson also worked on various other games and expansions, showcasing creativity in game design.
Continue ReadingDick Turpin
English criminal and highwayman
Born
1705 320 years ago
Died
April 7th, 1739 286 years ago — 34 years old
Active in the early 18th century, a notorious English highwayman gained infamy for robbery and violent crimes. Originally a butcher, transitioned to highway robbery, operating mainly in the countryside of England. Earned notoriety for a dramatic horseback ride from London to York, a distance of over 200 miles, accomplished in a single night. Captured and tried for murder and robbery, faced execution in 1739.
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