Octavio Paz
Mexican poet and Nobel Prize laureate

Born
March 31st, 1914
110 years ago
Died
April 19th, 1998
26 years ago — 84 years old
Category
Artists & Creatives
Country
Mexico
Links & References
Born in 1914, a prominent Mexican poet and diplomat made significant contributions to literature and culture. His poetry often explored themes of solitude, identity, and love, reflecting the complexities of Mexican society. As a diplomat, served in various capacities, enhancing Mexico's cultural relations globally. Received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1990, recognizing a lifetime of poetic exploration and prose that shaped contemporary literature. Authored several influential works, including 'The Labyrinth of Solitude' and 'Sunstone', establishing a unique voice in 20th-century literature.
Won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1990
Published 'The Labyrinth of Solitude'
Wrote 'Sunstone'
Served as Mexico's ambassador to France
Other People Born on March 31st
Jo-Lonn Dunbar
Played linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for the New Orleans Saints and other teams. Contributed to the Saints' Super Bowl XLIV victory in the 2009 season. Started his professional career after being signed as an undrafted free agent in 2009. Recorded various tackles and defensive statistics throughout his career, showcasing his skills in multiple seasons.
Continue ReadingAdele Tan
A sports shooter from Singapore, achieved recognition in the shooting sports discipline. Competed in various international competitions, showcasing exceptional skills in precision shooting. Participated in multiple ISSF World Cup events, and contributed to team successes in shooting championships.
Continue ReadingBam Childress
Played college football at the University of Michigan. Signed as an undrafted free agent with the New England Patriots in 2005. Competed as a wide receiver in the NFL and spent time on practice squads. Contributed to teams by providing depth in the receiving corps.
Continue ReadingRoy Andersson
A prominent Swedish director and screenwriter emerged in the film industry with a unique style marked by surrealistic visuals and thought-provoking themes. The early career included commercials and short films, leading to the acclaimed feature film 'Songs from the Second Floor' in 2000, which won the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival. This work showcased a blend of dark humor and societal critique. The notable film 'You, the Living' followed in 2007, further establishing a distinct narrative technique utilizing vignettes to explore human experiences. Andersson's commitment to crafting meticulously composed tableaux and focusing on existential themes earned recognition in the global cinema landscape.
Continue ReadingWilliam Lawrence Bragg
An Australian-English physicist, significant contributions were made to the field of X-ray crystallography. Work alongside father William Henry Bragg led to the development of Bragg's Law, which describes the reflection of X-rays from crystal surfaces. This foundational research established the scientific understanding of atomic structures and paved the way for advancements in various fields, including chemistry and biology. Bragg received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1915, becoming the youngest laureate at that time. Academic positions were held at several prestigious institutions, including the University of Adelaide and the University of Cambridge.
Continue ReadingEwan McGregor
Originally from Scotland, this actor gained prominence in the film industry during the late 1990s. Breakthrough role occurred in the film 'Trainspotting', which showcased a gritty narrative about addiction. Subsequently starred in major franchises, portraying the character Obi-Wan Kenobi in the 'Star Wars' prequel trilogy. Also received acclaim for performances in 'Moulin Rouge!' and 'The Impossible'. Beyond acting, ventured into directing, demonstrating versatility in the industry.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on April 19th
Steve Conway
A prominent British singer, active primarily in the 1940s, gained popularity through a series of hit recordings. Best recognized for a smooth vocal style, became an established figure in the music scene during the post-war era. Recorded numerous songs that resonated with audiences, particularly in the pop and traditional genres. His music often explored themes of love and longing, capturing the essence of the time.
Continue ReadingSpencer Gore
Competed as a tennis player and cricketer during the late 19th century. Secured the inaugural Wimbledon Championship in 1877, defeating William Marshall in the final. Played first-class cricket for teams including Surrey and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). Participated in several matches between 1874 and 1881. Contributed to the early development of both sports in England.
Continue ReadingBeardsley Ruml
An economist and statistician contributed to various fields, including fiscal policy and psychology. Oversaw the Federal Reserve Bank of New York as president and played a pivotal role in shaping monetary policy during the Great Depression. Advocated for tax policy reform and emphasized the importance of government spending to stimulate the economy. Authored influential papers on economic theory and was involved in several key initiatives to modernize economic practices in the United States.
Continue ReadingReginald Rose
A screenwriter and producer, contributed significantly to television and film. Rose's career began in the 1950s, writing for various television anthologies. The play '12 Angry Men' debuted in 1954 and was adapted into a highly acclaimed film in 1957, cementing its status as a classic in legal drama. In addition to this landmark work, Rose also wrote for popular television programs, including 'The Defenders' and 'The Twilight Zone'. His works often focused on social issues and moral dilemmas, earning recognition and prompting discussions around justice and human behavior. Rose received multiple awards throughout his career, including an Emmy Award and a prestigious Peabody Award, highlighting his influence on American dramatic storytelling.
Continue ReadingJ. G. Ballard
An English novelist, short story writer, and essayist, who explored themes of trauma, technology, and dystopia in the 20th century. Works include 'Empire of the Sun', which reflects on childhood during World War II, and 'Crash', which examines the collision of body and technology. Ballard's narratives are characterized by a unique blend of surrealism and science fiction, often set in near-future dystopian landscapes. His contributions to literature have received critical acclaim and have influenced a wide spectrum of writers and filmmakers.
Continue ReadingAntonio de Solís y Ribadeneyra
A prominent historian and playwright from Spain, contributions include the historical work 'Historia de la Conquista de México' which detailed the Spanish conquest and indigenous cultures in Mexico. Authored 'La historia de la conquista de México', which blended factual history with dramatic narratives. Also created plays that reflected Spanish culture and society during the 17th century.
Continue Reading