Ólafur Thors
Icelandic lawyer and Prime Minister
Born
January 19th, 1892
133 years ago
Died
December 31st, 1964
60 years ago — 72 years old
Category
Leaders & Politicians
Country
Iceland
Links & References
A prominent figure in Icelandic politics, served as Prime Minister during two non-consecutive terms from 1954 to 1956 and from 1963 to 1965. Played a significant role in shaping post-war Icelandic society and governance. Additionally, held various ministerial positions throughout the political career, including Minister of Justice and Minister of Fisheries. Contributed to the development of Iceland’s legal framework and international relations.
Served as Prime Minister of Iceland
Held the position of Minister of Justice
Served as Minister of Fisheries
Other People Born on January 19th
Damien Chazelle
A prominent film director, screenwriter, and producer emerged in the 2010s. Gained recognition for crafting narratives that blend music and emotion. Created the critically acclaimed film 'Whiplash', which explored the relationship between a young drummer and a demanding music instructor. Subsequently directed 'La La Land', a musical that received multiple awards, including six Academy Awards. His films often explore themes of ambition and sacrifice.
Continue ReadingHarry Lonsdale
A chemist and businessman who served as a member of the Oregon State House of Representatives. Engaged in initiatives related to public health and environmental policy, contributing to legislative developments during the 1980s. Also involved in various business ventures in the chemical industry, influencing both science and commerce. Advocated for sustainable practices and education within the community.
Continue ReadingSophie Taeuber-Arp
Significant contributions were made to the Dada movement and abstract art. Worked in various media, including painting, sculpture, and textile design. Co-founded the group 'L'Esprit Nouveau', advocating for modern art. Created notable works such as 'Composition with Squares' and textile works that incorporated geometric shapes into fabric design. Engaged in creating stage designs and costumes, notably for the ballet 'Mercure'.
Continue ReadingJavier Pérez de Cuéllar
A prominent Peruvian diplomat and politician, served as the 135th Prime Minister of Peru from 1980 to 1985. Held the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1981 to 1991, where significant initiatives included conflict resolution efforts in various regions. Played a crucial role in peace negotiations related to the Iran-Iraq War and the Namibia conflict. Also served as ambassador to France and has been involved in various international diplomatic efforts throughout a lengthy career.
Continue ReadingJanis Joplin
Born in Port Arthur, Texas, a prominent figure in the 1960s music scene emerged with a distinctive voice and emotional delivery. Rose to fame as the lead singer of Big Brother and the Holding Company, especially with the hit 'Piece of My Heart.' Pursued a solo career, releasing acclaimed albums including 'Cheap Thrills' and 'Pearl.' An influential performer, often associated with the counterculture movement, played an integral role in the Monterey Pop Festival and Woodstock. Joplin's life was marked by struggles with substance abuse, and she tragically died at a young age, leaving a lasting legacy in rock music.
Continue ReadingSusan Solomon
Contributed significantly to understanding ozone depletion and climate change. Led the scientific efforts in the 1980s to investigate the Antarctic ozone hole, conducting field studies that provided critical data on atmospheric chemistry. The research led to the Montreal Protocol, which aimed to phase out ozone-depleting substances. Published numerous articles and reports that have shaped environmental policies and science regarding atmospheric changes.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on December 31st
Günter Rössler
A German photographer and journalist, primarily recognized for documentary and portrait photography. Focused on capturing everyday life and culture in post-war Germany, Rössler's photographic style provided an authentic representation of societal issues. Emerged in the 1950s and became a significant figure in German photography through extensive publication work and exhibitions. His endeavors contributed to a greater understanding of 20th-century German society.
Continue ReadingAbdullah Hussain
Contributed significantly to Malaysian literature through novels and essays. Gained prominence with literary works that explored themes of identity, culture, and history in Malaysia. Received accolades for contributions to Malay literature, including the prestigious Southeast Asia Write Award. His writings often reflected the complexities of modern Malaysian society, and he played a key role in the development of contemporary Malay narratives.
Continue ReadingArchibald Hoxsey
Born in 1884, a prominent American pilot contributed significantly to early aviation. Hoxsey participated in various air races and exhibitions, showcasing flying skills and aircraft capabilities. Recognized for pioneering techniques in aerobatics, he became one of the early advocates for aviation safety and efficiency. Notably, Hoxsey flew a challenging route in 1914, capturing attention for an unprecedented non-stop flight. His career influenced aircraft design and aerial navigation through insights gathered during flight experiences.
Continue ReadingLudolph van Ceulen
German-Dutch mathematician and academic contributed significantly to the field of mathematics, particularly in the calculation of pi. Van Ceulen spent a considerable portion of his life calculating the value of pi to 35 decimal places. This achievement was commemorated on his tombstone in St. Peter's Church in Leyden. He also authored several works on geometry and was a notable figure in the mathematical community during the 16th century. His work laid important groundwork for future developments in mathematics and numerical computation.
Continue ReadingAlan Cranston
Elected to the U.S. Senate representing California from 1969 to 1993. Played a role in significant legislation, including environmental and social justice issues. Authored several books on politics and social issues. Served as the Democratic National Committee Chairman and was active in various political organizations, promoting citizen participation in government.
Continue ReadingThomas Joannes Stieltjes
A mathematician with significant contributions to analysis and the theory of functions, Stieltjes worked extensively on integration and provided a generalization of the Riemann integral, now known as the Stieltjes integral. This framework facilitates the integration process for functions that are not easily handled by traditional methods. Additionally, his work on continued fractions helped advance the field of number theory. Stieltjes held academic positions in both his native Netherlands and France, influencing the study of mathematics in both countries.
Continue Reading