Paul Bowles
Composer and author, wrote 'The Sheltering Sky'
An American composer and author, worked in various artistic fields. Best recognized for the novel 'The Sheltering Sky', which explores themes of existentialism and cultural displacement. Created a unique musical style that blended traditional Western classical music with various world influences. Lived in Morocco for much of his life, which heavily influenced his writing and compositions.
Wrote 'The Sheltering Sky'
Composed 'Sonatine for Flute and Piano'
Other People Born on December 30th
Ōzutsu Man'emon
Japanese sumo wrestler, 18th Yokozuna
Born
December 30th, 1869 155 years ago
Died
May 27th, 1918 107 years ago — 48 years old
Born in 1869, a prominent sumo wrestler achieved the rank of Yokozuna, becoming one of the most respected figures in the sport. Competed in the late 19th century, participated in numerous tournaments, and garnered significant recognition for wrestling prowess. Emerged as a leader in the sumo community and contributed to the traditions of the sport. Retired from active competition and lived a life that influenced subsequent generations of wrestlers.
Continue ReadingAlison McGovern
British politician and MP
Born
December 30th, 1980 44 years ago
Served as a Member of Parliament for St Helens South and Whiston since 2010. Engaged in various parliamentary roles and advocated for numerous policies relating to education and social justice. Worked within the Labour Party, contributing to party strategies and local initiatives. Participated in discussions on women's rights and the welfare system, influencing legislative processes.
Continue ReadingElmira Minita Gordon
Belizean educator and psychologist
Born
December 30th, 1930 94 years ago
Died
January 1st, 2021 4 years ago — 90 years old
Educational contributions included serving as the first female president of the University of Belize. Worked extensively in the field of psychology, focusing on education and mental health. Authored several publications aimed at improving educational practices in Belize. Advocated for the rights of students and the promotion of mental health awareness within the community.
Continue ReadingGianni Zuiverloon
Dutch footballer and defender
Born
December 30th, 1986 38 years ago
This individual was a professional football defender. He started his career at SC Heerenveen, making a significant impact in the Eredivisie. Later, he played for clubs such as West Bromwich Albion in the English Premier League and various teams in the Netherlands and abroad. His playing style combined strong defensive skills with the capability to join in attacks from the back. After his time in the higher divisions, he continued his career in lower leagues before transitioning into retirement.
Continue ReadingCédric Carrasso
French footballer and goalkeeper
Born
December 30th, 1981 43 years ago
A professional footballer played as a goalkeeper. Started career at Bordeaux, contributing to the team's success in domestic and European competitions. Later played for various clubs including Toulouse and Marseille. Represented the French national team in international competitions.
Continue ReadingKevin Systrom
Co-founder of Instagram, Tech Entrepreneur
Born
December 30th, 1983 41 years ago
Co-founded Instagram in 2010, a photo and video sharing social networking service. The platform gained rapid popularity, leading to its acquisition by Facebook in 2012 for approximately $1 billion. Led the development of features such as filters and stories, which significantly influenced social media trends. Served as CEO until 2018, focusing on product development and user engagement. Played a crucial role in shaping the mobile photography culture and social media landscape.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on November 18th
Gustáv Husák
Slovak politician, 9th President of Czechoslovakia
Born
January 10th, 1913 112 years ago
Died
November 18th, 1991 34 years ago — 78 years old
Served as the 9th President of Czechoslovakia from 1975 to 1989. Played a significant role in the socialist government and was a member of the Communist Party. Held the position of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Slovakia. Participated in the Prague Spring of 1968, later leading to his temporary removal from power during the Warsaw Pact invasion. Eventually returned to prominence, shaping the political landscape until the fall of communism in central Europe.
Continue ReadingJonah Lomu
Rugby Union player, Rugby World Cup star
Born
May 12th, 1975 50 years ago
Died
November 18th, 2015 10 years ago — 40 years old
A renowned rugby union player from New Zealand, Lomu rose to prominence in the 1990s. He played for the All Blacks, debuting in 1994 and quickly becoming a significant figure in the sport. His performance in the 1995 Rugby World Cup, noted for his incredible speed and power, particularly during the semi-final match against England, established his legacy and transformed how wingers approached the game. Lomu's combination of size and agility redefined the expectations for players in that position. After a career impacted by health challenges, he retired from international rugby in 2002 but remained influential in the sport until his passing in 2015.
Continue ReadingFreddie Fitzsimmons
Baseball player and coach for the Giants
Born
July 28th, 1901 124 years ago
Died
November 18th, 1979 46 years ago — 78 years old
A professional baseball player, coach, and manager, this individual played as a right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball. Debuting in 1925, contributions were primarily with the New York Giants. Transitioning into coaching, this figure influenced the game as a batting coach for several teams, including the Chicago Cubs and the New York Mets, and managed at the minor league level. The individual also served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, balancing military service with a sports career.
Continue ReadingIvane Javakhishvili
Georgian historian and academic
Born
April 11th, 1876 149 years ago
Died
November 18th, 1940 85 years ago — 64 years old
Contributed to the study of Georgian history and culture. Focused on the medieval period and the development of the Georgian state. Served as a professor, emphasizing the importance of historical research. Established significant historical works that laid the foundation for future studies in the region.
Continue ReadingLouis Philippe I
Duke of Orléans and French King
Born
May 12th, 1725 300 years ago
Died
November 18th, 1785 240 years ago — 60 years old
Born in 1725, Louis Philippe I became Duke of Orléans and later King of the French from 1830 to 1848. He was a member of the House of Orléans, a cadet branch of the Bourbon family. His reign followed the July Revolution, which resulted in the overthrow of Charles X. During his time as king, efforts were made to modernize France's economy and infrastructure. He abdicated during the February Revolution in 1848, leading to the end of the July Monarchy.
Continue ReadingJacques Anquetil
Cyclist and Tour de France champion
Born
January 8th, 1934 91 years ago
Died
November 18th, 1987 38 years ago — 53 years old
A prominent cyclist, achieved significant success during the 1950s and 1960s primarily in road racing. Anquetil was the first cyclist to win the Tour de France five times, with victories in 1957, 1961, 1962, 1963, and 1964. Known for his time trialing abilities and tactful racing style, he contributed to the evolution of cycling strategy during stage races. In addition to his Tour de France titles, Anquetil claimed multiple victories in one-day races and other multi-stage events, establishing a legacy in the sport of cycling. His achievements placed him among the elite figures in competitive cycling history.
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