Paul Valéry
French poet and philosopher
A prominent figure in French literature, this poet and philosopher contributed significantly to the Symbolist movement. Initially trained in law, he pivoted to a literary career, gaining recognition for works such as "Le Cimetière marin" and essays on aesthetics and philosophy. His thoughts on consciousness and creativity have influenced literary and philosophical circles. He also served as a member of the Académie Française, reflecting his standing in French culture. Engaged with the ideas of modernism, his intellectual writings explore the nature of art and imagination.
Published the poetry collection 'Le Cimetière marin'
Wrote critical essays on aesthetics and philosophy
Elected to the Académie Française
Other People Born on October 30th
Edge
Professional wrestler and actor
Born
October 30th, 1973 52 years ago
A Canadian professional wrestler and actor, he gained prominence in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and starred in various television series. Achievements in wrestling include multiple World Heavyweight Championship reigns and a significant role in popularizing tag team wrestling. Also ventured into acting, featuring in shows such as 'Haven' and 'Vikings'.
Continue ReadingValli Lember-Bogatkina
Soviet Baltic states politician
Born
October 30th, 1921 104 years ago
Died
2016 10 years ago — 95 years old
Born in 1921, played a significant role in the political landscape of Estonia during the Soviet era. Active in organizing local governance and community initiatives, contributed to the establishment of various cultural and educational programs. Held various political positions, including serving as a member of the Supreme Soviet of the Estonian SSR, where legislative responsibilities included advancing the interests of the local populace. Engaged in various efforts to improve social policies within the Soviet framework.
Continue ReadingMichael Oakes
Footballer and manager in England
Born
October 30th, 1973 52 years ago
Played as a goalkeeper for clubs including Wolverhampton Wanderers and Cardiff City. Transitioned into management, taking roles at various lower league clubs. Development of young talent and tactical management were key focuses during coaching career.
Continue ReadingMiguel Hernández
Spanish poet and playwright
Born
October 30th, 1910 115 years ago
Died
March 28th, 1942 83 years ago — 31 years old
A prominent figure in 20th-century Spanish literature, focused on themes of love, nature, and social justice. His literary career was marked by the turmoil of the Spanish Civil War, during which many of his works were written. Hernández's poem collection, 'Perito en Lunas', showcased his mastery of metaphor and was published in 1937. His works faced censorship under the Franco regime, leading to imprisonment. Despite this, his poetry maintained a significant cultural legacy in Spain and beyond. His untimely death in 1942 occurred while he was incarcerated, but his influence continues to resonate in the Spanish literary canon.
Continue ReadingFred W. Friendly
Journalist and broadcaster for CBS News
Born
October 30th, 1915 110 years ago
Died
March 3rd, 1998 27 years ago — 82 years old
Worked in journalism and broadcasting, contributing significantly to the field of television news. Played a crucial role at CBS News as a producer for programs such as 'See It Now' and 'Face the Nation.' Focused on investigative reporting and brought critical issues to public attention during the 1950s and 1960s. Later served as President of PBS, promoting educational programming.
Continue ReadingPaul Pellisson
French lawyer and author
Born
October 30th, 1624 401 years ago
Died
February 7th, 1693 333 years ago — 68 years old
A prominent French lawyer and writer during the 17th century, played a significant role in the legal community of France. Authored several notable works that contributed to the field of law. Engaged in discussions on legal and political matters, influencing contemporary legal thought. His writings reflected the complexities of law during his time and enriched the intellectual landscape of France.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on July 20th
Dieter Moebius
Keyboard player and producer of krautrock
Born
January 16th, 1944 82 years ago
Died
July 20th, 2015 10 years ago — 71 years old
A keyboard player and producer contributed significantly to the krautrock genre. Collaborated with cluster and other notable musicians to create experimental electronic music. Co-founded the group Harmonia, which included influential figures in the genre. Released solo works and participated in various collaborations throughout a lengthy career, leaving a lasting legacy in electronic music and production.
Continue ReadingKhurshed Alam Khan
Indian politician, 2nd Governor of Goa
Born
1919 107 years ago
Died
July 20th, 2013 12 years ago — 94 years old
Held the position of the 2nd Governor of Goa from 2000 to 2005. Served in various political roles within the Indian National Congress. Participated in the Indian freedom struggle, actively engaging in movements against colonial rule. Played a significant role in state politics and governance during tenure as Governor.
Continue ReadingGavrila Derzhavin
Russian poet and statesman
Born
July 14th, 1743 282 years ago
Died
July 20th, 1816 209 years ago — 73 years old
Born in 1743, a prominent figure in Russian literature and politics, contributed significantly to the development of the Russian language and poetry. Served in various governmental roles, including as a senator and appointed governor of Saint Petersburg. His poetry combined philosophical and lyric elements, garnering admiration from contemporaries and later generations. The ode 'Felitsa' remains one of the most recognized works, illustrating his mastery of poetic form and emotional depth.
Continue ReadingMichael Brooks
Political commentator and media host
Born
1983 43 years ago
Died
July 20th, 2020 5 years ago — 37 years old
A political commentator and media host, contributed to progressive discourse through various platforms. Hosted 'The Michael Brooks Show,' which featured analysis of current events and interviews with political figures. Contributed to 'The Majority Report' and various publications, discussing issues surrounding social justice and economic equality. Engaged audiences with incisive critiques of mainstream political narratives.
Continue ReadingChester Bennington
American rock singer of Linkin Park
Born
March 20th, 1976 49 years ago
Died
July 20th, 2017 8 years ago — 41 years old
A prominent singer-songwriter and producer, he led the rock band Linkin Park, achieving global success with the album 'Hybrid Theory', which was certified diamond by the RIAA. This album featured hits including 'In the End' and 'Crawling', contributing to the nu-metal genre's mainstream popularity. In addition to his work with Linkin Park, he was also the lead vocalist for the band Dead by Sunrise and briefly performed with Stone Temple Pilots. His contributions to music extended to charitable work, including performances for causes like the Music for Relief foundation.
Continue ReadingKlaus Schmidt
German archaeologist and academic
Born
1953 73 years ago
Died
July 20th, 2014 11 years ago — 61 years old
Significant contributions were made to the field of archaeology, particularly through the work at Göbekli Tepe, an ancient archaeological site in Turkey. Schmidt led excavations that uncovered monumental structures dating back to the Pre-Pottery Neolithic period, showcasing early religious and communal activities. His research provided insights into the transition from hunter-gatherer societies to settled farming, emphasizing the importance of Göbekli Tepe in understanding early human civilization.
Continue Reading