Penelope Fitzgerald

English author awarded the Booker Prize

Penelope Fitzgerald - English author awarded the Booker Prize
Born

December 17th, 1916
108 years ago

Died

April 28th, 2000
25 years ago — 83 years old

Category

Artists & Creatives

Country

United Kingdom

Links & References

An English author and poet, this writer achieved recognition for works that often explore themes of loss and the complexities of human relationships. The literary career spanned several decades, with notable works including 'Offshore', which received the Booker Prize in 1979. Other significant titles include 'The Bookshop' and 'Human Voices', each contributing to a distinguished portfolio that reflects keen observations of life and society. The author's later works continued to earn critical acclaim, showcasing a unique narrative style that resonated with readers and critics alike.

Won the Booker Prize for 'Offshore'

Published notable novels such as 'The Bookshop'

Received the James Tait Black Memorial Prize

Other People Born on December 17th

Armin Mueller-Stahl

German actor and painter, known for 'Shine'
Born
December 17th, 1930 94 years ago

Born in 1930, a distinguished actor and painter. Gained recognition for roles in 'Shine' and 'The Pianist'. Transitioned from a successful career in East German cinema to international acclaim. His artistic pursuits extended to painting, showcasing a variety of styles and influences over the decades.

Continue Reading

Andrew Davies

English footballer with notable clubs
Born
December 17th, 1984 40 years ago

Born in 1984, played as a defender in professional football. Started career at Southampton, making league appearances. Had a loan spell at Stockport County, followed by a transfer to the Scottish club, Cardiff City. Played for multiple teams including Derby County and later moved to other clubs in lower leagues. Achieved recognition for solid defensive skills and longevity in the game.

Continue Reading

John Hans Krebs

American lawyer and politician
Born
December 17th, 1926 98 years ago
Died
November 10th, 2014 10 years ago — 87 years old

Born in 1926, a prominent figure in American politics. Served as a member of the United States House of Representatives representing the 30th district of California from 1965 to 1970. Actively engaged in legislative processes and contributed to various committees during the tenure. Following congressional service, held several positions in government and private sectors, emphasizing legal and governmental issues. Later, returned to public service in various capacities.

Continue Reading

Stéphane Lasme

Gabonese basketball player, NBA presence
Born
December 17th, 1982 42 years ago

Born in Gabon, a professional basketball player, Lasme gained recognition for his athleticism and defensive skills. He played college basketball for the University of Massachusetts and earned acclaim as an All-Atlantic 10 player. Lasme competed in the NBA, primarily with the Miami Heat, and also had stints overseas in countries such as France and Turkey. His international career included representing Gabon in various competitions, contributing to the growth of basketball in his home country.

Continue Reading

Paul César Helleu

French painter and etcher
Born
December 17th, 1859 165 years ago
Died
March 23rd, 1927 98 years ago — 67 years old

Engaged in the art movement known as Impressionism, created numerous portraits and depictions of fashionable society. Worked closely with artists like Claude Monet and Edgar Degas. Developed a unique style characterized by the use of pastels and etching techniques. Exhibited widely in Paris and gained recognition for contributions to both painting and printmaking. Notable works include portraits of high-society women, capturing the essence of Belle Époque Paris.

Continue Reading

Tim Wiese

German football player and goalkeeper
Born
December 17th, 1981 43 years ago

A professional football player, primarily played as a goalkeeper. Started career at FC Kaiserslautern, where made over 100 appearances. Later transferred to Werder Bremen, achieving notable success including winning the DFB-Pokal. Wiese also represented the German national team, earning 6 caps during his international career. Transitioned into professional wrestling after retiring from football, competing in various events and promotions.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on April 28th

Richard Lugar

American politician and mayor of Indianapolis
Born
April 4th, 1932 93 years ago
Died
April 28th, 2019 6 years ago — 87 years old

Served as the 44th mayor of Indianapolis from 1968 to 1975. Assisted in urban development and improvement projects during tenure. Later became a prominent U.S. senator from Indiana, serving from 1977 to 2013. Focused on issues such as foreign policy, agriculture, and education. Played a key role in nuclear non-proliferation efforts and was a proponent of the National Endowment for Democracy.

Continue Reading

Bertha Wilson

Scottish-Canadian jurist and lawyer
Born
September 18th, 1923 102 years ago
Died
April 28th, 2007 18 years ago — 83 years old

A Scottish-Canadian lawyer and jurist, this individual served as a groundbreaking figure in the Canadian legal system. As the first woman appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada in 1982, significantly contributed to the development of Canadian law, particularly in the areas of gender equality and women's rights. Prior to this appointment, held a prominent role in the Ontario legal community, including practicing law and teaching at a law school. Was instrumental in advancing legal precedents that enhanced the legal status of women in Canada.

Continue Reading

Idris Sardi

Indonesian violinist and composer
Born
1938 87 years ago
Died
April 28th, 2014 11 years ago — 76 years old

A prominent violinist and composer from Indonesia, made significant contributions to classical music and traditional Indonesian music. Actively performed and collaborated with various orchestras and music groups, showcasing the beauty of the violin in diverse settings. Influenced many younger musicians through teaching and workshops, preserving the rich musical heritage of Indonesia. Served as concertmaster for several notable orchestras and was involved in numerous music festivals.

Continue Reading

Ed Begley

American actor in film and television
Born
March 25th, 1901 124 years ago
Died
April 28th, 1970 55 years ago — 69 years old

An actor with a career spanning several decades, this individual achieved recognition for performances in film and television. Prominent roles included appearances in classic films and notable television series. The portrayal of characters often showcased a strong presence in dramas, leading to several accolades throughout the career.

Continue Reading

Francis Bacon

Irish painter with abstract expressionism
Born
October 28th, 1909 115 years ago
Died
April 28th, 1992 33 years ago — 82 years old

A celebrated painter, achieved recognition for a distinct style that merged figuration with abstraction. Focused primarily on human figures and their emotional states, often depicting the struggles of existence. Worked primarily with oil paint, utilizing techniques that led to textured, dynamic compositions. Exhibited in various prestigious galleries and museums worldwide. Major exhibitions included retrospectives at the Tate Gallery in London and the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

Continue Reading

Paulo Vanzolini

Brazilian singer-songwriter and zoologist
Born
April 25th, 1924 101 years ago
Died
April 28th, 2013 12 years ago — 89 years old

A Brazilian singer-songwriter and zoologist contributed significantly to both music and science. Focused on samba and MPB (Música Popular Brasileira), composed many songs that resonated with Brazilian culture. Vanzolini's notable works include 'Ronda' and 'Volta por Cima'. Additionally, a respected zoologist, specialized in herpetology, particularly the study of reptiles and amphibians. Conducted extensive research and published several scientific papers in the field.

Continue Reading