Peter Matthew Hillsman Taylor
American novelist and playwright
Born
Died
Category
Artists & Creatives
Country
United States
Links & References
Born in 1917, a prominent American novelist, short story writer, and playwright. Worked in various literary forms, publishing numerous short stories and plays. Received acclaim for capturing Southern life and culture through vivid storytelling. Contributed significantly to American literature, with a body of work that examined complex characters and social dynamics.
Published 'A Summons to Memphis', which won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction
Wrote 'The Southern Condition', a notable collection of stories
Other People Born on January 8th
Jason Giambi
Baseball player, AL MVP winner
Born
January 8th, 1971 55 years ago
Played 20 seasons in Major League Baseball, primarily as a first baseman and designated hitter. Played for the Oakland Athletics, New York Yankees, and the Colorado Rockies. Achieved significant individual success, including winning the American League Most Valuable Player Award in 2000 while playing for the Athletics. Giambi was a key player during his time with the Yankees, contributing to their success in the early 2000s.
Continue ReadingSam Riley
English actor and singer; Control.
Born
January 8th, 1980 46 years ago
An English actor and singer, gained recognition for performance in the film 'Control,' a biopic about the life of Ian Curtis, the lead singer of Joy Division. Further starred in 'Maleficent' as Prince Philip and 'On the Road' as Sal Paradise, showcasing versatility in both film and music. Additionally, led the band 10,000 Things, contributing to the music scene alongside acting career.
Continue ReadingNoah Cyrus
Singer-songwriter with successful singles
Born
January 8th, 2000 26 years ago
An American singer and songwriter, recognized for contributions to the music industry since childhood. Gained notoriety with the debut single 'Make Me (Cry)' featuring Lil Xan, which achieved commercial success. Released an EP titled 'Good Cry' that showcased personal themes and artistic range. Also ventured into acting, appearing in the animated series 'The Lion Guard.' Collaborations with various artists expanded musical repertoire and audience reach, with notable songs addressing personal and emotional struggles.
Continue ReadingJeff Francis
Baseball pitcher and World Series champion
Born
January 8th, 1981 45 years ago
A professional baseball player from Canada, played as a pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB). Drafted by the Colorado Rockies in 2002, made debut in 2004. Contributed significantly to the Rockies' 2007 season, helping the team reach the World Series, where they finished as runners-up to the Boston Red Sox. Played for multiple teams during career, including the Rockies, Kansas City Royals, and New York Yankees. Retired from professional baseball in 2014.
Continue ReadingEvelyn Lear
Operatic soprano known for rich voice
Born
January 8th, 1926 100 years ago
Died
July 1st, 2012 13 years ago — 86 years old
An American operatic soprano, gained recognition for a robust and expressive voice that captivated audiences. Performed extensively in prestigious opera houses around the world, including the Metropolitan Opera and San Francisco Opera. Collaborated with prominent conductors and renowned orchestras, enhancing the operatic landscape. Also excelled in concert performances, showcasing a wide repertoire that included both classical and contemporary works. Received accolades and several prestigious awards during a celebrated career, cementing a legacy in the field of opera.
Continue ReadingSophie Pascoe
New Zealand Paralympic swimmer
Born
January 8th, 1993 33 years ago
Paralympic swimmer achieved prominence in competitive swimming events. Competed in multiple Paralympic Games, securing a total of 15 medals. Specialized in freestyle and butterfly events and set numerous world records throughout her career. Dominated several international swimming championships, establishing herself as a leading figure in adaptive sports.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on November 2nd
James Thurber
Humorist and cartoonist, The New Yorker
Born
December 8th, 1894 131 years ago
Died
November 2nd, 1961 64 years ago — 66 years old
A prominent American humorist and cartoonist, contributed significantly to 20th-century literature through illustrations and essays. Worked as a staff writer for The New Yorker, where many of his cartoons and writings were published. His work often depicted the quirks of modern life and the absurdities of human behavior. Authored several books, with major titles including "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" and "My Life and Hard Times," both showcasing a unique blend of humor and insight.
Continue ReadingAlfred Domett
Poet and 4th Prime Minister of New Zealand
Born
May 20th, 1811 214 years ago
Died
November 2nd, 1887 138 years ago — 76 years old
Born in England, one of the early settlers in New Zealand, served as the fourth Prime Minister from 1862 to 1863. Domett contributed significantly to both the political landscape and literary culture of New Zealand. His poetry often reflected the themes of nature and the landscape of his new home. In addition to his political career, he was a member of the House of Representatives and served in various ministerial roles. These include his tenure as Postmaster-General. Domett's literary work established him as an important poet of the 19th century.
Continue ReadingHan Suyin
Chinese-Swiss physician and author
Born
September 12th, 1917 108 years ago
Died
November 2nd, 2012 13 years ago — 95 years old
A physician and author contributed significantly to literature, particularly through works that reflect on life in China during the 20th century. The novel 'A Many-Splendored Thing' gained international recognition and inspired film adaptations. Contributions also included non-fiction works that detailed personal experiences and perspectives on Chinese culture and history. Writings often highlighted themes of love and conflict amid cultural and political upheaval, providing insight into the historical context of China.
Continue ReadingMatilda of Flanders
Duchess of Normandy, wife of William I
Born
1031 995 years ago
Died
November 2nd, 1083 942 years ago — 52 years old
Daughter of the Count of Flanders, played a significant role in the Norman Conquest of England as the wife of William the Conqueror. Matilda married William in 1053, providing political stability between Normandy and Flanders. During the conquest, she managed the affairs of Normandy while William led the invasion of England in 1066. Matilda was instrumental in the establishment of the Norman dynasty and the construction of notable structures, including Westminster Abbey, which became a symbol of royal power in England.
Continue ReadingAtilio Stampone
Argentine pianist and composer
Born
1926 100 years ago
Died
November 2nd, 2022 3 years ago — 96 years old
A prominent figure in Argentine music, contributed significantly to the tango genre as both a pianist and a composer. Stampone studied under notable instructors and later developed a unique style that blended traditional tango with contemporary elements. His compositions have been performed by various orchestras and artists, enhancing the popularity of tango music. In addition to performing in prestigious venues, Stampone received accolades for his contributions to music throughout his career until his passing in 2022.
Continue ReadingCharles Sheffield
Mathematician and physicist, author of novels
Born
June 25th, 1935 90 years ago
Died
November 2nd, 2002 23 years ago — 67 years old
An English-American mathematician and physicist, recognized for contributions to both theoretical and applied physics. Worked on complex mathematical models in various fields, including fluid dynamics and stellar dynamics. Transitioned into science fiction writing, producing several novels and stories that combined scientific principles with imaginative narratives. Lauded for engaging storytelling that often highlighted scientific concepts, making them accessible to a broader audience. Also served as an editor for scientific publications, helping to disseminate knowledge within the scientific community.
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