Peter Matthew Hillsman Taylor

American novelist and playwright

Peter Matthew Hillsman Taylor - Artists & Creatives born January 8th, 1917
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

Marián Šťastný

Slovak ice hockey player, NHL All-Star
Born
January 8th, 1953 73 years ago

A successful ice hockey player, participated in professional leagues across North America and Europe. Played primarily in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Quebec Nordiques and is recognized for his offensive skills and playmaking ability. Contributed significantly to the success of the team during his tenure. His career in the NHL spanned from the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s, during which time he became a two-time NHL All-Star.

Continue Reading

Cynthia Erivo

Actress and singer-songwriter recognized for her roles
Born
January 8th, 1987 39 years ago

An English actress and singer-songwriter gained prominence through the portrayal of Celie in the musical adaptation of 'The Color Purple'. Also achieved acclaim for the role in the mini-series 'Geniuses: Aretha'. In 2016, received a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for 'The Color Purple'. Released music with a focus on her powerful vocals and emotional expression.

Continue Reading

Aaron Cruden

New Zealand rugby union fly-half
Born
January 8th, 1989 37 years ago

A prominent rugby union fly-half, played a key role for the New Zealand national team, the All Blacks. Made significant contributions during international competitions, including the Rugby World Cup. Played for the Manawatu Turbos in domestic competitions. Notable for a distinctive playing style and tactical acumen.

Continue Reading

Ashapoorna Devi

Indian author and poet celebrated for novels
Born
January 8th, 1909 117 years ago
Died
1995 31 years ago — 86 years old

Born in 1909, an influential Indian author and poet who primarily wrote in Bengali. The literary career spanned several decades, focusing on themes such as women's rights and social issues. Authored numerous works, including novels, short stories, and essays. A recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award and the Jnanpith Award, contributions to literature significantly enriched Bengali literature. In addition to fiction, engaged in translations and also worked in the fields of children's literature.

Continue Reading

Mohan Rakesh

Indian author and acclaimed playwright
Born
January 8th, 1925 101 years ago
Died
January 3rd, 1972 54 years ago — 46 years old

A prominent figure in Indian literature, significant contributions included plays and novels that explored societal themes and human emotions. The author became an influential member of the modern Hindi literary movement. Several works received critical acclaim for their incisive portrayal of contemporary issues. Major literary achievements included the play 'Ashadh ka Ek Din', which is celebrated for its innovative narrative style and character development. Rakesh's literary prowess extended to fiction, where novels reflected the complexities of human relationships and societal structures.

Continue Reading

Stefan Savić

Montenegrin football defender and player
Born
January 8th, 1991 35 years ago

Born in Montenegro, played as a central defender. Started professional career with Budućnost Podgorica before moving to Europe. Played for several clubs including Fiorentina and Atlético Madrid. Acclaimed for his defensive skills and ability to read the game. Contributed to winning significant titles in club competitions. Also represented Montenegro in international matches, becoming a key figure in the national team.

Continue Reading

Other 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 Reading

Han Suyin

Chinese-Swiss physician and author
Born
September 12th, 1917 109 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 Reading

Robert Cormier

American author and journalist
Born
January 17th, 1925 101 years ago
Died
November 2nd, 2000 25 years ago — 75 years old

An author and journalist, contributions spanned various publications and genres. Wrote numerous novels aimed at young adults, addressing complex themes and issues. The novel "The Chocolate War" gained significant attention for its unflinching portrayal of school bullying and conformity. Cormier's writing style often included elements of realism, moral complexity, and the exploration of adolescent struggles. His work has been both praised and scrutinized for its candidness, leading to its inclusion in academic discussions.

Continue Reading

Pierre Veyron

French race car driver, Le Mans winner
Born
October 1st, 1903 122 years ago
Died
November 2nd, 1970 55 years ago — 67 years old

Born in 1903, this French race car driver gained recognition for his success in sports car racing during the mid-20th century. Veyron drove for Bugatti, where he achieved significant victories, including winning the 1939 24 Hours of Le Mans. His exceptional skills behind the wheel contributed to Bugatti's prominence in motorsports. Veyron's accomplishments in racing showcased his talent and expertise in handling high-performance vehicles on challenging tracks.

Continue Reading

Mort Shuman

American singer-songwriter and pianist
Born
November 12th, 1938 87 years ago
Died
November 2nd, 1991 34 years ago — 52 years old

A prominent figure in the music industry, contributed significantly to rock and roll, pop, and musical theater. Collaborated with Doc Pomus to create hits such as "Save the Last Dance for Me" and "This Magic Moment" for The Drifters. Also composed music for the Broadway musical "Wonderful Town". Later worked in France and became known for his French-language songs and performances.

Continue Reading

Dimitri Mitropoulos

Greek conductor and pianist
Born
March 1st, 1896 130 years ago
Died
November 2nd, 1960 65 years ago — 64 years old

Born in Greece, a significant figure in classical music, served as the principal conductor of the New York Philharmonic from 1949 to 1958. Mitropoulos conducted European orchestras and premiered numerous works, contributing to the development of contemporary music. He was also an accomplished pianist and composer. His career included notable performances with renowned orchestras worldwide. Mitropoulos gained reputation for his interpretative skills and dedication to new music.

Continue Reading