Philip Guston
Painter and academic known for abstract art
An influential painter and academic contributed significantly to the American art scene. Initially engaged in figurative painting, transitioned to a more abstract style in the mid-20th century. Later adopted a more cartoonish approach, merging abstraction with recognizable imagery. Explored themes of identity, social injustice, and personal history. Held teaching positions at various institutions, including Boston University and the School of Visual Arts. Work showed a unique blend of humor and seriousness, reflecting personal and societal struggles.
Created the series 'The Bad Paintings'
Produced the painting 'Cornered' in 1969
Participated in the 1970 Venice Biennale
Other People Born on June 27th
Danny Schechter
Documentary filmmaker and journalist
Born
June 27th, 1942 83 years ago
Died
March 19th, 2015 10 years ago — 72 years old
A director, producer, and screenwriter focused on social issues, produced numerous documentaries throughout the career. Made films including 'In Debt We Trust' and 'WMD: Weapons of Mass Deception', which explored media, war, and financial crises. Committed to investigative journalism, covered significant global events and their media representations.
Continue ReadingHelena Benitez
Filipina academic and administrator
Born
June 27th, 1914 111 years ago
Died
2016 9 years ago — 102 years old
Contributed significantly to Philippine education through various academic roles and leadership positions. Served as the first woman president of the Philippine Women's University. Active in the promotion of women's rights and education reform. Played a key role in the implementation of educational policies that favored equal access to education. Involved in multiple organizations focused on women's empowerment and community service.
Continue ReadingDixie Brown
British boxer and welterweight champion
Born
June 27th, 1900 125 years ago
Died
1957 68 years ago — 57 years old
Competed as a professional boxer during the early to mid-20th century. Achieved prominence in the welterweight division and held the British Welterweight Title. Participated in many bouts, showcasing skills and earning recognition within the boxing community. His career included significant matches that contributed to the popularity of the sport in Britain.
Continue ReadingJim Johnson
American baseball player, All-Star pitcher
Born
June 27th, 1983 42 years ago
Died
July 28th, 2009 16 years ago — 26 years old
Played as a professional baseball pitcher, primarily for the Baltimore Orioles and the Atlanta Braves. Achieved a significant milestone by being selected for the MLB All-Star Game in 2012. Known for a strong pitching arm and effective closing abilities during his career. Concluded the career with various teams in Major League Baseball.
Continue ReadingTobey Maguire
Actor in Spider-Man and other films
Born
June 27th, 1975 50 years ago
Born in 1975, an American actor gained prominence through roles in films such as 'Spider-Man' (2002), 'Spider-Man 2' (2004), and 'Spider-Man 3' (2007). The portrayal of Peter Parker established a benchmark for superhero films. In addition to the Spider-Man series, appeared in 'The Cider House Rules' (1999) and 'Seabiscuit' (2003), receiving acclaim for performances. Voiced a lead character in the animated film 'The Boss Baby' (2017). Served as a producer on several projects, including the film '85 South: The Movie' (2020).
Continue ReadingWilliam Pepperrell
American merchant and soldier, colonial leader
Born
June 27th, 1696 329 years ago
Died
1759 266 years ago — 63 years old
Born in Massachusetts, played a significant role during the colonial era as both a merchant and a soldier. Gained prominence for leadership during King George's War, particularly for the successful siege of Louisbourg in 1745. Achieved the rank of Major General and served as a key figure in colonial military affairs. This involvement showcased strategic military capabilities and established a foundation for future colonial defense initiatives. Contributed to the economic development of the region through commerce and military procurement.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on June 7th
Christopher Lee
English actor in horror films
Born
May 27th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
June 7th, 2015 10 years ago — 93 years old
An English actor gained prominence in the horror film genre, particularly during the mid-20th century. Became widely recognized for roles in films such as 'Horror of Dracula' and 'The Wicker Man.' Later, played Saruman in the 'The Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' film trilogies, achieving acclaim across multiple generations. Also had a successful career as a recording artist, releasing several heavy metal albums in later years. In addition to acting, had a notable presence in television and radio productions.
Continue ReadingWilliam Warburton
English bishop and theologian
Born
December 24th, 1698 327 years ago
Died
June 7th, 1779 246 years ago — 80 years old
A prominent English bishop and theologian, this individual served as the Bishop of Gloucester and later the Bishop of Durham. His writings significantly contributed to 18th-century English literature and theology. The publication of 'The Divine Right of Tithes' presented a defense of the established church's financial support. Additionally, this person authored 'The Alliance between Church and State', which examined the relationship between ecclesiastical and civil authority. Engagement in literary circles included friendships with leading figures of the time, and the influence on religious discourse lasted beyond the theological implications of the works.
Continue ReadingPierre Mauroy
French Prime Minister and educator
Born
July 5th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
June 7th, 2013 12 years ago — 84 years old
Served as Prime Minister of France from 1981 to 1984 during the presidency of François Mitterrand. Played a significant role in implementing socialist policies, focusing on the nationalization of key industries and social reforms. Contributed to the establishment of a 39-hour work week and the introduction of a minimum wage. Prior to this role, affiliated with the French Socialist Party and held various positions in local government, including mayor of Lille. Worked in education and promoted educational reforms throughout his political career.
Continue ReadingPhillip V. Tobias
Paleontologist and academic in South Africa
Born
1925 100 years ago
Died
June 7th, 2012 13 years ago — 87 years old
A prominent paleontologist and academic, significant contributions were made to the understanding of human evolution. The focus included the study of fossil hominids from sites such as Sterkfontein and Swartkrans. Involved in the formation and support of various educational and paleontological institutions in South Africa. Served as a professor of anatomy and worked as a director at the Transvaal Museum, influencing the field through education and research publications.
Continue ReadingHsuan Hua
Chinese-American monk and author
Born
April 16th, 1918 107 years ago
Died
June 7th, 1995 30 years ago — 77 years old
A Chinese-American monk and author, this individual dedicated life to spreading Buddhist teachings and promoting meditation. In 1962, founded the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas in California, establishing an important center for Buddhist learning and practice in the West. Authored multiple texts on Buddhism, contributing to the understanding of the religion among English-speaking audiences. Actively translated various Buddhist scriptures, making significant works accessible.
Continue ReadingRichard Ramirez
American serial killer and rapist
Born
February 29th, 1960 65 years ago
Died
June 7th, 2013 12 years ago — 53 years old
Born in 1960, this individual was a serial killer and sex offender operating in California during the mid-1980s. Committed numerous violent crimes, including murder, burglary, and sexual assault, which instilled fear in the communities affected. Captured in 1985, the individual became a figure of national attention due to the sensational nature of the crimes and the subsequent trial. Convicted on multiple counts of murder and sentenced to death, the individual remained on death row until passing away in 2013.
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