Phyllis Diller
Comedian and voice artist in 'The Jetsons'
Born
Died
Category
Performers & Entertainers
Country
United States
Links & References
An American actress and comedian, gained recognition for a unique comedic style characterized by self-deprecating humor and eccentric persona. Started a career in the 1950s and made significant contributions to both stand-up comedy and television. Appeared in films such as 'The Pruitts of Southampton' and voiced the character of the hag in the animated series 'The Jetsons'. Diller also became a regular guest on various talk shows and entertained audiences with her distinctive laugh and energetic performances.
Voiced the character of the hag in 'The Jetsons'
Appeared in 'The Pruitts of Southampton'
Regular guest on talk shows such as 'The Tonight Show'
Other People Born on July 17th
Arthur Rothstein
American photographer known for FSA work
Born
July 17th, 1915 111 years ago
Died
November 11th, 1985 40 years ago — 70 years old
This individual was an American photographer and educator. He played a key role in the Farm Security Administration, capturing images that depicted the struggles of rural America during the Great Depression. Rothstein's work aimed to document the impact of the Dust Bowl and his photographs contributed significantly to the visual documentation of American history. In addition to his photography, he held teaching positions at several institutions, influencing future generations of photographers. His expertise in visual storytelling was recognized throughout his career.
Continue ReadingLucio Tan
Businessman and educator, airlines mogul
Born
July 17th, 1934 92 years ago
Born in 1934, a Chinese-Filipino businessman founded the LT Group, which has interests in various sectors including beverage, tobacco, and banking. Established Philippine Airlines, serving as an influential figure in the country's aviation industry. Also engaged in education, supporting various institutions and initiatives. Tan's business acumen and strategic investments contributed to the growth of several industries in the Philippines, making a significant economic impact.
Continue ReadingMohammad Hasan Sharq
Afghan politician and former prime minister
Born
July 17th, 1925 101 years ago
Served as prime minister of Afghanistan during a critical period in the 1960s. Focused on modernization and development initiatives aimed at improving the Afghan economy and infrastructure. Oversaw significant changes in education and health sectors. Played a key role in the establishment of diplomatic relations with several countries, enhancing Afghanistan's international presence. Worked within a challenging political landscape, navigating tensions with both external powers and internal factions.
Continue ReadingJames Somerville
English admiral and politician
Born
July 17th, 1882 144 years ago
Died
March 19th, 1949 77 years ago — 66 years old
An English admiral and politician served notably as Lord Lieutenant of Somerset. Played a crucial role during both World Wars, particularly in naval operations. Actively involved in military strategy and command, influencing several key engagements and outcomes. Contributed to political discussions surrounding military affairs in the post-war period.
Continue ReadingXianfeng Emperor
Emperor of China during Qing Dynasty
Born
July 17th, 1831 195 years ago
Died
1861 165 years ago — 30 years old
Ruled as the Xianfeng Emperor from 1850 to 1861 during a tumultuous period in the Qing Dynasty. His reign was marked by internal strife, including the Second Opium War against Britain and France, which resulted in significant territorial losses and the Treaty of Tientsin. Encountered challenges from various uprisings, notably the Taiping Rebellion, which posed a serious threat to the dynasty's stability. The emperor's efforts to modernize the military and government structures were limited by conservative resistance and external pressures.
Continue ReadingErle Stanley Gardner
American lawyer and author of Perry Mason
Born
July 17th, 1889 137 years ago
Died
March 11th, 1970 56 years ago — 80 years old
Practiced law while writing pulp fiction. Created the character Perry Mason, a defense attorney appearing in a series of detective novels. The character became the basis for a successful television series. Also wrote under various pseudonyms and produced numerous other works, including thrillers and mysteries. Garnered popularity for courtroom drama and intricate plots.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on August 20th
Pope Pius X
Pope and church reformer
Born
June 2nd, 1835 191 years ago
Died
August 20th, 1914 111 years ago — 79 years old
Served as the Pope of the Roman Catholic Church from 1903 until death in 1914. Focused on updating church practices and emphasized frequent communion. Initiated reforms in liturgy and catechism, seeking to counter modernist interpretations of the faith. Canonized saints and promoted devotion to the Eucharist. Advocated for the establishment of a new code of canon law and addressed issues of social justice and poverty.
Continue ReadingPaul Ehrlich
Physician and biologist, Nobel laureate
Born
March 14th, 1854 172 years ago
Died
August 20th, 1915 110 years ago — 61 years old
Contributions to immunology and chemotherapy marked significant advancements in medicine. Developed the first effective treatment for syphilis, employing Salvarsan, a compound that showed efficacy against the disease. Conducted pioneering work in the field of serology, and established concepts of antibodies and antigens, which laid the foundation for modern immunology. Received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1908, along with Emil von Behring, for work on immunity. His research influenced the development of vaccines and therapeutic agents.
Continue ReadingDom Mintoff
Maltese politician and Prime Minister
Born
August 6th, 1916 110 years ago
Died
August 20th, 2012 13 years ago — 96 years old
Served as the 8th Prime Minister of Malta and was a prominent figure in the Maltese Labour Party. Played a significant role in Malta's independence from the UK. Mintoff advocated for a strong welfare state and pursued policies that aimed to enhance the social and economic wellbeing of Maltese citizens. Also served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Works, focusing on infrastructure development. His tenure was marked by efforts to transform Malta into a more self-sufficient nation.
Continue ReadingMeles Zenawi
Ethiopian Prime Minister and revolutionary leader
Born
May 9th, 1955 71 years ago
Died
August 20th, 2012 13 years ago — 57 years old
Served as the Prime Minister of Ethiopia from 1995 until 2012. Played a significant role in the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front, which controlled the government after the overthrow of Mengistu Haile Mariam. Implemented economic reforms that spurred growth and attracted foreign investment. Also participated in regional politics, including peace negotiations in the Horn of Africa. Advocated for the role of the African Union in addressing continental issues.
Continue ReadingJoe Dassin
Singer-songwriter of French chanson music
Born
November 5th, 1938 87 years ago
Died
August 20th, 1980 45 years ago — 41 years old
Born in 1938, this artist blended American and French musical influences. He gained popularity through hit songs in the 1960s and 1970s. Major works include the international hit 'Les Champs-Élysées' and 'Alors Rêve.' His music reflects a variety of themes, resonating with audiences across different cultures. Dassin's career was marked by significant commercial success, with numerous albums released during his lifetime. He passed away in 1980, leaving a lasting legacy in the French music scene.
Continue ReadingPercy Williams Bridgman
Physicist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
April 21st, 1882 144 years ago
Died
August 20th, 1961 64 years ago — 79 years old
A prominent American physicist and academic, he contributed significantly to experimental physics and high-pressure research. Bridgman developed methods to achieve extreme pressures and studied their effects on various materials. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1946 for his work on the properties of matter under high pressures, he became a professor at Harvard University where he mentored future scientists. His research advanced the understanding of physical phenomena in solid state physics.
Continue Reading