René Magritte
Surrealist painter, 'The Treachery of Images'
A Belgian painter focused on surrealism, incorporated ordinary objects into unusual contexts to challenge perceptions of reality. Explored themes of illusion and meaning through various paintings. Used a distinctive style characterized by whimsical imagery and clever titles. Worked from the 1920s into the 1960s, leaving a significant mark on the art world with a unique perspective on visual representation.
Created 'The Treachery of Images' in 1929
Painted 'The Son of Man' in 1964
Influenced the surrealist movement
Other People Born on November 21st
Shane Douglas
Professional wrestler and manager
Born
November 21st, 1964 61 years ago
A professional wrestler and manager, active in various wrestling promotions. Achieved notoriety in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW). In ECW, played a pivotal role in the promotion's rise to prominence during the 1990s. Known for the championship reigns and for leading a faction called The Franchise. Also had stints in World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW), showcasing versatility and adaptability in the wrestling ring.
Continue ReadingBjörk
Icelandic singer-songwriter and musician
Born
November 21st, 1965 60 years ago
A prominent figure in music, an Icelandic singer-songwriter combined elements of electronic, pop, and avant-garde. Debut as a vocalist occurred in the band Sugarcubes, which gained international attention in the late 1980s. Solo career began in the 1990s, featuring a series of critically acclaimed albums, including 'Debut,' 'Post,' and 'Homogenic.' Work includes contributions to film soundtracks, notable for ‘Being John Malkovich’ and the work in ‘Dancer in the Dark’ which earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song. Björk's innovative approach to music and distinct vocal style has influenced numerous artists.
Continue ReadingNicollette Sheridan
English actress, starred in 'Desperate Housewives'
Born
November 21st, 1963 62 years ago
Born in 1963, an English actress gained recognition for the role of Edie Britt on the television series 'Desperate Housewives', which aired from 2004 to 2012. The portrayal earned two Golden Globe nominations. Prior to this, appeared in the soap opera 'Knots Landing' from 1986 to 1993. The career included various appearances in films and television, establishing a presence in the entertainment industry.
Continue ReadingPope Benedict XV
Religious leader and Pope during WWI
Born
November 21st, 1854 171 years ago
Died
January 22nd, 1922 103 years ago — 67 years old
Served as the Pope from 1914 to 1922, facilitating peace efforts during World War I. Advocated for humanitarian relief for war victims and promoted social justice. His papacy focused on addressing the moral and social challenges posed by the conflict, encouraging dialogue between nations. Worked to establish the Vatican as a mediating power in international diplomacy.
Continue ReadingDavid Porter
Songwriter and music producer
Born
November 21st, 1941 84 years ago
A prominent American songwriter and music producer, contributed significantly to the Southern Soul genre. Collaborated with Isaac Hayes, co-writing many of the hits that defined the Stax Records label. The partnership yielded several successful songs, with 'Hold On, I’m Comin'' and 'Soul Man' becoming staples of the era. Worked as a producer for various artists and continued to shape the music scene over the decades. His work has been influential in both popular music and soul.
Continue ReadingHeidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul
German politician and educator; Minister
Born
November 21st, 1942 83 years ago
An educator and politician served in the German Bundestag for several terms. Held the position of Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development from 1998 to 2009. Focused on international development policies and gender equality during the tenure. Advocated for sustainable development and the integration of human rights in international cooperation efforts.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on August 15th
Faas Wilkes
Dutch footballer and international star
Born
October 13th, 1923 102 years ago
Died
August 15th, 2006 19 years ago — 82 years old
A prominent Dutch footballer, made significant contributions to the sport during the mid-20th century. Played as a forward and began his career at ADO Den Haag, making a strong impression before transferring to foreign clubs. Joined the Belgium team Club Brugge in 1951, where he continued to showcase his skills. Represented the Netherlands in international competitions, earning 38 caps and scoring 35 goals, solidifying a reputation as one of the nation’s best players. His playing style and ability to score made him a key figure in Dutch football lore.
Continue ReadingErnie Bushmiller
Cartoonist of Nancy comic strip
Born
August 23rd, 1905 120 years ago
Died
August 15th, 1982 43 years ago — 76 years old
Bushmiller created the comic strip Nancy, which debuted in 1938. The strip featured the adventures of a young girl named Nancy and her friend Sluggo. The simplicity of the characters and humor appealed to a wide audience. Bushmiller's distinctive art style and storytelling defined the strip's success for decades. Nancy became a staple in American newspapers, being published for over 70 years. Bushmiller's work influenced other cartoonists and contributed to the evolution of comic strips as an art form.
Continue ReadingJohn Gofman
Physicist and biologist with nuclear research
Born
September 21st, 1918 107 years ago
Died
August 15th, 2007 18 years ago — 88 years old
A physicist, chemist, and biologist, this individual contributed significantly to the understanding of radiation and its effects on health. Gofman served as a professor and researcher, focusing on the relationship between nuclear energy and public health. His work included the development of techniques for studying the biological effects of radiation. In the mid-20th century, he was involved in the Manhattan Project and later became a prominent critic of nuclear power. This individual authored several books and papers addressing the dangers of radiation exposure and advocated for the regulation of nuclear energy. His career spanned several decades, during which he engaged with various scientific societies and institutions.
Continue ReadingSam Pollock
Canadian businessman and hockey executive
Born
December 25th, 1925 99 years ago
Died
August 15th, 2007 18 years ago — 81 years old
A Canadian businessman served as the general manager of the Montreal Canadiens from 1964 to 1978. Under leadership, the team won five consecutive Stanley Cups from 1969 to 1973. Pollock's strategic decisions in player acquisitions and development contributed to the team's dominance during this period. Recognized for his keen understanding of the game, he was instrumental in building one of the most successful franchises in NHL history. Pollock's achievements solidified a legacy in professional hockey and business management.
Continue ReadingCoenraad Bron
Dutch computer scientist and academic
Born
1937 88 years ago
Died
August 15th, 2006 19 years ago — 69 years old
Contributed significantly to the field of computer science, with a focus on programming languages and their implementation. Served on the faculty of various institutions, including the University of Amsterdam. Developed the programming language Algol 60, which influenced many subsequent languages. Engaged in formalization of operational semantics.
Continue ReadingTe Atairangikaahu
Māori queen and leader
Born
July 23rd, 1931 94 years ago
Died
August 15th, 2006 19 years ago — 75 years old
Ascended to the throne in 1966 as the first queen of the Māori people in New Zealand. Te Atairangikaahu served as a cultural ambassador, promoting Māori language and traditions. Under her reign, the Māori people gained greater visibility in New Zealand society. Actively involved in various community initiatives, the queen worked to address social issues affecting the Māori population.
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