Richard Owen

Biologist and paleontologist, Dinosaur taxonomy

Richard Owen - Biologist and paleontologist, Dinosaur taxonomy
Born

July 20th, 1804
221 years ago

Died

December 18th, 1892
132 years ago — 88 years old

Category

Scientists & Innovators

Country

United Kingdom

Links & References

A prominent English biologist and paleontologist, focused extensively on the study of fossilized remains. Played a pivotal role in establishing the field of vertebrate paleontology. Credited with coining the term 'Dinosauria' to categorize large extinct reptiles. Contributed significantly to the understanding of numerous prehistoric species through meticulous anatomical studies and fossil reconstructions. Served as the first director of the Natural History Museum in London, where numerous discoveries were made under his leadership.

Co-founded the Natural History Museum

Coined the term 'Dinosauria'

Developed a classification system for fossils

Other People Born on July 20th

Petrarch

Italian poet and scholar, Laura's muse
Born
July 20th, 1304 721 years ago
Died
July 19th, 1374 651 years ago — 69 years old

Born in 1304, this poet and scholar became a central figure in Renaissance humanism. He is often referred to as the 'father of Humanism' due to his influential writings which revived interest in classical antiquity. His sonnets, especially those dedicated to Laura, are notable for their exploration of love and beauty. His work laid the groundwork for the development of poetry in the Italian language and inspired many subsequent writers, including Shakespeare. Additionally, he contributed to the study of Latin and classical literature, and he was an early advocate for the notion of poetry as a reflection of personal experience.

Continue Reading

Alan Stephenson Boyd

First United States Secretary of Transportation
Born
July 20th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 98 years old

Served as the first United States Secretary of Transportation from 1967 to 1969. Prior to this role, held various positions within the legal and transportation sectors. Played a significant part in the establishment of the Department of Transportation. After leaving the cabinet, continued to influence transportation policies and practices in the private sector and through federal advisory roles.

Continue Reading

William Paine Lord

American politician, 9th Governor of Oregon
Born
July 20th, 1838 187 years ago
Died
1911 114 years ago — 73 years old

Served as the 9th Governor of Oregon from 1895 to 1899. Worked as a lawyer, establishing a legal practice in the state. Held various political positions and contributed to the development of Oregon's infrastructure and education system. Advocated for state issues and served the public throughout his career.

Continue Reading

Sandra Oh

Canadian actress, star of 'Killing Eve'
Born
July 20th, 1971 54 years ago

Born in Canada, an actress achieved prominence through significant roles in television and film. Gained recognition for a performance in the medical drama series 'Grey's Anatomy', playing the character Christina Yang. Later, starred in the critically acclaimed series 'Killing Eve' as Eve Polastri, receiving multiple awards for outstanding performances. Other notable appearances include films such as 'Sideways'.

Continue Reading

Heinie Manush

Baseball player and manager, Hall of Famer
Born
July 20th, 1901 124 years ago
Died
May 12th, 1971 54 years ago — 69 years old

A professional baseball player and manager, contributed significantly to Major League Baseball from the 1920s to the 1940s. Played primarily as an outfielder for teams such as the Washington Senators, Detroit Tigers, and Boston Braves. Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1964. Managed minor league teams following a successful playing career.

Continue Reading

Gerd Binnig

Physicist, Nobel Prize laureate
Born
July 20th, 1947 78 years ago

A German physicist studied and contributed significantly to the field of scanning tunneling microscopy. Developed the first operational scanning tunneling microscope in 1981, which allowed the imaging of surfaces at the atomic level. Shared the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1986 for the invention of this groundbreaking technology, which has applications in various scientific fields including nanotechnology and materials science. Worked in academia and continued contributing to research and education in physics throughout a distinguished career.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on December 18th

Sam Wanamaker

American actor and director of stage
Born
June 14th, 1919 106 years ago
Died
December 18th, 1993 31 years ago — 74 years old

An American actor and director, was instrumental in the reconstruction of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London. Started a career in acting during the 1940s, appearing in various films and television series. Faced difficulties during the McCarthy era due to political accusations. Transitioned to directing, with a significant focus on theater, particularly in the UK. Established the Globe Theatre Trust in 1970, which was dedicated to recreating the historic venue. The theater opened in 1997, several years after the passing of its founder.

Continue Reading

Joseph Barbera

Animator and co-founder of Hanna-Barbera
Born
March 24th, 1911 114 years ago
Died
December 18th, 2006 18 years ago — 95 years old

A prominent animator, director, and producer, co-founded Hanna-Barbera, a studio that revolutionized television animation. The studio produced numerous iconic series, including 'The Flintstones,' 'Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!', and 'The Jetsons.' Throughout his career, worked collaboratively with William Hanna to create beloved characters and innovative storytelling techniques that shaped the landscape of animation. Contributed significantly to the format of animated television series and is recognized for pioneering the use of limited animation techniques, which allowed for higher output with constrained budgets. The prolific output of Hanna-Barbera helped establish animation as a staple in family entertainment during the mid-20th century.

Continue Reading

Louis Moreau Gottschalk

Pianist and composer, 'Bande Nègre'
Born
May 8th, 1829 196 years ago
Died
December 18th, 1869 155 years ago — 40 years old

Pianist and composer achieved prominence during the 19th century. Raised in New Orleans, exposure to diverse musical traditions influenced compositional style. Studied at the Paris Conservatoire and gained recognition as a virtuoso pianist. Composed numerous works, blending classical, popular, and folk elements, showcasing the rhythms and melodies of African American and Creole music. 'Bande Nègre' is one of the notable compositions that reflected these influences. Performed widely in the United States and Europe, contributing to the popularity of American music abroad. Died in 1869 in Brazil, leaving a legacy that inspired future generations of composers.

Continue Reading

Zsa Zsa Gabor

Actress and socialite in Hollywood
Born
February 6th, 1917 108 years ago
Died
December 18th, 2016 8 years ago — 99 years old

Born in Hungary and later relocating to America, Gabor became a prominent actress and socialite. She gained fame in the 1950s and 1960s through a series of film roles and television appearances. Some of her notable films include 'Moulin Rouge' and 'Queen of Outer Space'. Gabor also became a fixture in Hollywood social scenes and was widely recognized for her glamorous lifestyle and multiple marriages.

Continue Reading

Charles Dvorak

American pole vaulter and coach
Born
November 27th, 1878 146 years ago
Died
December 18th, 1969 55 years ago — 91 years old

Born in 1878, this individual excelled in pole vaulting, achieving significant success in the early 20th century. Competed in the 1904 Summer Olympics, where he earned a gold medal in pole vaulting. Additionally served as a coach, contributing to the development of future athletes and enhancing the sport. His techniques and training methods influenced pole vaulting practices.

Continue Reading

Johann Gottfried Herder

German philosopher and poet
Born
August 25th, 1744 280 years ago
Died
December 18th, 1803 221 years ago — 59 years old

A prominent figure of the Sturm und Drang movement, contributed significantly to philosophy, literature, and cultural theory. Developed ideas on folk culture, language, and individuality, emphasizing the importance of national identity. Advocated for the concept of 'Volksgeist', which highlights the spirit of the people and culture. Influenced several disciplines, including linguistics and aesthetics, establishing a framework for understanding cultural development.

Continue Reading