Robert G. Ingersoll
American soldier and politician
Born
Died
Category
Leaders & Politicians
Country
United States
Links & References
Born on August 11, 1833, one served as a Union Army officer during the American Civil War. Later transitioned into a legal career, establishing a reputation as a prominent lawyer. Engaged in politics, one was elected to the Illinois legislature as a Republican. Advocated for secularism and free thought, earning recognition for speeches supporting civil liberties and religious freedom. Involved in the development of the modern agnostic movement, one emphasized reason and skepticism in public discourse.
Served as a colonel in the Union Army
Elected to the Illinois legislature
Other People Born on August 11th
Alejandra Barros
Mexican actress and screenwriter
Born
August 11th, 1971 54 years ago
Born in 1971, this actress and screenwriter gained prominence in the Mexican television and film industry. She started her career in telenovelas, earning recognition through roles in productions such as 'Amor Real' and 'El Privilegio de Amar.' Additionally, her work in film includes performances in 'En la Oscuridad' and 'Los olvidados.' Throughout her career, she has received several accolades for her acting, showcasing her talent across multiple genres in both television and cinema.
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American cyclist, Olympic gold medalist
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August 11th, 1973 52 years ago
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English physician and author
Born
August 11th, 1673 352 years ago
Died
February 16th, 1754 271 years ago — 80 years old
Trained at Edinburgh, practiced medicine in London. Published books on various medical topics, including the influence of environment on health. Advocated for public health measures and sanitation reforms. Served as physician to prominent figures, including royalty. Developed a reputation as an expert in infectious diseases and contributed to the understanding of the impact of environment on health outcomes.
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Argentinian singer-songwriter and musician
Born
August 11th, 1959 66 years ago
Died
September 4th, 2014 11 years ago — 55 years old
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Continue ReadingAlex Haley
Author of 'Roots'
Born
August 11th, 1921 104 years ago
Died
February 10th, 1992 33 years ago — 70 years old
An American author and journalist gained prominence with the novel 'Roots: The Saga of an American Family', published in 1976, which traces his ancestry back to Africa and explores the impact of slavery on American history. The book was adapted into a successful miniseries in 1977, which became a cultural phenomenon and is credited with raising awareness about African American history. Haley also wrote 'The Autobiography of Malcolm X', which illustrated the life and thoughts of the civil rights leader, and served in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II. His works have influenced literature and discussions surrounding race in America.
Continue ReadingGianluca Pessotto
Italian footballer and Juventus defender
Born
August 11th, 1970 55 years ago
Played professional football primarily as a left-back. Spent most of his career at Juventus, contributing to the team's successes in domestic and international competitions. Was part of the squad that won several Serie A titles and the UEFA Champions League in 1996. Represented the Italian national team, earning significant caps and participating in major tournaments during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on July 21st
Ralph Houk
Baseball manager and player, Yankees
Born
August 9th, 1919 106 years ago
Died
July 21st, 2010 15 years ago — 90 years old
Played as a catcher in Major League Baseball and managed the New York Yankees. Played from 1947 to 1953. Managed the Yankees from 1961 to 1963, leading the team to a World Series championship in 1961. Also managed the Detroit Tigers and the Boston Red Sox during a career spanning several decades.
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Actor famed for Sherlock Holmes role
Born
June 13th, 1892 133 years ago
Died
July 21st, 1967 58 years ago — 75 years old
Born in South Africa, an actor predominantly worked in British and American film and theatre. Achieved prominence in the 1930s and 1940s, portraying Sherlock Holmes in a series of films, starting with 'The Hound of the Baskervilles' in 1939. Rathbone also starred in significant roles in films such as 'Captain Blood' and 'The Adventures of Robin Hood'. His theatrical background included performances on the London stage and Broadway. Rathbone's distinctive voice and commanding presence contributed to his enduring legacy in cinematic history.
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American sprinter and Olympic sailor
Born
June 21st, 1889 136 years ago
Died
July 21st, 1972 53 years ago — 83 years old
Born in 1889, this individual excelled as a sprinter and sailor. Competing in the 1912 Stockholm Olympics, secured two gold medals in the 100 meters and 200 meters. Achieved significant success in sailing as well, competing in various national and international events. Contributed to the growth of athletics and sailing during the early 20th century.
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Rugby player, All Blacks representative
Born
November 24th, 1927 98 years ago
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July 21st, 2014 11 years ago — 86 years old
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American biologist and Nobel Laureate
Born
May 20th, 1918 107 years ago
Died
July 21st, 2004 21 years ago — 86 years old
An American biologist and geneticist contributed significantly to the understanding of genetic mechanisms through research on the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. Received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1995 for discovering genes controlling the development of body plan in organisms. His academic career included teaching at the California Institute of Technology, influencing generations of scientists. Conducted groundbreaking studies elucidating the role of homeotic genes in regulating the development of body segments.
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Dutch footballer and World Cup participant
Born
1949 77 years ago
Died
July 21st, 2015 10 years ago — 66 years old
A professional footballer from the Netherlands, played primarily as a striker. Achievements included playing for several clubs, including FC Groningen and Fortuna Sittard. Represented the national team in major tournaments, contributing to the squad's performance in the 1974 FIFA World Cup. Accumulated a reputation for his goal-scoring abilities during club and international matches.
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