Schuyler Colfax
American politician, 17th Vice President
Served as the 17th Vice President of the United States from 1869 to 1873 under President Ulysses S. Grant. Before this role, held various political positions, including Speaker of the House of Representatives. Played a significant role in the Reconstruction Era, advocating for civil rights and economic development. Engaged in journalism, contributing to political discourse of the time. After leaving office, faced controversies related to the Credit Mobilier scandal but continued to be involved in public life until death in 1885.
Served as Speaker of the House from 1863 to 1869
Vice Presidency under Ulysses S. Grant
Other People Born on March 23rd
Kyrie Irving
Professional basketball player
Born
March 23rd, 1992 34 years ago
Born in 1992, this basketball player gained prominence in the NBA as a guard. Drafted first overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2011, he won an NBA Championship in 2016. He played a key role in the Cavaliers' historic comeback in the Finals against the Golden State Warriors by hitting the game-winning shot in Game 7. After his tenure with the Cavaliers, he played for the Boston Celtics and later joined the Brooklyn Nets. Throughout his career, he was recognized for his exceptional ball-handling skills and scoring ability, earning multiple selections to the NBA All-Star Game.
Continue ReadingKeri Russell
Actress known for 'Felicity' and 'The Americans'
Born
March 23rd, 1976 50 years ago
Born in 1976, this American actress gained prominence with the leading role in the television series 'Felicity', which aired from 1998 to 2002. The character of Felicity Porter, a college student navigating life and love, earned critical acclaim and won a Golden Globe Award. Following this success, she starred in the critically acclaimed series 'The Americans' from 2013 to 2018, portraying Elizabeth Jennings, a KGB spy living undercover in the United States during the Cold War. This role received numerous accolades, including several Emmy nominations. In addition to television, she appeared in films such as 'Waitress' and 'Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker', showcasing her versatility as an actress.
Continue ReadingEleanor Cameron
Children's author and literary critic
Born
March 23rd, 1912 114 years ago
Died
October 11th, 1996 29 years ago — 84 years old
A Canadian-American author focused on children's literature, became renowned for the writing of fantasy and science fiction for young audiences. First published in the late 1940s, title 'The Green and Golden Age' gained significant recognition. Contributed to literary criticism, reviewing and analyzing children's books, which helped shape the understanding of children's literature. Involved in various educational initiatives aimed at promoting reading among children and was influential in the literary community.
Continue ReadingJudith Godrèche
French actress and author, starred in 'The Dreamers'
Born
March 23rd, 1972 54 years ago
An actress and author born in France, gained recognition for contributions to film and literature. Achieved fame with roles in films such as 'The Dreamers' directed by Bernardo Bertolucci and '8 Women,' which showcased a talented ensemble cast. Published novels, adding to her profile as a writer. Featured in French cinema and participated in international projects, contributing to her wide-ranging career. Engaged with various artistic endeavors, reflecting a commitment to the arts.
Continue ReadingPerez Hilton
American celebrity gossip blogger
Born
March 23rd, 1978 48 years ago
Became a prominent figure in celebrity gossip through the blog PerezHilton.com, founded in 2004. The blog featured a blend of commentary and unfiltered news about various celebrities, utilizing a distinctive style that included doodled artwork. Gained additional attention through appearances on television programs and participation in reality shows, including 'Dancing with the Stars' and 'Celebrity Big Brother'. Authored books that combined autobiographical elements with commentary on pop culture.
Continue ReadingJonas Björkman
Tennis player and coach with Grand Slam titles
Born
March 23rd, 1972 54 years ago
A professional tennis player and coach, active primarily during the 1990s and early 2000s. Achieved significant success in doubles, securing a total of 54 doubles titles, including 9 Grand Slam titles. Transitioned to coaching after retirement, contributing to the development of players on both ATP and WTA tours. Represented Sweden in various international competitions, notably the Davis Cup and the Olympics.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on January 13th
Robert White
American diplomat, U.S. Ambassador
Born
1926 100 years ago
Died
January 13th, 2015 11 years ago — 89 years old
Served as a career foreign service officer in the United States State Department. Held the position of United States Ambassador to Paraguay from 1993 to 1996. Developed policies to promote democracy and human rights in the region. Advocacy for social justice led to tensions with the U.S. government, particularly concerning policies in Latin America. Retired from diplomatic service and engaged in various educational and advocacy efforts.
Continue ReadingMaria Sibylla Merian
Entomologist and botanical illustrator
Born
April 2nd, 1647 379 years ago
Died
January 13th, 1717 309 years ago — 69 years old
A pivotal figure in entomology and botany, her work significantly advanced the study of insects and plants. Merian traveled to Suriname in 1701, where she meticulously documented the life cycles of various insects in their natural habitats. Her groundbreaking publication, 'Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium', released in 1705, showcased detailed illustrations and observations of local flora and fauna. This work established a foundation for future research in entomology and plant biology, bridging the gap between art and science.
Continue ReadingH. B. Higgins
Australian politician and Attorney-General
Born
1851 175 years ago
Died
January 13th, 1929 97 years ago — 78 years old
H. B. Higgins served as the Attorney-General of Australia from 1904 to 1905 and was a key figure in the development of Australian law during the early 20th century. Appointed as a judge of the High Court of Australia in 1906, contributed significantly to the legal landscape of the nation. His work emphasized the importance of individual rights and social justice within the legal framework. Throughout his career, he was instrumental in several landmark rulings that shaped Australian jurisprudence, focusing on issues related to workers' rights and the legal rights of individuals. Additionally, he was involved in various political activities advocating for labor rights and legislation supporting the welfare of the community.
Continue ReadingPhilip Tartaglia
Scottish Archbishop of Glasgow
Born
January 11th, 1951 75 years ago
Died
January 13th, 2020 6 years ago — 69 years old
Served as the Archbishop of Glasgow from 2012 until death in 2021. Played a significant role in the Catholic Church in Scotland, overseeing various initiatives and responding to contemporary social issues. Engaged in interfaith dialogue and represented the Church on numerous occasions. Ordained as a priest in 1975, he later held the position of Bishop of Paisley from 2005 to 2012 before becoming Archbishop. Contributed to the Church's teachings and pastoral care during a period of significant change within society.
Continue ReadingSylvanus Olympio
President of Togo
Born
1902 124 years ago
Died
January 13th, 1963 63 years ago — 61 years old
A Togolese businessman and politician, served as the first President of Togo from 1960 until his assassination in 1963. Olympio was instrumental in leading Togo to independence from French colonial rule. His administration focused on economic development and infrastructural modernization.
Continue ReadingGuido Dessauer
German physicist and engineer
Born
1915 111 years ago
Died
January 13th, 2012 14 years ago — 97 years old
Contributions included work in electromagnetic theory and engineering. Developed designs for advanced optical systems. Made advancements in high-frequency technology and microwave engineering. Published numerous research papers in the field of physics and engineering. Worked extensively in academia and industry, particularly in enhancing communication technologies.
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