Selma Lagerlöf
Swedish author, Nobel Prize laureate
An influential Swedish author, produced a variety of works that combined elements of fantasy and realism. First woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1909, awarded for 'The Saga of Gösta Berling.' Other notable works include 'The Wonderful Adventures of Nils.' Also engaged in promoting education and women's rights. Contributed to Swedish cultural heritage and literary tradition.
Won Nobel Prize in Literature in 1909
Wrote 'The Saga of Gösta Berling'
Authored 'The Wonderful Adventures of Nils'
Other People Born on November 20th
Charlotte Garrigue
Political figure and First Lady of Czechoslovakia
Born
November 20th, 1850 175 years ago
Died
1923 103 years ago — 73 years old
Born in 1850, an influential figure in Czechoslovak history, contributed to the development of the newly established republic. Married to Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, the first president of Czechoslovakia, played a significant role in supporting his political activities and engaging in social work. Actively involved in educational and charitable initiatives, promoted women's rights and cultural development. The establishment of the Masaryk University in Brno and her assistance in various organizations showcased a commitment to social progress.
Continue ReadingDavid Douglas-Home
British businessman and politician
Born
November 20th, 1943 82 years ago
Died
2022 4 years ago — 79 years old
Held various positions in government and business. Served as a Member of Parliament for the Conservative Party. Played a key role in the privatization of state-owned industries during the 1980s. Participated in significant economic reforms in the UK, contributing to policies that shaped the modern British economy.
Continue ReadingBruno Mealli
Italian professional cyclist
Born
November 20th, 1937 88 years ago
Died
2023 3 years ago — 86 years old
Competed as a professional cyclist primarily in road racing. Participated in the Giro d'Italia and was part of various national and international races throughout the 1960s. Achieved notable success in several stages and classifications during key cycling events. Accumulated experience with various cycling teams before retiring from professional competition.
Continue ReadingPatriarch Kirill of Moscow
Religious leader and spiritual authority
Born
November 20th, 1946 79 years ago
Ordained as a priest in 1969, served in various capacities within the Russian Orthodox Church, including leading the Department for External Church Relations. Elected as the 16th Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia in 2009, overseeing the church during a period of increased visibility and influence in Russian society. Engaged in ecumenical dialogue with other Christian denominations and addressed contemporary moral and ethical issues facing the church.
Continue ReadingOtto von Habsburg
Crown Prince of Austria-Hungary
Born
November 20th, 1912 113 years ago
Died
2011 15 years ago — 99 years old
Last Crown Prince of Austria-Hungary held a significant role in European history. After World War I, the monarchy ended, and Habsburg went into exile. He became a prominent advocate for European integration and unity. Habsburg served as a member of the European Parliament representing the Conservative People's Party from 1979 to 1989. Throughout life, he wrote extensively on political and historical issues, promoting democracy and European cooperation.
Continue ReadingNirmal Selvamony
Indian Tamil academician and ecocritic
Born
November 20th, 1953 72 years ago
An academician specialized in Tamil literature and ecocriticism, contributed extensively to the understanding of ecological themes in literature. Published significant scholarly work that explored the intersection of environment and Tamil poetry. Engaged in teaching and mentoring future scholars in Tamil studies, focusing on the relationship between literature and ecological awareness.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on March 16th
Manjural Islam Rana
Bangladeshi cricketer and national team player
Born
1984 42 years ago
Died
March 16th, 2007 18 years ago — 23 years old
A cricketer from Bangladesh, played as a left-arm fast bowler and left-handed batsman. Represented Bangladesh in international cricket from 2000 until 2005. Played in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2003. Made significant contributions to the national team during matches against various international sides. Achieved notable figures in first-class cricket, showcasing skills in both bowling and batting.
Continue ReadingGiovanni Battista Pergolesi
Italian composer of comic opera
Born
January 4th, 1710 316 years ago
Died
March 16th, 1736 289 years ago — 26 years old
An Italian composer, violinist, and organist. Composed several operas and sacred music, with a focus on the emerging opera buffa genre. Best recognized for the intermezzo 'La serva padrona' and the religious work 'Stabat Mater'. His compositions influenced the development of Italian opera during the 18th century.
Continue ReadingAnthony St. Leger
English-Irish politician Lord Deputy
Born
1496 530 years ago
Died
March 16th, 1559 466 years ago — 63 years old
Served as Lord Deputy of Ireland during the reign of Henry VIII. Held office from 1540 to 1556, overseeing the administration of English law in Ireland. Managed relations with Irish chieftains and worked to implement policies aimed at integrating Ireland into the English realm. Engaged in military campaigns to solidify English control and reduce resistance from local leaders.
Continue ReadingBebe Daniels
American actress and silent film star
Born
January 14th, 1901 125 years ago
Died
March 16th, 1971 54 years ago — 70 years old
Bebe Daniels was an American actress active during the silent film era and later transitioned to talkies. She began her career in the early 1910s and gained fame for roles in films such as 'The Little Princess' and 'The Show of Shows'. In the 1920s, she was one of the leading actresses in Hollywood, recognized for her work in musicals and comedies. Daniels also participated in early television programs, including the successful series 'The Bebe Daniels Show'. Throughout her career, she collaborated with notable figures in the industry and became an influential personality in both film and television.
Continue ReadingTakaaki Yoshimoto
Japanese poet and philosopher
Born
November 25th, 1924 101 years ago
Died
March 16th, 2012 13 years ago — 87 years old
Contribution to Japanese literature through poetry and philosophical criticism. Played a significant role in the post-war literary scene, blending traditional and modern elements in works. Engaged with existential themes and contributed to various literary critiques and essays.
Continue ReadingGary Bettenhausen
American race car driver, Indianapolis 500
Born
November 18th, 1941 84 years ago
Died
March 16th, 2014 11 years ago — 72 years old
Competed in numerous racing events, primarily in the Indianapolis 500, participating in 17 races between 1972 and 1993. Achieved notable finishes, including a top placement of fourth in the 1980 Indianapolis 500. Before focusing on IndyCar, raced in various series including USAC and NASCAR. Gained recognition for driving in the National Championship car series and participated in several shorts for local tracks. Had a career spanning over four decades in the racing industry.
Continue Reading