Shangguan Wan'er
Chinese poet and political figure
Born
None
None years ago
Died
Category
Artists & Creatives
Country
China
Links & References
Born in 664, this individual served as a prominent poet and political figure during the Tang Dynasty. Ascending to power in the imperial court, notable contributions included the compilation of official documents and poetry that reflected the culture of the time. Renowned for both poetic skill and political acumen, became a key advisor to emperors, influencing governance and artistic expression.
Authored numerous poems that were celebrated
Served as a high-ranking official in the Tang court
Other People Who Died on July 21st
Robert Burns
Scottish poet and songwriter of 'Auld Lang Syne'
Born
January 25th, 1759 267 years ago
Died
July 21st, 1796 229 years ago — 37 years old
Born in 1759, this Scottish poet and songwriter became a central figure in Scottish literature. His works reflect the language, culture, and rural life of Scotland. Notable poems include 'Auld Lang Syne', often sung during New Year's celebrations, and 'To a Mouse', which explores themes of humanity and nature. He contributed significantly to the preservation and popularization of Scots dialect and folklore. His collections, including 'Poems, Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect', garnered attention and have been published in various editions over the centuries. His legacy continues to influence poetry and song across genres.
Continue ReadingRobert Young
American actor in 'Father Knows Best'
Born
February 22nd, 1907 119 years ago
Died
July 21st, 1998 27 years ago — 91 years old
An American actor, this individual gained recognition for performances in television and film throughout the mid-20th century. Most notable were roles in the television series 'Father Knows Best' and 'Marcus Welby, M.D.'. The actor's career spanned several decades, transitioning from radio to film and ultimately to television. Performed in numerous films during the 1930s and 1940s, establishing a prominent presence in the entertainment industry.
Continue ReadingRalph 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.
Continue ReadingMako Iwamatsu
Japanese actor in 'The Sand Pebbles'
Born
December 10th, 1933 92 years ago
Died
July 21st, 2006 19 years ago — 72 years old
Born in 1933, this actor had a prominent career in film and television. Early work included performances in Japanese cinema before moving to the United States. Notably starred in the film 'The Sand Pebbles' alongside Steve McQueen, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Also appeared in popular TV series such as 'Hawaii Five-O' and 'M*A*S*H'. His contribution to the arts extended to voice work in animated features, lending his voice to characters in 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' and 'The Last Unicorn'.
Continue ReadingMikhail Mikhaylovich Gerasimov
Russian anthropologist and sculptor
Born
1907 119 years ago
Died
July 21st, 1970 55 years ago — 63 years old
Contributions included the development of techniques for facial reconstruction from skulls, revolutionizing the field of physical anthropology. Worked on the reconstruction of historical figures, including those from ancient cultures. Served as an academic leader at the Institute of Ethnography and the Institute of Archaeology in Moscow, guiding research and education in anthropology and archaeology.
Continue ReadingJohn Heard
Actor in 'Home Alone' franchise
Born
March 7th, 1946 80 years ago
Died
July 21st, 2017 8 years ago — 71 years old
An American actor and producer, entered the film industry with a passion for theater. Achieved widespread recognition for roles in both film and television. Gained prominence through a pivotal role in the holiday classic 'Home Alone,' where played the father of the young main character. Besides film work, also featured in various television series, including 'The Sopranos.' Career spanned several decades, with performances showcasing versatility across genres from dramas to comedies.
Continue Reading