Sian Elias
Chief Justice of New Zealand
Served as the 12th Chief Justice of New Zealand, a role held from 2000 until 2019. Played a significant role in shaping the New Zealand legal system and jurisprudence through various landmark rulings. Contributed to legal education and the promotion of judicial independence. Participated in numerous significant legal reforms during tenure.
Served as the first female Chief Justice of New Zealand
Presided over high-profile cases including those involving constitutional law
Advocated for reforms in the judicial system
Other People Born on March 13th
Sammy Kaye
Saxophonist and bandleader of Swing music
Born
March 13th, 1910 115 years ago
Died
June 2nd, 1987 38 years ago — 77 years old
An American saxophonist, songwriter, and bandleader, this musician emerged in the big band era, leading a popular orchestra in the 1940s and 1950s. The orchestral style combined swing with smooth vocal harmonies. A signature program, 'Sammy Kaye and His Orchestra', featured performances that included both instrumental and vocal arrangements. The band achieved popularity through radio broadcasts and live performances, contributing to the Swing music movement. Many of the band's hits became standards of the genre, further cementing a legacy in American music.
Continue ReadingAbigail Fillmore
First Lady of the United States
Born
March 13th, 1798 227 years ago
Died
1853 173 years ago — 55 years old
Served as First Lady during the presidency of Millard Fillmore from 1850 to 1853. Established the first White House library and promoted education and literacy initiatives. Played a significant role in social functions and public engagements during her husband's administration. Actively supported various charitable causes.
Continue ReadingKarl Friedrich Schinkel
Architect and painter, designed Konzerthaus
Born
March 13th, 1781 244 years ago
Died
1841 185 years ago — 60 years old
A prominent figure in 19th-century German architecture and painting, contributions include the design of the Konzerthaus in Berlin, a notable example of neoclassical architecture. His work spanned various domains, integrating architecture and urban planning. Schinkel served as a key influence in the development of architecture in Prussia during the Romantic period. His projects often included the blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal, leaving a lasting legacy that shaped architectural practices in Germany.
Continue ReadingYonatan Netanyahu
American-Israeli colonel and military leader
Born
March 13th, 1946 79 years ago
Died
July 4th, 1976 49 years ago — 30 years old
Served as a colonel in the Israel Defense Forces and led the elite Sayeret Matkal special forces unit. Participated in several key military operations during the 1970s, including the counter-terrorism operation at Entebbe Airport in 1976. Demonstrated leadership in various critical situations and was involved in training future commanders of the IDF. Passed away during an operation in 1976 while rescuing hostages.
Continue ReadingGuillaume Brune
General and diplomat
Born
March 13th, 1763 262 years ago
Died
August 2nd, 1815 210 years ago — 52 years old
Born in 1763, a French general and diplomat played a significant role during the French Revolutionary Wars and the Napoleonic Wars. Brune served as a general in the Army of the Rhine and distinguished himself at the Battle of Marengo in 1800. He held various military positions and was appointed as the French governor of the Dutch Republic. His diplomatic efforts included negotiations with the British government. Brune's contributions to military strategy and diplomacy were notable during a tumultuous period in European history.
Continue ReadingAl Jaffee
Cartoonist best known for Mad Magazine
Born
March 13th, 1921 104 years ago
Died
April 10th, 2023 2 years ago — 102 years old
A prominent cartoonist contributed significantly to the humor magazine Mad, introducing beloved features like the fold-in and the Snappy Answers to Stupid Questions. Jaffee's artistic style and satirical commentary resonated with readers, making his work a staple of American pop culture. Over a career spanning several decades, Jaffee collaborated with other notable artists and writers, creating memorable characters and illustrations that reflected the social and political climate. His work earned recognition within the comic industry, solidifying his legacy as an innovator in cartooning.
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