Sister Nivedita
Irish-Indian nurse and educator
An Irish-Indian nurse and educator significantly contributed to women's education in India. Inspired by Swami Vivekananda, committed to social reform and education for girls. Established the first training school for Indian nurses in Kolkata and worked tirelessly to uplift the underprivileged. Authored several works on Indian culture and spirituality, advocating for the pride and rights of women in society.
Founded a training school for Indian nurses
Wrote books on Indian culture and philosophy
Other People Born on October 28th
Edith Head
American costume designer for films
Born
October 28th, 1897 128 years ago
Died
1981 45 years ago — 84 years old
A prominent costume designer in Hollywood, this individual contributed to the visual style of numerous classic films from the 1930s to the 1970s. Winning eight Academy Awards for Costume Design, the work spanned a variety of genres and styles. Collaborations included notable films such as 'Sunset Boulevard,' 'A Place in the Sun,' and 'The Heiress.' The designer’s innovative designs established lasting trends in fashion and film costuming.
Continue ReadingKanō Jigorō
Martial artist and judo founder
Born
October 28th, 1860 165 years ago
Died
May 4th, 1938 87 years ago — 77 years old
Established judo as a modern martial art. Developed the principles of maximum efficiency and mutual welfare in training and competition. Opened the first judo school in Tokyo in 1882, promoting the sport's philosophy and techniques. Contributed to the physical education curriculum in Japan and facilitated judo's global expansion. Played a significant role in the development of the International Judo Federation.
Continue ReadingAuguste Escoffier
French chef and culinary author
Born
October 28th, 1846 179 years ago
Died
February 12th, 1935 90 years ago — 88 years old
A prominent chef and culinary writer, revolutionized French cuisine in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Developed classic dishes and refined cooking techniques, elevating culinary arts to a professional standard. Authored influential cookbooks, including 'Le Guide Culinaire,' which served as a cornerstone of modern cooking. Established the kitchen brigade system that organized kitchens into specialized roles, enhancing efficiency in culinary operations. Founded the renowned Savoy Hotel in London.
Continue ReadingFrancis Bacon
Irish painter with abstract expressionism
Born
October 28th, 1909 116 years ago
Died
April 28th, 1992 33 years ago — 82 years old
A celebrated painter, achieved recognition for a distinct style that merged figuration with abstraction. Focused primarily on human figures and their emotional states, often depicting the struggles of existence. Worked primarily with oil paint, utilizing techniques that led to textured, dynamic compositions. Exhibited in various prestigious galleries and museums worldwide. Major exhibitions included retrospectives at the Tate Gallery in London and the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
Continue ReadingEvelyn Waugh
Novelist and journalist; wrote 'Brideshead Revisited'
Born
October 28th, 1903 122 years ago
Died
April 10th, 1966 59 years ago — 62 years old
An English soldier, novelist, journalist, and critic, this individual became prominent in the early 20th century. Initial military service took place during World War II, followed by a literary career highlighted by sharp social commentary and satire. Major works include 'A Handful of Dust' and 'Brideshead Revisited', the latter exploring themes of faith and friendship among the British aristocracy. Contributions to literature expanded through essays and criticism, addressing cultural and political issues of the time.
Continue ReadingZygmunt Florenty Wróblewski
Polish physicist and chemist
Born
October 28th, 1845 180 years ago
Died
April 16th, 1888 137 years ago — 42 years old
A pioneering physicist and chemist contributed significantly to the understanding of liquefaction of gases. Conducted important experiments on the liquefaction of oxygen and nitrogen, leading to advancements in low-temperature physics. Held a professorship at the University of Lviv and was involved in the establishment of the Lviv Scientific Society. Collaborated with notable scientists and was a key figure in the early development of cryogenics.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on October 13th
Antonio Cafiero
Argentine politician and Governor
Born
September 12th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
October 13th, 2014 11 years ago — 92 years old
An accountant who entered politics, held the role of Governor of Buenos Aires Province from 1987 to 1991. Played a significant role in the Justicialist Party and participated in the economic and political restructuring of Argentina during the 1980s and 1990s. Advocated for several social and economic reforms during tenure as governor, focusing on infrastructure and public services improvements.
Continue ReadingFlorence La Badie
Canadian actress and film star
Born
April 27th, 1888 137 years ago
Died
October 13th, 1917 108 years ago — 29 years old
Active in the early 20th century, this actress gained recognition for her roles in silent films. Primarily associated with the Essanay Film Manufacturing Company, she appeared in multiple films between 1912 and 1916. Notable works include 'The Girl and the Outlaw' and 'A Social Bandit'. Despite a brief career, her contributions to early cinema remain significant.
Continue ReadingTheodore Beza
French theologian and scholar
Born
June 24th, 1519 506 years ago
Died
October 13th, 1605 420 years ago — 86 years old
A prominent figure in the Protestant Reformation, contributed significantly to Reformed theology. Succeeded John Calvin in Geneva, leading the Academy of Geneva and influencing theological debates of the time. Authored numerous works, including a critical edition of the New Testament. Engaged in discussions about the nature of predestination and the role of grace in salvation, shaping the direction of Reformed thought.
Continue ReadingIsaac Brock
General and Lieutenant Governor of Canada
Born
October 6th, 1769 256 years ago
Died
October 13th, 1812 213 years ago — 43 years old
Served as a British Army officer and politician, contributing significantly to the defense of Upper Canada during the War of 1812. Appointed as the Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada, developed military strategies to repel American invasions. Demonstrated leadership at notable battles, gaining recognition for tactical abilities and organizational skills. His leadership helped to secure key victories for British forces in the region.
Continue ReadingTommy Whittle
Saxophonist with notable jazz contributions
Born
October 13th, 1926 99 years ago
Died
October 13th, 2013 12 years ago — 87 years old
A prominent saxophonist with roots in both Scotland and England, significant contributions were made to the jazz genre over a lengthy career. Performance and recordings spanned several decades, showcasing talent in both live settings and studio work. Collaboration with various artists highlighted versatility and skill in improvisation. Acknowledged for ability to blend traditional jazz elements with contemporary styles.
Continue ReadingLouise Glück
American poet and Nobel laureate
Born
April 22nd, 1943 82 years ago
Died
October 13th, 2023 2 years ago — 80 years old
Born in New York City in 1943, a poet received numerous awards throughout the career, including the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2020. The poetry often explored themes of childhood, family, and nature, showcasing a distinctive voice in contemporary literature. Notable collections include 'The Wild Iris,' which won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1993, and 'A Village Life'. The work is characterized by a sharp emotional depth and innovative use of traditional forms.
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