Steven Defour
Belgian footballer and midfielder
A Belgian footballer played primarily as a midfielder. Career began at the youth academy of Mechelen before moving to the senior team. Transitioned to Standard Liège, contributing to their Belgian Pro League victory in the 2008-09 season. Later played for clubs including Porto, Anderlecht, and Burnley, achieving acclaim in multiple leagues. Internationally, represented Belgium at multiple youth levels and participated in the senior national team's campaigns.
Won the Belgian Pro League with Standard Liège
Played in the UEFA Champions League with Porto
Competed in the English Premier League with Burnley
Other People Born on April 15th
Miguel Najdorf
Chess player and theoretician, author
Born
April 15th, 1910 115 years ago
Died
1997 29 years ago — 87 years old
A Polish-Argentinian chess player and theoretician contributed significantly to chess theory and literature. Najdorf migrated to Argentina in 1939 and became a leading figure in Argentinian chess. He won numerous national championships and was a prominent participant in international tournaments. His work in chess theory, particularly in the Sicilian Defense, influenced many players. Najdorf authored several books on chess, enriching the education of future generations of players.
Continue ReadingJean Moréas
Greek poet and art critic
Born
April 15th, 1856 169 years ago
Died
March 31st, 1910 115 years ago — 53 years old
A Greek poet, essayist, and art critic, Moréas played a significant role in the Symbolist movement in literature. A key figure in the literary scene of the late 19th century, he contributed to the development of modern poetry. His works reflect a deep engagement with themes of beauty and symbolism, establishing a foundation for later artistic expressions. The manifesto for Symbolism, authored by Moréas, outlined the principles of this movement, influencing contemporary and future poets. In addition to poetry, he critiqued art, showcasing a dedication to both literary and artistic spheres. His contributions to both realms left a lasting mark on cultural discussions of his time.
Continue ReadingRené Pleven
Politician and Prime Minister of France
Born
April 15th, 1901 124 years ago
Died
1993 33 years ago — 92 years old
Served as Prime Minister of France from 1950 to 1951. Played a significant role in post-World War II governance and economic reconstruction in France. Contributed to the creation of the European Defense Community, aiming to strengthen Western European defense postures. Held various ministerial roles including Minister of National Defense and Minister of Finance during a critical period of post-war recovery.
Continue ReadingElizabeth Catlett
Sculptor and Illustrator, Famous for Works
Born
April 15th, 1915 110 years ago
Died
April 2nd, 2012 13 years ago — 96 years old
An American-Mexican sculptor and illustrator, created works that reflect the African American experience and the struggle for social justice. Education included studies at Howard University and the Art Students League in New York City. Moved to Mexico in 1946, where she became a prominent figure in the art community, embracing themes of identity and empowerment in her art. Worked in various mediums, including sculpture, lithography, and woodcuts, and focused on representations of women. Received numerous awards during her career, including the National Medal of Arts in 1994.
Continue ReadingThomas Szasz
Psychiatrist; authored 'The Myth of Mental Illness'
Born
April 15th, 1920 105 years ago
Died
September 8th, 2012 13 years ago — 92 years old
A psychiatrist and academic contributed to the field of psychiatry through critical analysis of mental illness. Focused on the ethical implications of psychiatry and the concept of involuntary treatment. Authored several books, including 'The Myth of Mental Illness,' advocating for the view that mental illnesses are often mischaracterizations of behavioral problems. Challenged conventional psychiatric practices and emphasized personal responsibility over medical diagnosis. Advocate for civil liberties and the rights of patients in psychiatry.
Continue ReadingNikolaas Tinbergen
Ethologist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
April 15th, 1907 118 years ago
Died
December 21st, 1988 37 years ago — 81 years old
A prominent ethologist and ornithologist, this individual contributed significantly to the study of animal behavior. The research emphasized instinctive behavior in animals and introduced the concept of fixed action patterns. In 1973, shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine with Konrad Lorenz and Karl von Frisch for discoveries concerning organization and elicitation of individual and social behavior patterns in animals. His work laid foundational principles in ethology and significantly advanced understanding of animal behavior, breeding, and communications.
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