Tarjei Vesaas

Norwegian author, 'The Birds'

Tarjei Vesaas - Norwegian author, 'The Birds'
Born

August 20th, 1897
128 years ago

Died

March 15th, 1970
55 years ago — 72 years old

Category

Artists & Creatives

Country

Norway

Links & References

An influential Norwegian author and poet, recognized for a profound exploration of human emotions and the relationship between individuals and nature. Key works include 'The Birds', which reflects themes of isolation and transformation. Other significant writings encompass 'The Ice Palace', renowned for its vivid imagery and psychological depth. His literary contributions earned him a place among the foremost modernist writers in Norway, impacting Scandinavian literature significantly.

Wrote 'The Birds'

Wrote 'The Ice Palace'

Received the Nordic Council Literature Prize in 1964

Other People Born on August 20th

Daniel Vladař

Czech ice hockey player, NHL goaltender
Born
August 20th, 1997 28 years ago

Born in 1997, this professional ice hockey player has played as a goaltender in the NHL. Starting his career in the Czech leagues, he was drafted into the NHL by the Boston Bruins. He made his NHL debut during the 2020-2021 season. His playing style is characterized by strong positioning and reflexes, contributing to his team's defensive efforts. As a member of both the Bruins and other teams in the American Hockey League (AHL), he has gained recognition for his skills as a reliable goaltender.

Continue Reading

Terry Sanford

Governor of North Carolina
Born
August 20th, 1917 108 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 81 years old

served as the 65th Governor of North Carolina from 1961 to 1965. During the governorship, implemented significant reforms in education and state government. Later, took on a prominent role in higher education, serving as president of Duke University from 1969 to 1985. Played a significant role in expanding the university's programs and facilities during that time.

Continue Reading

Bernard Mendy

Footballer, played for Paris Saint-Germain
Born
August 20th, 1981 44 years ago

Professional footballer played as a right back. Began career at Le Havre before moving to Paris Saint-Germain. Contributed to Paris Saint-Germain's successes during his time at the club, including winning Ligue 1 titles. Represented the French national team at various youth levels, showcasing skills in both domestic and international matches.

Continue Reading

Yootha Joyce

English actress in 'George and Mildred'
Born
August 20th, 1927 98 years ago
Died
August 24th, 1980 45 years ago — 53 years old

An English actress gained recognition for portraying Mildred Roper in the television series 'George and Mildred', a popular spin-off from the sitcom 'Man About the House'. Joyce's career began in theatre before transitioning to television and film. She appeared in various film roles during the 1960s and 1970s, including parts in 'The Family Way' and 'The Great St Trinian's Train Robbery'. Her performance in 'George and Mildred' remains the most prominent aspect of her career, airing from 1976 to 1979. Joyce's contributions to television comedy helped define the genre in the UK during that era.

Continue Reading

Henry Every

English pirate and infamous privateer
Born
August 20th, 1659 366 years ago
Died
1696 329 years ago — 37 years old

Born in 1659, a notorious pirate led successful raids in the late 17th century. Commanded the ship 'Fancy,' conducting the significant capture of the Mughal treasure ship Ganj-i-Sawai in 1695. This act brought immense wealth and notoriety, prompting a naval frenzy to capture him.

Continue Reading

Andy Strachan

Drummer and songwriter for The Living End
Born
August 20th, 1974 51 years ago

A drummer and songwriter based in Australia, contributed significantly to the rock band The Living End. The band formed in 1994 and achieved commercial success with multiple albums. The group is recognized for its energetic performances and a fusion of punk and rockabilly styles. Strachan joined the band in 2000 and played a crucial role in the creation of hit albums and popular singles. The Living End's work has earned several awards and nominations in the Australian music industry.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on March 15th

John Pople

Chemist, Nobel Prize in Chemistry
Born
October 31st, 1925 99 years ago
Died
March 15th, 2004 21 years ago — 78 years old

A chemist and academic contributed to the development of computational methods in quantum chemistry. His work provided significant insights into chemical processes, leading to advancements in molecular modeling. Pople's pioneering efforts in the field established new methods for computational simulations in chemistry. He collaborated with various institutions and made lasting contributions that shaped modern chemistry practices. Pople was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1998 for his foundational contributions to computational quantum chemistry.

Continue Reading

Cao Cao

Chinese warlord and statesman
Died
March 15th, 220 1805 years ago — None years old

Served as a significant general and statesman during the late Eastern Han dynasty. Played a crucial role in the power struggles leading to the end of the Han dynasty and the establishment of the Three Kingdoms period. Held the title of Chancellor and was instrumental in the development of the Cao Wei state. His leadership and military strategies established him as a formidable figure during a time of turmoil in China.

Continue Reading

Sylvia Anderson

Voice actress and producer of Thunderbirds
Born
1927 98 years ago
Died
March 15th, 2016 9 years ago — 89 years old

A prominent voice actress and television producer, significant contributions included co-creating and producing the hit television series 'Thunderbirds'. Collaborated with her husband on various projects, establishing a distinctive style of puppetry and storytelling in children's programming. Besides 'Thunderbirds', produced other series such as 'Joe 90' and 'Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons', pioneering the use of marionettes in television. Involved in multiple aspects of production, including scriptwriting and voice characterizations, which helped define an iconic genre in British television.

Continue Reading

Rebecca West

English author and literary critic
Born
December 21st, 1892 132 years ago
Died
March 15th, 1983 42 years ago — 90 years old

A prominent English author and critic, gained recognition for both fiction and non-fiction works. Explored themes of politics, society, and feminism. Most acclaimed for the novel 'The Fountain Overflows,' published in 1956, which is noted for its characterization and narrative style. Contributed significantly to literary criticism through essays and reviews in various periodicals. Received several honors throughout the career, including the English-speaking Union's Golden Pen Award.

Continue Reading

Eusebio Kino

Italian missionary and explorer in Mexico
Born
August 10th, 1645 380 years ago
Died
March 15th, 1711 314 years ago — 65 years old

A Jesuit priest and missionary, contributed significantly to the exploration and evangelization of the southwestern United States and Mexico. Established several missions in what is now Arizona and northern Mexico, facilitating the spread of Christianity among Indigenous populations. Advocated for the rights of Native Americans, opposing the enslavement and mistreatment of Indigenous peoples. His work laid the groundwork for later European settlement in the region.

Continue Reading

René Clair

French film director and screenwriter
Born
November 11th, 1898 126 years ago
Died
March 15th, 1981 44 years ago — 82 years old

A prominent figure in French cinema, this director and screenwriter contributed significantly to the film industry through innovative techniques and narratives. Works include 'Entr'acte' and 'Les Biches', showcasing a blend of surrealism and comedic elements. The director also played a role in advancing sound films, transitioning from silent films to talkies seamlessly. His work is characterized by a unique visual style and a focus on the human experience.

Continue Reading