Tatu Kolehmainen

Finnish long-distance runner Olympic medalist

Tatu Kolehmainen - Finnish long-distance runner Olympic medalist
Born

April 21st, 1885
140 years ago

Died

June 15th, 1967
57 years ago — 82 years old

Category

Athletes & Sports Figures

Country

Finland

Links & References

Competed in long-distance running events during the early 20th century. Achieved significant success at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics, securing a bronze medal in the 10,000 meters. Set multiple national records in Finland and excelled in various distance races throughout his career, contributing to the rise of Finland in long-distance running. After retiring from competitive athletics, continued to influence the sport through coaching and local athletics.

Bronze medal in 10,000m at the 1912 Olympics

Multiple national record holder in Finland

Other People Born on April 21st

Alexander Anderson

Illustrator and engraver
Born
April 21st, 1775 250 years ago
Died
1870 155 years ago — 95 years old

Born in 1775, this Scottish-American artist specialized in engraving and illustration. Pioneering wood engravings were a significant part of his work, contributing to the fields of book illustration and printmaking in the early 19th century. This individual created illustrations for various publications, enhancing the visual appeal of literature during that time. The artist's innovative techniques helped shape the development of American illustration.

Continue Reading

Nikki Cross

Professional wrestler in WWE
Born
April 21st, 1989 36 years ago

A professional wrestler who gained prominence in WWE. Began career in 2010, competing in various promotions before signing with WWE in 2016. Became notable for her intense and unpredictable in-ring style. Captured the NXT Women's Championship in 2017, showcasing a strong performance in the women's division. Participated in high-profile matches and events.

Continue Reading

Thomas Kean

American politician and New Jersey Governor
Born
April 21st, 1935 90 years ago

Served as the 48th Governor of New Jersey from 1982 to 1990. Focused on education reform and environmental preservation during the governorship. Later became a prominent figure in academia, contributing to educational institutions and public policy discussions. Involved in various nonprofit organizations and served as chairman of the 9/11 Commission, examining the events leading up to and following the September 11 attacks.

Continue Reading

William Stang

Bishop with significant influence in the Church
Born
April 21st, 1854 171 years ago
Died
1907 118 years ago — 53 years old

A German-American bishop, played a pivotal role in the development of the Catholic Church in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Ordained a priest in 1878, served in various capacities before becoming the first bishop of the Diocese of Winona, Minnesota. Focused on educational development, established schools and promoted the importance of religious education for the immigrant community. Played an integral part in the construction of churches and parishes, aiming to provide spiritual guidance and community support for Catholic families. Advocated for the rights of immigrants and emphasized the importance of integration into American society.

Continue Reading

Souleymane Cissé

Malian director of 'Yaaba' and 'Jomaa'
Born
April 21st, 1940 85 years ago

Born in 1940, a Malian director, producer, and screenwriter focused on African cinema. Cissé’s acclaimed films explore themes of identity and culture. Debuted with 'Baara' in 1978, which depicted the struggles of a worker in Bamako. His film 'Yaaba' received the International Critics' Week award at the 1989 Cannes Film Festival, showcasing the power of storytelling in addressing social issues. 'Jomaa', another significant work, further cemented his place in the film industry. Cissé has been influential in promoting African perspectives in cinema during a time of cultural upheaval and change.

Continue Reading

Josef Flammer

Ophthalmologist and researcher
Born
April 21st, 1948 77 years ago

Specialized in glaucoma and ocular blood flow research. Contributed significantly to the understanding of glaucoma's pathophysiology and treatment options. Held key positions in several professional organizations, influencing the global strategy on eye health. Authored numerous publications, advancing the field of ophthalmology through research on the effects of systemic diseases on ocular health.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on June 15th

Andronikos III Palaiologos

Byzantine emperor during the 14th century
Born
March 25th, 1297 728 years ago
Died
June 15th, 1341 683 years ago — 44 years old

Ruled as Byzantine emperor from 1328 until 1341. Ascended to the throne after a civil war against additional claims to power. His reign saw the struggle against the rise of Ottoman power, which increasingly threatened Byzantine territories. Strengthened the military and expanded diplomatic relations with Western Europe. Sponsored cultural and architectural projects, contributing to the legacy of Byzantine art and literature. His untimely death led to a power struggle, impacting the future of the Byzantine Empire.

Continue Reading

Moise Safra

Brazilian businessman, Banco Safra co-founder
Born
April 5th, 1934 91 years ago
Died
June 15th, 2014 10 years ago — 80 years old

Born in 1934, a Brazilian businessman and philanthropist co-founded Banco Safra, a major financial institution in Brazil. The banking enterprise became one of the leading private banks in the country. Significant contributions were made to various philanthropic initiatives, focusing on education and cultural projects. Throughout a career marked by financial leadership, established a reputation in the banking sector and contributed to numerous charitable foundations.

Continue Reading

Count Albert von Mensdorff-Pouilly-Dietrichstein

Austrian diplomat and statesman
Died
June 15th, 1945 79 years ago — None years old

Served as Austria-Hungary's ambassador to the United Kingdom and played a role in diplomatic relations during critical periods. Held numerous important diplomatic posts and was influential in shaping Austria-Hungary's foreign policy prior to and during World War I. Actively engaged in efforts to negotiate peace and navigate complex international relations. After the war, continued to represent Austria in various diplomatic capacities until the end of life.

Continue Reading

Tamás Bakócz

Hungarian Cardinal and diplomat
Born
1442 583 years ago
Died
June 15th, 1521 503 years ago — 79 years old

Served as a leading figure in the Catholic Church during the early 16th century. Held the position of Cardinal and was influential in various ecclesiastical and political matters. Played a key role in diplomacy between Hungary and the Papacy. Actively participated in the political landscape of Hungary, particularly during a time of conflict with the Ottoman Empire.

Continue Reading

Meredith Willson

Playwright and composer of The Music Man
Born
May 18th, 1902 122 years ago
Died
June 15th, 1984 40 years ago — 82 years old

A composer and playwright created the Broadway musical The Music Man, which premiered in 1957. The show followed a con man named Harold Hill who posed as a band leader in a small Iowa town. Willson also wrote the successful musical-notes for several other works, including The Unsinkable Molly Brown. His background in music, as a conductor and musician, greatly influenced his creative output and compositional style. Willson's contributions to the arts have been recognized through numerous awards including Tony Awards for his work. His legacy continues through the enduring popularity of The Music Man, which remains a staple in theater productions worldwide.

Continue Reading

Louis-Claude Daquin

French organist and composer
Born
July 4th, 1694 330 years ago
Died
June 15th, 1772 252 years ago — 77 years old

Born in 1694, a prominent organist and composer in France during the Baroque period, contributed significantly to the development of French keyboard music. Served as the organist at the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris and later at the royal court. Created numerous works including organ pieces and motets, showcasing a unique style that blended traditional French elements with Italian influences. Daquin's compositions remain vital for understanding the evolution of organ music in the 18th century.

Continue Reading