Tokugawa Tsunayoshi
Japanese shōgun and ruler
The fifth shōgun of the Tokugawa shogunate, ruled from 1680 until death in 1709. Implemented policies promoting the welfare of animals, which influenced laws and societal norms during the Edo period. The reign saw increased urbanization and cultural developments, especially in Edo. Support for the arts flourished under his leadership, with significant contributions to literature and theater. Facilitated the growth of educational institutions that shaped future Japanese thought and culture.
Established the 'forbidding of cruelty to animals' law
Promoted the cultural arts and education in Edo
Other People Born on February 23rd
Malik Hairston
Basketball player, NCAA champion
Born
February 23rd, 1987 39 years ago
Professional basketball player played college basketball at the University of Oregon. Signed with the San Antonio Spurs and played for the team during the NBA summer league. Also played in various international leagues, including in Italy. Contributed to the performance of his teams in both domestic and international competitions.
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American guitarist, co-founder of Queensrÿche
Born
February 23rd, 1962 64 years ago
Guitarist co-founded the progressive metal band Queensrÿche in 1982. Played a significant role in shaping the band's sound, contributing to its major albums, including 'Operation: Mindcrime' and 'Empire'. Additionally, collaborated with various artists and participated in side projects throughout a lengthy career in music. Known for intricate guitar work and distinctive songwriting.
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Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church
Born
February 23rd, 1929 97 years ago
Died
December 5th, 2008 17 years ago — 79 years old
Served as the Patriarch of Moscow and all Rus' from 1990 until 2008. Played a significant role in the revival of the Russian Orthodox Church after the fall of the Soviet Union. Promoted interfaith dialogue and worked to restore the church's influence in Russian society and beyond. Represented the church during international religious gatherings and was involved in various ecumenical efforts.
Continue ReadingLee Shaffer
American basketball player and coach
Born
February 23rd, 1939 87 years ago
Played college basketball at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and was part of the team during its early years of prominence in the NCAA. After college, played professionally in the American Basketball Association (ABA) for the San Diego Rockets. Later transitioned into coaching, contributing to youth basketball development programs and mentoring aspiring players.
Continue ReadingRobert Lopez
Songwriter and playwright of musicals
Born
February 23rd, 1975 51 years ago
A prolific songwriter and playwright, contributed to Broadway musicals, co-created the hit musical 'Avenue Q' and the animated film 'Frozen.' 'Avenue Q' received the Tony Award for Best Musical in 2004. 'Frozen,' featuring the song 'Let It Go,' won an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2014. Collaborated with other artists and continued to create acclaimed works for theater and film.
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Singer-songwriter of Jewish melodies
Born
February 23rd, 1951 75 years ago
Died
2011 15 years ago — 60 years old
A prominent singer-songwriter, this individual contributed significantly to contemporary Jewish music. Starting in the 1970s, created and popularized a repertoire of original melodies that became integral to Jewish worship and education. Works often featured themes of spirituality and community, resonating within synagogues across the United States and beyond. Released numerous albums, including 'Sing Unto God' and 'The Gift of Music,' solidifying a prominent place in the genre. Engaged in educational initiatives, training future generations in the tradition of Jewish song.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on February 19th
José Mojica Marins
Filmmaker and horror film innovator
Born
1936 90 years ago
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February 19th, 2020 6 years ago — 84 years old
A Brazilian filmmaker, writer, and actor became a prominent figure in the horror genre through the creation of unique and cult classic films. Contributed significantly to the development of the Brazilian horror film industry. Best known for the character Coffin Joe, which became emblematic of his work, often challenging social norms and pushing artistic boundaries. Marins hosted a television show that reinforced his association with horror cinema, captivating audiences with suspenseful storytelling and macabre themes.
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Economist, created property rights theory
Born
April 12th, 1914 112 years ago
Died
February 19th, 2013 13 years ago — 98 years old
An economist and academic contributed significantly to the field of economics, particularly in the areas of property rights and the theory of the firm. A professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, focused on microeconomic theory and price theory. Co-authored the influential book 'Economic Forces at Work', which examined economic mechanisms and market processes. Additionally, established principles related to transactions, contracts, and the role of businesses within the economy.
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American actress and singer
Born
April 23rd, 1921 105 years ago
Died
February 19th, 2007 19 years ago — 85 years old
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Transgender LGBT activist
Born
July 2nd, 1952 74 years ago
Died
February 19th, 2002 24 years ago — 49 years old
An activist dedicated to advancing the rights of transgender individuals and the broader LGBT community. Played a crucial role in the 1969 Stonewall Riots, which marked a significant turning point in the fight for LGBT rights. Co-founded the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR) alongside Marsha P. Johnson to provide support and resources for transgender people and homeless youth. Engaged in advocacy throughout the 1970s and 1980s, focusing on issues of poverty, discrimination, and social justice.
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July 20th, 1999 27 years ago
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February 19th, 2020 6 years ago — 20 years old
Rapper and songwriter gained prominence in the hip-hop scene with the release of the mixtapes 'Meet the Woo' and 'Meet the Woo 2'. The debut studio album, 'Shoot for the Stars Aim for the Moon', released posthumously, reached number one on the Billboard 200 chart. Popular tracks included 'Welcome to the Party' and 'Dior', which contributed to a resurgence of the Brooklyn drill music genre. Collaborated with artists like Travis Scott and Quavo, expanding musical horizons. His contribution to the genre is marked by a blend of aggressive lyrics and melodic hooks.
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American actor and writer on 'Parks and Recreation'
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1984 42 years ago
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February 19th, 2015 11 years ago — 31 years old
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