V. S. Ramadevi
Indian civil servant and politician
Served as the 13th Governor of Karnataka from 1994 to 1996. Held various governmental positions, contributing to public administration and policy development. Served as Secretary in several ministries including the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Education. Played a significant role in the implementation of various governmental programs and initiatives.
13th Governor of Karnataka
Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs
Secretary in the Ministry of Education
Other People Born on January 15th
Margaret O'Brien
Actress known for 'Meet Me in St. Louis'
Born
January 15th, 1937 89 years ago
An American actress and singer, this individual gained popularity in the 1940s as a child actress. Achieved significant recognition for performances in films such as 'Meet Me in St. Louis' and 'Our Vines Have Tender Grapes'. She garnered an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in 'Meet Me in St. Louis', showcasing exceptional talent at a young age. Transitioned to television and continued to appear in various shows and movies throughout the latter half of the 20th century.
Continue ReadingMaeda Toshiie
Japanese general during the Sengoku period
Born
January 15th, 1538 488 years ago
Died
April 27th, 1599 426 years ago — 61 years old
A prominent general during the Sengoku period, contributed significantly to the unification of Japan under the Toyotomi clan. Served loyally under Toyotomi Hideyoshi, playing a crucial role in military campaigns. Known for strategic brilliance and strong leadership in battles, including the Siege of Odawara and the Korean invasions. Established a powerful domain in Kaga, fostering the development of the region and supporting the arts and culture.
Continue ReadingEddie Graham
Professional wrestler and promoter
Born
January 15th, 1930 96 years ago
Died
January 21st, 1985 41 years ago — 55 years old
A professional wrestler and promoter, contributed significantly to the wrestling industry during the 1970s and 1980s. Founded and promoted several wrestling territories, most notably in Florida. Served as a key figure in the National Wrestling Alliance. Developed numerous wrestling talents who later achieved prominence in the industry.
Continue ReadingGrover Lowdermilk
American baseball player
Born
January 15th, 1885 141 years ago
Died
March 31st, 1968 57 years ago — 83 years old
Played as a professional baseball player primarily in the outfield during the 1910s. Competed in Major League Baseball for teams including the Chicago White Sox and the Philadelphia Athletics. His career spanned several seasons, contributing to the teams with notable performances. After retiring from professional play, engagement in minor league baseball and coaching followed.
Continue ReadingMargaret Beckett
Metallurgist and politician, Foreign Secretary
Born
January 15th, 1943 83 years ago
A prominent figure in British politics and metallurgy, served as Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs from 2006 to 2007. Started a career in metallurgy, contributing to advancements in the field before transitioning into politics. Elected as a Member of Parliament and held various ministerial roles, including Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Played a significant role in the Labour Party and influenced foreign policy during her tenure.
Continue ReadingThomas Burke
American sprinter and Olympic champion
Born
January 15th, 1875 151 years ago
Died
February 14th, 1929 96 years ago — 54 years old
An accomplished sprinter, played a significant role in the early era of American track and field. Won two gold medals in the 1896 Olympics held in Athens, Greece, competing in the 100 meters and 400 meters events. Additionally served as a coach and contributed to journalism, sharing insights on the sport and athletic community. Had an active presence in promoting athletics during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Influenced the development of sprinting techniques and coaching methodologies.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on April 17th
Chyna
Professional wrestler and actress
Born
December 27th, 1969 56 years ago
Died
April 17th, 2016 9 years ago — 46 years old
Began wrestling career in the late 1990s, gaining recognition in World Wrestling Federation (WWF). Became the first woman to hold the Intercontinental Championship, a title won in 1999. Also appeared in other promotions and had roles in films, including 'One Night in China.' Worked in reality television, including the series 'Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew.' Career ended after public struggles and personal challenges.
Continue ReadingJoseph I
Holy Roman Emperor during the War of Spanish Succession
Born
July 26th, 1678 347 years ago
Died
April 17th, 1711 314 years ago — 32 years old
Ascended to the throne as Holy Roman Emperor in 1705. His reign coincided with the War of the Spanish Succession, a major European conflict driven by the issue of succession to the Spanish throne. Joseph I’s leadership was marked by efforts to strengthen the Habsburg influence in Europe. The emperor struggled with various challenges, including military conflicts and issues of governance within the empire. His reign ended with his death in 1711, after which his younger brother succeeded him.
Continue ReadingInfanta Branca of Portugal
Portuguese royal daughter of Afonso III
Born
February 25th, 1259 766 years ago
Died
April 17th, 1321 704 years ago — 62 years old
Daughter of King Afonso III of Portugal, Infanta Branca was born into the Portuguese royal family and played a significant role in the royal lineage. Her marriage alliances were crucial to strengthening dynastic ties within European nobility. Branca's life unfolded during a period of political turmoil and conflict in Portugal, shaping the dynamics of power in the region. Details of her life and contributions are less emphasized in historical records due to the focus on the actions of male monarchs.
Continue ReadingJean Baptiste Perrin
Physicist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
September 30th, 1870 155 years ago
Died
April 17th, 1942 83 years ago — 71 years old
A physicist and chemist, contributions focused on the determination of Avogadro's number and the discovery of the Brownian motion. Worked extensively on the nature of matter and the kinetic theory of gases. Received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1926 for work on the discontinuous structure of matter. Later became a member of the French Academy of Sciences, influencing the fields of physics and physical chemistry.
Continue ReadingKarpal Singh
Malaysian lawyer and politician
Born
June 28th, 1940 85 years ago
Died
April 17th, 2014 11 years ago — 73 years old
A legal practitioner and a prominent politician in Malaysia, served as a Member of Parliament. Advocated for legal rights and represented clients in significant cases, especially criminal defense. Was the chairman of the Democratic Action Party and played a central role in Malaysian politics, focusing on issues of justice and human rights. Established a reputation for fearless advocacy and determined representation in the legal realm. His work extended to proposing reforms in Malaysian law and government systems.
Continue ReadingRobert Atkins
Physician and creator of Atkins diet
Born
1930 96 years ago
Died
April 17th, 2003 22 years ago — 73 years old
A physician and cardiologist developed a low-carbohydrate diet that gained significant popularity in the 1970s. The diet emphasized the consumption of proteins and fats while limiting carbohydrates, which challenged conventional dietary guidelines. Authored several books on diet and nutrition, including 'Dr. Atkins' Diet Revolution' published in 1972. The book became a bestseller and sparked widespread discussion on dietary practices. Continued to promote the diet through subsequent publications and maintained a clinic that provided guidance related to weight loss and nutrition up until his passing in 2003.
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