Victor de Laprade
French poet and literary critic
Born in France in 1812, a poet and literary critic contributed significantly to French literature in the 19th century. His poetry often reflected Romantic themes and explored philosophical ideas. De Laprade published several collections, with 'Les Poèmes' being among the notable works. His critical essays dissected contemporary poetry and advocated for artistic integrity, influencing future generations of writers and critics.
Published 'Les Poèmes'
Critiqued contemporary literature
Other People Born on January 13th
Anne Pringle
English diplomat, British Ambassador
Born
January 13th, 1955 70 years ago
Born in 1955, a British diplomat served in various capacities within the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Played a significant role in diplomatic relations between the UK and Russia. Served as the British Ambassador to Russia from 2011 to 2015, focusing on strengthening ties between the two countries. Contributed to discussions on issues such as trade, security, and cultural exchanges. Engaged in initiatives to promote mutual understanding and collaboration during a complex period in international relations.
Continue ReadingClaudia Emerson
American poet with a Pulitzer Prize
Born
January 13th, 1957 68 years ago
Died
December 4th, 2014 11 years ago — 57 years old
An American poet and academic contributed significantly to contemporary poetry. Received the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 2006 for the collection 'Late Wife.' Served as a professor at various institutions, including the University of Mary Washington. Engaged in literary discussions and criticism, published numerous works in respected literary journals, and edited anthologies that highlighted other poets' works.
Continue ReadingAustin Watson
American ice hockey player, NHL forward
Born
January 13th, 1992 33 years ago
Professional ice hockey player participated in the NHL. Played as a forward and contributed significantly to the Nashville Predators. Competed in the Stanley Cup playoffs and was part of the Predators team that reached the finals in 2017. Also played for the Ottawa Senators during his career. Previously played in the OHL for the Windsor Spitfires, where he developed his skills before moving to the professional league.
Continue ReadingJosh Freeman
American football quarterback
Born
January 13th, 1988 37 years ago
Played college football at Kansas State University, achieving significant recognition and success. Selected in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Served as the starting quarterback for the Buccaneers and set a franchise record for passing yards in a single game. Later played for teams including the Minnesota Vikings and the Pittsburgh Steelers. His time in the NFL featured key performances and contributions to various teams.
Continue ReadingBill Bailey
Comedian and musician known for 'Black Books'
Born
January 13th, 1965 60 years ago
An English comedian and musician began performing stand-up in the late 1980s. Gained popularity through television appearances, particularly in the series 'Black Books' and 'Q.I.'. Also known for musical performances that blend comedy with a range of musical styles. Released several albums and toured extensively, showcasing unique comedic talents in live performances and on television.
Continue ReadingEric Betzig
Physicist, Nobel Prize in Chemistry
Born
January 13th, 1960 65 years ago
American physicist and chemist made significant contributions to the field of microscopy. Developed super-resolution microscopy techniques, enabling imaging of biological processes at the molecular level. This technology has been essential in advancing the understanding of cellular structures and dynamics, facilitating innovations in various scientific disciplines. Received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2014 for achievements in microscopy alongside colleagues. His work has been influential in biophysics, biology, and materials science, contributing to numerous research applications.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on December 13th
Henry Green
English author of 'Party Going'
Born
October 29th, 1905 120 years ago
Died
December 13th, 1973 52 years ago — 68 years old
An English author, celebrated for a unique style that blends modernism with a focus on everyday life. Achieved prominence in the literary scene during the mid-20th century, with a series of novels that delved into the intricacies of British society. Works such as 'Party Going', 'Living', and 'Concluding' explored themes of class and social interactions, showcasing a distinct narrative technique. Contributions to literature included rich character development and innovative use of language, which established a lasting legacy within literary circles.
Continue ReadingAbraham Wald
Mathematician known for decision theory
Born
October 31st, 1902 123 years ago
Died
December 13th, 1950 75 years ago — 48 years old
A mathematician and economist contributed to the field of statistics and decision theory. In the 1940s, worked on statistical methods for wartime applications, including the development of techniques to analyze aircraft damage. Proposed the concept of survivorship bias, emphasizing the need to examine failures rather than just successes. This work has had lasting implications in various fields including economics, military strategy, and operations research.
Continue ReadingAlexander Schmemann
Theologian and liturgical scholar
Born
1921 104 years ago
Died
December 13th, 1983 42 years ago — 62 years old
An Estonian-American priest and theologian, contributed significantly to Orthodox Christianity. Served as a professor at St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary. Focused on the relationship between liturgy and the life of the Church, emphasizing the importance of worship in spiritual life. Authored several influential books, including 'For the Life of the World' and 'The Historical and Dogmatic Foundations of the Liturgical Renewal'. Participated actively in ecumenical dialogues, promoting understanding between different Christian traditions. His work has shaped modern Orthodox thought and liturgical practice.
Continue ReadingAlan Thicke
Television actor and theme music composer
Born
March 1st, 1947 78 years ago
Died
December 13th, 2016 9 years ago — 69 years old
Born in Canada, an actor contributed significantly to television during the 1980s and 1990s. Starred as Jason Seaver in the popular sitcom 'Growing Pains,' which aired from 1985 to 1992. Also gained recognition for composing theme music for various television shows, including the iconic theme for 'The Different Strokes.' Pursued a career in both acting and music, becoming a familiar face on American television. Later appeared in reality television projects and talk shows, maintaining a presence in the entertainment industry until his passing.
Continue ReadingSmita Patil
Indian actress and journalist; award winner
Born
1955 70 years ago
Died
December 13th, 1986 39 years ago — 31 years old
An Indian actress and journalist, celebrated for significant contributions to Indian cinema during the 1970s and 1980s. Gained recognition for performances in films such as 'Bhumika', 'Manthan', and 'The Burning Train'. Received the National Film Award for Best Actress twice. Involved in journalism and wrote for various publications, focusing on social issues and women's rights. Passed away in 1986 at the age of 31, leaving behind a legacy of strong, socially aware characters in film.
Continue ReadingDavid Wheeler
Computer Scientist; developed early programming
Born
1927 98 years ago
Died
December 13th, 2004 21 years ago — 77 years old
English computer scientist contributed significantly to the development of programming languages and computer architecture. Developed the concepts of the subroutine and the use of binary numbers in computing. Pioneered work on the Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Computer (EDSAC), one of the first stored-program computers. His academic career included positions at the University of Cambridge, where he influenced generations of students and researchers in the field of computer science.
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