Vincent Canby
Film critic and historian for The New York Times
Served as a film critic for The New York Times from 1969 to 1993. Critiqued over a thousand films during tenure, establishing a prominent voice in American cinema journalism. Authored several books on film history, including 'The New York Times Film Guide' and 'The Film Directors'. Influenced generations of film lovers and critics through writings, including retrospective analyses of filmmakers and trends. Received the prestigious George Jean Nathan Award for Dramatic Criticism.
Critiqued films for The New York Times
Authored books on film history
Received the George Jean Nathan Award
Other People Born on July 27th
Garry Davis
Pilot and World Passport creator
Born
July 27th, 1921 104 years ago
Died
July 24th, 2013 12 years ago — 91 years old
An American pilot and activist developed the concept of the World Passport. Motivated by the idea of global citizenship, engaged in extensive travel, advocating for the abolishment of national borders. Contributed to the foundation of a movement focused on personal freedom and undocumented travel. Established the World Service Authority to issue World Passports, promoting a vision of universal identity beyond national affiliations. This concept gained attention and inspired discussions about citizenship and human rights.
Continue ReadingLudovico Sforza
Duke of Milan, patron of the arts
Born
July 27th, 1452 573 years ago
Died
May 27th, 1508 517 years ago — 55 years old
Served as Duke of Milan from 1494 until his capture in 1499. A significant patron of the Renaissance, supported artists including Leonardo da Vinci and Bramante. Commissioned the famous painting 'The Last Supper' for the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Engaged in various military campaigns, sought to expand and maintain the power of Milan. Captured by the Swiss and died in captivity in 1508.
Continue ReadingMax Scherzer
Professional Baseball Player - Three-time Cy Young Award Winner
Born
July 27th, 1984 41 years ago
A distinguished pitcher in Major League Baseball, achieved recognition for exceptional performance on the mound. Drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 1st round of the 2006 MLB Draft, debuted in 2008. Played for teams including the Detroit Tigers, Washington Nationals, and New York Mets. Secured three Cy Young Awards in 2013, 2016, and 2017, establishing a reputation as one of the leading pitchers in the league. Won the World Series in 2019 with the Washington Nationals, contributing significantly to the team's success during the postseason.
Continue ReadingVladimir Korolenko
Ukrainian journalist and author.
Born
July 27th, 1853 172 years ago
Died
December 25th, 1921 104 years ago — 68 years old
Born in 1853, a Ukrainian journalist, author, and activist contributed significantly to literature and social issues. Writings often focused on themes of justice and human rights. An advocate for the oppressed, engaged in political and social reforms throughout life. Wrote several notable works, addressing societal challenges and advocating for personal freedoms.
Continue ReadingNeil Harbisson
Painter, composer, and activist
Born
July 27th, 1982 43 years ago
Born in 1982, this English-Catalan individual pioneered the field of cyborg art. Through the use of a device called the Eyeborg, sound frequencies translate into colors for this artist, breaking traditional boundaries between sight and sound. This innovation led to collaboration on various art projects, performances, and exhibitions across the globe. With a focus on color perception, contributions extend into the realms of music and technology, exploring the intersection of these disciplines. Advocacy efforts center on the recognition of cyborg rights and fostering conversations around identity in the digital age.
Continue ReadingErnst May
Architect and urban planner in Germany
Born
July 27th, 1886 139 years ago
Died
1970 56 years ago — 84 years old
Born in Germany, an architect and urban planner specialized in modernist architecture. Played a key role in urban planning during the Weimar Republic. Instrumental in the development of the Frankfurt Kitchen, which revolutionized kitchen design. Overseen numerous housing projects aimed at addressing the post-World War I housing crisis in Germany. Advocated for the principles of functionalism in architecture. His work during the 1920s significantly influenced residential building design in Germany.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on October 15th
Nathaniel Dance-Holland
English painter and politician
Born
May 8th, 1735 290 years ago
Died
October 15th, 1811 214 years ago — 76 years old
An English painter and politician, recognized for both artistic and political contributions. Gained prominence as a portrait artist in the 18th century, contributing to the cultural landscape of the time. Served as a Member of Parliament, influencing legislative matters. Created notable portraits of prominent figures of the era, blending art with public service. The combination of political career and artistic talent marked a unique path in the socio-political context of England during the period.
Continue ReadingGéraud de Cordemoy
French historian and philosopher
Born
October 6th, 1626 399 years ago
Died
October 15th, 1684 341 years ago — 58 years old
Contributed to the fields of history and philosophy during the 17th century. Formulated ideas on the nature of reality and perception, addressing topics such as substance and the mind-body relationship. Advocated for a philosophical framework that integrated historical context. Engaged in legal practice, reflecting a multifaceted understanding of societal structures.
Continue ReadingMata Hari
Dancer and spy during World War I
Born
August 7th, 1876 149 years ago
Died
October 15th, 1917 108 years ago — 41 years old
Born in the Netherlands, became a performer in Paris in the early 1900s, gaining fame as an exotic dancer and entertainer. Performed in the Folies Bergère and was celebrated for her provocative costumes and dances. During World War I, worked as a spy, allegedly gathering intelligence for Germany while seducing military officials. Arrested by French authorities in 1917, tried for espionage and executed by firing squad.
Continue ReadingPope Urban VI
Pope and Church leader during turmoil
Born
1318 708 years ago
Died
October 15th, 1389 636 years ago — 71 years old
Elected Pope in 1378, Urban VI faced immediate challenges, including opposition from a faction of cardinals that led to the Western Schism. Urban's papacy was marked by his efforts to reform the Church and restore ecclesiastical authority. Combatting corruption and promoting moral conduct within the clergy were central to his agenda. His election reinforced the Papal authority in Rome amid significant political and ecclesiastical turmoil. Urban VI's reign highlighted the complexities of Church politics during the late medieval period. The Great Schism that followed his election resulted in multiple claimants to the papacy, complicating the Church's unity and governance during subsequent decades.
Continue ReadingLipót Fejér
Hungarian mathematician and academic
Born
February 9th, 1880 145 years ago
Died
October 15th, 1959 66 years ago — 79 years old
Contributed significantly to functional analysis, particularly in the study of bounded linear operators. Worked extensively on the theory of orthogonal functions and series. Established results related to Fourier series and provided insights into the convergence of such series. Served as a professor in Budapest and influenced the field through both teaching and research.
Continue ReadingZhang Xueliang
Chinese general and warlord
Born
June 3rd, 1901 124 years ago
Died
October 15th, 2001 24 years ago — 100 years old
A military leader in early 20th century China, played a significant role during the Warlord Era. Commanded the Northeastern Army, leading campaigns against rival warlords. In 1936, he played a pivotal role in the Xi'an Incident, which resulted in the temporary detention of the Kuomintang leader Chiang Kai-shek to unite against Japanese aggression. After the incident, he spent decades in internal exile, influencing Chinese politics from behind the scenes before his eventual relocation to the United States.
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