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
Loránd Eötvös
Hungarian physicist and Minister of Education
Born
July 27th, 1848 178 years ago
Died
April 8th, 1919 107 years ago — 70 years old
Significant contributions were made to physics, particularly in the study of gravity and the gravimetric measurement of Earth's gravitational field. Served as Minister of Education in Hungary. Held academic positions, including at the University of Budapest. Conducted research that advanced understanding of physical phenomena and developed instruments for measuring gravitational force. Published numerous scientific papers and developed the Eötvös experiment, enhancing the measurement of surface tension.
Continue ReadingMax Scherzer
Professional Baseball Player - Three-time Cy Young Award Winner
Born
July 27th, 1984 42 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 ReadingMarielle Franco
Brazilian politician and human rights activist
Born
July 27th, 1979 47 years ago
Died
March 14th, 2018 8 years ago — 38 years old
A politician and activist in Brazil, focused on issues of social justice, human rights, and police violence. Served as a city councilor in Rio de Janeiro, advocating for marginalized communities and promoting equality. Gained national and international attention for her outspoken criticism of state violence and systemic discrimination. Tragically assassinated in 2018, prompting widespread protests and calls for justice.
Continue ReadingEdward Montagu
1st Earl of Sandwich and naval commander
Born
July 27th, 1625 401 years ago
Died
May 5th, 1671 355 years ago — 45 years old
Born in 1625, this individual served as a prominent naval commander and statesman in England. He played a significant role during the English Civil War, aligning with the Parliamentary side. In 1660, he was appointed as one of the military leaders for the Restoration of King Charles II. His naval career included being the Lord of the Admiralty, where he oversaw key naval strategies and operations that contributed to England's maritime strength. The 1st Earl of Sandwich is also linked to the creation of the sandwich, a popular food item that bears his title, though the exact origins of the name remain debated.
Continue ReadingJeanne Baré
French explorer of the Pacific islands
Born
July 27th, 1740 286 years ago
Died
1803 223 years ago — 63 years old
Born in France, an early explorer achieved significant milestones. Accompanied Louis Antoine de Bougainville on the voyage around the world. Disguised as a male to join the expedition, became the first woman to circumnavigate the globe. Collected various botanical specimens, contributing to the understanding of flora in the regions visited. The journey provided extensive insights into the Pacific islands and their ecosystems.
Continue ReadingMark Stanway
Keyboard player for a rock band
Born
July 27th, 1954 72 years ago
Born in England, the keyboard player gained recognition as a member of the rock band Magnum. The band achieved prominence in the 1980s with a series of successful albums. The player's contributions to the band's sound were integral to their style, particularly in the realm of progressive rock. Magnum became well-known for hits such as 'When the World Comes Down' and 'Start Talking Love'. During his tenure, the band released multiple albums and toured extensively across Europe.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on October 15th
Rudolf of Rheinfelden
Duke and anti-king of Germany
Born
1025 1001 years ago
Died
October 15th, 1080 946 years ago — 55 years old
Served as Duke of Swabia and gained prominence during the Investiture Controversy. Opposed Henry IV, Holy Roman Emperor, and was elected anti-king by a faction of German nobles in 1077. Engaged in multiple battles against Henry IV, most notably at the battle of the Elster in 1080. Struggled for power amidst conflicts between church and state, emphasizing the tension during this period in German history. Died in battle against loyalist forces in 1080.
Continue ReadingZhang Xueliang
Chinese general and warlord
Born
June 3rd, 1901 125 years ago
Died
October 15th, 2001 25 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.
Continue ReadingLipót Fejér
Hungarian mathematician and academic
Born
February 9th, 1880 146 years ago
Died
October 15th, 1959 67 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 ReadingZdeněk Fibich
Czech composer, known for Poem
Born
December 21st, 1850 175 years ago
Died
October 15th, 1900 126 years ago — 49 years old
A prominent Czech composer and poet, contributions spanned opera, symphonic, and chamber music. Major works include the opera 'Šárka' and the symphonic poem 'Poem', which showcased the lyrical qualities of the Czech musical landscape. Worked alongside musical circles in Prague, influencing the transition from Romanticism to early Modernism in Czech music. His compositions often integrated dramatic narratives and folkloric elements, reflecting contemporary trends and personal expression.
Continue ReadingPope Urban VI
Pope and Church leader during turmoil
Born
1318 708 years ago
Died
October 15th, 1389 637 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 ReadingGéraud de Cordemoy
French historian and philosopher
Born
October 6th, 1626 400 years ago
Died
October 15th, 1684 342 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.
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