Violette Neatley Anderson
American judge and legal pioneer
Born
Died
Category
Leaders & Politicians
Country
United States
Links & References
First African American woman to practice law in Illinois. Served as a judge in the Circuit Court of Cook County. Advocated for civil rights and women's issues throughout her career, contributing to significant legal advancements. Established a legal practice that focused on serving underrepresented communities. Instrumental in breaking barriers for women and people of color in the legal profession.
Became the first African American woman to practice law in Illinois
Served as a judge in the Circuit Court of Cook County
Advocated for civil rights and women's legal issues
Other People Born on July 16th
Nate Schmidt
Ice hockey defenseman, Stanley Cup champion
Born
July 16th, 1991 34 years ago
Played professional ice hockey in the NHL. Began career with the Washington Capitals. Contributed to the team winning the President's Trophy. Played a key role as a defenseman for the Vegas Golden Knights during their inaugural season, helping the team reach the Stanley Cup Final. Later joined the Vancouver Canucks, bringing experience and skill to the team's defensive lineup.
Continue ReadingWizkid
Nigerian singer and songwriter
Born
July 16th, 1990 35 years ago
A prominent Nigerian singer and songwriter, achieved recognition for contributions to the Afrobeats genre. Gained widespread acclaim with the album 'Made in Lagos' released in 2020. Collaborated with several international artists, increasing global awareness of African music. The track 'Essence' garnered significant attention and placed high on various music charts, solidifying a reputation as a leading figure in contemporary music.
Continue ReadingGinger Rogers
Actress and dancer from musical theatre
Born
July 16th, 1911 114 years ago
Died
April 25th, 1995 30 years ago — 83 years old
An American actress, singer, and dancer achieved fame for performances in film and stage. Collaborated with Fred Astaire in numerous musicals, showcasing exceptional dance skills. Starred in iconic films such as 'Swing Time' and 'Top Hat', earning an Academy Award for Best Actress for the film 'Kitty Foyle'. Celebrated for grace and charm on screen, became a prominent figure in the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Continue ReadingJames Maslow
Actor and singer, starred in Big Time Rush
Born
July 16th, 1990 35 years ago
An American actor, singer, and dancer. Became prominent as a member of the boy band Big Time Rush, which starred in the Nickelodeon series of the same name. The group released several albums and toured extensively. Pursued a solo music career following the band’s hiatus, releasing singles and collaborating with other artists. In addition to music, appeared on reality television, participating in competition shows and guest-starring on various series. Notable for versatility in entertainment, combining acting and musical talents throughout the career.
Continue ReadingKevin Abstract
Rapper and singer-songwriter, 'American Boyfriend'
Born
July 16th, 1996 29 years ago
An American rapper and singer-songwriter emerged as a key figure in contemporary music. Founded the hip-hop collective BROCKHAMPTON, which gained significant popularity and critical acclaim. Released the solo album 'American Boyfriend: A Suburban Love Story,' which featured unique blends of genres and introspective lyrics. Contributed to the group's discography with several albums, including 'Saturation' and 'Ginger,' solidifying their place in the music scene. Explored themes of identity and personal experiences through music and visuals.
Continue ReadingClare of Assisi
Italian nun and founder of the Poor Clares
Born
July 16th, 1194 831 years ago
Died
August 11th, 1253 772 years ago — 59 years old
A prominent figure in the Franciscan movement, founded the Order of Poor Ladies, known as the Poor Clares, in 1212. Inspired by the teachings of Francis of Assisi, devoted life to poverty and service. Established a monastic community in San Damiano, which emphasized a simple lifestyle and prayer. Canonized as a saint in 1255, recognized for her deep spirituality and commitment to the Franciscan ideals.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on December 21st
Udo Jürgens
Singer-songwriter and pianist known for 'Aber heute Abend'
Born
September 30th, 1934 91 years ago
Died
December 21st, 2014 11 years ago — 80 years old
Born in 1934 in Klagenfurt, this Austrian-Swiss singer-songwriter and pianist became a prominent figure in the pop music scene. Jürgens composed numerous songs, many of which achieved significant popularity in German-speaking countries. His career spanned several decades, during which he released more than 50 albums. He gained international fame after winning the Eurovision Song Contest in 1966 with the song 'Merci, Chérie,' representing Austria. Jürgens' music often featured themes of love and social issues, resonating with broad audiences. He continued to perform and produce music until his passing in 2014.
Continue ReadingArt Evans
American actor in film and television
Born
1942 84 years ago
Died
December 21st, 2024 1 years ago — 82 years old
An American actor recognized for performances in film and television throughout the late 20th century. Gained significant attention for the role in the movie 'Die Hard 2' and featured in the film 'The Wrong Guys'. Contributed to multiple television series, including guest roles on 'The Twilight Zone' and 'CSI: Crime Scene Investigation'.
Continue ReadingRosanjin
Japanese calligrapher and painter
Born
1883 143 years ago
Died
December 21st, 1959 66 years ago — 76 years old
A significant figure in Japanese art, practiced calligraphy, engraving, and painting. Contributed to the revival of traditional Japanese aesthetics and techniques. Established a reputation for blending fine art with ceramics. His work is characterized by simplicity and elegance, deeply rooted in Zen philosophy.
Continue ReadingBillie Whitelaw
English actress known for Samuel Beckett roles
Born
1932 94 years ago
Died
December 21st, 2014 11 years ago — 82 years old
An accomplished English actress, she gained recognition for her performances in theater, particularly in works by Samuel Beckett. Whitelaw had a prolific career spanning several decades, transitioning from stage to screen with notable performances in film and television. She starred in the film 'The Omen' and appeared in popular series such as 'The Man in the Glass Booth'. Her collaborations with Beckett included acclaimed productions of 'Play' and 'Not I', showcasing her distinctive talent and dedication to the avant-garde. Throughout her career, she received various awards for her contributions to acting.
Continue ReadingF. Scott Fitzgerald
American novelist; The Great Gatsby
Born
September 24th, 1896 129 years ago
Died
December 21st, 1940 85 years ago — 44 years old
An American novelist and short story writer born in 1896, this individual became a prominent figure in literature during the early 20th century. The works frequently explore themes of wealth, society, and the American Dream. The most notable work, 'The Great Gatsby,' published in 1925, portrays the extravagance and disillusionment of the Jazz Age. Additional works include 'This Side of Paradise' and 'Tender Is the Night,' which also reflect contemporary social themes. The individual’s writing style has influenced countless authors and remains a staple of American literature courses today.
Continue ReadingFrank B. Kellogg
U.S. Secretary of State, Nobel laureate
Born
December 22nd, 1856 169 years ago
Died
December 21st, 1937 88 years ago — 80 years old
American lawyer and politician served as the 45th United States Secretary of State. Played a significant role in international diplomacy and contributed to the negotiation of the Kellogg-Briand Pact in 1928, which aimed to eliminate war as a tool of national policy. This work led to the Nobel Peace Prize in 1929. Held various public offices throughout a long career, including serving as a U.S. senator from Minnesota and as the U.S. Ambassador to Great Britain.
Continue Reading