Walter Hallstein
German politician and EU Commission leader
Served as the first President of the European Commission from 1958 to 1967. Played a significant role in the establishment of the European Economic Community, promoting European integration. Hallstein authored several works on European unity and international law and was a key figure in advancing policies that shaped the early stages of the European Union. His diplomatic career also included serving as Germany's Ambassador to France from 1967 to 1972.
Served as the first President of the European Commission
Contributed to the formation of the European Economic Community
Other People Born on November 17th
Stephen Root
American actor in 'Office Space'
Born
November 17th, 1951 74 years ago
An American actor, known for roles in film and television. Contributed to a wide range of projects throughout the career. Portrayed Milton Waddams in the film 'Office Space'. Played Jimmy James in the television series 'NewsRadio'. Featured in other prominent roles in shows such as 'Veep' and 'Justified'. Gained recognition for voice work in animated series.
Continue ReadingPetra Burka
Figure Skater and Coach, 1965 World Champion
Born
November 17th, 1946 79 years ago
Born in the Netherlands and later emigrating to Canada, a prominent figure skater and coach. Achieved significant success in the 1960s, winning the 1965 World Championship. Competed at the 1964 Winter Olympics, where received a bronze medal. Transitioned to coaching after retiring from competition and contributed to the development of the sport in Canada.
Continue ReadingMinkah Fitzpatrick
American football safety for the Steelers
Born
November 17th, 1996 29 years ago
Played college football at the University of Alabama, contributing to the team's victory in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship. Selected by the Miami Dolphins as the 11th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Became a key player for the team, achieving multiple Pro Bowl selections. In 2019, traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers and continued to establish a reputation as a top safety in the league, earning a second Pro Bowl selection in 2020.
Continue ReadingBernd Schneider
Professional German footballer and midfielder
Born
November 17th, 1973 52 years ago
Played as a midfielder in professional football. Spent the majority of a career at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, where achieved significant success. Featured prominently in the UEFA Champions League, particularly during the 2001-2002 season. Represented the German national team and participated in the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
Continue ReadingEunice Barber
Heptathlete and long jumper, World Champion
Born
November 17th, 1974 51 years ago
Competed in athletics, excelling in heptathlon and long jump. Achieved significant success at international competitions representing both Sierra Leone and France. Won a gold medal in the heptathlon at the 1999 World Championships in Athletics. Participated in the Olympic Games, showcasing versatility and skill in multiple events. Transitioned between national representations, contributing to the athletics scene in both countries.
Continue ReadingDragan Bender
Basketball player with NBA experience
Born
November 17th, 1997 28 years ago
A professional basketball player from Croatia, made a significant mark in the NBA after being selected as the fourth overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns. Played for the Suns and later joined the Golden State Warriors. Demonstrated skills as a forward and contributed to various teams in both the NBA and international competitions. Represented Croatia in FIBA tournaments, showcasing talent on a global stage.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on March 29th
Nikos Petzaropoulos
Greek Footballer with AEK Athens
Born
1927 99 years ago
Died
March 29th, 1979 46 years ago — 52 years old
Played as a prominent footballer in the Greek league during the mid-20th century. Represented AEK Athens, contributing significantly to the team's success. Participated in international competitions representing Greece, showcasing skills that earned recognition in his era. Retired from professional football and left a legacy within the sport in Greece.
Continue ReadingJoe Diffie
Country music singer and Grammy Award winner
Born
1958 68 years ago
Died
March 29th, 2020 5 years ago — 62 years old
A country music singer achieved significant success in the 1990s. Gained popularity with a distinctive voice and storytelling ability in lyrics. Released several chart-topping hits and albums during a prolific career. Won a Grammy Award for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals for the song 'Same Old Train.' Part of the Grand Ole Opry and contributed to the genre through songwriting as well. Continued to perform and release music until the later years.
Continue ReadingBill Jenkins
Race car driver and engineer with NASCAR wins
Born
November 29th, 1936 89 years ago
Died
March 29th, 2012 13 years ago — 75 years old
A significant figure in American motorsports, this race car driver and engineer contributed to the development of various racing technologies. Achievements include competing in the NASCAR Grand National Series and earning three championships. Known for a successful career as an owner-operator, this individual utilized engineering expertise to innovate car performance, often designing distinct chassis and powertrains that improved competitiveness. Additionally, contributions to stock car racing extended beyond driving; involvement in the engineering and design of racing vehicles set industry standards.
Continue ReadingJanet Watson
British geologist specializing in geology
Born
1923 103 years ago
Died
March 29th, 1985 40 years ago — 62 years old
A British geologist specialized in geology, contributing significantly to understanding the geological structure and history of the British Isles. Played an influential role in the Geological Society of London, promoting geological education and research. Served as an editor for the journal 'Geology' and wrote various papers on geological mapping and stratigraphy. Focused on the study of the Wealden formations and the Jurassic period.
Continue ReadingCharles Villiers Stanford
Irish composer and conductor
Born
September 30th, 1852 173 years ago
Died
March 29th, 1924 101 years ago — 71 years old
A prominent composer and conductor from Ireland, contributed significantly to both sacred and secular music. Stanford studied at the Royal Irish Academy of Music and later at Trinity College, Cambridge. He was a key figure in the development of British music in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with compositions spanning various genres including symphonies, chamber music, and choral works. Served as a professor at the Royal College of Music in London, where he influenced a generation of British composers. His compositions often incorporated elements of folk music and showcased rich harmonic language.
Continue ReadingAlexandre Guilmant
French organist and composer
Born
March 12th, 1837 188 years ago
Died
March 29th, 1911 114 years ago — 74 years old
Born in 1837, a significant figure in organ music, serving as an organist at various churches and pursuing a career in composition. Studied under prominent musicians and contributed extensively to the repertoire for the organ. Played a pivotal role in the establishment of organ music as a vital part of concert repertoire, creating works that bridged the gap between classical music and liturgical compositions. Also involved in teaching, sharing expertise with future generations of musicians through masterclasses and publications.
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