Walter Jakob Gehring

Swiss biologist and genetics researcher

Walter Jakob Gehring - Scientists & Innovators born March 20th, 1939
Born
Died
Category

Scientists & Innovators

Country

Switzerland

Links & References

Research focused on the development and genetics of fruit flies, particularly the role of homeotic genes in developmental processes. Contributed significant insights into the genetic basis of body plan organization. Served as a professor at the University of Basel, influencing many students and researchers in the field of genetics. Published widely in scientific journals, shaping modern understanding of developmental biology.

Identified homeotic genes in fruit flies

Contributed to developmental biology

Published extensively in scientific journals

Other People Born on March 20th

Vera Lynn

Singer and actress of World War II songs
Born
March 20th, 1917 108 years ago
Died
June 18th, 2020 5 years ago — 103 years old

Born in England, a prominent singer and actress rose to fame during World War II. Became associated with uplifting music that inspired troops and civilians alike, especially through hits like 'We'll Meet Again' and 'The White Cliffs of Dover'. Her performances contributed to the morale of the British public during challenging times. After the war, continued a successful career in music and television, garnering respect for charitable work supporting veterans and aging populations. Received recognition and awards over the decades, including the title of Dame from the British monarchy for contributions to music and entertainment.

Continue Reading

Pat Corrales

Baseball player and manager
Born
March 20th, 1941 84 years ago
Died
2023 3 years ago — 82 years old

Played as a catcher in Major League Baseball from 1964 to 1980, representing teams such as the Philadelphia Phillies, the St. Louis Cardinals, and the Cleveland Indians. Managed several teams, including the Texas Rangers and the Philadelphia Phillies. Coached for the San Diego Padres and contributed to various organizations in a managerial capacity. Transitioned into scouting and team advisement roles after retirement from active play.

Continue Reading

Amalie Sara Colquhoun

Landscape and portrait painter
Born
March 20th, 1894 131 years ago
Died
June 16th, 1974 51 years ago — 80 years old

Born in 1894, significant contributions to Australian art were made through landscape and portrait painting. Colquhoun studied at prestigious institutions and developed a unique style that captured the essence of the Australian landscape and the human form. Works were displayed in numerous exhibitions, gaining recognition in artistic circles. Life-long dedication to painting highlighted a commitment to the craft, with many pieces remaining influential in Australian art history.

Continue Reading

Ozzie Nelson

American bandleader and actor
Born
March 20th, 1906 119 years ago
Died
June 3rd, 1975 50 years ago — 69 years old

Bandleader and actor gained fame through the radio and television series The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet. Featured prominently alongside wife Harriet Hilliard and sons David and Ricky in the show. The series ran from 1952 to 1966, becoming one of the longest-running sitcoms in American television history. Throughout the show's duration, maintained a successful music career while contributing to the television landscape of the era.

Continue Reading

Paul Junger Witt

Television director and producer of 'The Golden Girls'
Born
March 20th, 1943 82 years ago
Died
2018 8 years ago — 75 years old

A director and producer, this individual contributed significantly to the television landscape. Active in the industry from the 1970s to the 2000s, work included production roles on various hit series. The most notable achievement includes producing the iconic sitcom 'The Golden Girls', which became a cultural touchstone. Other successful productions included 'Empty Nest' and 'The Golden Palace'. A graduate of the University of California, Berkeley.

Continue Reading

Patrick Jennings

Politician, 11th Premier of New South Wales
Born
March 20th, 1831 194 years ago
Died
July 11th, 1897 128 years ago — 66 years old

Northern Irish-Australian politician served as the 11th Premier of New South Wales from 1883 to 1885. His tenure focused on economic reforms and public works projects. Jennings took a leading role in advocating for the development of railways and other infrastructure, contributing to the growth of the state. Prior to his term as Premier, he held various positions in the New South Wales Parliament, where he made significant contributions to legislative initiatives.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on May 29th

Franca Rame

Italian actress and playwright, Theater Works
Born
1928 98 years ago
Died
May 29th, 2013 12 years ago — 85 years old

An Italian actress and playwright became a significant figure in the theater world. Collaboration with husband Dario Fo, a Nobel Prize-winning playwright, defined much of her career. Rame's performances often combined elements of political activism and social commentary, addressing issues such as feminism and workers' rights. Her work extended beyond acting, as she wrote plays that challenged societal norms. Rame's contributions to theater garnered attention and respect throughout Italy and beyond.

Continue Reading

Archibald Cox

American lawyer and 31st Solicitor General
Born
May 17th, 1912 113 years ago
Died
May 29th, 2004 21 years ago — 92 years old

Practiced law after graduating from Harvard Law School. Served as the 31st United States Solicitor General from 1961 to 1965, representing the federal government before the Supreme Court. Appointed as special prosecutor during the Watergate scandal, overseeing the investigation of the Nixon administration's role in the affair. His tenure included the critical moment known as the Saturday Night Massacre, when he was dismissed by President Nixon, which intensified public outcry and led to further investigations.

Continue Reading

Sidhu Moosewala

Indian rapper and politician.
Born
1993 33 years ago
Died
May 29th, 2022 3 years ago — 29 years old

A prominent figure in Punjabi music, this artist gained fame for a distinctive style that fused traditional Punjabi sounds with contemporary hip-hop elements. The debut album, 'So High', released in 2017, launched a successful career in music, accumulating millions of views on platforms like YouTube. Apart from music, involvement in politics included a candidacy for the Punjab Legislative Assembly in 2022. The artist's work often featured themes of love, struggle, and identity, resonating with a large audience. The untimely death in 2022 led to widespread mourning among fans and the Punjabi community worldwide.

Continue Reading

Mulgrew Miller

Jazz pianist and composer
Born
1955 71 years ago
Died
May 29th, 2013 12 years ago — 58 years old

An acclaimed jazz pianist and composer, this individual contributed significantly to the jazz genre. Raised in Arkansas, developed a passion for music early on and eventually moved to New York City, where collaborations with notable artists flourished. Worked with renowned figures such as Art Blakey and Betty Carter, gaining recognition for exceptional talent. Released several albums, showcasing original compositions and unique interpretations of jazz standards. Served as a professor at various institutions, influencing the next generation of musicians.

Continue Reading

Gavin MacLeod

Actor best known for 'The Love Boat'
Born
February 28th, 1931 94 years ago
Died
May 29th, 2021 4 years ago — 90 years old

An actor, author, and Christian activist with a career spanning several decades engaged in both comedy and drama. Rose to prominence with the role of Merrit J. 'Mack' MacLeod on the television series 'The Love Boat'. Gained early recognition as Murray Slaughter on 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show'. Besides acting, authored several books centered on faith and motivation, participating in various Christian outreach programs. Engaged in public speaking and advocacy for issues relating to spirituality and community development.

Continue Reading

Hamilton Naki

Surgeon with notable contributions to medicine
Born
1926 100 years ago
Died
May 29th, 2005 20 years ago — 79 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of surgery in South Africa, particularly in cardiac surgery. Served as an assistant to Christiaan Barnard during the first human heart transplant operation in 1967. Established and developed training for surgical interns in South Africa, specifically focusing on underprivileged medical professionals. Advocated for medical education and improved surgical techniques within the community.

Continue Reading