Walter M. Miller Jr.
American soldier and author of A Canticle for Leibowitz
Born
Died
Category
Authors & Creatives
Country
United States
Links & References
Served as a bomber pilot in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. After the war, began a career in writing, contributing to various magazines and publishing short stories. Published the science fiction novel A Canticle for Leibowitz in 1960, which won the Hugo Award. The novel explored themes of religious faith and the cyclical nature of history in a post-apocalyptic setting. Worked on several other projects and maintained involvement in literary circles until death in 1996.
Served as a bomber pilot during World War II
Won the Hugo Award for A Canticle for Leibowitz
Other People Born on January 23rd
William Ifor Jones
Welsh organist and choral conductor
Born
January 23rd, 1900 126 years ago
Died
November 11th, 1988 37 years ago — 88 years old
Contributed significantly to the fields of music and choral performance. Served as the conductor of various choirs and ensembles, enhancing the choral tradition in Wales. Held the position of organist at notable churches, demonstrating expertise in organ performance. Played an essential role in the promotion of choral music through compositions and arrangements, as well as through performances at major festivals.
Continue ReadingSergey Litvinov
Russian hammer thrower and Olympic medalist
Born
January 23rd, 1958 68 years ago
Died
2018 8 years ago — 60 years old
This athlete specialized in the hammer throw and achieved significant success on the international stage. Competed in the 1988 Seoul Olympics, winning a silver medal. Established a personal best throw of 84.24 meters in 1987, ranking among the top hammer throwers of that era. Dominated the national scene in Russia, securing multiple Soviet championships and setting national records during his competitive years.
Continue ReadingJeff Samardzija
Baseball pitcher and former football player
Born
January 23rd, 1985 41 years ago
Played professional baseball as a pitcher for the Chicago Cubs, Oakland Athletics, Chicago White Sox, and San Francisco Giants. Achieved success in college football as a wide receiver for the University of Notre Dame. Transitioned to a career in Major League Baseball after a notable collegiate athletic career, earning accolades in both sports.
Continue ReadingMarianne Cope
Nun and saint who served leprosy patients
Born
January 23rd, 1838 188 years ago
Died
1918 108 years ago — 80 years old
Born in Germany, immigrated to the United States at a young age. Entered the Sisters of St. Francis in 1862 and dedicated life to caring for the marginalized and sick. Served in Hawaii, where facilitated the establishment of facilities for individuals suffering from leprosy. Contributed to the formation of a hospital in Kalaupapa for leprosy patients. Canonized as a saint in 2012, recognized for commitment to service and compassion.
Continue ReadingArnoldo Alemán
Nicaraguan politician and president
Born
January 23rd, 1946 80 years ago
Served as the President of Nicaragua from 1997 to 2002. Worked as a lawyer before entering politics, initially obtaining a seat in the National Assembly. Oversaw various reforms during presidency, including infrastructure projects and economic initiatives. Faced controversy and allegations of corruption, which led to legal battles post-presidency. Remained an influential figure in Nicaraguan politics after leaving office.
Continue ReadingYevgeny Lukyanenko
Russian pole vaulter Olympic medalist
Born
January 23rd, 1985 41 years ago
Born in 1985, a pole vaulter achieved prominence in international athletics. Competed in the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games, securing a bronze medal in the 2004 Athens Olympics. Excelled in several World Championships, contributing to a reputation as a leading athlete in the field. Active in various national and international events, set multiple personal records throughout the career.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on January 9th
Michel Jeury
French author of science fiction novels
Born
1934 92 years ago
Died
January 9th, 2015 11 years ago — 81 years old
An influential science fiction author, known for contributions to the genre through imaginative narratives and complex themes. Worked extensively in speculative fiction, exploring philosophical ideas and futuristic concepts. Notable works include the 'Le Temps Incertain' series and 'Génération du Sourire', which garnered attention for their originality and depth. Received multiple awards for literary achievements throughout a prolific career, cementing a significant presence in French literature.
Continue ReadingBill Naughton
English playwright and screenwriter
Born
1910 116 years ago
Died
January 9th, 1992 34 years ago — 82 years old
A prominent playwright and screenwriter, was active primarily in the mid-20th century. Achievements include works for both stage and screen that captured the societal challenges of the time. Naughton’s plays often blended humor with deep emotional themes, leading to critical acclaim and public appreciation. Notable works include the play 'Spring and Port Wine,' which received significant attention for its portrayal of family dynamics and social issues. Contribution to British theatre is well recognized, with adaptations of his scripts for television and film extending his reach beyond the stage.
Continue ReadingAbdul Rahman Ya'kub
Malaysian lawyer and politician, Chief Minister
Born
January 3rd, 1928 98 years ago
Died
January 9th, 2015 11 years ago — 87 years old
A prominent Malaysian lawyer and politician, served as the 3rd Chief Minister of Sarawak from 1970 to 1981. Advocated for the rights and development of the local community, focusing on infrastructure and education. Contributed to the establishment of policies aimed at improving the socio-economic status of Sarawak.
Continue ReadingWilliam Hedley
English engineer and inventor of locomotives
Born
1773 253 years ago
Died
January 9th, 1843 183 years ago — 70 years old
An English engineer, significant contributions were made to railway technology. Innovated the design of steam locomotives, particularly the development of the Puffing Billy in 1813. This locomotive became one of the earliest operating prototypes and influenced railway design in the early 19th century. Worked on the Wylam Dilly, an early coal wagon locomotive, which marked advancements in locomotive engineering. Hedley's work laid foundational principles for modern railway systems.
Continue ReadingRoy Tarpley
American basketball player, NBA champion
Born
1964 62 years ago
Died
January 9th, 2015 11 years ago — 51 years old
A professional basketball player played in the NBA primarily with the Dallas Mavericks. Originated from Michigan, displayed significant skills as a center and power forward. Achieved prominence during the late 1980s and early 1990s, contributing to the Mavericks' success during that era. Played collegiate basketball at the University of Michigan before entering the NBA. Career was marked by notable achievements, but also by personal challenges that eventually influenced the trajectory of professional endeavors.
Continue ReadingJózef Oleksy
Polish politician and economist, Prime Minister
Born
June 22nd, 1946 80 years ago
Died
January 9th, 2015 11 years ago — 68 years old
An economist and politician served as the 7th Prime Minister of Poland from 1995 to 1996. Played a significant role in the political landscape of the country during the post-communist transition. Associated with the Polish Social Democratic Party and actively participated in various reform initiatives throughout the 1990s. Also held the position of Speaker of the Sejm, contributing to legislative processes and government policies.
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