Wilhelm Canaris

German admiral and intelligence chief

Wilhelm Canaris - German admiral and intelligence chief
Born

January 1st, 1887
138 years ago

Died

April 9th, 1945
80 years ago — 58 years old

Category

Military & Warriors

Country

Germany

Links & References

Served as an admiral in the German Navy and headed the Abwehr, the German military intelligence organization, during World War II. Played a significant role in gathering intelligence and counterintelligence operations. Involved in various anti-Nazi conspiracies, working to undermine the regime of Adolf Hitler. Arrested and executed by the Nazi regime due to suspicions of disloyalty in 1945. Remembered for navigating complex political and military landscapes during his service.

Led the Abwehr during World War II

Involved in anti-Hitler conspiracies

Executed for betrayal

Other People Born on January 1st

Mary Beard

Classicist and presenter of documentaries
Born
January 1st, 1955 70 years ago

An English classicist and academic, this individual has contributed significantly to the study and public understanding of ancient Rome. With a career spanning several decades, the work includes numerous publications on Roman history and culture. This person's television appearances have brought ancient history to a wider audience, particularly through documentaries on BBC. The integration of accessible scholarship into mainstream media has fostered a greater interest in classical studies in contemporary society.

Continue Reading

Larry Nance Jr.

Professional basketball player, NBA
Born
January 1st, 1993 32 years ago

Played college basketball at Wyoming before being selected in the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers. Played for the Lakers until 2017, before being traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Contributed to the Cavaliers' playoff runs during tenure with the team, including an appearance in the NBA Finals in 2018. Known for versatility as a forward, strong defensive skills, and athletic dunks.

Continue Reading

Lilian Thuram

Football player, 1998 World Cup Champion
Born
January 1st, 1972 53 years ago

Born in 1972, a French footballer enjoyed a successful career primarily as a defender. Played for clubs such as AS Monaco, Parma, and FC Barcelona. Was a key member of the France national team during the late 1990s and early 2000s, participating in two UEFA European Championships and the FIFA World Cup. Achievements included winning the 1998 FIFA World Cup and the UEFA Euro 2000. Post-retirement, involvement in activism, focusing on racism and education.

Continue Reading

Xavier Su'a-Filo

American football player, Super Bowl champion
Born
January 1st, 1991 34 years ago

Played as an offensive guard in the National Football League (NFL). Su'a-Filo was drafted in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans. Contributed to the Texans' offensive line over several seasons. Later signed with the Dallas Cowboys, furthering his professional career. Achieved the title of Super Bowl champion while playing with the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LVI.

Continue Reading

Huldrych Zwingli

Swiss pastor and Reformation leader
Born
January 1st, 1484 541 years ago
Died
October 11th, 1531 493 years ago — 47 years old

Born in 1484, Zwingli emerged as a key figure during the Reformation in Switzerland. He served as a pastor in Zurich, where he began advocating for reforms in church practices and beliefs. Zwingli's theological views emphasized the authority of Scripture and rejected certain Catholic practices. He played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Reformed tradition and was instrumental in developing the theology of the Protestant Reformation. Zwingli also engaged in debates with other reformers, including Martin Luther, regarding issues such as the Lord's Supper. His reforms led to significant changes in Zurich’s ecclesiastical structure and religious life until his death in 1531 during the Second War of Kappel.

Continue Reading

Chesley Bonestell

American space artist and illustrator
Born
January 1st, 1888 137 years ago
Died
June 11th, 1986 39 years ago — 98 years old

A painter, designer, and illustrator, contributed significantly to the visualization of space and celestial phenomena. Worked on the first images of the surface of the Moon and Mars for NASA during the mid-20th century. Created artwork for magazine covers, science fiction books, and educational publications. Helped popularize astronomy and space exploration through art, inspiring generations.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on April 9th

Margaret Rule

Marine Archaeologist and Titanic Researcher
Born
September 27th, 1928 96 years ago
Died
April 9th, 2015 10 years ago — 86 years old

A British marine archaeologist specialized in underwater archaeology. Conducted significant research on the wreck of the Titanic and led the exploration of various shipwrecks around the British coastline. Contributed to the understanding of historical maritime activities through innovative methods in surveying and excavation. Played a crucial role in promoting the preservation of underwater cultural heritage, influencing policies and practices in marine archaeology.

Continue Reading

Clough Williams-Ellis

Architect, designed Portmeirion Village
Born
May 28th, 1883 142 years ago
Died
April 9th, 1978 47 years ago — 94 years old

An architect, active in the early to mid-20th century, designed the picturesque Portmeirion Village in Wales. The village showcased an eclectic mix of architectural styles, drawing inspiration from various historical periods and cultures. Williams-Ellis sought to prove that a village can be both beautiful and functional. Besides Portmeirion, he contributed to the design of multiple other buildings and landscapes, promoting architecture that harmonizes with nature. Williams-Ellis was also an advocate for conservation and preservation of cultural heritage, engaging in debates on urban planning and architectural aesthetics.

Continue Reading

William Law

English priest and theologian
Born
1686 339 years ago
Died
April 9th, 1761 264 years ago — 75 years old

An English priest and theologian influenced by the mysticism of his time, played a significant role in promoting practical spirituality and piety in the 18th century. Authored several important works on Christian spiritual life, with the most notable being 'A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life.' Law's writings emphasized the importance of personal devotion and moral conduct. His views on religion were shaped by a close adherence to the teachings of the early Christian church. After a conflict with the Church of England over his Nonjuror beliefs, he shifted to a more private life of spiritual contemplation and writing, leaving a lasting legacy on devotional literature.

Continue Reading

Mae Boren Axton

American singer-songwriter with hits
Born
September 14th, 1914 110 years ago
Died
April 9th, 1997 28 years ago — 82 years old

Contributed significantly to the music industry as a singer-songwriter. Composed numerous songs, including 'Heartbreak Hotel,' which became a hit for Elvis Presley. Worked as a music promoter and nurtured the careers of various artists. Played a vital role in the country music genre, both in songwriting and performance.

Continue Reading

François Rabelais

Renowned French writer and satirist
Born
1494 531 years ago
Died
April 9th, 1553 472 years ago — 59 years old

A French monk and scholar, contributed significantly to literature during the Renaissance. Best known for the satirical works, particularly the series of novels, "Gargantua and Pantagruel," which explore themes of humanism, education, and society. Rabelais employed humor and satirical elements to critique the social and religious conventions of the time. His writing reflects a deep understanding of classical texts and is characterized by a rich use of language and inventive storytelling. Engaged in various humanist circles, he influenced the literature of his era and laid foundational ideas for future European literature.

Continue Reading

Will Smith

American baseball player
Born
March 28th, 1995 30 years ago
Died
April 9th, 2016 9 years ago — 21 years old

A professional baseball player debuted in Major League Baseball (MLB) with the Philadelphia Phillies. Achieved significant success as a pitcher, highlighted by multiple seasons with a strong win-loss record. Represented the United States in international competitions and contributed to his team's efforts in securing victories in crucial games.

Continue Reading