Wilkie Collins

English novelist and playwright

Wilkie Collins - English novelist and playwright
Born

January 8th, 1824
201 years ago

Died

September 23rd, 1889
135 years ago — 65 years old

Category

Artists & Creatives

Country

England

Links & References

An English novelist, playwright, and short story writer contributed significantly to the development of the mystery and detective fiction genres. Collin's most notable work includes the novel 'The Woman in White', published in 1859, which is often regarded as one of the earliest mystery novels. 'Armadale', released in 1866, further established his reputation as a master of suspense. He collaborated closely with fellow author Charles Dickens, sometimes contributing to Dickens's periodicals. Collins also served as a playwright, writing several successful plays during his career, such as 'The Frozen Deep'. His writing style often featured complex narratives and unreliable narrators, influencing many future authors.

Wrote 'The Woman in White'

Wrote 'Armadale'

Collaborated with Charles Dickens

Other People Born on January 8th

Kelucharan Mohapatra

Indian dancer and choreographer of Odissi
Born
January 8th, 1926 99 years ago
Died
2004 21 years ago — 78 years old

An influential Odissi dancer and choreographer, contributions to the classical Indian dance form spanned several decades. Established a pivotal presence in reviving and popularizing Odissi, combining traditional techniques with innovative choreography. Founded the Gurukul style of teaching, which emphasized the traditional guru-shishya parampara in dance education. Played an essential role in elevating Odissi to an internationally recognized performance art. Collaborated with numerous cultural organizations and performed extensively in India and abroad, showcasing the richness of Indian classical dance.

Continue Reading

John Curtin

Australian Prime Minister during WWII
Born
January 8th, 1885 140 years ago
Died
July 5th, 1945 79 years ago — 60 years old

Served as the 14th Prime Minister of Australia from 1941 to 1945. Played a crucial role in leading Australia through World War II, addressing national security and mobilization issues. Advocated for closer relations with the United States, particularly during the Pacific War. Promoted social welfare policies and post-war reconstruction efforts, contributing to the foundation of the modern welfare state in Australia.

Continue Reading

Douglas Wilmer

English actor in 'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes'
Born
January 8th, 1920 105 years ago
Died
2016 9 years ago — 96 years old

Born in 1920, an English actor gained prominence through performances in various television and film roles. Most recognized for portraying Sherlock Holmes in 'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' and featured in the series 'The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes'. Career included extensive work in theatre, contributing to the arts through various classic and contemporary productions.

Continue Reading

Terry Brooks

American author of fantasy novels
Born
January 8th, 1944 81 years ago

An author gained prominence with the debut novel, 'The Sword of Shannara', which was published in 1977 and became one of the first fantasy novels to reach the New York Times bestseller list. This work marked the beginning of an extensive literary career characterized by multiple series that expanded upon the Shannara universe. The writing often combined elements of traditional fantasy with modern storytelling techniques, appealing to a broad audience over decades. Contributions to the genre include numerous books and adaptations into other media, highlighting the enduring popularity of the original series.

Continue Reading

Carolina Herrera

Fashion designer with iconic collections
Born
January 8th, 1939 86 years ago

Born in Venezuela, established a notable fashion house that gained prominence in the 1980s. Achieved recognition for elegant and sophisticated designs, catering to high-profile clients. Expanded the brand to include fragrances, accessories, and bridal wear. Received numerous awards for contributions to fashion, including the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award.

Continue Reading

Chris Douglas-Roberts

American basketball player with the Nets
Born
January 8th, 1987 38 years ago

A professional basketball player, played college basketball at the University of Memphis. Entered the NBA in 2008, drafted by the New Jersey Nets. Played for multiple teams during a career that included appearances in the NBA and overseas. Achieved recognition for scoring ability and versatility on the court.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on September 23rd

Roberto Rodríguez

Venezuelan baseball player and coach
Born
1941 84 years ago
Died
September 23rd, 2012 12 years ago — 71 years old

Played professional baseball primarily as an outfielder. Contributed to various teams in the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League. Transitioned to coaching after retirement, guiding young players in Venezuela and helping develop talent in the sport. Achieved significant recognition for contributions to baseball at both player and coaching levels.

Continue Reading

John Ainsworth Horrocks

English-Australian explorer of Australia
Born
March 22nd, 1818 207 years ago
Died
September 23rd, 1846 178 years ago — 28 years old

An explorer conducted significant expeditions in Australia, contributing valuable knowledge about the country's geography. Horrocks traveled through South Australia, mapping uncharted territories and collecting botanical specimens. His expedition in 1846 aimed to reach the settled districts but ended fatally when he suffered an accident during the journey. He documented the land and the resources available, which later aided in further exploration and settlement. Horrocks' efforts provided an insight into Australia’s landscape during the early colonial period.

Continue Reading

Peter Leonard

Australian journalist and author
Born
1942 83 years ago
Died
September 23rd, 2008 16 years ago — 66 years old

An Australian journalist and author contributed to various publications. Worked for notable newspapers and news services, specializing in political reporting and international affairs. Authored several books that provided critical insights into significant events and figures in Australian history. Maintained a strong presence in journalism throughout a career that spanned several decades until retirement.

Continue Reading

Jacob Nicol

Canadian publisher and politician
Born
April 25th, 1876 149 years ago
Died
September 23rd, 1958 66 years ago — 82 years old

Born in Canada in 1876, pursued a career in law after completing legal education. Engaged in political life, serving as a member of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. Established a significant publishing business that contributed to Canadian media. Advocated for various social issues through both published works and political involvement.

Continue Reading

Abdel Hamid al-Sarraj

Syrian colonel and politician
Born
1925 100 years ago
Died
September 23rd, 2013 11 years ago — 88 years old

Served as a key military officer in Syria and held significant political roles during a tumultuous period. Al-Sarraj was involved in the Ba'ath Party and played a prominent part in the coup that led to the establishment of a new political regime in the 1960s. He held the position of Minister of Interior, overseeing internal security and contributing to the consolidation of power by the ruling party. His influence within the military and government circles positioned him as an important figure during the administration of Hafez al-Assad. Al-Sarraj's career was marked by loyalty to the Ba'athist ideology and engagement in regional political activities until his later years.

Continue Reading

Urbain Le Verrier

Mathematician & astronomer; Neptune discovery
Born
March 11th, 1811 214 years ago
Died
September 23rd, 1877 147 years ago — 66 years old

A mathematician and astronomer contributed significantly to the study of celestial mechanics. Developed the mathematical predictions that led to the discovery of the planet Neptune in 1846. His calculations on the orbit of Uranus, based on perturbation from other celestial bodies, provided critical insights into the structure of the solar system. Served as a professor at the Paris-Sorbonne and was later appointed to the Bureau des Longitudes. Published several papers and theories, expanding knowledge in astronomy and mathematics.

Continue Reading