Will Geer

American actor and The Waltons star

Will Geer - American actor and The Waltons star
Born

March 9th, 1902
123 years ago

Died

April 22nd, 1978
47 years ago — 76 years old

Category

Performers & Entertainers

Country

United States

Links & References

An American actor, recognized for work in film, television, and theater. Gained significant fame as Grandpa Zebulon Walton in the television series 'The Waltons,' which aired from 1972 to 1981. Involved in various stage productions throughout the 1930s and 1940s, contributing to early theatrical movements. Actively engaged in social issues, advocating for civil rights and environmental causes. Also had a notable film career with appearances in movies such as 'The Grapes of Wrath' and 'The Long, Hot Summer.'

Starred in The Waltons as Grandpa Zebulon Walton

Appeared in The Grapes of Wrath

Other People Born on March 9th

Mary Harris Armor

American suffragist and activist
Born
March 9th, 1863 162 years ago
Died
November 5th, 1950 74 years ago — 87 years old

Born in 1863, contributed to the women's suffrage movement in the United States. Engaged in activism and organization efforts to mobilize support for women's voting rights. Played a significant role in various suffrage organizations and worked closely with other prominent suffragists to advocate for legislative change. Instrumental in raising awareness and support for the passage of the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote.

Continue Reading

Mickey Spillane

Crime Novelist with Mike Hammer Series
Born
March 9th, 1918 107 years ago
Died
May 13th, 1977 47 years ago — 59 years old

An American crime novelist published a series of hardboiled detective novels featuring the character Mike Hammer. The first novel, 'I, the Jury,' released in 1947, established a new standard in the genre with its visceral style and complex plots. Spillane's work gained immense popularity, selling millions of copies. His writing style combined graphic violence and a focus on moral ambiguity, appealing to a broad audience. The character of Mike Hammer became iconic in American fiction, influencing both literature and film. Spillane also ventured into screenwriting and created adaptations of his works for film and television, further cementing his legacy in the crime genre.

Continue Reading

Daley Blind

Dutch footballer and Ajax defender
Born
March 9th, 1990 35 years ago

Started professional career at Ajax, debuting in 2010. Played as a versatile defender and midfielder, contributing to team success. Joined Manchester United in 2014, where he participated in winning the FA Cup in 2016. Returned to Ajax in 2018 and won multiple Eredivisie titles, enhancing team performance in domestic and European competitions. Featured prominently in the Netherlands national team, participating in UEFA Euro 2020.

Continue Reading

Clint Dempsey

American soccer player and World Cup participant
Born
March 9th, 1983 42 years ago

A professional soccer player, this individual gained prominence in Major League Soccer (MLS) and the United States men's national team. Played for FC Dallas before transferring to the New England Revolution, where standout performances led to successful seasons. Later joined Fulham in the English Premier League, playing an instrumental role in advancing the team's competitiveness. Achievements included several top-scorer honors during tenures in MLS and the Premier League. Represented the national team in multiple FIFA World Cups.

Continue Reading

Jean-Marc Vallée

Film director of 'Dallas Buyers Club'
Born
March 9th, 1963 62 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 58 years old

A Canadian director and screenwriter, Vallée gained recognition for directing feature films and television series. Achievements included accolades for the film 'Dallas Buyers Club', which explored the life of Ron Woodroof, and 'Wild', based on the memoir by Cheryl Strayed. Vallée directed the critically acclaimed HBO miniseries 'Big Little Lies', which garnered praise for its storytelling and performances.

Continue Reading

Darrell Walker

American basketball player and coach
Born
March 9th, 1961 64 years ago

Played as a guard in the NBA for teams including the New York Knicks, and the Detroit Pistons during the 1980s and early 1990s. Transitioned into coaching after retirement, leading various college and professional teams. Achieved recognition for coaching in NCAA Division I basketball, including a stint at the University of Arkansas-Little Rock.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on April 22nd

Jack Cardiff

Cinematographer for The Red Shoes
Born
September 18th, 1914 110 years ago
Died
April 22nd, 2009 16 years ago — 94 years old

A British cinematographer, director, and photographer, Cardiff contributed significantly to the film industry, particularly during the mid-20th century. Cardiff's career included notable collaborations with the film company Technicolor, which enhanced the visual aesthetic of various films. His work spans multiple genres, with a focus on creating vibrant imagery. Cardiff directed several films and served as a cinematographer for numerous iconic movies.

Continue Reading

Philip Morrison

Astrophysicist and Physics Educator
Born
November 7th, 1915 109 years ago
Died
April 22nd, 2005 20 years ago — 89 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of astrophysics and education. Played a crucial role in the Manhattan Project during World War II. Served as a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, influencing generations of students. Pioneered public understanding of science through participation in the PBS series 'The Cosmos' and authored several influential works in physics and science communication.

Continue Reading

Pierre-Charles Villeneuve

French admiral and naval commander
Born
December 31st, 1763 261 years ago
Died
April 22nd, 1806 219 years ago — 42 years old

Served as an admiral in the French Navy during the early 19th century. Commanded the combined French and Spanish fleet at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Engaged in naval operations against British forces and faced significant challenges during his tenure. Oversaw various naval campaigns in the Mediterranean region and played a crucial role in French naval strategy during the Napoleonic Wars. Faced defeat at Trafalgar, which led to a decline in French naval influence.

Continue Reading

Paul Hugh Emmett

American chemist and academic
Born
September 22nd, 1900 124 years ago
Died
April 22nd, 1985 40 years ago — 84 years old

Contributions to the field of chemistry encompassed a range of topics, including catalysis and surface chemistry. Served as a professor at various institutions and held significant positions in multiple scientific organizations. Emmett's research led to advancements in the understanding of adsorption and catalysis processes. His work has been cited extensively in scientific literature, influencing subsequent research in materials science and chemistry.

Continue Reading

Kostas Krystallis

Greek author and poet
Born
1868 157 years ago
Died
April 22nd, 1894 131 years ago — 26 years old

Born in Greece, a significant figure in modern Greek literature. His works, particularly in poetry, explore themes of love, nature, and the human condition. Best known for contributions to the literary movement known as the 'New Greek School,' which sought to revive and modernize Greek literature. Engaged with the rich traditions of Greek folklore, weaving contemporary themes with classic storytelling techniques. His poetry is characterized by emotional depth and lyrical beauty, resonating with a wide audience across generations.

Continue Reading

Jacques Ferron

Canadian physician and author
Born
1921 104 years ago
Died
April 22nd, 1985 40 years ago — 64 years old

A physician and author, contributed significantly to Canadian literature and healthcare. Wrote several novels and plays, exploring various themes within Canadian society. Active in political circles, particularly with the Quebec sovereignty movement, and became a member of the National Assembly of Quebec. His medical background influenced his literary works, which often integrated social commentary. Received recognition for both literary contributions and political advocacy, becoming a prominent figure in Quebec's cultural landscape.

Continue Reading