William Anders
Astronaut, Apollo 8 Lunar Module Pilot
Born in 1933, a general and astronaut with significant contributions to space exploration. Participated in Apollo 8, the first crewed mission to orbit the Moon. The mission provided critical information for future lunar landings and included a televised Christmas Eve broadcast from lunar orbit. Held various leadership roles in the United States Air Force, retiring as a major general. Also served as an executive in the private sector after leaving NASA.
Piloted Apollo 8 during lunar orbit
Contributed to Christmas Eve broadcast from Moon
Served as a major general in the USAF
Other People Born on October 17th
Bárbara Paz
Brazilian actress and filmmaker
Born
October 17th, 1974 51 years ago
An actress and filmmaker with a prominent career in Brazilian cinema and television. Achievements include starring in the acclaimed film 'Seashore' and the telenovela 'O Clone.' Paz has also directed and produced films, contributing to the Brazilian film industry through various projects. With a career spanning over two decades, she has received recognition at prestigious film festivals, enhancing her visibility internationally.
Continue ReadingMartin Heinrich
American politician and senator
Born
October 17th, 1971 54 years ago
Born in 1971, this individual served as a U.S. senator from New Mexico, representing the Democratic Party. Before the Senate, held the role of U.S. representative for New Mexico's 1st congressional district. Focused on various issues including energy, conservation, and military affairs during the tenure. Contributed to efforts on renewable energy policies and environmental protections, and supported legislation impacting veterans and small businesses.
Continue ReadingDoris Humphrey
Dancer and choreographer of modern dance
Born
October 17th, 1895 130 years ago
Died
December 29th, 1958 66 years ago — 63 years old
A leading figure in modern dance, created significant works that shaped the genre. Developed the technique of fall and recovery, emphasizing the use of gravity in movement. Co-founded the Humphrey-Weidman Company and was a pivotal influence in the establishment of modern dance as an art form. Served as a teacher and mentor to many dancers, contributing to the development of future generations in the field.
Continue ReadingJericó Abramo Masso
Mexican politician and public servant
Born
October 17th, 1975 50 years ago
A prominent Mexican politician, served as a member of the Federal Congress representing the state of Coahuila. Associated with the Institutional Revolutionary Party, played a significant role in various legislative initiatives during tenure. Actively participated in discussions regarding education and social policies while aiming to improve governance and public services within the region.
Continue ReadingJerry Siegel
Comic book writer & co-creator of Superman
Born
October 17th, 1914 111 years ago
Died
January 28th, 1996 29 years ago — 81 years old
An author and illustrator, contributed to the comic book industry through the creation of Superman, one of the most iconic characters in popular culture. Collaborated with Joe Shuster to develop the character in the early 1930s, which led to the first Superman comic book published in Action Comics #1 in 1938. The character's immense popularity established the superhero genre and influenced countless comic book creators. Worked for several publishers over the years and engaged in various legal battles regarding authorship rights.
Continue ReadingZiggy Marley
Jamaican singer-songwriter and musician
Born
October 17th, 1968 57 years ago
Born in 1968, a prominent Jamaican singer-songwriter and musician emerged as a leading figure in reggae music. The artist is the son of legendary reggae icon Bob Marley. Debuted with the band Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers, achieving acclaim in the 1980s and 1990s. Released multiple successful albums, combining reggae with various musical styles. Received several Grammy Awards for outstanding recordings. Contributed to the animated film 'Arthur' and other projects as a voice actor.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on June 7th
E. M. Forster
English author known for A Passage to India
Born
January 1st, 1879 146 years ago
Died
June 7th, 1970 55 years ago — 91 years old
An English author and playwright, this figure significantly contributed to 20th-century literature. Most influential works include the novels 'A Room with a View,' 'Howards End,' and 'A Passage to India.' Exploration of themes such as class distinction, personal relationships, and the clash of cultures marked the author's writing. Additionally, wrote the libretto for the opera 'Billy Budd' by Benjamin Britten and adapted 'Maurice' into a screenplay. Contributions to literary criticism and essays further showcased the author's viewpoints on literature and society.
Continue ReadingHenry Miller
Author of Tropic of Cancer
Born
December 26th, 1891 133 years ago
Died
June 7th, 1980 45 years ago — 88 years old
Born in 1891, this American author and painter gained prominence through innovative literary works that blended autobiography and fiction. His book 'Tropic of Cancer,' published in 1934, was initially banned in the United States due to its controversial content but later became a celebrated classic. Miller's writing often explored themes of sexuality, freedom, and the artistic experience. Throughout his life, he also produced a significant body of visual art, contributing to the understanding of the interplay between writing and visual creativity.
Continue ReadingJean Harlow
American actress known for 'Helldorado'
Born
March 3rd, 1911 114 years ago
Died
June 7th, 1937 88 years ago — 26 years old
An American actress emerged as a leading figure in early Hollywood cinema during the 1930s. Achieved significant recognition for performances in films, particularly in 'Hell's Angels' and 'Dinner at Eight'. Became a prominent sex symbol of the era, contributing to the popularity and growth of the comedy genre in cinema. Passed away at a young age but left a lasting legacy in the film industry through her roles and influence on subsequent actresses.
Continue ReadingJoseph von Fraunhofer
German physicist and astronomer
Born
March 6th, 1787 238 years ago
Died
June 7th, 1826 199 years ago — 39 years old
Contributions to the field of optics and spectroscopy marked a significant advancement in physics. Established the method of using diffraction gratings for spectral analysis. Conducted extensive research on the properties of light and developed the first high-quality optical glasses. His work laid the foundation for future explorations in both astronomy and physical sciences.
Continue ReadingRonald George Wreyford Norrish
Chemist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
November 9th, 1897 128 years ago
Died
June 7th, 1978 47 years ago — 80 years old
An English chemist and academic contributed significantly to the field of chemical kinetics. Developed flash photolysis, a technique that allowed for the observation of rapid chemical reactions. Served as a professor at the University of Cambridge, where research encompassed various aspects of physical chemistry. Honored with the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1967, sharing the award for investigations of extremely fast chemical reactions. Published numerous papers and worked extensively on the behavior of molecules in different states.
Continue ReadingSigne Hasso
Swedish-American actress and playwright
Born
August 15th, 1915 110 years ago
Died
June 7th, 2002 23 years ago — 86 years old
Born in Sweden, Hasso moved to the United States and became a prominent actress. Beginning her career in Swedish films, she transitioned to Hollywood where she starred in significant roles. Hasso appeared in prominent films such as 'The Seventh Cross' and 'The House on 92nd Street'. In addition to her film career, she was involved in theater, both as an actress and a playwright, contributing to the performing arts in the United States.
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