William Proxmire
American politician and journalist
Served as a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin from 1957 to 1989. Known for his persistent efforts to reduce government waste and spending. Utilized the Golden Fleece Award to highlight wasteful government projects. Proxmire was also a member of the U.S. Army during World War II and engaged in journalism after the war. Advocated for various social issues throughout his political career.
Served as U.S. Senator from Wisconsin
Established the Golden Fleece Award
Other People Born on November 11th
Austin Collie
American football player, Super Bowl participant
Born
November 11th, 1985 40 years ago
This individual played as a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL). Drafted in 2009 by the Indianapolis Colts, contributions to the team included participation in Super Bowl XLIV. After three seasons with the Colts, a brief stint with the Miami Dolphins occurred before retiring from professional football. A standout at Brigham Young University, achievements in college football included setting records for receptions and yards. Injuries influenced the professional career trajectory.
Continue ReadingTye Sheridan
American actor in 'Ready Player One'
Born
November 11th, 1996 29 years ago
Born in 1996, an American actor and producer rose to prominence through a series of film and television roles. Early work included the film 'The Tree of Life,' which showcased a talent for portraying complex characters. Gained significant recognition for the lead role in 'Ready Player One,' a science fiction film directed by Steven Spielberg. In addition to film, featured in the TV series 'The Tender Bar,' further establishing a career in the entertainment industry. Has also taken on roles in various independent films, contributing to a growing body of work.
Continue ReadingTom Dumoulin
Dutch road bicycle racer, Giro d'Italia winner
Born
November 11th, 1990 35 years ago
A professional road bicycle racer focused on climbing and time trialing. Competed for the Team Sunweb cycling team and achieved notable victories in Grand Tours. Claimed the overall title at the 2017 Giro d'Italia, demonstrating exceptional performance in both individual time trials and mountain stages. Also secured a silver medal in the time trial at the 2016 Olympic Games. Effectively showcased endurance and skill in various international competitions.
Continue ReadingLiudmila Samsonova
Tennis player with WTA title wins
Born
November 11th, 1998 27 years ago
Born in 1998, this Russian tennis player turned professional in 2015. Competed in the WTA Tour and achieved notable success on the circuit. Won the title at the 2021 Berlin Open, marking a significant milestone in career. Gained recognition for strong baseline play and powerful serves. Achieved a ranking within the top 30 of the Women’s Tennis Association rankings.
Continue ReadingOakes Fegley
Actor known for 'Pete's Dragon' role
Born
November 11th, 2004 21 years ago
Born in 2004, an American actor gained recognition for performances in film and television. Starred in the 2016 Disney film 'Pete's Dragon' as Pete, showcasing talent at a young age. Appeared in 'The Goldfinch' in 2019, adapting a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. Also featured in the series 'This Is Us' in a significant guest role, contributing to the narrative arc.
Continue ReadingGeorge Savile
English politician and Lord President
Born
November 11th, 1633 392 years ago
Died
April 5th, 1695 331 years ago — 61 years old
A prominent politician in England during the late 17th century. Served as Lord President of the Council, playing a significant role in the administration of government. Involved in the formulation of policy and governance during a tumultuous period in English history, contributing to the transition of political powers and the establishment of parliamentary sovereignty. Engaged in various political endeavors that shaped the governance of the nation.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on December 15th
Crawford Vaughan
Australian politician, 27th Premier
Born
July 14th, 1874 151 years ago
Died
December 15th, 1947 78 years ago — 73 years old
Served as the 27th Premier of South Australia from 1930 to 1933. Held various positions in government including Minister for Education and Minister for Industry. Contributed to the development of public education policies and worked towards improving infrastructure in the state. Engaged in active politics throughout the early to mid-20th century, shaping the legislative landscape of South Australia.
Continue ReadingJacques Charles François Sturm
French mathematician and theorist
Born
September 29th, 1803 222 years ago
Died
December 15th, 1855 170 years ago — 52 years old
Contributed significantly to mathematics and the field of physics. Developed Sturm's theorem, which provides a method for determining the number of real roots of a polynomial within a given interval. Served as a professor at the University of Strasbourg and held prominent academic positions throughout his career. Published several influential works that shaped modern mathematical theories.
Continue ReadingWolfgang Pauli
Physicist, Nobel Prize winner
Born
April 25th, 1900 126 years ago
Died
December 15th, 1958 67 years ago — 58 years old
A physicist and academic contributed significantly to quantum mechanics and theoretical physics. Pauli formulated the Pauli exclusion principle, which states that no two fermions can occupy the same quantum state within a quantum system. In 1945, awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for the discovery of the exclusion principle. Worked at institutions such as the University of Zurich and the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, where influences in physics were widely acknowledged. His theories have had lasting implications in quantum theory and particle physics.
Continue ReadingCalestous Juma
Academic and innovation expert
Born
1953 73 years ago
Died
December 15th, 2017 8 years ago — 64 years old
An academic with a focus on science, technology, and innovation policy. Played a significant role in promoting sustainable development, especially in Africa. Served as a professor at Harvard University, where contributions included work in biotechnology and sustainable agriculture. Published extensively on innovation and development strategies and mentored many students and professionals in the field.
Continue ReadingVallabhbhai Patel
Indian politician and freedom fighter
Born
October 31st, 1875 150 years ago
Died
December 15th, 1950 75 years ago — 75 years old
An influential lawyer and politician, played a significant role in the Indian independence movement. Served as the first Deputy Prime Minister of India and the first Minister of Home Affairs. Instrumental in the integration of princely states into the Indian Union following independence. Focused on establishing a unified nation and worked on policies to promote agrarian reform and strengthen local governance.
Continue ReadingHeinz Wolff
Physiologist and engineer, Wolff's Periodic Table
Born
April 29th, 1928 98 years ago
Died
December 15th, 2017 8 years ago — 89 years old
A physiologist and engineer, contributed significantly to the fields of physiology and biomedical engineering. Served as a professor at Brunel University in London and was a prominent figure in promoting science education through television programs. Developed the Wolff's Periodic Table as a tool in psychophysics and engineering. His work focused on the relationship between physiology and engineering principles.
Continue Reading