Willie Mason
Rugby league player with NRL success
Played professional rugby league primarily in the National Rugby League (NRL) for teams including the Canterbury Bulldogs and the Sydney Roosters. Achieved significant success with the Bulldogs, winning the NRL Grand Final in 2004. Represented New Zealand and Australia at the international level, earning caps for both national teams during his career. Notable for his size and athleticism in the forward pack, Mason became a prominent figure in the sport during the 2000s.
Won the NRL Grand Final with the Canterbury Bulldogs in 2004
Represented Australia and New Zealand in international rugby league
Other People Born on April 15th
Tomas Tranströmer
Swedish poet and Nobel laureate
Born
April 15th, 1931 94 years ago
Died
March 26th, 2015 10 years ago — 83 years old
Born in Sweden, this individual gained recognition as a poet and translator. A significant figure in modern poetry, several collections were published, exploring themes of nature, memory, and human consciousness. In 2011, awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for his significant literary work, which has been translated into numerous languages. Alongside poetry, this individual worked as a psychologist, contributing to the field with insights embedded in literary practice. The blend of keen observation and poetic expression shaped the literary landscape, leaving a lasting legacy.
Continue ReadingFriedrich Georg Wilhelm von Struve
German astronomer and academic
Born
April 15th, 1793 232 years ago
Died
1864 162 years ago — 71 years old
A prominent astronomer, contributed significantly to the field of positional astronomy and geodesy. Established numerous observatories, including the Pulkovo Observatory in Russia. Conducted extensive measurements of stellar parallax, which provided critical data for understanding the scale of the universe. His work facilitated advances in the measurement of the Earth and the stars.
Continue ReadingRaymond Poulidor
Cyclist and Tour de France contender
Born
April 15th, 1936 89 years ago
Died
2019 7 years ago — 83 years old
Achieved significant success in professional cycling, particularly in the Tour de France. Competed in the Tour de France 14 times between 1962 and 1976, finishing on the podium multiple times. Recognized for his consistency and determination, he became a fan favorite despite never winning the overall title. Participated in the Paris-Roubaix race and secured victories in various one-day races throughout his career. Continued to be involved in cycling after retirement, contributing to the sport.
Continue ReadingFrancis X. DiLorenzo
American bishop of Richmond
Born
April 15th, 1942 83 years ago
Died
2017 9 years ago — 75 years old
Served as the Roman Catholic bishop of Richmond, Virginia, from 2004 until 2017. Prior to this appointment, held various positions in the Diocese of Buffalo, including auxiliary bishop. Contributed to numerous initiatives in education and social justice within the church. Oversaw the management of parishes and schools, focusing on community outreach and religious education.
Continue ReadingBaroness Linklater
English politician and advocate
Born
April 15th, 1943 82 years ago
Born in 1943, a prominent English politician served as an advocate for education and environmental issues. She held a seat in the House of Lords and contributed to various debates and committees aimed at improving public policy. Active in the Liberal Democrat party, her focus included promoting social justice and sustainable development. In addition to political work, involvement in educational initiatives aimed at increasing access for underprivileged groups marked her career. Advocacy for various causes highlighted her commitment to public service throughout her tenure.
Continue ReadingClaudius Salmasius
French author and scholar of rhetoric
Born
April 15th, 1588 437 years ago
Died
September 3rd, 1653 372 years ago — 65 years old
A classical scholar and rhetorician, contributed significantly to the field of philology. Wrote influential works on the history of rhetoric and criticism of contemporary thinkers. Engaged in public controversies, notably against the works of John Milton regarding the defense of monarchy. His critiques of Milton's 'Defensio pro Populo Anglicano' were pivotal during the English Civil War period, illustrating the intense intellectual debates of the time.
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