Willy Ronis
French photographer of urban life
Contributed significantly to the field of photography, particularly in capturing everyday life in post-war France. Early works in the 1930s focused on the Parisian working class, presenting a humanistic perspective through photography. Achieved great recognition with the publication of the book 'Paris de ma fenêtre' in 1954, which showcased intimate and poignant images of the city and its inhabitants. His style blended documentary and artistic photography, influencing generations of photographers. Worked extensively throughout his career and is considered one of the key figures in French humanist photography.
Published 'Paris de ma fenêtre'
Photographed the daily life of Parisians
Other People Born on August 14th
Shea Weber
Ice hockey player, captain, and defenseman
Born
August 14th, 1985 40 years ago
A prominent ice hockey player, primarily played as a defenseman. Weber was drafted by the Nashville Predators in the second round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. He spent over ten seasons with the Predators, earning multiple All-Star selections. Weber served as team captain for the Montreal Canadiens. His career includes participation in international competitions, representing Canada in tournaments like the Olympics and World Championships. A recipient of the prestigious Norris Trophy as the NHL's top defenseman, Weber was recognized for his strong defensive skills, heavy shot, and leadership on the ice.
Continue ReadingPope Pius VII
Religious leader and prominent pope
Born
August 14th, 1742 283 years ago
Died
August 20th, 1823 202 years ago — 81 years old
Served as the pope from 1800 until death in 1823. Led the Catholic Church during the tumultuous period of the Napoleonic Wars. Restored the papacy's authority after being imprisoned by Napoleon. Extended church influence in Europe and re-established the Jesuits after their suppression in 1773.
Continue ReadingGiovanny Gallegos
Professional baseball player, St. Louis Cardinals
Born
August 14th, 1991 34 years ago
Born in 1991, a professional baseball player who primarily serves as a relief pitcher. Debuted in Major League Baseball (MLB) with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2018. Developed a reputation for effective pitching and crucial game situations, contributing to team successes during seasons.
Continue ReadingGuangxu Emperor of China
Emperor and reform advocate
Born
August 14th, 1871 154 years ago
Died
November 14th, 1908 117 years ago — 37 years old
Ascended to the throne at the age of four. Ruled during a time of significant political and social change in China. Advocated for the Hundred Days' Reform in 1898, aiming to modernize China's political and educational systems. The reform efforts met strong opposition from conservative factions within the Qing court. Following a coup led by Empress Dowager Cixi, the reforms were largely reversed, and the emperor was placed under house arrest for the remainder of his life. His reign saw the increasing influence of foreign powers in China.
Continue ReadingAlexander H. Bailey
American lawyer and politician
Born
August 14th, 1817 208 years ago
Died
April 20th, 1874 152 years ago — 56 years old
Appointed to the United States District Court for the District of Illinois, serving as a judge. Engaged in legal practice and represented numerous clients throughout a lengthy career. Elected to the Illinois State Senate, contributing to legislative processes and public policy. Actively involved in various legal and political organizations during tenure.
Continue ReadingMarsai Martin
American actress and producer
Born
August 14th, 2004 21 years ago
Gained recognition as an actress and producer at a young age. Starred in the hit television series 'Black-ish' as Diane Johnson. As a producer, achieved acclaim for the film 'Little', which was one of the first projects produced by someone under the age of 18. Demonstrated significant talent and entrepreneurial spirit in both acting and film production.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on September 12th
Hugo Schmeisser
German weapons designer and engineer
Born
September 24th, 1884 141 years ago
Died
September 12th, 1953 72 years ago — 68 years old
Born in 1884 in Germany, significant contributions were made to the development of automatic firearms. Designed the MP 18, the first-ever submachine gun, which influenced modern firearm design. His experience included working with various military contracts during World War I and World War II, focusing on small arms development for military use. Schmeisser's designs helped shape infantry tactics and the evolution of weaponry in the 20th century.
Continue ReadingBoris Yegorov
Russian physician and astronaut
Born
November 26th, 1937 88 years ago
Died
September 12th, 1994 31 years ago — 56 years old
Earned a medical degree from the First Moscow Medical Institute and served as a physician in the Soviet military. Participated in the Voskhod 2 mission as a flight engineer in 1965, which included the first spacewalk in history. After spaceflight, worked in various medical and scientific roles, contributing to space medicine and research related to human health in space environments.
Continue ReadingSarah Frances Whiting
American physicist and astronomer
Born
August 23rd, 1847 178 years ago
Died
September 12th, 1927 98 years ago — 80 years old
Contributions in physics and astronomy included work on the properties of spectral lines and the development of laboratory methods for the study of light. Served as director of the observatory at Wellesley College and became the first woman to hold such a position in the United States. Additionally, played a role in the early education of women in science, mentoring students and advocating for women's involvement in higher education in scientific fields.
Continue ReadingJean Bolland
Flemish priest and hagiographer
Born
August 18th, 1596 429 years ago
Died
September 12th, 1665 360 years ago — 69 years old
A priest in the Society of Jesus, contributed significantly to the study of saints' lives. Established a systematic chronological collection of hagiographies, known as the 'Acta Sanctorum', which served as a reference for future studies on saints. Focused on the critical examination of sources, promoting a scholarly approach to hagiography. Worked extensively in Belgium and had lasting influence in the field of religious literature.
Continue ReadingRaymond Burr
Actor in Perry Mason and Rear Window
Born
May 21st, 1917 109 years ago
Died
September 12th, 1993 32 years ago — 76 years old
An actor and director with a career spanning several decades, contributions include a prominent role in the television series Perry Mason, which ran from 1957 to 1966. Burr portrayed the character of defense attorney Perry Mason, earning critical acclaim. Additionally, starred in the classic Alfred Hitchcock film Rear Window released in 1954. Other works included appearances in various television dramas and films, showcasing a range of talent across genres.
Continue ReadingClaudia Card
Philosopher and Academic in Ethics
Born
September 30th, 1940 85 years ago
Died
September 12th, 2015 10 years ago — 74 years old
Contributions to the fields of philosophy and women's studies are significant. Focus on ethics, feminist philosophy, and social philosophy formed a foundation for later discussions in these areas. Taught at various academic institutions, influencing generations of students. Authored several books and articles that examined moral theory, as well as the intersection of ethics and gender. Engaged in dialogues regarding social justice and the complexities of human experiences.
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