Wolfgang Schwanitz

East German secret police official

Wolfgang Schwanitz - Leaders & Politicians born June 26th, 1930
Born
Died

2022
4 years ago — 92 years old

Category

Leaders & Politicians

Country

Germany

Links & References

Held a prominent position within the East German secret police, commonly known as the Stasi. Played a key role in operations that involved surveillance and control of the East German populace. Engaged in intelligence activities during a period marked by significant political tensions in Europe. His tenure coincided with the Cold War, influencing the methods of state security in East Germany.

Oversaw Stasi operations during the Cold War

Managed surveillance activities in East Germany

Other People Born on June 26th

Philip Doddridge

English hymn-writer and educator
Born
June 26th, 1702 323 years ago
Died
October 26th, 1751 274 years ago — 49 years old

A prominent hymn-writer and educator in England, contributed significantly to 18th-century evangelicalism. Established a dissenting academy in Northampton, which became influential in training Nonconformist ministers. Authored several influential works, including 'The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul' and more than 400 hymns, many of which remain in use today. Advocacy for religious education had a lasting impact on Nonconformist thought.

Continue Reading

San Pedro Claver

Spanish Jesuit saint and missionary
Born
June 26th, 1581 444 years ago
Died
1654 372 years ago — 73 years old

Born in 1581, a Spanish Jesuit missionary dedicated life to the service of enslaved people in the Americas. Deployed to Cartagena, Colombia, provided care and catechesis to thousands of Africans brought to the region. Established a reputation for compassion and advocacy for the rights of the enslaved, working tirelessly to alleviate their suffering. Canonized in 1888, he became the patron saint of enslaved people and mission workers.

Continue Reading

Wolfgang Reitherman

Animator and director for Disney films
Born
June 26th, 1909 116 years ago
Died
May 22nd, 1985 40 years ago — 75 years old

An animator, director, and producer, contributed significantly to animation at Walt Disney Productions. Began career as an animator on classics such as 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs' and 'Pinocchio'. Directed acclaimed films including 'The Jungle Book' and 'The Aristocats', showcasing talent in storytelling and character development. Played a pivotal role in shaping the Disney animated feature style during the mid-20th century. Oversaw many successful projects, leaving a lasting legacy in the animation industry.

Continue Reading

Princess Sophie of Greece and Denmark

Royalty and philanthropist
Born
June 26th, 1914 111 years ago
Died
2001 25 years ago — 87 years old

Born into European royalty in 1914, a member of the Greek and Danish royal families. This princess spent much of her life in Greece and became involved in various charitable activities. During her lifetime, she supported refugee welfare and health initiatives. The close ties to multiple royal families through marriage and her philanthropic efforts positioned her uniquely within the European aristocracy.

Continue Reading

Jennette McCurdy

Actress and singer-songwriter from iCarly
Born
June 26th, 1992 33 years ago

An actress and singer-songwriter gained recognition for role as Sam Puckett in the television series iCarly. The character showcased a strong personality and comedic talents, contributing to the show’s popularity. In addition to acting, ventured into music, releasing several singles and an EP titled 'Jennette McCurdy' in 2019. Furthermore, authored a memoir titled 'I'm Glad My Mom Died,' which delves into personal experiences and challenges faced during childhood and adolescence.

Continue Reading

Paul Castellano

American mafia boss, Gambino family leader
Born
June 26th, 1915 110 years ago
Died
December 16th, 1985 40 years ago — 70 years old

Born in 1915, this individual rose to prominence within the Gambino crime family, becoming its boss in the 1970s. Castellano was involved in various illegal activities, including extortion, racketeering, and drug trafficking. His leadership style marked a shift in the organization, emphasizing business operations over traditional gangster tactics. In December 1985, he was assassinated in a power struggle that highlighted the violent rivalries within the Mafia. Castellano's life and death illustrated the complexities of mob leadership during a turbulent era for organized crime in America.

Continue Reading