Xuân Diệu

Vietnamese poet and author of 'Love Poems'

Xuân Diệu - Vietnamese poet and author of 'Love Poems'
Born

February 2nd, 1916
109 years ago

Died

December 18th, 1985
39 years ago — 69 years old

Category

Artists & Creatives

Country

Vietnam

Links & References

A prominent figure in Vietnamese literature, recognized for contributions to poetry and prose. Published the celebrated poetry collection 'Love Poems,' which showcased modern Vietnamese poetic expression. Worked as a journalist and editor, influencing literary movements in Vietnam. Achieved a reputation for a unique style that blended traditional themes with contemporary influences, exploring love, nature, and existential reflection.

Published 'Love Poems' in 1945

Contributed significantly to modern Vietnamese poetry

Served as a journalist and editor

Other People Born on February 2nd

Tom Smothers

Comedian and activist, The Smothers Brothers
Born
February 2nd, 1937 88 years ago
Died
December 26th, 2023 1 years ago — 86 years old

A comedian, actor, and activist achieved prominence in the 1960s as part of The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. The show combined music and comedy, reflecting counterculture themes and political satire. Smothers engaged in substantial social activism, advocating for free speech and challenging the establishment through humor and creative expression. The variety show featured various notable guests and received significant acclaim, earning several Emmy nominations. Later ventures included performances in theater and television, continuing to influence comedy.

Continue Reading

Carolina Klüft

Swedish heptathlete and long jumper
Born
February 2nd, 1983 42 years ago

Competed primarily in heptathlon and long jump events. Achieved significant success in international athletics, particularly during the early 2000s. Claimed gold medals at the 2004 Athens Olympics in heptathlon and the 2006 European Championships. Also set multiple national and personal records in her events. Transitioned to a successful career in long jump before retiring from competitive athletics.

Continue Reading

Ryan Farquhar

Northern Irish motorcycle racer champion
Born
February 2nd, 1976 49 years ago

Achieved significant success in motorcycle racing, competing predominantly in the Isle of Man TT races. Accumulated a total of 5 wins at the Isle of Man TT and secured multiple wins at the North West 200. Competed for various teams including the Wilson Craig Racing team. Known as one of the most successful privateers in the history of motorcycle racing. Retired from professional racing but remains actively involved in the motorcycle community.

Continue Reading

Elaine Stritch

American actress and singer on Broadway
Born
February 2nd, 1925 100 years ago
Died
July 17th, 2014 10 years ago — 89 years old

A celebrated actress and singer, this individual gained prominence in the Broadway theatre scene. Her performances showcased a distinctive blend of talent and personality. Significant roles included appearances in the musicals 'Company' and 'Growing Up', as well as her one-woman show 'Elaine Stritch at Liberty', which highlighted her life and career. In television, a memorable role occurred in the series '30 Rock', where the character Colleen Donaghy became notable. Recognized for a commanding stage presence, contributions spanned multiple decades beginning in the 1940s into the 21st century.

Continue Reading

Bona Sforza

Italian Noble and Queen Consort
Born
February 2nd, 1494 531 years ago
Died
November 19th, 1557 467 years ago — 63 years old

Served as Queen consort of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth through marriage to Sigismund I the Old. Played a significant role in political affairs during her husband's reign. Actively engaged in the administration and governance of the kingdom, promoting agricultural and economic reform. Her influence extended to cultural and architectural developments in Poland, particularly noted for introducing Renaissance styles. After her death, her legacy continued to shape royal alliances in Europe.

Continue Reading

David Jason

Actor, director, and producer of comedy
Born
February 2nd, 1940 85 years ago

An English actor, director, and producer, this individual became widely recognized through the television series 'Only Fools and Horses', where he portrayed the character Derek 'Del Boy' Trotter. Other notable performances include roles in 'A Touch of Frost' and 'Open All Hours'. Apart from acting, directorial efforts include the series 'A Touch of Frost'. This figure has received multiple awards for contributions to television, including BAFTA awards and an OBE for services to drama.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on December 18th

Lilia Skala

Austrian-American actress, 'Lilies of the Field'
Born
November 28th, 1896 128 years ago
Died
December 18th, 1994 30 years ago — 98 years old

Born in Austria, an actress whose career spanned several decades and included both stage and film performances. Emigrated to the United States, where developed a successful acting career. Gained recognition for the role in 'Lilies of the Field', which earned an Academy Award nomination. Also appeared in various stage productions and films throughout the 20th century, showcasing versatility as a performer.

Continue Reading

Jean-Étienne Montucla

Mathematician and theories in mathematics
Born
September 5th, 1725 299 years ago
Died
December 18th, 1799 225 years ago — 74 years old

Born in France in 1725, a mathematician and theorist specialized in mathematics. Contributed significantly to the understanding of calculus and geometry. Published works that synthesized mathematical knowledge of the time, focusing on probability and its applications. Promoted mathematical education through various writings and lectures. Played a key role in the development and dissemination of mathematical theory in the 18th century.

Continue Reading

Veit Ludwig von Seckendorff

German scholar and politician
Born
December 20th, 1626 398 years ago
Died
December 18th, 1692 332 years ago — 65 years old

A German scholar and politician contributed significantly to the political landscape of 17th-century Germany. Engaged in various diplomatic missions, played a crucial role in the Peace of Westphalia negotiations, which ended the Thirty Years' War. Also involved in governance as a statesman while advocating for educational reforms. Authored various works focusing on political theory and governance, solidifying his influence in scholarly circles.

Continue Reading

Antonio Stradivari

Italian luthier and violin maker
Born
1644 381 years ago
Died
December 18th, 1737 287 years ago — 93 years old

Antonio Stradivari was an Italian luthier who crafted string instruments, particularly violins, during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Operating in Cremona, Stradivari developed a unique style and innovative techniques that significantly enhanced the sound quality and aesthetic of string instruments. His instruments are celebrated for their craftsmanship and tonal richness, making them highly sought after by musicians and collectors alike. Stradivari's legacy continues through the timeless appeal of his instruments, often referred to as 'Stradivarius'.

Continue Reading

Václav Havel

Czech playwright and first president
Born
October 5th, 1936 88 years ago
Died
December 18th, 2011 13 years ago — 75 years old

A prominent figure in Czech literature and politics, the individual gained recognition as a playwright and essayist. His work often critiqued totalitarianism and advocated for democracy and human rights. In 1989, played a crucial role in the Velvet Revolution that led to the end of communist rule in Czechoslovakia. Subsequently, served as the last president of Czechoslovakia from 1989 to 1992 and became the first president of the Czech Republic from 1993 to 2003. Through various writings, the individual contributed to the discourse on freedom and civil rights.

Continue Reading

Magnus III

King of Sweden during the 13th century
Born
1240 785 years ago
Died
December 18th, 1290 734 years ago — 50 years old

Reigned as king of Sweden from 1275 until death in 1290. Faced challenges in maintaining control over the kingdom amidst conflicts with neighboring regions and internal disputes. His reign was marked by attempts to consolidate power and strengthen the monarchy. Engaged in military campaigns to expand territory and influence, striving to establish a lasting legacy. Promoted Christianity and worked to integrate various cultural elements within the realm.

Continue Reading