Yuan Shikai
Chinese general and politician, President
Born in 1859, a military leader and politician played a crucial role in the late Qing dynasty and early Republic of China. Served as a general during the First Sino-Japanese War and later became the first President of the Republic of China. Played a significant role in the overthrow of the Qing dynasty and the establishment of a new republic. His attempt to establish himself as emperor in 1915 led to political instability and opposition from other factions, ultimately resulting in his resignation in 1916. His presidency was marked by challenges in consolidating power in a fragmented political landscape.
Served as the first President of the Republic of China
Attempted to declare himself Emperor of China in 1915
Played a significant role in the collapse of the Qing dynasty
Other People Born on September 16th
Anne Francis
Actress in 'Forbidden Planet' and 'Honey West'
Born
September 16th, 1930 95 years ago
Died
January 2nd, 2011 15 years ago — 80 years old
An accomplished American actress, celebrated for roles in film and television. Gained significant acclaim for portraying Alta in the science fiction classic 'Forbidden Planet' and for the titular role in the television series 'Honey West'. Worked extensively in the industry from the 1940s through the 2000s, showcasing versatility across various genres.
Continue ReadingWilfred Burchett
Journalist covering war and politics
Born
September 16th, 1911 114 years ago
Died
September 27th, 1983 42 years ago — 72 years old
A journalist and author, this individual reported extensively during pivotal global conflicts, including World War II and the Vietnam War. This figure became recognized for first-hand accounts from the front lines, providing detailed narratives about the realities of war. Over the years, worked for various publications, bringing attention to key historical events and political issues. The reporting style combined personal experience with critical analysis, shedding light on less-covered perspectives.
Continue ReadingRoger McKee
American baseball player with the Cardinals
Born
September 16th, 1926 99 years ago
Died
September 1st, 2014 11 years ago — 87 years old
Played Major League Baseball as an infielder during the 1950s. Spent most of the career with the St. Louis Cardinals, contributing to the team's performance in various seasons. Participated in games against significant rivals and was part of the 1954 Cardinals team. Also played for the Chicago White Sox and showcased talent in the infield position throughout the games.
Continue ReadingAlexander Korda
Film director and producer of the 1940s
Born
September 16th, 1893 132 years ago
Died
January 23rd, 1956 70 years ago — 62 years old
A prominent film director and producer, contributed significantly to Britain’s cinema during the early to mid-20th century. Founded London Films, which produced several key British films. Directed the epic historical film 'The Thief of Bagdad,' which received critical acclaim and multiple Academy Award nominations. Famed for bringing British cinema to an international audience. Managed to blend artistic vision with commercial success throughout a transformative period in filmmaking.
Continue ReadingLauren Bacall
American actress known for To Have and Have Not
Born
September 16th, 1924 101 years ago
Died
August 12th, 2014 11 years ago — 89 years old
An influential American actress, Bacall gained recognition for her distinctive voice and sultry looks. She achieved prominence during the Golden Age of Hollywood, making a remarkable film debut in the classic 'To Have and Have Not' alongside Humphrey Bogart. Bacall's collaborative works with Bogart included 'The Big Sleep' and 'Key Largo'. Over a career spanning several decades, Bacall earned acclaim on both stage and screen, receiving multiple awards including two Academy Awards and a Tony Award. Beyond her film contributions, Bacall was also known for her performances in the Broadway productions such as 'Applause'. Her cinematic legacy and contributions to arts left a lasting impression on Hollywood.
Continue ReadingJon Hendricks
American jazz vocalist and lyricist
Born
September 16th, 1921 104 years ago
Died
2017 9 years ago — 96 years old
Contributed significantly to the development of vocalese, a style of jazz where lyrics are set to instrumental solos. Collaborated with the innovative vocal group Lambert, Hendricks & Ross, which popularized this genre, and was instrumental in bringing vocal jazz to a broader audience. Recorded several influential albums, including 'Sing a Song of Basie' and 'The Hottest New Group in Jazz'. Acknowledged for his exceptional ability to blend skillful lyric writing with intricate jazz harmonies. His work spanned multiple decades, influencing future generations of musicians and vocalists.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on June 6th
William Baziotes
American painter and academia figure
Born
June 11th, 1912 114 years ago
Died
June 6th, 1963 63 years ago — 50 years old
A prominent American painter, significant contributions were made to the abstract expressionism movement in the mid-20th century. Baziotes studied at the Art Students League of New York and later taught at various institutions, including the Brooklyn Museum Art School. His paintings often exhibited a blend of abstraction and surrealism, characterized by their use of color and form. Baziotes participated in numerous exhibitions and gained recognition for his work in the 1940s and 1950s, helping to shape modern art during that period.
Continue ReadingVladimir Krutov
Ice hockey player and coach, 1984 Olympic gold
Born
June 1st, 1960 66 years ago
Died
June 6th, 2012 14 years ago — 52 years old
A celebrated ice hockey player and coach, played for the Soviet Union national team during the 1980s. Contributed to the team that won a gold medal at the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo. Played for prominent clubs including SKA Leningrad and HC Spartak Moscow. After a successful playing career, transitioned to coaching and management in the sport.
Continue ReadingEsther Williams
Swimmer and actress in aquamusicals
Born
August 8th, 1921 104 years ago
Died
June 6th, 2013 13 years ago — 91 years old
Born in 1921, this individual gained recognition as both a competitive swimmer and a movie star. After showcasing remarkable talent in swimming competitions, transitioned to Hollywood and starred in a series of aquamusicals during the 1940s and 1950s. The career in film included roles in acclaimed productions such as 'Take Me Out to the Ball Game' and 'Million Dollar Mermaid'. Contributed to the popularity of synchronized swimming on screen, blending athleticism with entertainment, which led to further exploration of the aquatic performances. Retired from acting in the early 1960s but remained involved in swimming and water-related pursuits.
Continue ReadingJohn A. Macdonald
1st Prime Minister of Canada
Born
January 11th, 1815 211 years ago
Died
June 6th, 1891 135 years ago — 76 years old
A Scottish-Canadian lawyer and politician, served as the first Prime Minister of Canada from 1867 to 1873 and again from 1878 until 1891. Played a key role in the Confederation of Canada and the establishment of the Dominion. Worked to expand the nation through the acquisition of territories and the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway, connecting the east and west coasts. Implemented policies that shaped Canadian politics and governance during the late 19th century.
Continue ReadingAbu Musa Utamish
Vizier to the Abbasid Caliphate
Died
June 6th, 863 1163 years ago — None years old
Served as a vizier during the Abbasid Caliphate, playing a significant role in the administration and governance of the empire. Contributed to the consolidation of power within the central government and was involved in political maneuvering during a time of considerable turmoil. His tenure included managing various state affairs and interfacing with key political figures of the period.
Continue ReadingLouis Lumière
Film director and producer; Cinematograph
Born
October 5th, 1864 161 years ago
Died
June 6th, 1948 78 years ago — 83 years old
A pioneering figure in the film industry, contributed significantly to the development of cinema alongside his brother. Invented the Cinématographe, which improved the film projection process. Organized the first public screening of films in 1895, marking the birth of commercial cinema. Produced numerous short films, establishing genre conventions in early filmmaking.
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