Ahmed Zewail

Chemist and Nobel Prize laureate

Ahmed Zewail - Scientists & Innovators born February 26th, 1946
Born
Died
Category

Scientists & Innovators

Country

Egypt

Links & References

An Egyptian-American chemist, contributed significantly to the field of femtochemistry, which studies chemical reactions on extremely short timescales. Zewail's work allowed scientists to observe the motion of atoms in a molecule during a chemical reaction. He received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1999 for these pioneering studies. Zewail held a professorship at the California Institute of Technology and actively engaged in initiatives to promote education and science in developing countries.

Received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1999

Pioneered the field of femtochemistry

Other People Born on February 26th

Wayne Goss

Australian politician, 34th Premier of Queensland
Born
February 26th, 1951 74 years ago
Died
November 10th, 2014 11 years ago — 63 years old

Served as the 34th Premier of Queensland from 1989 to 1996. Led the Labor Party to victory in the 1989 state election, ending 32 years of Liberal and National Party rule. Focused on education reform and the establishment of the Queensland Art Gallery. Retired from politics after losing the 1995 election, later becoming involved in various business ventures and public service roles.

Continue Reading

Grover Cleveland Alexander

Baseball pitcher and Hall of Famer
Born
February 26th, 1887 138 years ago
Died
November 4th, 1950 75 years ago — 63 years old

Played baseball as a pitcher primarily for the Philadelphia Phillies and the Chicago Cubs. Achieved significant success in Major League Baseball during the early 20th century. Recorded over 370 victories and secured a place in the Baseball Hall of Fame. Contributed to the Cubs’ 1926 pennant-winning team and participated in the 1926 World Series.

Continue Reading

Nadezhda Krupskaya

Russian politician and revolutionary leader
Born
February 26th, 1861 164 years ago
Died
1939 86 years ago — 78 years old

Born in 1861, a prominent figure in the Russian revolutionary movement and a close associate of Vladimir Lenin. Worked alongside Lenin to shape the Bolshevik Party's direction and was instrumental in planning the October Revolution of 1917. After the revolution, held various educational positions, advocating for educational reforms in early Soviet society and focusing on women's roles in education and social life. Contributed to the establishment of libraries and promoted literacy among the population.

Continue Reading

Helen Clark

New Zealand politician and academic leader
Born
February 26th, 1950 75 years ago

Held the position of Prime Minister of New Zealand from 1999 to 2008, serving as the first woman to lead the country. Contributed to significant social reforms, including advancements in health, education, and environmental policies. After serving as Prime Minister, took leadership roles in various global organizations, focusing on sustainable development and social justice.

Continue Reading

Dorothy Whipple

English novelist with notable literary works
Born
February 26th, 1893 132 years ago
Died
1966 59 years ago — 73 years old

An English novelist whose career spanned several decades, primarily active in the mid-20th century. The body of work includes several novels that explore the lives and emotions of women, often set against the backdrop of domestic life. Achieved recognition for writing style and character development, garnering a dedicated readership. Also contributed to literary discussions and criticism through various essays and articles. In the later years, many works experienced a resurgence in popularity, leading to new editions and continued engagement from literary circles.

Continue Reading

James Mitchell

American wrestling manager and performer
Born
February 26th, 1965 60 years ago
Died
2010 15 years ago — 45 years old

A prominent figure in professional wrestling, this individual gained recognition as a manager and performer in various wrestling promotions. Made notable contributions in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA). Established a reputation for exceptional character work and storylines, often portraying villainous roles. Collaborated with numerous wrestlers, enhancing their personas and rivalries in the ring.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on August 2nd

Douglas Hawkes

Racing driver and engineer
Born
September 11th, 1893 132 years ago
Died
August 2nd, 1974 51 years ago — 80 years old

Engaged in automobile racing, participated in various competitions throughout the 1920s. Competed extensively in the Mille Miglia, a legendary endurance race in Italy. Contributed to engineering advancements in automotive design, influencing racing techniques during that era. The role as a driver and engineer showcased a blend of competitive spirit and technical expertise.

Continue Reading

Judith Jones

Literary and cookbook editor influential in cuisine
Born
March 10th, 1924 101 years ago
Died
August 2nd, 2017 8 years ago — 93 years old

A prominent figure in the culinary world, contributed significantly to the publishing of cookbooks. Joined Knopf in 1957, where developed a keen eye for culinary literature. Played a crucial role in the success of several renowned cookbooks, including 'Mastering the Art of French Cooking' by Julia Child, which introduced French cuisine to American households. Edited works by several notable chefs and food writers, shaping the way recipes and cooking techniques were presented to the public. Continued to champion gastronomic literature throughout a lengthy career, helping to elevate cookbooks to the status of literary works.

Continue Reading

James Thompson

Author of the Kari Vaara series
Born
October 16th, 1964 61 years ago
Died
August 2nd, 2014 11 years ago — 49 years old

An American-Finnish author, recognized for contributions to the crime fiction genre, particularly through the Kari Vaara series. This series, set in Finland, follows a detective navigating complex moral landscapes and dark undercurrents in society. With a keen eye for detail and a distinctive narrative style, the author explores themes of justice, identity, and the human condition. The works received critical acclaim, contributing to the international success of Nordic noir literature. Engagement with themes such as cultural clashes and ethical dilemmas reflects personal experiences and insights from life in two countries, enriching the narrative depth.

Continue Reading

Lazare Carnot

French general and mathematician
Born
May 13th, 1753 272 years ago
Died
August 2nd, 1823 202 years ago — 70 years old

A military leader, mathematician, and politician, served as a general during the French Revolutionary Wars. Contributed significantly to military engineering and logistics. Held the position of French Minister of the Interior, overseeing administrative reforms. Actively participated in the establishment of the Consulate and played a role in the political developments of France during the late 18th century.

Continue Reading

Nitin Chandrakant Desai

Art director for Indian cinema and television
Born
August 9th, 1965 60 years ago
Died
August 2nd, 2023 2 years ago — 57 years old

An art director and production designer, has worked extensively in Indian cinema and television. Created sets for numerous popular films and television series, contributing to the visual storytelling of the medium. Played a significant role in films like 'Lagaan' and 'Devdas', both of which received critical acclaim and numerous awards. Also produced television shows that gained considerable viewership and appreciation for their production quality.

Continue Reading

David Huddleston

American actor in 'The Big Lebowski'
Born
September 17th, 1930 95 years ago
Died
August 2nd, 2016 9 years ago — 85 years old

An American actor appeared in numerous films and television series over a career spanning several decades. Gained recognition for a role in the cult classic film 'The Big Lebowski' as the character Jeffrey Lebowski, also known as 'The Dude.' Other notable performances included roles in 'Blazing Saddles' and the television series 'The New Adventures of Old Christine.' Provided voice work in animated projects and utilized a distinct baritone voice for various characters.

Continue Reading