Al Smith
American politician, 42nd Governor of New York
Served as the 42nd Governor of New York from 1923 to 1928. Played a crucial role in advancing social welfare programs and expanding infrastructure during the early 20th century. Became the first Catholic presidential candidate for a major party in 1928, running for the presidency against Herbert Hoover. His campaign focused on urban issues and the needs of working-class citizens. Overcame significant opposition and criticism, particularly regarding his religious affiliations.
Served as Governor of New York from 1923 to 1928
First Catholic presidential candidate in 1928
Other People Born on December 30th
Domenico Criscito
Italian footballer and national team player
Born
December 30th, 1986 38 years ago
A professional footballer, played primarily as a left-back. Criscito began his career at Juventus, later transferring to Genoa where he made significant contributions. Represented the Italian national team in multiple tournaments, including UEFA Euro 2008, World Cup 2010, and Euro 2016. Notable for his defensive skills and leadership on the field.
Continue ReadingJim Marshall
American rock photographer and author
Born
December 30th, 1937 87 years ago
Died
March 24th, 2010 15 years ago — 72 years old
A prominent photographer, captured iconic images of rock music legends during the 1960s and 1970s. Documented pivotal moments in music history, including the Monterey Pop Festival and Woodstock. Published several books showcasing various aspects of rock culture, influencing how music photography is perceived. Worked closely with artists like Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, and The Beatles, producing images that have become emblematic of the era.
Continue ReadingTyler Anderson
Baseball player, Major League Baseball
Born
December 30th, 1989 35 years ago
Played professional baseball as a pitcher in Major League Baseball. Made his MLB debut in 2016 with the Colorado Rockies. Also played for the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Seattle Mariners. Achieved a career-best season with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2021, posting a 2.57 ERA and helping the team reach the postseason. Contributed to various teams with consistent pitching and experience on the mound.
Continue ReadingJeanette Nolan
American actress of film and television
Born
December 30th, 1911 113 years ago
Died
June 5th, 1998 27 years ago — 86 years old
An actress involved in the entertainment industry for several decades, significant contributions were made to both film and television. Gained recognition for performances in classic movies and later transitioned to roles on television. Received acclaim for her work in 'The Long, Hot Summer' and 'The Haunted Palace'. Active in various genres, including drama and horror, showcasing versatility as a performer.
Continue ReadingRashid Karami
Lebanese politician and Prime Minister
Born
December 30th, 1921 103 years ago
Died
June 1st, 1987 38 years ago — 65 years old
Served as the 32nd Prime Minister of Lebanon, holding office multiple times during significant political turmoil. Played a key role in Lebanese politics for several decades, advocating for various reforms and navigating complex national issues. His tenure was marked by the challenges of civil unrest and the Lebanese Civil War. Contributed to shaping the political landscape of Lebanon through active involvement in numerous governmental positions.
Continue ReadingC. J. Wilcox
Basketball player, Los Angeles Clippers
Born
December 30th, 1990 34 years ago
Played college basketball at the University of Washington, where earned All-Pac-12 honors. Entered the NBA Draft in 2014 and was selected by the Los Angeles Clippers. Played with the Clippers and later had stints with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants in the NBA G League. Known for strong shooting skills, particularly from three-point range.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on October 4th
Ida Wüst
German actress and screenwriter
Born
October 10th, 1884 141 years ago
Died
October 4th, 1958 67 years ago — 73 years old
Born in 1884, this actress and screenwriter made significant contributions to German cinema. Wüst appeared in numerous films during the early and mid-20th century. Her career includes work in silent films and the transition to talkies, showcasing her versatility as a performer. Besides acting, Wüst also engaged in screenwriting, highlighting her creative talents. She left a lasting legacy in the film industry before passing away in 1955.
Continue ReadingDanny Gatton
American guitarist and musical innovator
Born
September 4th, 1945 80 years ago
Died
October 4th, 1994 31 years ago — 49 years old
An influential American guitarist, recognized for exceptional skill across various genres including rock, country, and jazz. His innovative playing style, characterized by intricate fingerpicking and mastery of various techniques, earned significant acclaim in the music community. Gatton released several albums, with 'Engineering' being one of the highlights of his career. He performed with notable artists and was a sought-after session musician, contributing to many recordings throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Despite his contributions, he remained relatively obscure to mainstream audiences until later years when he began to gain recognition.
Continue ReadingGlenn Gould
Pianist and conductor, 1955 Goldberg Variations
Born
September 25th, 1932 93 years ago
Died
October 4th, 1982 43 years ago — 50 years old
Achieved recognition as a classical pianist and conductor, specializing in the works of Johann Sebastian Bach. Gained fame with a 1955 recording of the 'Goldberg Variations,' which remains a benchmark in keyboard performance. Known for unique interpretations and distinctive style, redefining piano performance in the 20th century. Published various essays and engaged in musicology throughout his career, contributing to discussions surrounding performance practice. Awarded multiple honors for musical contributions, including two Grammy Awards.
Continue ReadingUlric Cross
Trinidadian diplomat and judge
Born
May 1st, 1917 108 years ago
Died
October 4th, 2013 12 years ago — 96 years old
A navigator, judge, and diplomat from Trinidad, contributed significantly to the fields of law and international relations. Served as a judge on the Caribbean Court of Justice and contributed to the establishment of various legal frameworks in the Caribbean. Actively participated in the independence movement in various Caribbean nations, advocating for self-governance. Held several key diplomatic roles, representing his country and region in various international forums.
Continue ReadingGraham Chapman
English actor and writer, Monty Python
Born
January 8th, 1941 84 years ago
Died
October 4th, 1989 36 years ago — 48 years old
An English actor and screenwriter, contributed significantly to British comedy. Co-founded the comedy group Monty Python, which created the iconic television show 'Monty Python's Flying Circus'. Also starred in the film 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail', which became a cult classic. In addition to working in television and film, wrote and performed in various other projects, showing a distinctive sense of humor that has influenced later generations of comedians. Engaged in solo writing efforts and theatrical performances, including the notable stage adaptation of his works.
Continue ReadingVõ Nguyên Giáp
Vietnamese general and politician
Born
August 25th, 1911 114 years ago
Died
October 4th, 2013 12 years ago — 102 years old
Served as a general in the Vietnam People's Army and as Minister of Defence during the Vietnam War. Played a key role in leading North Vietnamese forces against the French colonial and later the American military during the Vietnam War. Contributed to significant victories such as the Battle of Dien Bien Phu, which resulted in French withdrawal from Indochina, and the Tet Offensive, which significantly influenced public opinion about the Vietnam War. After the war, served in various political positions and remained influential in military strategy and politics until the late 20th century.
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