Alan Shepard
Astronaut, Apollo 14 Commander
An American astronaut and test pilot, made history by becoming the first American in space in 1961 during the Freedom 7 mission. Commanded the Apollo 14 mission in 1971, which successfully landed on the Moon, conducting two lunar EVAs and collecting valuable geological samples. Instrumental in testing various experimental aircraft and spacecraft, advancing human spaceflight efforts.
First American in space in 1961
Commander of Apollo 14 mission
Second human to walk on the Moon
Other People Born on November 18th
Danka Kovinić
Tennis player, Australian Open participant
Born
November 18th, 1994 31 years ago
Played professional tennis with a successful career beginning in 2010. Achieved a career-high singles ranking of World No. 46 in July 2016. Competed in multiple Grand Slam tournaments, including reaching the third round of the Australian Open in 2015. Represented Montenegro in various international competitions, contributing to the growth of tennis in the region.
Continue ReadingBernhard Luxbacher
Austrian footballer and midfielder
Born
November 18th, 1994 31 years ago
Austrian footballer played as a midfielder. Started professional career with Sturm Graz, making numerous appearances for the first team. Later moved to teams like SC Wiener Neustadt and SKU Amstetten, contributing to their midfield strength. Played in the Austrian Football Bundesliga and had experience in lower divisions.
Continue ReadingJoe Thuney
American football offensive lineman
Born
November 18th, 1992 33 years ago
An offensive lineman, Thuney played college football at North Carolina State University. Drafted by the New England Patriots in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft, he became a significant contributor to the team's offensive line. Thuney started in three consecutive Super Bowls, contributing to the team's victory in Super Bowl LIII. Known for versatility and durability, he played both left and right guard positions during his time with the Patriots. After four successful seasons, he signed with the Kansas City Chiefs in March 2020, further solidifying his reputation in the league.
Continue ReadingNoppawan Lertcheewakarn
Thai tennis player with junior Grand Slam title
Born
November 18th, 1991 34 years ago
Professional tennis player from Thailand who achieved significant success in junior competitions. Won the girls' doubles title at the 2009 Wimbledon Championships alongside a partner. Competed on the ITF Women's Circuit and the WTA Tour, achieving higher rankings in singles and doubles during her career. Played for the Thailand national team in various international competitions.
Continue ReadingAhmed Kelly
Iraqi-Australian swimmer and Paralympian
Born
November 18th, 1991 34 years ago
Born in Iraq and later relocating to Australia, a swimmer competed in various international competitions, primarily focusing on the 100m freestyle and 100m butterfly events. Overcame significant challenges stemming from a congenital disability to pursue a swimming career. Achieved recognition in the Paralympics, participating in the 2012 London Games and 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games. Engaged in advocacy for athletes with disabilities and contributed to raising awareness about inclusivity in sports.
Continue ReadingQuincy Miller
Professional basketball player
Born
November 18th, 1992 33 years ago
A basketball player played college basketball for Baylor University before declaring for the NBA Draft. Selected in the second round of the 2012 draft, played for the Denver Nuggets. Also played overseas in various leagues including stints in China and Puerto Rico. Transitioned briefly to coaching after a playing career.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on July 21st
Long John Baldry
Singer-songwriter and voice actor
Born
January 12th, 1941 85 years ago
Died
July 21st, 2005 20 years ago — 64 years old
A prominent singer-songwriter and voice actor, contributions spanned several genres, especially blues and rock. Career began in London during the 1960s, leading to significant popularity and influence. Helped introduce a generation to blues music through performances and recordings. Collaborated with various artists, infusing traditional sounds with contemporary styles. Later moved to Canada, where continued to perform and record music. Also took on voice acting roles in animated series, including contributions to projects such as 'The Raccoons'.
Continue ReadingAlene Duerk
U.S. Navy first female admiral
Born
1920 106 years ago
Died
July 21st, 2018 7 years ago — 98 years old
Served in the U.S. Navy, achieving the rank of Rear Admiral, the first woman to hold this position in the Navy. Joined the Navy during World War II, where service as a nurse began. Contributed significantly to the advancement of women in the military, advocating for equal opportunities and representation. Earned recognition for leadership and commitment to service throughout a career spanning several decades. Continued to influence naval policy and women's integration in the armed forces into retirement.
Continue ReadingBasil Rathbone
Actor famed for Sherlock Holmes role
Born
June 13th, 1892 133 years ago
Died
July 21st, 1967 58 years ago — 75 years old
Born in South Africa, an actor predominantly worked in British and American film and theatre. Achieved prominence in the 1930s and 1940s, portraying Sherlock Holmes in a series of films, starting with 'The Hound of the Baskervilles' in 1939. Rathbone also starred in significant roles in films such as 'Captain Blood' and 'The Adventures of Robin Hood'. His theatrical background included performances on the London stage and Broadway. Rathbone's distinctive voice and commanding presence contributed to his enduring legacy in cinematic history.
Continue ReadingDick Nanninga
Dutch footballer and World Cup participant
Born
1949 77 years ago
Died
July 21st, 2015 10 years ago — 66 years old
A professional footballer from the Netherlands, played primarily as a striker. Achievements included playing for several clubs, including FC Groningen and Fortuna Sittard. Represented the national team in major tournaments, contributing to the squad's performance in the 1974 FIFA World Cup. Accumulated a reputation for his goal-scoring abilities during club and international matches.
Continue ReadingRobert Broberg
Swedish singer-songwriter with popular songs
Born
1940 86 years ago
Died
July 21st, 2015 10 years ago — 75 years old
Born in Sweden, a career spanned several decades in the music industry. Gained popularity for unique musical style and humorous lyrics. Released numerous albums, achieving significant success within the Swedish music scene. Songs often reflected a blend of folk, pop, and rock influences. His performances included engaging narratives and comedic elements, making them memorable for audiences. Continued to perform and record music until the later years of life. Left behind a legacy of beloved songs that resonate with fans.
Continue ReadingEllen Terry
English actress in Shakespearean plays
Born
February 27th, 1847 179 years ago
Died
July 21st, 1928 97 years ago — 81 years old
This actress gained prominence in the late 19th century, primarily for performances in Shakespearean plays. She became the leading actress at the Lyceum Theatre in London, where she successfully collaborated with renowned actor-manager Henry Irving. Terry's portrayal of Lady Macbeth in 'Macbeth' and her performance in 'The Winter's Tale' helped define her legacy in the theatre world. Her commitment to the craft and her ability to bring complex characters to life set a standard for future generations of actors.
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