Alexander Haig
American general and Secretary of State
A career military officer and politician, held the position of 59th United States Secretary of State from 1981 to 1982 under President Ronald Reagan. Participated in key Cold War events and emphasized a strong military posture. Served as the Supreme Allied Commander Europe of NATO from 1974 to 1979, playing a crucial role in military strategy and defense policies. Joined the White House staff as Chief of Staff, contributing to the management of top-level meetings and decisions. His tenure in government followed a distinguished military career, including service in the Korean and Vietnam Wars.
Served as 59th Secretary of State
Held position as Supreme Allied Commander Europe
Other People Born on December 2nd
Sim Bhullar
Basketball player; first player of Indian descent in NBA
Born
December 2nd, 1992 33 years ago
Born in Canada, a professional basketball player made history as the first player of Indian descent to play in the NBA. Played college basketball for New Mexico State University, earning recognition for performance on the court. Signed with the Sacramento Kings in 2014, marking a significant feat for representation in sports. In addition to the NBA, played in various international leagues, further showcasing skills and contributing to teams globally.
Continue ReadingCharlie Puth
Singer-songwriter and pianist
Born
December 2nd, 1991 34 years ago
This artist gained recognition for pop music and has achieved significant success as a singer-songwriter and producer. He first rose to fame with the viral hit 'See You Again,' which featured Wiz Khalifa and served as a tribute to the late actor Paul Walker in the film 'Furious 7.' Puth's self-titled debut album included hits such as 'One Call Away' and 'We Don't Talk Anymore.' He established a reputation for creating catchy melodies and relatable lyrics, garnering a large following through music and social media. Additionally, Puth has collaborated with various artists across different genres, showcasing versatility in his work.
Continue ReadingChloé Dufour-Lapointe
Canadian freestyle skier and Olympic medalist
Born
December 2nd, 1991 34 years ago
Competed in freestyle skiing, specializing in mogul skiing. Earned a gold medal in women's mogul at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics and a silver medal in the same event at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. Achieved multiple podium finishes in World Cup events throughout the career, establishing a prominent presence in the sport. Represented Canada at various international competitions, contributing to the country's reputation in winter sports.
Continue ReadingAnna Kalinskaya
Russian Tennis Player
Born
December 2nd, 1998 27 years ago
Born in 1998, this tennis player represents Russia on the WTA Tour. She began playing tennis at a young age and turned professional in 2013. Achievements include reaching the fourth round of major tournaments and competing in the doubles event at the US Open. Known for strong baseline play, this athlete has gained recognition for her performances in both singles and doubles competitions.
Continue ReadingMonica Seles
Tennis player and Grand Slam champion
Born
December 2nd, 1973 52 years ago
A Serbian-American tennis player achieved significant success in the 1990s. Dominated women's tennis with a powerful left-handed play style. Captured a total of nine Grand Slam titles, including four consecutive French Open victories from 1990 to 1993. Suffered a traumatic incident in 1993, leading to a hiatus from the sport before returning in 1995. Won two more Grand Slam titles post-recovery, showcasing resilience and determination.
Continue ReadingIlia Malinin
Competitive figure skater and champion
Born
December 2nd, 2004 21 years ago
Born in 2004, this American athlete achieved prominence in figure skating through remarkable performances in national and international competitions. In 2022, secured a gold medal at the World Junior Figure Skating Championships. Demonstrated technical proficiency and artistic expression, making a significant mark in the figure skating community at a young age.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on February 20th
Henry Segerstrom
Businessman and philanthropist
Born
1923 102 years ago
Died
February 20th, 2015 10 years ago — 92 years old
A prominent businessman and philanthropist, contributed significantly to real estate development in Southern California. Founded the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, enhancing cultural engagement in the region. Served as president of the South Coast Plaza, one of the largest shopping centers in the United States, which became a key site for retail and arts in Orange County. His philanthropic efforts focused on the arts, education, and health care, supporting various organizations and initiatives.
Continue ReadingSaint Wulfric of Haselbury
Medieval Christian monk and hermit
Died
February 20th, 1154 871 years ago — None years old
Originating around 1080, a Christian monk and hermit established a hermitage at Haselbury Plucknett, where spiritual guidance was provided to locals. A dedicated life of solitude was embraced, alongside the practice of healing and performing miracles. Canonization occurred posthumously, with a feast day recognized on February 20th. A notable pilgrimage site developed at Haselbury, attracting many seeking solace and assistance. The legacy included influence on the monastic community in the region, fostering a tradition of devotion.
Continue ReadingFrederick Douglass
American author and abolitionist leader
Died
February 20th, 1895 130 years ago — None years old
Born into slavery, became a prominent author, speaker, and reformer advocating for the emancipation of enslaved people and for women's rights. Authored several autobiographies detailing experiences as a slave and the journey to freedom, the most famous being 'Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave'. Founded and edited influential anti-slavery newspapers. Played a significant role in the abolitionist movement and was an advisor to President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War, advocating for the enlistment of Black soldiers. Continued to fight for civil rights after the war.
Continue ReadingJacob Gade
Danish violinist and composer of tango
Born
November 29th, 1879 146 years ago
Died
February 20th, 1963 62 years ago — 83 years old
A renowned violinist and composer, primarily active in the early 20th century. Gade gained significant recognition for his contributions to the genre of tango music. His composition 'Jalousie' became immensely popular worldwide and remains a classic. Trained in classical music, Gade blended traditional styles with contemporary influences to create memorable pieces. He performed extensively throughout Europe, showcasing his skills as a virtuoso violinist. Through performances and compositions, he left an enduring legacy in the music community.
Continue ReadingLaura Bassi
Italian physicist and scholar
Born
October 29th, 1711 314 years ago
Died
February 20th, 1778 247 years ago — 66 years old
Contributed to the development of physics and experimental science in the 18th century. Became the first woman to earn a degree in physics in Italy. Held a position at the University of Bologna, where taught for decades. Conducted experiments and published findings on topics such as hydraulics and mechanics, influencing future generations of scientists.
Continue ReadingTobias Mayer
Astronomer and academic, lunar maps
Born
February 17th, 1723 302 years ago
Died
February 20th, 1762 263 years ago — 39 years old
German astronomer and academic contributed significantly to celestial cartography and lunar mapping. Published methods for calculating lunar positions and developed a detailed lunar map that aided navigation at sea. Engaged with contemporary scientific communities and influenced future astronomical studies. His work was recognized for improving the accuracy of lunar observations and providing valuable resources for sailors and navigators.
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