Alicia Markova

Ballerina and choreographer with Sadlers Wells

Alicia Markova - Ballerina and choreographer with Sadlers Wells
Born

December 1st, 1910
114 years ago

Died

December 2nd, 2004
20 years ago — 94 years old

Category

Performers & Entertainers

Country

United Kingdom

Links & References

A prominent ballerina and choreographer, made significant contributions to ballet during the 20th century. Began training at the Royal Ballet School and soon joined the Vic-Wells Ballet, which later became the Royal Ballet. Collaborated with several renowned choreographers, showcasing talent in various roles. Established the English National Ballet, promoting ballet across the UK. Worked internationally, performing at prestigious venues and festivals, and advocating for the art form's growth. Later, transitioned to teaching and mentoring the next generation of dancers.

Principal dancer with the Royal Ballet

Founded the English National Ballet

Other People Born on December 1st

Jerry Lawson

Electronic engineer and game cartridge inventor
Born
December 1st, 1940 84 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 71 years old

An electronic engineer and inventor, played a critical role in the development of video game technology. Created the first interchangeable video game cartridges for home video game consoles, which revolutionized the gaming industry. Worked at Fairchild Semiconductor, where contributed to the launch of the Fairchild Channel F, the first home console featuring removable cartridges. Later, founded his own video game company, which designed games for various platforms and focused on increasing diversity in the gaming industry.

Continue Reading

Tomasz Adamek

Polish professional boxer, world champion
Born
December 1st, 1976 48 years ago

A professional boxer achieved success in both the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions. Captured the WBC light heavyweight title in 2009 and the IBF heavyweight title in 2011. Competed in numerous high-profile bouts, developing a reputation for resilience and skill inside the ring. Transitioned from amateur boxing, where participation included the 1998 World Championships, to a notable professional career that attracted international attention.

Continue Reading

Gary Payton II

Basketball player, NBA Champion
Born
December 1st, 1992 32 years ago

A professional basketball player has played in the NBA primarily as a guard. Notable for stints with teams such as the Golden State Warriors and the Milwaukee Bucks. Played a crucial role in the Warriors' 2022 NBA Championship victory. Contributed significantly on the defensive end with skills reminiscent of his father, Gary Payton, a Hall of Famer. Has also played in the G League, demonstrating the ability to make an impact at multiple levels of professional basketball.

Continue Reading

Ilona Fehér

Violinist and educator from Hungary
Born
December 1st, 1901 123 years ago
Died
1988 37 years ago — 87 years old

Born in Hungary, significant career as a violinist and educator spanned continents. Moved to Israel in the 1950s, contributing to the musical landscape as an educator and performer. Worked with many prominent musicians and participated in various festivals. Established educational programs for young violinists, mentoring numerous students who pursued careers in music.

Continue Reading

Luke McPharlin

Australian Football League player
Born
December 1st, 1981 43 years ago

Played as a key defender in the Australian Football League (AFL), primarily for the Fremantle Dockers. Made his debut in 2001 and established himself as a proficient player in the backline. Contributed to multiple seasons with strong defensive performances and showed leadership qualities on the field. Retired from professional football in 2015 after a notable career, having participated in over 200 matches.

Continue Reading

Henry Williamson

English author and soldier, wrote Tarka
Born
December 1st, 1895 129 years ago
Died
1977 48 years ago — 82 years old

An English author and soldier, contributions to literature included novels and essays that often reflected his experiences and observations of nature. Most notably, the work 'Tarka the Otter' received critical acclaim and became a classic of British literature. Williamson served in the British Army during World War I, participating in significant battles. Following the war, he focused on writing, drawing inspiration from rural life and his love of nature. His writings frequently explored themes of the natural world, reflecting a deep connection to the environment.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on December 2nd

Mária Telkes

Biophysicist and chemist, solar energy pioneer
Born
1900 125 years ago
Died
December 2nd, 1995 29 years ago — 95 years old

A prominent biophysicist and chemist, contributions centered on solar energy conversion and thermal energy storage. Developed a solar oven for cooking, which was widely utilized in various regions. Worked on inventions and engineering solutions that enhanced the use of solar energy in residential applications. Served as a researcher at several institutions and involved in projects illustrating the potential of sunlight as a sustainable energy source.

Continue Reading

Charles Seymour

English politician, Lord President of the Council
Born
August 13th, 1662 363 years ago
Died
December 2nd, 1748 276 years ago — 86 years old

Born in 1662, a prominent English politician served as the 6th Duke of Somerset. Assumed significant political influence during the late 17th century. Held the position of Lord President of the Council, a key role in the government. Involved in various political decisions and strategies during a pivotal time in English history. Played a notable part in the political landscape, particularly through the influences on the monarchy and parliamentary affairs.

Continue Reading

Hernán Cortés

Spanish explorer and conqueror of Mexico
Born
1485 540 years ago
Died
December 2nd, 1547 477 years ago — 62 years old

A Spanish general and explorer, the individual led an expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire. In 1519, the expedition landed on the Mexican coast, eventually leading to the capture of the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlán, in 1521. This event marked a crucial point in the Spanish colonization of the Americas. Cortés served as the governor of New Spain and played a significant role in the early development of the colony, establishing settlements and fortifications. The conquest opened vast territories for Spanish exploitation and settlement, reshaping the region's demographics and culture.

Continue Reading

Elizabeth Hardwick

Literary critic and novelist with 'Sleepless Nights'
Born
July 27th, 1916 109 years ago
Died
December 2nd, 2007 17 years ago — 91 years old

Born in 1916, a prominent American literary critic, novelist, and short story writer. Contributed to various publications including 'The New York Review of Books'. Authored several novels and essays, often exploring themes of identity and society. Achieved recognition for 'Sleepless Nights', a semi-autobiographical novel examining life, love, and the complexities of modern existence. Also involved in feminist literary criticism, providing insight into the works of contemporaries and earlier authors. Sustained a lasting influence on the literary landscape through critique and promotion of both established and emerging writers.

Continue Reading

Robert Cummings

American actor and director
Born
June 9th, 1910 115 years ago
Died
December 2nd, 1990 34 years ago — 80 years old

An actor, singer, and director, this individual gained prominence in the mid-20th century, becoming a recognized figure in both film and television. Starred in the television series 'The Bob Cummings Show' which aired from 1955 to 1959, showcasing comedic talent. Also appeared in films such as 'Saboteur' (1942) directed by Alfred Hitchcock, where the role highlighted versatility in performance. In addition to acting, directed several productions and continued to work in the entertainment industry throughout the 1960s and 1970s.

Continue Reading

Gerardus Mercator

Flemish cartographer and mathematician
Born
March 5th, 1512 513 years ago
Died
December 2nd, 1594 430 years ago — 82 years old

Born in Flanders, this mathematician and cartographer developed a new method for representing the spherical earth on a flat surface. His 1569 world map introduced the Mercator projection, which became widely used in navigation due to its ability to represent lines of constant course. Apart from cartography, engaged in philosophical inquiry and mathematical studies that contributed to the fields of geography and navigation. The impact of this work extended beyond his lifetime, cementing a significant place in the history of map-making.

Continue Reading