Andris Bērziņš
Latvian politician and businessman
Served as the 8th President of Latvia from 2011 to 2015. Held positions in various businesses and political roles prior to presidency. Worked as a businessman in the banking sector and was involved in the privatization of state-owned enterprises. Was a member of the People's Party and participated in Latvian politics throughout the post-Soviet transition period.
Served as the 8th President of Latvia
Held various roles in business and banking
Other People Born on December 10th
Steve Renko
Baseball pitcher with 1973 All-Star selection
Born
December 10th, 1944 81 years ago
Played Major League Baseball as a right-handed pitcher from 1969 to 1984. Began career with the Chicago Cubs and later played for the Montreal Expos, California Angels, and Kansas City Royals. Renko achieved an All-Star selection in 1973 while with the Expos, highlighting a successful season with a win-loss record of 15-10. Recorded over 1,000 career strikeouts, demonstrating consistency and skill as a pitcher throughout his tenure.
Continue ReadingHoward Martin Temin
Geneticist, Nobel Prize laureate in Physiology
Born
December 10th, 1934 91 years ago
Died
February 9th, 1994 31 years ago — 59 years old
A prominent geneticist and academic, contributed significantly to the understanding of the interplay between genetics and viral behavior. Conducted groundbreaking research that led to the discovery of reverse transcriptase, an enzyme that converts RNA to DNA, illuminating mechanisms behind certain viruses such as HIV. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1975 for co-discovery of reverse transcription. His work laid important groundwork for molecular biology and genetics research.
Continue ReadingTommy Rettig
Child actor in 'Lassie' series
Born
December 10th, 1941 84 years ago
Died
1996 29 years ago — 55 years old
Began acting career at a young age and gained prominence for a lead role in the television series 'Lassie' from 1954 to 1957. Transitioned to a different career path later in life, moving away from acting and focusing on academic pursuits. Contributed to various projects and remained in the entertainment industry in different capacities before retiring.
Continue ReadingJaromil Jireš
Czech director and screenwriter
Born
December 10th, 1935 90 years ago
Died
October 24th, 2001 24 years ago — 65 years old
A prominent Czech director and screenwriter, contributed significantly to the Czech New Wave cinema. Directed the film 'Valerie and Her Week of Wonders' in 1970, which became a hallmark of surrealist storytelling and is often cited in discussions of 20th-century cinema. Collaborated with various producers and artists to create a body of work that reflected the complexities of human experience and social issues during a turbulent period in Czechoslovakia's history. His works often blended fantasy and reality, offering unique storytelling techniques that have been analyzed and celebrated in film studies.
Continue ReadingMukhtar Altynbayev
Kazakhstani General and Defence Minister
Born
December 10th, 1945 80 years ago
Born in 1945, a prominent military figure served as the 3rd Defence Minister of Kazakhstan from 1994 to 1999. Played significant roles in shaping Kazakhstan's defense policies post-independence. Oversaw developments in the military infrastructure and participated in strategic military partnerships with other nations. Contributed to the establishment of a modern armed forces framework aligning with NATO standards, and engaged in various international defense dialogues.
Continue ReadingBob Farrell
Businessman, founded Farrell's Ice Cream
Born
December 10th, 1927 98 years ago
Died
2015 10 years ago — 88 years old
A businessman established the first Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour in 1961 in Portland, Oregon. The ice cream shop became known for its distinctive decor and lively atmosphere, featuring a safari theme, along with elaborate ice cream sundaes. The parlour expanded rapidly, opening locations throughout the United States during the 1970s. The unique experience and themed presentation attracted families and children, creating lasting memories. Farrell’s became a cultural phenomenon and has seen resurgences in popularity through franchise opportunities.
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