Arnie Robinson
American athlete, long jump champion
Born
Died
Category
Athletes & Sports Figures
Country
United States
Links & References
An accomplished long jumper, excelled in athletics during the 1970s. Won a gold medal at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal. Set a personal best of 8.35 meters during his career. Competed for the University of California, Los Angeles and won numerous championships at the collegiate level. Overcame numerous challenges to establish a prominent presence in the sport and contributed to the athletic community through mentorship.
Gold medal in long jump at 1976 Olympics
NCAA long jump champion
Personal best of 8.35 meters
Other People Born on April 7th
Mongo Santamaría
Cuban-American drummer and bandleader
Born
April 7th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
February 1st, 2003 23 years ago — 80 years old
A prominent Cuban-American drummer and bandleader, contributed significantly to the Afro-Cuban jazz genre. Studied traditional Cuban drumming techniques and integrated them into jazz, influencing many musicians. Santamaría gained attention with the hit single 'Watermelon Man', originally composed by Herbie Hancock. Throughout his career, he recorded several albums, showcasing a fusion of Cuban rhythms and jazz elements. His band often featured other notable musicians, further popularizing Latin jazz in the United States.
Continue ReadingJohn Bernard Flannagan
American soldier and sculptor
Born
April 7th, 1895 130 years ago
Died
1942 84 years ago — 47 years old
Born in 1895, a soldier and accomplished sculptor worked on numerous public art projects. Served in the military during World War I and later pursued a career in sculpture. Created several significant works, including the iconic "The Spirit of the American Doughboy," which commemorates World War I veterans. His artistry reflects a commitment to honoring military service through visual representation.
Continue ReadingJosé Sobral de Almada Negreiros
Portuguese artist and modernist painter
Born
April 7th, 1893 132 years ago
Died
1970 56 years ago — 77 years old
Born in 1893, this individual emerged as a significant figure in Portuguese modernist art. A multifaceted artist, work spanned painting, writing, and stage design. Contributed to the 'Orpheu' magazine, which played a crucial role in the Portuguese avant-garde movement. The artistic style incorporated elements of Cubism and Futurism, influencing many contemporaries. Created murals, including the notable one for the Teatro Nacional de São Carlos, showcasing a unique blend of cultural identity and modernism. Engaged with both the artistic and literary communities, leaving a lasting legacy in Portugal's cultural landscape. Passed away in 1970.
Continue ReadingPercy Faith
Composer and conductor of orchestral music
Born
April 7th, 1908 117 years ago
Died
February 9th, 1976 49 years ago — 67 years old
A Canadian composer and conductor achieved prominence in the mid-20th century with orchestral arrangements and recordings. Best known for popularizing easy listening music, created lush orchestral arrangements that appealed to a wide audience. Worked on multiple albums, achieving commercial success with tracks such as 'Theme from a Summer Place.' Won a Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Arrangement in 1960. Influenced the sound of numerous artists and contributed significantly to the genre of pop orchestral music.
Continue ReadingAdolf Dymsza
Polish actor in film and theater
Born
April 7th, 1900 125 years ago
Died
1975 51 years ago — 75 years old
Born in 1900, a prominent Polish actor became recognized for contributions to cinema and theater. Gained fame with performances in films such as 'Znachor' and 'Czarna bateria.' Established a reputation as a comedic actor during the interwar period. Worked extensively in both pre-war and post-war Polish film industries, earning a devoted audience. Involved in theater productions, showcasing versatility and skill in live performances. His career spanned several decades, reflecting significant changes in Polish film and cultural landscape.
Continue ReadingMargarete Schön
German actress in silent cinema
Born
April 7th, 1895 130 years ago
Died
1985 41 years ago — 90 years old
An accomplished actress in German silent films, Schön gained prominence in the early 20th century. She starred in various films, notably collaborating with renowned director Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau. The most recognized work includes appearances in 'Der letzte Mann' (The Last Laugh) and 'Nosferatu,' which remain significant contributions to the horror genre in cinema history. Schön's performances showcased dramatic talent and expressive acting that complemented the visual storytelling of silent films. Due to the evolution of cinema technology, her career transitioned with the advent of sound films, leading to a gradual decline in screen appearances. Nevertheless, her contributions to early cinema solidified her legacy in the film industry.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on December 1st
Sandra Day O'Connor
Supreme Court Justice, landmark decisions
Born
March 26th, 1930 95 years ago
Died
December 1st, 2023 2 years ago — 93 years old
First woman to serve as a United States Supreme Court Justice. Appointed by President Ronald Reagan in 1981, served until 2006. Participated in significant rulings on various issues, including affirmative action, abortion, and the separation of church and state. O'Connor emphasized the importance of consensus in her decisions and often served as a pivotal swing vote in closely decided cases. After retiring from the bench, focused on civic engagement and education, founding an initiative to promote civic knowledge among young people.
Continue ReadingJohn F. Kurtzke
Neurologist and academic specialized in MS
Born
1926 100 years ago
Died
December 1st, 2015 10 years ago — 89 years old
Contributions to neurology focused primarily on multiple sclerosis (MS). Developed the Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), widely used for assessing disability in MS patients. Authored over 250 scholarly publications and played a significant role in advancing clinical understanding of the disease. Engaged in research that influenced treatment protocols and management strategies for MS. Served as a professor at several medical institutions, educating future generations of neurologists and contributing to academic discourse on neurological disorders.
Continue ReadingGaylord Perry
Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher
Born
September 15th, 1938 87 years ago
Died
December 1st, 2022 3 years ago — 84 years old
This individual played in Major League Baseball for 22 seasons, primarily as a pitcher. A two-time Cy Young Award winner, achieved success with the San Francisco Giants, Cleveland Indians, and other teams. Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1991. Known for unique pitching styles, including the use of spitballs, contributed to a career total of over 3,500 strikeouts. Also served as a coach after retiring from playing, influencing new generations of pitchers.
Continue ReadingPaul Benedict
Actor known for The Jeffersons
Born
September 17th, 1938 87 years ago
Died
December 1st, 2008 17 years ago — 70 years old
An American actor, recognized for roles in television and film. Gained prominence through the portrayal of Harry Bentley on the CBS sitcom The Jeffersons. Made appearances in various television shows including All in the Family and The Twilight Zone. Featured in films such as The Goodbye Girl and The Man Who Fell to Earth. Apart from acting, engaged in directing and voice work, contributing to the performing arts.
Continue ReadingAleister Crowley
Occultist and author of The Book of the Law
Born
October 12th, 1875 150 years ago
Died
December 1st, 1947 78 years ago — 72 years old
Born in England, a prominent figure in the early 20th-century occult movement. Developed a number of spiritual philosophies and practices, often branded as Thelema. Authored several influential texts on magic and mysticism, including 'The Book of the Law' which outlined the principles of Thelema. Founded the religious philosophy and spiritual system known as Thelema, which emphasized individual will and personal freedom. Became involved with various magical orders, including the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Influenced modern esoteric thought and practices through writings and public persona.
Continue ReadingTerry Griffiths
Snooker player and world champion
Born
1947 79 years ago
Died
December 1st, 2024 1 years ago — 77 years old
A professional snooker player and coach with significant achievements in the sport, including winning the World Snooker Championship in 1979. Established a reputation as a skilled competitor and later transitioned to coaching, helping to develop future talents in snooker. Contributed to the sport through various roles, including commentary and mentoring.
Continue Reading