Artūrs Irbe
Latvian ice hockey player and coach
Played as a goaltender in the National Hockey League (NHL) for teams including the San Jose Sharks and the Carolina Hurricanes. Transitioned into coaching, contributing to the development of ice hockey in Latvia. Represented the Latvian national team in multiple international competitions, including the Winter Olympics.
Competed in the NHL from 1993 to 2004
Served as goaltender for the 1994 Latvian Olympic team
Coached the Latvian national team
Other People Born on February 2nd
Gotthard Kettler
Duke of Courland and Semigallia
Born
February 2nd, 1517 509 years ago
Died
1587 439 years ago — 70 years old
Held the position of the last Master of the Livonian Order. Transitioned authority to become the first Duke of Courland and Semigallia following the dissolution of the order. Established the duchy as a territorial entity under Polish sovereignty. Promoted trade and industry within the region during his rule.
Continue ReadingJohnston McCulley
Author of Zorro stories
Born
February 2nd, 1883 143 years ago
Died
1958 68 years ago — 75 years old
An American author and screenwriter, contributions include the creation of the character Zorro, first introduced in the 1919 story 'The Curse of Capistrano'. The character became a popular hero in various adaptations, including films, television series, and comics. The iconic masked vigilante, known for his swordsmanship and wit, captured the imagination of readers and viewers alike.
Continue ReadingMary-Dell Chilton
Chemist and pioneer of plant biotechnology
Born
February 2nd, 1939 87 years ago
Contributions to plant biotechnology include the development of techniques for genetic engineering of plants. Played a significant role in the advent of recombinant DNA technology in plants. Co-founded a notable biotechnology company that further advanced agricultural science. Received many awards for groundbreaking work that established new methodologies in the field.
Continue ReadingSolomon R. Guggenheim
Businessman, Founder of Guggenheim Museum
Born
February 2nd, 1861 165 years ago
Died
1949 77 years ago — 88 years old
A businessman and philanthropist, established the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City to showcase modern art. The museum opened in 1959, featuring an innovative building designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Guggenheim was instrumental in promoting and collecting contemporary art, building a collection that enriched the cultural landscape of the United States.
Continue ReadingJames Joyce
Irish novelist and modernist writer
Born
February 2nd, 1882 144 years ago
Died
January 13th, 1941 85 years ago — 58 years old
A prominent figure in modernist literature, a groundbreaking novelist, short story writer, and poet. The most substantial works include 'Ulysses', a complex and innovative retelling of Homer's epic, set in Dublin. 'A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man' presents a semi-autobiographical account of the development of an artist through a personal and social lens. 'Dubliners', a collection of short stories, captures the life of Dublin's inhabitants with rich detail and depth. Joyce's unique narrative techniques and stream-of-consciousness style significantly influenced 20th-century literature.
Continue ReadingTochigiyama Moriya
Japanese sumo wrestler, 27th Yokozuna
Born
February 2nd, 1892 134 years ago
Died
1959 67 years ago — 67 years old
Born in Japan, this sumo wrestler achieved the prestigious rank of Yokozuna, the highest in the sport. Competing during the early 20th century, this athlete earned recognition for his skill and power in the ring. With a career that spanned over a decade, he showcased his abilities and contributed to the popularity of sumo wrestling in Japan. His style and technique provided a template for future wrestlers in the sport.
Continue Reading