Betty Robinson
American Olympic sprinting champion
Born
Died
Category
Athletes & Sports Figures
Country
United States
Links & References
An accomplished sprinter, she achieved significant success in track and field events during the early 20th century. Competed in the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics, where the 4x100 meter relay team won the gold medal, marking the first time women raced in Olympic track events. Also participated in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Overcame a life-threatening plane crash in 1931, which challenged her athletic career but did not prevent a remarkable return to competition.
Won gold in the 4x100 meter relay at the 1928 Olympics
Competed in the 1936 Berlin Olympics
Other People Born on August 23rd
P. J. Washington
Professional basketball player Charlotte Hornets
Born
August 23rd, 1998 27 years ago
Played college basketball at the University of Kentucky, where contributed to a successful season. Selected by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2019 NBA Draft. Established a reputation as a versatile forward with strong defensive skills. Made significant contributions to the Hornets since joining the team, demonstrating consistent scoring and rebounding abilities.
Continue ReadingJosh Morris
Rugby league player; NRL champion
Born
August 23rd, 1986 39 years ago
Debuted in the National Rugby League (NRL) and played predominantly as a centre. Achieved professional success with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and the Sydney Roosters. Represented New South Wales in State of Origin matches and played in the Australian national team. His career included significant achievements in club and representative teams, earning recognition for skills on the field.
Continue ReadingJeremy Lin
Basketball player, NBA Champion.
Born
August 23rd, 1988 37 years ago
Played professional basketball in the NBA and gained attention during a prolific period with the New York Knicks in 2012. Lin became a standout player during this time, leading the team to a number of victories and inspiring fans globally. He later played for several other teams, including the Houston Rockets and the Toronto Raptors, culminating in winning the NBA Championship in 2019 with the Raptors. Lin's journey from an undrafted player to a professional athlete highlighted the challenges faced by Asian-Americans in sports and created a significant cultural impact.
Continue ReadingLianne La Havas
British singer-songwriter and musician
Born
August 23rd, 1989 36 years ago
A British singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, contributions include two acclaimed studio albums: 'Is Your Love Big Enough?' and 'Blood.' The music style blends elements of folk, soul, and jazz, showcasing a unique vocal delivery and intricate guitar work. The debut album received critical praise and nominations for prominent music awards. Performances include festival appearances and intimate concerts, highlighting musical versatility and engaging stage presence. Collaborations with various artists further expanded musical repertoire.
Continue ReadingSeth Curry
Professional basketball player for the NBA
Born
August 23rd, 1990 35 years ago
Began a professional basketball career in the NBA after playing college basketball at Davidson College. Gained recognition for sharpshooting skills, particularly three-point shooting. Played for the Golden State Warriors, contributing to their 2015 NBA Championship victory. Shifted to the Dallas Mavericks, showcasing consistent scoring ability and playmaking. Also played for the Sacramento Kings and the Philadelphia 76ers.
Continue ReadingTaylor Decker
American football offensive tackle
Born
August 23rd, 1993 32 years ago
An offensive tackle in American football, played for the Detroit Lions in the National Football League (NFL). Gained recognition for performance on the offensive line, contributing to the team's overall success. Drafted in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft after a successful college career at the University of Iowa, where significant achievements included being named a first-team All-Big Ten selection. Continues to play a vital role in protecting the team's quarterback and enhancing the running game.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 18th
Obaidullah Aleem
Indian-Pakistani poet and author
Born
1939 87 years ago
Died
May 18th, 1998 28 years ago — 59 years old
A poet and author, contributions spanned Urdu and Punjabi literature. Worked extensively in literary circles, gaining recognition for his lyrical poetry and unique storytelling. Authored several books and poems that reflect the cultural and social issues of South Asia. Engaged in various literary movements, emphasized the importance of language and expression. Contributed to anthologies and participated in literary festivals, influencing generations of writers and poets throughout the region.
Continue ReadingElisha Cook Jr.
American actor in classic films
Born
December 26th, 1903 122 years ago
Died
May 18th, 1995 31 years ago — 91 years old
Born in 1903, an American actor, the career spanned several decades from the 1930s to the 1990s. Frequently cast in character roles, gained recognition for performances in film noir. Featured prominently in influential films such as 'The Maltese Falcon', 'Shane', and 'The Great Race'. Played various supporting roles that showcased a range of emotions, from menacing to comedic. Made appearances on television series during the 1950s and 1960s, contributing to a broad legacy in the entertainment industry.
Continue ReadingCharles Grodin
Actor and talk show host, 'Midnight Run'
Born
April 21st, 1935 91 years ago
Died
May 18th, 2021 5 years ago — 86 years old
Grodin was an American actor and talk show host. He gained prominence for roles in films such as 'Midnight Run' and 'The Heartbreak Kid'. Grodin also hosted several talk shows, showcasing his unique style and wit. Throughout his career, he appeared in various television shows and films, garnering a dedicated fanbase. His work spanned several decades, making significant contributions to both film and television.
Continue ReadingJaan Eilart
Geographer and ecologist from Estonia
Born
1933 93 years ago
Died
May 18th, 2006 20 years ago — 73 years old
A prominent Estonian geographer, ecologist, and historian contributed significantly to the fields of geography and ecology. Eilart's work primarily focused on the study of the natural environment and its relationship to human activity. He held a pivotal role in advancing ecological awareness within Estonia, particularly during a period marked by significant environmental challenges. Eilart's research encompassed various aspects of geographical and ecological science, influencing both his contemporaries and future generations of scientists. His writings on Estonia's landscapes and ecosystems provided valuable insights into environmental conservation and geographical studies.
Continue ReadingLeroy Anderson
Composer and conductor of light music
Born
June 29th, 1908 117 years ago
Died
May 18th, 1975 51 years ago — 66 years old
Contributed significantly to the genre of light orchestral music. Anderson studied at Harvard and later became the principal arranger for the Harvard Band. Best recognized for catchy compositions, including 'Sleigh Ride' and 'The Typewriter'. His works, characterized by wit and charm, have remained popular in both orchestral and popular music contexts. Anderson also served in the United States Army during World War II, where he arranged and composed music for military ensembles.
Continue ReadingChukwuedu Nwokolo
Nigerian physician and academic leader
Born
1921 105 years ago
Died
May 18th, 2014 12 years ago — 93 years old
Contributed to the field of medicine as a physician and academic, with a focus on clinical research and health care development in Nigeria. Worked extensively on advancing medical education and improving health services. Involved in numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing the healthcare system and trained a generation of medical professionals. Participated in various workshops and conferences to share knowledge and expertise in the medical community.
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