Bob Hoskins
English actor in film and television
An English actor gained acclaim for a wide range of roles across film and television. Breakthrough performance came in the film 'Mona Lisa' earning a BAFTA Award for Best Actor. Recognized for roles in 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit', where portrayed the character Eddie Valiant, and also starred in 'The Long Good Friday'. Worked consistently throughout the 1980s and 1990s, appearing in various films across different genres. Career spanned several decades, establishing a significant presence in British cinema.
Won a BAFTA Award for 'Mona Lisa'
Starred in 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit'
Appeared in 'The Long Good Friday'
Other People Born on October 26th
Hot Rod Hundley
Basketball player and sportscaster for the Jazz
Born
October 26th, 1934 91 years ago
Died
2015 10 years ago — 81 years old
A basketball player and sportscaster, made significant contributions to the sport. Played college basketball at West Virginia University, where averaged over 25 points per game. Entered the NBA in 1957, selected by the Los Angeles Lakers. Played for the Lakers until 1961, then moved to the Cincinnati Royals before concluding playing career with the Lakers in 1964. Transitioned to broadcasting, serving as the voice of the Utah Jazz for over 30 years, becoming recognized for colorful commentary and storytelling.
Continue ReadingJaclyn Smith
Actress and producer; Charlie's Angels
Born
October 26th, 1945 80 years ago
An American actress and producer, she gained prominence through the television series 'Charlie's Angels,' where she played the role of Kelly Garrett. Utilizing success in television, ventured into producing and launched a successful line of merchandise, including clothing and home decor. Appeared in various films and television shows throughout the years, maintaining a significant presence in the entertainment industry.
Continue ReadingJoe Fulks
Basketball player, early NBA star
Born
October 26th, 1921 104 years ago
Died
1976 49 years ago — 55 years old
Played professional basketball primarily for the Philadelphia Warriors in the 1940s and 1950s. Contributed to the development of the jump shot as a scoring method. Averaged 22.1 points per game during his career and led the league in scoring during the 1946-47 NBA season. Fulks was instrumental in helping the Warriors win the championship in the inaugural NBA season.
Continue ReadingJonathan Williams
Race car driver and pilot
Born
October 26th, 1942 83 years ago
Died
2014 11 years ago — 72 years old
An English race car driver and pilot, gained prominence in the motorsport world during the 1960s and 1970s. Competed in Formula One and participated in various sports car races. After a life-altering accident in 1969, transitioned into aviation and became a successful pilot, demonstrating proficiency in flying various aircraft. Contributed to motorsport journalism and remained active in automotive affairs.
Continue ReadingPat Conroy
Author of The Prince of Tides
Born
October 26th, 1945 80 years ago
Died
March 4th, 2016 9 years ago — 70 years old
An American author gained recognition for works that explore the complexities of family dynamics and Southern life. Published novels captured personal struggles, relationships, and the deep connection to place. Best known for 'The Prince of Tides', which was adapted into a successful film. Other notable works include 'The Great Santini' and 'Beach Music', both of which reflect on themes of loss and redemption. In addition to novels, wrote memoirs and essays that further delve into personal history and the writing process.
Continue ReadingPat Sajak
Game show host of Wheel of Fortune
Born
October 26th, 1946 79 years ago
Born in 1946, hosted the television game show Wheel of Fortune since 1981. Initially began career in broadcasting as a newscaster and DJ. Transitioned to game show hosting, gaining widespread recognition and establishing a long-running partnership with co-host Vanna White. Contributed to the show's popularity, making it a staple of American television. Also engaged in various other television projects including guest appearances and voice acting. Awarded multiple Daytime Emmy Awards for hosting.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on April 29th
Constantine P. Cavafy
Poet of modern Greek literature
Born
April 29th, 1863 162 years ago
Died
April 29th, 1933 92 years ago — 70 years old
Born in Alexandria, contributed significantly to modern Greek poetry. Gained recognition for exploring themes of love, identity, and the passage of time. Notable works include 'Ithaca' and 'The God Abandons Antony', which reflect on historical and personal experiences. Cavafy's poetry often featured a distinctive style that melded profound imagery with philosophical depth. Despite limited recognition during his lifetime, later evaluations acknowledged the lasting influence of his work on contemporary literature.
Continue ReadingDan Walker
American politician, 36th Governor of Illinois
Born
August 6th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
April 29th, 2015 10 years ago — 92 years old
A politician and lawyer served as the 36th Governor of Illinois from 1973 to 1977. Focused on various legislative reforms and the state's education system. Prior to gubernatorial duties, participated in local and state politics, advocating for social issues. Successfully navigated challenges during gubernatorial term, including economic issues and governmental reorganization. After leaving office, remained active in public life and continued to contribute to political discourse.
Continue ReadingPadma Desai
Development economist and author
Born
1931 94 years ago
Died
April 29th, 2023 2 years ago — 92 years old
An Indian-American development economist, contributed to the fields of economic policy and development strategy. Served as a professor at Columbia University. Research focused on India's economy and transitioned to closely studying Russian economic reforms during the post-Soviet period. Authored several books and articles on economic issues, emphasizing the interplay between market economies and social structures.
Continue ReadingIveta Bartošová
Czech singer and actress
Born
April 8th, 1966 59 years ago
Died
April 29th, 2014 11 years ago — 48 years old
An influential figure in Czech pop music and film, this artist gained fame in the 1980s and 1990s. Debuted in 1983 with the album 'Cesta bez návratu,' which showcased both vocal talent and charisma. Transitioned into acting with notable roles in Czech films, enhancing her popularity. Achieved success in numerous music awards, solidifying a prominent place in the music industry. Frequently collaborated with various artists and participated in television shows related to music, further showcasing artistic versatility.
Continue ReadingAlbert Hofmann
Swiss chemist who discovered LSD
Born
January 11th, 1906 119 years ago
Died
April 29th, 2008 17 years ago — 102 years old
A prominent Swiss chemist and academic, contributed significantly to the field of pharmaceuticals. Synthesized lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in 1938 while working at Sandoz Laboratories. First ingested LSD personally in 1943, leading to the discovery of its psychedelic effects. Conducted further research on hallucinogenic substances and their potential therapeutic uses. Authored several books on psychedelic substances and their implications in psychology and culture.
Continue ReadingAvigdor Arikha
Artist and printmaker, major works in art
Born
1929 96 years ago
Died
April 29th, 2010 15 years ago — 81 years old
An artist and printmaker, this individual became prominent for contributions to both visual arts and art history. The career spanned several decades, during which numerous exhibitions showcased works across various media including painting and drawing. In 1949, this person relocated to Paris, where they immersed in the post-war art scene, later transitioning to Israel while maintaining a significant presence in Europe. Works featured themes exploring memory and identity, deeply influenced by personal experiences and historical contexts. The art collection includes pieces held in major museums such as the Israel Museum and the Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris.
Continue Reading