Brad Davis
Basketball player and coach
Born
Died
Category
Athletes & Sports Figures
Country
United States
Links & References
Played as a point guard in professional basketball, primarily for the Dallas Mavericks from 1980 to 1992. After retiring as a player, transitioned to coaching and sportscasting. Contributed to the development of young athletes and offered insights on basketball through various media channels.
Played for the Dallas Mavericks
Served as an assistant coach for various teams
Other People Born on December 17th
Cal Ripken Sr.
Baseball manager and coach of Orioles
Born
December 17th, 1935 90 years ago
Died
1999 27 years ago — 64 years old
Served as a coach and manager in Major League Baseball, with significant time spent with the Baltimore Orioles. Managed the Orioles from 1987 to 1988, leading the team during a challenging period. Contributed to the development of many players, including his son, who achieved notable success in the sport. Also played in the minor leagues before transitioning to a coaching career, influencing future generations in baseball through instruction and mentorship.
Continue ReadingIrving Petlin
American painter and academic
Born
December 17th, 1934 91 years ago
Died
2018 8 years ago — 84 years old
An American painter and academic focused on figurative art, explored themes of struggle and resilience. Worked extensively in various media, including painting and printmaking. Contributed to art education through teaching positions at multiple institutions. Exhibited work in numerous galleries and museums, showcasing a unique artistic vision.
Continue ReadingPrince Joachim of Prussia
German Prince and military officer
Born
December 17th, 1890 135 years ago
Died
1920 106 years ago — 30 years old
Born into the House of Hohenzollern, served as an officer in the German Army during World War I. Held the rank of lieutenant and became a prominent figure in military circles. After the war, navigated the political landscape of post-war Germany and was involved in various charitable activities and organizations. Contributed to the preservation of the history and legacy of the Prussian royal family. Spent the later years of life managing family estates and engaged in public life before passing away.
Continue ReadingMaria I of Portugal
Queen of Portugal and Brazil
Born
December 17th, 1734 291 years ago
Died
1816 210 years ago — 82 years old
Born in 1734, Maria I ascended to the Portuguese throne in 1777, becoming the first woman to rule the country in her own right. Her reign was marked by political upheaval, including the loss of Brazil, which declared independence in 1822. Maria faced personal challenges, including mental health issues that affected her ability to govern. After 1792, her son took on the duties of regent due to her declining health. Despite these challenges, her influence on Portuguese culture and society during her reign remains notable.
Continue ReadingPope Francis
Religious leader and head of the Catholic Church
Born
December 17th, 1936 89 years ago
Born in Argentina, this religious leader became the first pope from the Americas in 2013. His papacy has focused on issues such as social justice, environmental stewardship, and interfaith dialogue. This leader adopted the name Francis in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, reflecting a commitment to humble service and care for the poor. The leader has also addressed global issues like migration and climate change during his tenure.
Continue ReadingJack L. Chalker
American author of speculative fiction
Born
December 17th, 1944 81 years ago
Died
February 11th, 2005 20 years ago — 60 years old
An American author focused on speculative fiction, produced numerous novels and series throughout the late 20th century. Chalker explored themes of science fiction, fantasy, and adventure, appealing to a wide range of readers. His most notable work, the Well World series, consists of several interconnected novels detailing an expansive universe. Chalker also published works under different pseudonyms and contributed to various magazines. He was active in the writing community and participated in numerous conventions.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on September 8th
Johan Gabriel Ståhlberg
Finnish priest and father of a president
Born
1832 194 years ago
Died
September 8th, 1873 152 years ago — 41 years old
Contributed to the religious and social life in Finland. Served as a priest within the Finnish Lutheran Church. Provided support and guidance during a time of national growth. Fathered K. J. Ståhlberg, who became the first President of Finland.
Continue ReadingCarlo Gesualdo
Renaissance composer and lute player
Born
1566 460 years ago
Died
September 8th, 1613 412 years ago — 47 years old
A prominent figure in late Renaissance music, contributed significantly to the development of chromaticism. Composed a collection of madrigals that displayed complex emotional expression and innovative harmonic structures. Also known for sacred music compositions, including several settings of the Mass and motets. His life was marked by personal tragedy, including the murder of his wife and her lover, which influenced his artistic output.
Continue ReadingTyler Sash
American football player, Super Bowl champion
Born
May 27th, 1988 37 years ago
Died
September 8th, 2015 10 years ago — 27 years old
Played safety in the National Football League, primarily for the New York Giants. Drafted in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Contributed to the team during the 2011 season, culminating in a victory at Super Bowl XLVI. Played college football at the University of Iowa before entering the NFL, showcasing strong defensive skills.
Continue ReadingRichard Strauss
German composer and conductor
Born
June 11th, 1864 161 years ago
Died
September 8th, 1949 76 years ago — 85 years old
Significant contributions to classical music occurred through composing orchestral and operatic works. Major operas include 'Salome,' 'Elektra,' and 'Der Rosenkavalier.' Conducted renowned orchestras such as the Vienna Philharmonic and the Berlin Philharmonic. Explored the transition from late Romanticism to early modernism in music, influencing 20th-century composers.
Continue ReadingLjubiša Samardžić
Serbian actor and film director
Born
November 19th, 1936 89 years ago
Died
September 8th, 2017 8 years ago — 80 years old
An accomplished actor and director, recognized for significant contributions to Yugoslav and Serbian cinema. Worked in both theater and film, contributing to a body of work that encompasses numerous popular films and television series. Directed and starred in various productions throughout a career that spanned several decades, influencing contemporary Serbian culture. Achievements highlight a unique blend of artistic talent and leadership in the arts.
Continue ReadingWillard Libby
American chemist, Nobel Prize winner
Born
December 17th, 1908 117 years ago
Died
September 8th, 1980 45 years ago — 71 years old
An American chemist contributed significantly to the field of radiocarbon dating. Developed the radiocarbon dating method while working at the University of Chicago in the late 1940s. This technique revolutionized the ability to date ancient organic materials and became a crucial tool in archaeology and geology. Received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1960 for this pioneering research. Served as a professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, where advancements in nuclear science and chemistry were made.
Continue Reading