Bruce Matthews
American football player and coach
Born
Died
Category
Athletes & Sports Figures
Country
United States
Links & References
Played as an offensive lineman in the National Football League (NFL) for 19 seasons, primarily with the Houston Oilers. Selected to the Pro Bowl 14 times, he was part of the All-Pro team on multiple occasions and recorded over 250 career games. After retiring as a player, transitioned into coaching and served as an assistant coach with several teams, including the Tennessee Titans. In 2007, inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Pro Bowl selections as an offensive lineman
Induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Playing for the Houston Oilers
Other People Born on August 8th
Randy Shilts
Journalist and AIDS activist
Born
August 8th, 1951 74 years ago
Died
February 17th, 1994 31 years ago — 42 years old
Worked as a journalist, focusing on the AIDS crisis during the 1980s. Authored the groundbreaking book 'And the Band Played On', which chronicled the early years of the epidemic and its impact on society. The work highlighted the political and social struggles surrounding the disease. Contributed to the San Francisco Chronicle, covering various aspects of the gay rights movement and public health issues. Served as an important voice in understanding the complexities of AIDS.
Continue ReadingRudi Gernreich
Fashion designer, created the monokini
Born
August 8th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
April 21st, 1985 40 years ago — 62 years old
An Austrian-American fashion designer, Gernreich gained recognition for innovative swimwear designs that challenged conventional notions of fashion. His work included the bold introduction of the monokini, a daring one-piece swimsuit that featured an open design. Gernreich's approach to fashion also encompassed unisex clothing, reflecting a progressive view on gender and self-expression. He worked with his own brand and had notable collaborations with several prominent fashion companies. His designs were frequently featured in leading fashion magazines, and his influence extended into the realms of art and culture during the 1960s and 1970s.
Continue ReadingErnest Lawrence
American physicist, Nobel Prize winner
Born
August 8th, 1901 124 years ago
Died
August 27th, 1958 67 years ago — 57 years old
Contributed to the field of nuclear physics and invented the cyclotron, a particle accelerator, which allowed for groundbreaking experiments in nuclear science. Played a significant role in the Manhattan Project during World War II. Received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1939 for his work on the artificial production of radioactive isotopes. Served as a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, and helped establish the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
Continue ReadingJimmy Murphy
Football manager and player for Manchester United
Born
August 8th, 1910 115 years ago
Died
November 14th, 1989 36 years ago — 79 years old
Played as a footballer and later managed Manchester United. Assisted in rebuilding the team after the Munich air disaster in 1958. Held the position of the team's assistant manager, contributing to the development of players and strategy during a transformative period for the club.
Continue ReadingMarjorie Kinnan Rawlings
Author of The Yearling
Born
August 8th, 1896 129 years ago
Died
December 14th, 1953 72 years ago — 57 years old
An American author and academic, contributed significantly to literature with a focus on rural life in Florida. The work 'The Yearling' received the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1939, highlighting the coming-of-age story of a young boy and his pet fawn. Rawlings's writing often drew on her experiences in Florida, capturing the struggles and realities of farm life during the early 20th century. In addition to novels, she published numerous short stories and essays, showcasing her versatility as a writer. Her dedication to her craft helped elevate the representation of Southern literature.
Continue ReadingAlexander Watson
American diplomat, Ambassador to Peru
Born
August 8th, 1939 86 years ago
Served as the United States Ambassador to Peru from 1989 to 1991, a period marked by significant political and economic challenges in the region. Managed diplomatic relations and worked to strengthen ties between the United States and Peru during a time of increased violence from terrorist groups. Contributed to the promotion of democratic governance and economic stability in Peru.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on September 12th
Shen Chun-shan
Academic contributor to Taiwanese education
Born
1932 93 years ago
Died
September 12th, 2018 7 years ago — 86 years old
Contributed significantly to the field of education in Taiwan. Served as a professor and influenced educational practices and policies within the country. Engaged in various academic publications and research initiatives that advanced knowledge in the educational sector. Held positions at prominent institutions and helped shape the curriculum and educational standards in Taiwan, fostering a generation of educators and leaders in the field.
Continue ReadingCarl Hermann
Physicist and academic focused on spectroscopy
Born
June 17th, 1898 127 years ago
Died
September 12th, 1961 64 years ago — 63 years old
Contributed significantly to the field of physics, particularly in spectroscopy and crystal structure analysis. Conducted pioneering research that advanced the understanding of crystal growth and properties. Served as a professor at several universities, influencing generations of physicists through both teaching and research. Published numerous scientific papers and books that became essential references in the field of solid-state physics.
Continue ReadingAronda Nyakairima
Ugandan general and politician
Born
1959 66 years ago
Died
September 12th, 2015 10 years ago — 56 years old
Served as a general in the Uganda People's Defence Force and held the position of Minister of Internal Affairs. Played a significant role in military operations during the LRA conflict and served as Commander of the Land Forces. Contributed to national security strategies and reforms within the military. His tenure included involvement in peacekeeping missions and internal security matters in Uganda.
Continue ReadingAl Monchak
Baseball player and coach for the Pirates
Born
1917 108 years ago
Died
September 12th, 2015 10 years ago — 98 years old
Played Major League Baseball as an outfielder, debuting in 1946 with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Continued with the Pirates until 1949. Transitioned into coaching and managed several minor league teams. Contributed to player development and scouting within the organization. Served in various roles over decades, influencing the next generation of players.
Continue ReadingGiulio Zignoli
Italian footballer and coach
Born
1946 79 years ago
Died
September 12th, 2010 15 years ago — 64 years old
Played as a forward and had a prominent career in the Italian football leagues. Competed in Serie A for multiple teams, contributing to various matches throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Transitioned to coaching following the conclusion of the playing career, focusing on developing players and strategies in Italian football.
Continue ReadingLes Haylen
Journalist and Australian politician
Born
September 23rd, 1898 127 years ago
Died
September 12th, 1977 48 years ago — 78 years old
Started a career in journalism before entering politics. Served as a member of the Australian House of Representatives representing the Division of Parkes from 1943 to 1949. Worked with various media outlets and contributed to political discourse through writing and public speaking. Engaged in significant political reforms and advocacy during tenure.
Continue Reading