Charles Lyttelton
English politician, 9th Governor-General
Born
Died
Category
Leaders & Politicians
Country
United Kingdom
Links & References
Served as the 9th Governor-General of New Zealand from 1946 to 1952. Held the title of 10th Viscount Cobham. Engaged in various political roles and contributed to several legislative discussions and initiatives during time in office.
Served as Governor-General of New Zealand
Held the title of 10th Viscount Cobham
Other People Born on August 8th
Nicolas Vogondy
French road cyclist and winner of races
Born
August 8th, 1977 48 years ago
This individual competed professionally in road cycling, participating in various international competitions. Achievements include respectable finishes in national and international races, showcasing endurance and skill. Competed in the 2006 Tour de France as part of a professional team. Participated in multiple editions of the Paris-Roubaix and other prestigious cycling events, contributing to the sport's competitive landscape.
Continue ReadingRon Klain
American Chief of Staff, lawyer, politician
Born
August 8th, 1961 64 years ago
Served as White House Chief of Staff under President Joe Biden. Helped manage the administration's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Played a key role in various legal and political initiatives prior to this position, including serving as Chief of Staff to Vice President Al Gore. Engaged in significant policy work and political strategy throughout a lengthy career in government and law. Worked as a partner at a law firm and contributed to various political campaigns over the years.
Continue ReadingSheila Varian
Horse trainer and breeder, Varian Arabians
Born
August 8th, 1937 88 years ago
Died
March 6th, 2016 9 years ago — 78 years old
A prominent horse trainer and breeder, significant contributions were made to the Arabian horse community. Established Varian Arabians in California, specializing in breeding top-quality Arabian horses. Played a crucial role in promoting Arabian horse shows and training programs. Produced multiple national champions and trained horses that excelled in various equestrian disciplines.
Continue ReadingGeorge Stoneman
United States Army cavalry officer
Born
August 8th, 1822 203 years ago
Died
September 5th, 1894 131 years ago — 72 years old
Served as a cavalry officer in the United States Army during the Civil War. Played a crucial role in several key battles and campaigns, including the Battle of Atlanta and Sherman's March to the Sea. Raised to the rank of major general, Stoneman's leadership was significant in multiple engagements against Confederate forces. Post-war, held various administrative positions within the military and served as the governor of California.
Continue ReadingAchille Varzi
Italian racing driver and Mille Miglia winner
Born
August 8th, 1904 121 years ago
Died
July 1st, 1948 77 years ago — 43 years old
An accomplished racing driver, made significant contributions to the sport in the early to mid-20th century. Gained prominence in Italy and internationally through participation in numerous Grand Prix races. Achieved noteworthy success in the Mille Miglia, a prestigious endurance race, securing victories that solidified a reputation among peers. Competed for top teams, including Alfa Romeo and Auto Union, showcasing exceptional skill on various racetracks across Europe. Left a lasting legacy in the world of motorsport.
Continue ReadingJerry Tarkanian
College basketball coach and innovator
Born
August 8th, 1930 95 years ago
Died
February 11th, 2015 10 years ago — 84 years old
An influential figure in college basketball, led the UNLV Runnin' Rebels to a national championship in 1990. Served as head coach at several universities, including Long Beach State, UNLV, and Fresno State. Tarkanian was known for his innovative coaching strategies and for bringing a fast-paced style of play to the game, which had a lasting effect on college basketball. His teams frequently made deep runs in the NCAA tournament, demonstrating consistent success. Off the court, faced various controversies regarding NCAA rules and regulations, but maintained a loyal following of players and fans.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on March 20th
Amadeus William Grabau
Geologist and paleontologist
Born
1870 156 years ago
Died
March 20th, 1946 79 years ago — 76 years old
A geologist and paleontologist contributed significantly to the understanding of Earth's history and the development of geological sciences. Grabau studied various geological formations and is recognized for his research on fossil invertebrates and stratigraphy. He authored several influential texts, including 'Principles of Stratigraphy', which laid the foundation for modern geological studies. He also played a key role in paleontological expeditions across China and the United States, enhancing the scientific community's knowledge of prehistoric life.
Continue ReadingDavid Rockefeller
Billionaire philanthropist and banker
Born
June 12th, 1915 110 years ago
Died
March 20th, 2017 8 years ago — 101 years old
A prominent banker and philanthropist, played a significant role in global finance and philanthropy. Was the chairman and CEO of Chase Manhattan Bank for over a decade. Contributed to numerous cultural and educational institutions, establishing programs that focused on art, education, and public policy. Actively participated in diplomatic efforts through initiatives like the Trilateral Commission, which aimed to enhance cooperation among North America, Europe, and Asia. Actively supported various philanthropic organizations, donating millions to causes such as health, education, and the arts.
Continue ReadingAdrienne Lecouvreur
French actress and tragic performer
Born
April 5th, 1692 333 years ago
Died
March 20th, 1730 295 years ago — 37 years old
This actress gained acclaim for performances in the French theater during the early 18th century. Lecouvreur became particularly celebrated for her portrayals in works by prominent playwrights of the time, including Racine and Corneille. Her style and emotional depth greatly influenced the art of acting, and she became a pivotal figure in the transition towards modern theater. Lecturing on her craft, she attracted large audiences and established a reputation as an exceptional tragic actress. Her untimely death in 1730 led to rumors of poisoning, which contributed to her mythos in theatrical history.
Continue ReadingMarilyn Maxwell
American actress in film and television
Born
August 3rd, 1921 104 years ago
Died
March 20th, 1972 53 years ago — 50 years old
An American actress achieved prominence in the 1940s and 1950s. Gained attention for performances in films, particularly in comedies and musicals. Starred in movies such as "Step Lively" and "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty." Also appeared in the television series "The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show". Featured in numerous magazine covers and was a popular pin-up model during her career.
Continue ReadingJames Justinian Morier
Turkish-English author and diplomat
Born
1780 246 years ago
Died
March 20th, 1849 176 years ago — 69 years old
An influential author and diplomat primarily active in the early 19th century. Morier served as a diplomat in Persia, where his experiences greatly informed his literary works. His notable publications include 'The Adventures of Hajji Baba of Ispahan', which satirizes the Persian culture and provides insights into Persian life during that era. The book gained significant acclaim and was pivotal in introducing Western audiences to Persian society and customs. Morier’s work is recognized for its rich narrative and detail, reflecting his deep understanding of the region.
Continue ReadingNicolas de Largillière
French painter, known for portrait painting
Born
October 10th, 1656 369 years ago
Died
March 20th, 1746 279 years ago — 89 years old
Active during the late 17th and early 18th centuries, this individual specialized in portraiture, blending the influence of Flemish and Italian styles. The painter enjoyed a prosperous career, producing works that captured the likeness and status of many prominent figures of the time. Key commissions included portraits of the French nobility, royal family members, and leading intellectuals. A member of the Académie royale de peinture et de sculpture, contributed significantly to the formal art scene in France. Techniques utilized in the portraits emphasized the interplay of light and shadow, enhancing the three-dimensionality of subjects.
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