Chuck Muncie
American football player and All-Pro running back
Played as a running back in the National Football League (NFL) for the New Orleans Saints and the San Diego Chargers. Achieved significant success during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Developed a reputation for powerful running style and scoring ability. Selected to the Pro Bowl in 1979 and 1980. Contributed to the Chargers' offense during their Super Bowl appearance in the 1980 season.
Selected to the Pro Bowl in 1979 and 1980
Rushed for over 1,000 yards in multiple seasons
Played in Super Bowl XXIX with the Chargers
Other People Born on March 17th
Vance Wilson
Baseball player and manager with the Mets
Born
March 17th, 1973 53 years ago
Played professional baseball as a catcher and later transitioned to a managerial role. Had a playing career that included time with the New York Mets and other teams in Major League Baseball. Managed in the minor leagues following retirement from playing, contributing to player development and team strategy.
Continue ReadingJim Gary
American sculptor and artist
Born
March 17th, 1939 87 years ago
Died
January 14th, 2006 20 years ago — 66 years old
An American sculptor created intricate sculptures primarily using discarded car parts. His most recognized works included whimsical, life-sized representations of animals and figures, demonstrating a unique integration of art and everyday materials. His sculptures were showcased in numerous exhibitions across the United States. Gary's prominent installations captured the attention of both art enthusiasts and the general public, highlighting the expressive potential of repurposed materials. His commitment to crafting sculptures from found objects solidified a distinctive niche within the contemporary art scene.
Continue ReadingCito Gaston
Baseball manager for Toronto Blue Jays
Born
March 17th, 1944 82 years ago
An accomplished baseball manager, led the Toronto Blue Jays to back-to-back World Series championships in 1992 and 1993. Previously played as an outfielder in Major League Baseball for teams such as the Philadelphia Phillies and the Atlanta Braves. Transitioned to coaching and management, becoming the first African American manager to win a World Series. Known for fostering a winning culture and developing talent within the team.
Continue ReadingMark White
43rd Governor of Texas
Born
March 17th, 1940 86 years ago
Died
2017 9 years ago — 77 years old
Served as the 43rd Governor of Texas from 1983 to 1987. Focused on education reform, increasing funding for public schools, and introduced the Texas Education Agency's accountability system. Prior to governorship, held various positions including Attorney General of Texas. Promoted the Texas minimum wage increase and worked on health care initiatives during tenure. After leaving office, continued involvement in legal and educational sectors.
Continue ReadingDana Reeve
Actress and activist for disability rights
Born
March 17th, 1961 65 years ago
Died
2006 20 years ago — 45 years old
An actress and singer, engaged in advocacy for disability rights after the illness of a spouse. Achieved recognition for work in theater and television, particularly in the role of "Superman" alongside Christopher Reeve. Contributed significantly to various charitable organizations focused on spinal cord injury research. Appointed as chair of the Christopher Reeve Foundation, promoting awareness and funding for research efforts.
Continue ReadingMichael Kelly
Journalist and author of notable works
Born
March 17th, 1957 69 years ago
Died
2003 23 years ago — 46 years old
A prominent journalist and author, contributed extensively to various publications including The Atlantic and The New Republic. Played a significant role in political reporting and commentary, particularly during the 2000 presidential election. Authored several influential books addressing political issues and the media landscape. Held editorial positions at major news organizations and fostered discussions around media ethics and reporting.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 13th
Doris Day
Singer and actress in musicals and films
Born
April 3rd, 1922 104 years ago
Died
May 13th, 2019 7 years ago — 97 years old
An American singer and actress, emerged in the late 1940s and became a leading figure in the entertainment industry. Achieved widespread fame during the 1950s and 1960s. Starred in iconic films such as 'Pillow Talk', 'Calamity Jane', and 'The Man Who Knew Too Much'. Transitioned seamlessly between music and acting, recording hit songs like 'Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)'. Established an animal welfare foundation later in life, advocating for animal rights and protection.
Continue ReadingUnita Blackwell
Civil rights activist and politician
Born
March 18th, 1933 93 years ago
Died
May 13th, 2019 7 years ago — 86 years old
Born in 1933, this individual was a prominent civil rights activist and the first African American woman elected mayor in Mississippi. Active during the civil rights movement, significant contributions included efforts to improve the social and economic conditions of African Americans in the Delta region. Served as the mayor of Mayersville from 2000 to 2004 and was a member of the Mississippi House of Representatives. Participated in numerous protests and marches advocating for voting rights and educational access, working alongside other civil rights leaders.
Continue ReadingSholem Aleichem
Ukrainian-American author and playwright
Born
March 2nd, 1859 167 years ago
Died
May 13th, 1916 110 years ago — 57 years old
Born in what is now Ukraine, a prominent author and playwright wrote in Yiddish. His works often depicted the lives of Jewish families in Eastern Europe, intertwining humor and social commentary. The character Tevye the Dairyman, featured in stories such as 'Tevye and His Daughters', gained widespread acclaim and inspired the musical 'Fiddler on the Roof'. In the early 20th century, the contributions to Yiddish literature and theater became significant, earning recognition and establishing a legacy that continues to influence Jewish culture.
Continue ReadingJoseph Henry
American physicist and engineer known for electromagnetism
Born
December 17th, 1797 228 years ago
Died
May 13th, 1878 148 years ago — 80 years old
A prominent American physicist and engineer, contributed significantly to the field of electromagnetism. His research laid foundational principles for the development of the telegraph and other electrical devices. Henry made substantial advancements in the understanding of self-induction and mutual induction, which are crucial for the operation of inductors in electrical circuits. He also served as the first Director of the National Institute for the Promotion of Science, now part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology. An influential figure in the scientific community, engaged in extensive correspondence with contemporaries such as Michael Faraday.
Continue ReadingAlice Munro
Short Story Writer, Nobel Prize Laureate
Born
July 10th, 1931 95 years ago
Died
May 13th, 2024 2 years ago — 92 years old
Born in Canada in 1931, a prolific short story writer whose works expanded the genre's boundaries, frequently exploring themes of human connection, memory, and identity. The writing process began at an early age, culminating in acclaimed collections such as 'Dance of the Happy Shades' and 'Dear Life'. Achievements included the Nobel Prize in Literature awarded in 2013, recognizing a masterful ability to depict the intricacies of ordinary life. The narratives often reflected the author's own experiences growing up in Ontario, infusing realism and depth into fictional characters.
Continue ReadingGainan Saidkhuzhin
Russian cyclist with Olympic legacy
Born
1937 89 years ago
Died
May 13th, 2015 11 years ago — 78 years old
Competed in cycling at the Olympic level representing the Soviet Union. Participated in multiple international competitions, earning recognition in road racing events. Achieved a significant personal milestone by competing in the 1980 Moscow Olympics. Later held a coaching position, influencing new generations of cyclists in Russia.
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