Clément Ader
French engineer and aviation pioneer
An early aviation pioneer, contributed significantly to the development of flying machines. Designed the Ader Avion III, one of the first powered aircraft, and became a key figure in the history of aviation. Conducted numerous tests and experiments that laid groundwork for future developments in aviation technology. His work was among the first to explore the principles of powered flight, despite varying levels of success in achieving sustained flight.
Designed the Ader Avion III
Conducted early powered flight experiments
Other People Born on April 2nd
Nate Huffman
Professional basketball player, NBA
Born
April 2nd, 1975 50 years ago
Died
October 15th, 2015 10 years ago — 40 years old
Played college basketball at the University of Michigan. Entered the professional arena in 1997 with the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers. Transitioned to international play, competing in various leagues including Europe and Asia. Concluded a successful career with stints in multiple countries, achieving accolades for performance and leadership on and off the court.
Continue ReadingNeville Cardus
Cricket and music writer, author of 'Autobiography'
Born
April 2nd, 1888 137 years ago
Died
February 28th, 1975 50 years ago — 86 years old
A notable cricket and music writer, contributed extensively to journalism throughout the 20th century. Worked for Manchester Guardian and wrote many articles on cricket and classical music. Authored several books, with 'Autobiography' considered a significant work in sports literature. His writings often blended analysis with personal reflections on the game and its players.
Continue ReadingPaul Triquet
Canadian general, Victoria Cross recipient
Born
April 2nd, 1910 115 years ago
Died
August 8th, 1980 45 years ago — 70 years old
Served in the Canadian Army during World War II. Commanded a platoon in the Italian Campaign, particularly noted for courageous actions during the Battle of Ortona. Earned the Victoria Cross for bravery in December 1943 while leading troops in a successful assault against heavily fortified German positions. Developed a reputation for leadership and tactical skill throughout military service.
Continue ReadingDon Sutton
Baseball player and sportscaster
Born
April 2nd, 1945 80 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 76 years old
Born on April 2, 1945, a prominent career in Major League Baseball spanned from 1966 to 1988. Played primarily as a starting pitcher for teams including the Los Angeles Dodgers, Houston Astros, and the Oakland Athletics. Achieved a significant milestone by recording over 300 career wins and 3,574 strikeouts, ranking among the top pitchers in MLB history. Transitioned to a sportscasting career after retirement, providing analysis for various networks. Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1998, recognizing contributions to the sport.
Continue ReadingDavid Heyes
English politician and MP
Born
April 2nd, 1946 79 years ago
Elected as a Member of Parliament in 1997, associated with the Labour Party. Served as a representative for the Ashton-under-Lyne constituency. Contributed to various legislative initiatives during tenure. Retired from parliamentary duties in 2015 after serving multiple terms in office.
Continue ReadingDimitris Mitropanos
Greek singer with a rich vocal style
Born
April 2nd, 1948 77 years ago
Died
April 17th, 2012 13 years ago — 64 years old
A prominent figure in Greek music, recognized for contributions to the genre of laiko. Began his career in the 1960s and achieved widespread popularity during the 1970s and 1980s. Collaborated with various notable composers and musicians. Released numerous albums that showcased traditional Greek music and folk songs. His emotional delivery and unique voice resonated with audiences, earning a dedicated following throughout Greece and beyond.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 3rd
Dick Rutan
Military aviator and record-setting pilot
Born
1938 87 years ago
Died
May 3rd, 2024 1 years ago — 86 years old
A military aviator and aerospace engineer, contributed significantly to aviation history. Gained prominence as the pilot of Voyager, the first aircraft to fly around the world non-stop without refueling. This historic flight took place in December 1986, covering approximately 26,000 miles in 9 days, 3 minutes, and 44 seconds. After retiring from the U.S. Air Force, engaged in various aerospace projects and played a vital role in developing new aircraft technologies. Rutan also authored multiple aviation-focused publications, providing insights into his experiences and innovations in flight.
Continue ReadingAlex Kellner
American baseball player and pitcher
Born
August 26th, 1924 101 years ago
Died
May 3rd, 1996 29 years ago — 71 years old
A professional baseball player, primarily served as a pitcher during the 1940s and 1950s. Played for the Philadelphia Athletics and the Kansas City Athletics in Major League Baseball. Participated in the league for parts of ten seasons, establishing a reputation as a reliable left-handed pitcher. Contributed to the team's efforts in the American League.
Continue ReadingBill Downs
American journalist and WWII correspondent
Born
August 17th, 1914 111 years ago
Died
May 3rd, 1978 47 years ago — 63 years old
Contributed significant coverage of World War II as a war correspondent for the CBS network. Reported from various battlefronts, providing firsthand accounts of major events such as the liberation of Paris and the Normandy invasion. Played a pivotal role in the development of radio journalism during wartime, showcasing the power of live reporting. Continued to work in broadcasting post-war, influencing the field of journalism for decades.
Continue ReadingJulius
Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg
Born
June 29th, 1528 497 years ago
Died
May 3rd, 1589 436 years ago — 60 years old
Born in 1528, Julius served as the Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg from 1559 until his death in 1589. He played a significant role in the administration of his territory, focusing on economic improvements and military readiness. His reign was marked by efforts to centralize power and modernize the ducal administration. Julius also engaged in various conflicts during his rule, including tensions arising from the Reformation and territorial disputes with neighboring states, which shaped the political landscape of the region during his lifetime.
Continue ReadingJadranka Stojaković
Yugoslav singer-songwriter with popular albums
Born
July 24th, 1950 75 years ago
Died
May 3rd, 2016 9 years ago — 65 years old
Born in 1950, a prominent singer-songwriter emerged from Yugoslavia, contributing significantly to the music scene. Starting her career in the 1970s, the artist released several popular albums that resonated with audiences throughout the region. The musical style blended elements of traditional folk with contemporary sounds, showcasing both lyrical depth and melodic appeal. Over the decades, performances in various festivals and collaborations with other artists solidified a legacy in the Balkan music community. The work often highlighted themes of love and life, capturing the cultural essence of the time. The artist's influence extended beyond music, inspiring future generations of musicians and songwriters.
Continue ReadingGene Raymond
American actor and pilot in films
Born
August 13th, 1908 117 years ago
Died
May 3rd, 1998 27 years ago — 89 years old
Active in the film industry from the 1930s to the 1960s, Gene Raymond appeared in significant roles in movies such as 'The Wedding Night' and 'Murder in the Blue Room'. In addition to acting, he served as a pilot during World War II, contributing to the war effort. After the war, he continued to perform in various productions, including television series. His career spanned several decades, showcasing his talents in both film and theater.
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