Colette Besson

French Olympic runner and educator

Colette Besson - French Olympic runner and educator
Born

April 7th, 1946
79 years ago

Died

2005
20 years ago — 59 years old

Category

Athletes & Sports Figures

Country

France

Links & References

Achieved significant success in athletics, specializing in middle-distance events. Won a gold medal in the 400 meters at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. Competed for France in various athletic championships and contributed to the development of sports education. Served as an educator, promoting athletics and physical education among students.

Won gold in the 400 meters at the 1968 Olympics

Competed in the European Championships

Other People Born on April 7th

Babatunde Olatunji

Drummer and educator, African music advocate
Born
April 7th, 1927 98 years ago
Died
April 6th, 2003 22 years ago — 75 years old

Born in Nigeria, a renowned drummer and educator contributed to the global appreciation of African music. Olatunji emigrated to the United States where he studied at the Agricultural and Mechanical College. He gained recognition for his performance and fusion of traditional African drumming styles with contemporary music. As an educator, he taught at various institutions, emphasizing the significance of cultural heritage. Olatunji founded the Drum Circle, promoting communal rhythm playing and cross-cultural understanding through music. His album "Drums of Passion" became pivotal in popularizing African rhythms in Western music schools and among audiences.

Continue Reading

Dennis Amiss

English cricketer and manager
Born
April 7th, 1943 82 years ago

A prominent cricketer and cricket manager. Played for Warwickshire and represented England in international cricket. Achieved notable success as an opening batsman, scoring over 5,000 runs in Test matches. Later took on managerial roles, contributing to the development of the sport.

Continue Reading

Bob Denard

French soldier and mercenary leader
Born
April 7th, 1929 96 years ago
Died
October 13th, 2007 17 years ago — 78 years old

A French soldier and mercenary, served in multiple conflicts worldwide. Gained prominence as a mercenary in African countries, particularly in the Congo and Angola during the 1960s. Played a significant role in the Comoros Islands, overseeing several coups and interventions. The involvement in these events garnered international attention and controversy regarding military and political methods employed.

Continue Reading

Louise Currie

American actress in classic horror films
Born
April 7th, 1913 112 years ago
Died
2013 12 years ago — 100 years old

An actress appeared in several films from the 1940s to the 1950s, specializing in the horror genre. Roles included prominent parts in movies such as 'The Ghost of Frankenstein' and 'The Phantom of 42nd Street'. Worked extensively with Monogram Pictures and participated in numerous theatrical productions.

Continue Reading

Jan van Roessel

Dutch footballer, FC Utrecht player
Born
April 7th, 1925 100 years ago
Died
June 3rd, 2011 14 years ago — 86 years old

Played as a forward in the top leagues of Dutch football. Had a significant tenure with FC Utrecht during the 1950s, contributing to the team's performances in league competitions. His career in football spanned several years where scoring goals and assisting teammates were key elements of his playstyle. The impact on the club included participation in multiple campaigns that helped shape its history during the period.

Continue Reading

R. G. Armstrong

American actor and playwright
Born
April 7th, 1917 108 years ago
Died
July 27th, 2012 13 years ago — 95 years old

A prominent figure in American theatre and film, this actor had a significant presence on both stage and screen. Work included roles in films such as 'The Great White Hope' and 'The Longest Yard', along with television appearances in series like 'The Twilight Zone' and 'Gunsmoke'. In addition to acting, also contributed as a playwright, showcasing talents in crafting narratives. Spanning a career that included performances across multiple genres, became recognized for versatility as an actor. Active in the industry for several decades, left a lasting imprint on both contemporary and classic theatrical productions.

Continue Reading