Commodus
Roman Emperor during the 2nd century
Became emperor in 180 AD, ruling until 192 AD. His reign is often marked by a focus on personal entertainment and gladiatorial contests. Shifted some governmental responsibilities to favorites and was known for his eccentricities. His rule led to considerable instability within the Roman Empire that followed his assassination. Commodus was also depicted as a gladiator, participating in games and contests to showcase his prowess.
Served as Roman Emperor from 180 to 192
Participated in gladiatorial games as a competitor
Other People Born on August 31st
BossMan Dlow
American rapper and songwriter
Born
August 31st, 1998 27 years ago
Emerging in the music scene, this American rapper gained prominence through a distinctive style and engaging performances. The debut mixtape released showcased a blend of hip-hop and contemporary beats, attracting a devoted following. Collaborations with other artists expanded reach within the genre, further establishing a presence in the rap community. Engaging online with fans and leveraging social media allowed for a fresh approach to music promotion. The vibrant persona and energetic style contributed to a unique brand in modern rap.
Continue ReadingRamon Magsaysay
Filipino politician and President
Born
August 31st, 1907 118 years ago
Died
March 17th, 1957 69 years ago — 49 years old
Served as the 7th President of the Philippines from 1953 until his death in 1957. Held a reputation for promoting social justice and integrity in government. Focused on improving the lives of the Filipino people through land reform and infrastructure development. Championed the cause of the common man and established programs aimed at alleviating poverty and fostering education.
Continue ReadingNicolás Tagliafico
Argentine footballer, Ajax defender
Born
August 31st, 1992 33 years ago
A professional footballer from Argentina, primarily played as a left-back. Started career in domestic leagues before moving to Europe, where performance attracted attention from major clubs. Achieved significant success with Ajax, participating in multiple domestic league titles and UEFA Champions League campaigns. Represented the Argentina national team in international tournaments.
Continue ReadingTyler Randell
Rugby league player, Melbourne Storm
Born
August 31st, 1992 33 years ago
This athlete played as a professional rugby league player, primarily for the Melbourne Storm in the National Rugby League (NRL). He made his debut in 2013 and contributed to the team's successes during his time. Randell was recognized for his skills on the field and his ability to play various positions, showcasing versatility in the sport. His career included participation in key matches, contributing to the team's performance in the league. He remained associated with the Melbourne Storm and became a part of their player roster during a competitive era in NRL history.
Continue ReadingAlex Harris
Scottish footballer for Livingston FC
Born
August 31st, 1994 31 years ago
Played as a winger for Livingston FC in the Scottish Professional Football League. Began a professional career in 2011, contributing to the team's success in various league campaigns. Known for speed and agility on the field, participated in key matches leading to important victories for the club during his tenure.
Continue ReadingGalusha A. Grow
American politician and House Speaker
Born
August 31st, 1823 202 years ago
Died
March 31st, 1907 119 years ago — 83 years old
Served as the 28th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives from 1861 to 1863. Represented Pennsylvania's 15th congressional district, focusing on legislative matters during the American Civil War. Advocated for the passage of key legislation including the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery. Contributed to significant debates and decisions shaping the nation's policies during a transformative period in American history.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on December 31st
Thomas Joannes Stieltjes
Mathematician known for Stieltjes integral
Born
December 29th, 1856 169 years ago
Died
December 31st, 1894 131 years ago — 38 years old
A mathematician with significant contributions to analysis and the theory of functions, Stieltjes worked extensively on integration and provided a generalization of the Riemann integral, now known as the Stieltjes integral. This framework facilitates the integration process for functions that are not easily handled by traditional methods. Additionally, his work on continued fractions helped advance the field of number theory. Stieltjes held academic positions in both his native Netherlands and France, influencing the study of mathematics in both countries.
Continue ReadingWoody Strode
American football player and actor
Born
July 25th, 1914 111 years ago
Died
December 31st, 1994 31 years ago — 80 years old
Played in the National Football League as a linebacker and later transitioned to acting. Starred in films such as "Spartacus" and "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance". Achieved recognition for both athletic and cinematic contributions. Strode's career in football began in the early 1940s, playing for teams including the Los Angeles Rams and the Calgary Stampeders in the Canadian Football League. His film career spanned several decades, often portraying strong supporting characters that reflected his athletic background.
Continue ReadingBill Idelson
Actor and writer for 'The Dick Van Dyke Show'
Born
1919 107 years ago
Died
December 31st, 2007 18 years ago — 88 years old
An American actor, producer, and screenwriter, contributed significantly to television in the mid-20th century. Played various roles on 'The Dick Van Dyke Show', gaining recognition for comedic talents. Worked as a writer for shows including 'The Monkees' and 'The Phil Silvers Show'. Later, produced and directed numerous television projects, showcasing versatility in the entertainment industry. In addition to acting, involved in off-screen endeavors that enhanced television production during a transformative period.
Continue ReadingRaymond Impanis
Belgian professional cyclist and racer
Born
1925 101 years ago
Died
December 31st, 2010 15 years ago — 85 years old
Achieved success as a professional cyclist, specializing in road racing during the mid-20th century. Competed in numerous prestigious events, including the Tour de France and won stage victories and national championships. His career spanned over 15 years, during which he demonstrated notable endurance and skill. After retirement, remained involved in cycling and contributed to the sport through various initiatives.
Continue ReadingEnrico Di Giuseppe
Tenor and Actor, starred in operas
Born
October 14th, 1932 93 years ago
Died
December 31st, 2005 20 years ago — 73 years old
An American tenor and actor gained recognition in the world of opera. Associated primarily with the Metropolitan Opera, he showcased vocal prowess in a variety of leading roles. Significant performances included roles in 'La Traviata' and 'Carmen.' His contributions to the operatic repertoire and stage presence distinguished his career, leading to appearances in notable productions across the United States.
Continue ReadingMichael Goldberg
American painter and educator
Born
1924 102 years ago
Died
December 31st, 2007 18 years ago — 83 years old
A prominent figure in the American art scene, this individual contributed significantly to the development of the New York School of painting. Active during the mid to late 20th century, a strong advocate for the relationship between art and education was established through teaching positions at various institutions. The works often featured abstract expressionism, characterized by vibrant colors and dynamic compositions. Exhibited at several notable galleries and museums, this artist became an influential voice in contemporary art discussions.
Continue Reading