Dale Earnhardt
NASCAR driver and seven-time champion
Born
Died
Category
Athletes & Sports Figures
Country
United States
Links & References
Achievements included winning the NASCAR Cup Series Championship seven times, tying for the most in the sport's history. Earnhardt drove for Richard Childress Racing, earning a reputation as a fierce competitor. Major victories included the Daytona 500 in 1998. His career spanned from 1975 until his death in 2001, greatly influencing the sport's popularity.
Won seven NASCAR Cup Series Championships
Triumphed in the 1998 Daytona 500
Other People Born on April 29th
Henri Poincaré
Mathematician and physicist, celestial mechanics
Born
April 29th, 1854 171 years ago
Died
July 17th, 1912 113 years ago — 58 years old
Contributions covered various areas including topology, dynamical systems, and celestial mechanics. Developed the qualitative theory of differential equations and made significant advancements in the field of mathematical physics. Contributed to the foundations of topology through work that explored the properties of geometrical figures under continuous transformations. Proposed the Poincaré conjecture, a fundamental problem in topology. Worked extensively on the three-body problem in celestial mechanics and formulated the Poincaré recurrence theorem, which has implications in statistical mechanics and chaos theory.
Continue ReadingInfanta Sofía of Spain
Spanish princess and royal family member
Born
April 29th, 2007 18 years ago
Born into the Spanish royal family, an heiress to the throne, has participated in various official events and royal engagements. Recently involved in various charitable initiatives, representing the royal family at social functions and ceremonies. Engaged in educational pursuits and public appearances, reflecting royal duties as part of the monarchy.
Continue ReadingAlexander II of Russia
Russian Emperor, Emancipated the Serfs
Born
April 29th, 1818 207 years ago
Died
March 13th, 1881 144 years ago — 62 years old
Ruled as Emperor of Russia from 1855 until assassination in 1881. Implemented significant reforms including the emancipation of serfs in 1861, which freed millions from bondage and aimed to modernize Russia. Introduced judicial reforms that established a more equitable legal system. Started the process of military reform, which improved discipline and organization within the army. Promoted education and public health initiatives during reign.
Continue ReadingMichael Heidelberger
Immunologist and pioneer of immunology
Born
April 29th, 1888 137 years ago
Died
1991 34 years ago — 103 years old
An American immunologist contributed significantly to the understanding of antibodies and their role in the immune response. Heidelberger studied under prominent figures in the field and advanced methods for studying immune responses to polysaccharide antigens. He developed a seminal theory on the structure of antibodies, which paved the way for future research in immunology. His efforts led to breakthroughs in vaccines and diagnostic tests. Heidelberger's work has been foundational in immunological research and education.
Continue ReadingCarl Millöcker
Austrian composer of operettas
Born
April 29th, 1842 183 years ago
Died
1899 126 years ago — 57 years old
Born in 1842, an Austrian composer and conductor specialized in operettas. His most celebrated works include 'Der Bettelstudent' and 'Die Dubarry', which garnered significant popularity in the operatic repertoire of the 19th century. Millöcker's compositions often showcased rich melodies and lively orchestration, contributing to the operetta genre's evolution during his era. He also conducted various performances of his works, influencing the musical scene in Vienna and beyond.
Continue ReadingParren Mitchell
American politician and civil rights advocate
Born
April 29th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
2007 18 years ago — 85 years old
Served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1971 to 1987, representing Maryland's 7th congressional district. Advocated for civil rights and economic opportunities for African Americans during a time of significant social change. Played a role in various legislative efforts aimed at improving conditions for minorities and underprivileged communities. Contributed to housing policies and programs during tenure, addressing urban issues and focusing on equal opportunities. Worked as the first African American elected to the Maryland State Legislature prior to congressional career.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on February 18th
Paquita la del Barrio
Mexican singer-songwriter and activist
Born
April 2nd, 1947 78 years ago
Died
February 18th, 2025 0 years ago — 77 years old
Born in Mexico, a prominent singer-songwriter emerged in the ranchera music genre. Notable for a bold style, often addressing themes of female empowerment and social issues, lyrics challenged traditional gender roles. Achievements include numerous albums and performances that resonated with audiences across generations. Alongside a successful music career, involvement in activism highlighted the rights and dignity of women, further elevating her cultural significance.
Continue ReadingAlbert II
Duke of Mecklenburg and ruler
Born
March 14th, 1958 67 years ago
Died
February 18th, 1379 646 years ago — -580 years old
Served as the Duke of Mecklenburg, leading the principality during a significant period of political and territorial development. His reign contributed to the consolidation of power within the region. Engaged in various military campaigns, he aimed to expand the influence and territory of Mecklenburg. The leadership style and decisions made during this time were critical in shaping the future of the principality and its governance structures. The legacy included establishing alliances and navigating the complex feudal landscape of the time.
Continue ReadingMartin Luther
Theologian and leader of Reformation
Born
November 10th, 1483 542 years ago
Died
February 18th, 1546 479 years ago — 62 years old
A German priest and theologian, this figure initiated the Protestant Reformation in the early 16th century. The posting of the Ninety-Five Theses in 1517 challenged the Catholic Church's practices, particularly the sale of indulgences. The actions spurred theological debates and led to the formation of new Christian denominations. This individual's teachings emphasized salvation through faith alone and the authority of Scripture over Church traditions.
Continue ReadingKristijonas Donelaitis
Lithuanian poet and pastor known for 'Metai'
Born
January 1st, 1714 311 years ago
Died
February 18th, 1780 245 years ago — 66 years old
A prominent figure in Lithuanian literature, made significant contributions as a poet and pastor. Most noted for the narrative poem 'Metai' ('The Seasons'), which reflects rural life and Lithuanian traditions. The work is considered a classic of Lithuanian literature and is one of the first written Lithuanian poems, showcasing the language and culture of the time.
Continue ReadingJohann Wilhelm Ludwig Gleim
German poet and educator, wrote Lyric poetry
Born
April 2nd, 1719 306 years ago
Died
February 18th, 1803 222 years ago — 83 years old
A prominent figure in German literature, contributed significantly to the lyrical poetry genre. Educated in the field of philology, dedicated time as both a poet and educator, fostering literary culture in Germany. Published multiple volumes of poetry, with an emphasis on themes of nature and personal reflection. Established connections with contemporaries, such as Lessing and Klopstock, which enriched the literary discourse of the time.
Continue ReadingCarl Gustav Jacob Jacobi
Mathematician and academic known for elliptic functions
Born
December 10th, 1804 221 years ago
Died
February 18th, 1851 174 years ago — 46 years old
Carl Gustav Jacob Jacobi contributed significantly to the field of mathematics, particularly in the development of elliptic functions and determinants. Appointed to the University of Königsberg, he made substantial advancements in the theory of functions, including transformations and applications of elliptic integrals. Jacobi also studied and articulated various mathematical theories, earning recognition for his contributions to differential equations and mechanics. His work laid the groundwork for future mathematicians exploring complex analysis and algebra.
Continue Reading