David McLetchie
Scottish lawyer and politician, former MSP
Served as a Member of the Scottish Parliament for Lothians from 1999 to 2003. Held the position of leader of the Scottish Conservative Party from 2002 to 2005, contributing to key party strategies during a significant period in Scottish politics. Engaged in legal practice and politics throughout a career marked by commitment to public service and party leadership. Actively involved in various parliamentary committees and maintained a focus on legal and constitutional matters.
Led the Scottish Conservative Party from 2002 to 2005
Served as Member of Scottish Parliament for Lothians
Other People Born on August 6th
Diána Póth
Hungarian figure skater, Olympic competitor
Born
August 6th, 1981 44 years ago
Competed in figure skating representing Hungary. Participated in various international championships and earned titles during her career. Demonstrated skills in singles and pair skating, showcasing technical proficiency and artistry on the ice. Was a member of the Hungarian national team, contributing to the sport's presence in Hungary.
Continue ReadingHoward Hodgkin
British painter celebrated for abstract art
Born
August 6th, 1932 93 years ago
Died
March 9th, 2017 8 years ago — 84 years old
A prominent British painter, contributions spanned several decades, focusing primarily on abstract art. Influenced by his travels and personal experiences, utilized color and form to express different emotions and ideas. Developed a signature style characterized by vibrant colors and bold brush strokes. Received numerous accolades throughout a distinguished career, including the Turner Prize in 1985. Appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1992 for services to the arts.
Continue ReadingWilmer Flores
Venezuelan baseball player with the Giants
Born
August 6th, 1991 34 years ago
Professional baseball player from Venezuela. Debuted in Major League Baseball in 2013 with the New York Mets. Achieved notable success with the San Francisco Giants after signing in 2020. Primarily played as an infielder. Recognized for consistent performance and versatility in the infield positions. Participated in various seasons contributing significantly to team efforts.
Continue ReadingRebeka Masarova
Tennis player with Grand Slam success
Born
August 6th, 1999 26 years ago
A Spanish-Swiss tennis player, achieved significant success in junior competitions. Won the girls' singles title at the 2016 French Open, marking a notable highlight in a promising career. Transitioned to professional tours and competed in various WTA events. Gained recognition for powerful groundstrokes and strong competitive spirit. Has participated in several Grand Slam tournaments, showcasing talent on an international stage.
Continue ReadingEmperor Go-Toba
Emperor of Japan and poet
Born
August 6th, 1180 845 years ago
Died
March 28th, 1239 786 years ago — 58 years old
Emperor Go-Toba reigned over Japan during the late Heian period and early Kamakura period. Ascending to the throne in 1183, his reign was marked by political strife and the rise of the warrior class. Go-Toba witnessed the establishment of the Kamakura shogunate, which led to a significant shift of power away from the imperial court. He was an accomplished poet and patron of the arts, contributing to the flourishing of Japanese poetry during his time. Go-Toba also attempted to regain imperial power through various political maneuvers but faced resistance from the shogunate. After his abdication in 1198, he continued to influence the court and the arts until his death in 1239.
Continue ReadingLeo Carrillo
American actor and voice artist
Born
August 6th, 1881 144 years ago
Died
September 10th, 1961 64 years ago — 80 years old
Active in the early to mid-20th century, this actor gained prominence for roles in film and television. Appeared in the 1950s television series 'The Cisco Kid,' portraying the character Pancho. Worked in multiple genres, including Westerns, and lent his voice to animated projects, contributing to the cultural landscape of the era.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on August 12th
Les Paul
Guitar innovator and pioneer of multi-tracking
Born
June 9th, 1915 110 years ago
Died
August 12th, 2009 16 years ago — 94 years old
A highly influential guitarist and songwriter, contributed significantly to the development of electric guitar technology and recording techniques. Pioneered the use of overdubbing and multi-track recording, which transformed music production. Collaborated with numerous artists and released several successful albums throughout a lengthy career. Popularized the solid-body electric guitar, which became a staple in rock music. His innovative spirit and technical expertise left a lasting legacy in both the music industry and guitar design.
Continue ReadingPhilippe de Champaigne
Dutch-French painter, religious works
Born
May 26th, 1602 423 years ago
Died
August 12th, 1674 351 years ago — 72 years old
Born in 1602, this artist became prominent in the Baroque style, particularly in religious paintings. The artist created numerous altarpieces and portraits for churches and nobility. A significant contribution to the genre included the depiction of saints and biblical scenes, characterized by dramatic lighting and vivid detail. The artist's works had a substantial influence on the visual arts of the period, merging realism with spiritual themes.
Continue ReadingBill Yeoman
College football coach and player
Born
1927 99 years ago
Died
August 12th, 2020 5 years ago — 93 years old
Contributed to college football as a player and coach. Played as a quarterback at the University of Houston. Served as the head coach for the University of Houston from 1962 to 1986, where contributed to the team's rise in the sport. Developed the veer offense, influencing football tactics in the college game. Achieved notable success including multiple conference championships and bowl game appearances during tenure.
Continue ReadingVictor Ambartsumian
Astrophysicist and astronomer
Born
September 18th, 1908 117 years ago
Died
August 12th, 1996 29 years ago — 87 years old
An influential astrophysicist and astronomer contributed significantly to the development of the field of astrophysics. Founded an astronomical research institute in Armenia and held the directorship of the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory. Worked extensively on stellar structure and evolution, including the theory of stellar formation. Played a critical role in promoting science and education in the Soviet Union.
Continue ReadingMike O'Neill
Baseball manager and player for the St. Louis Cardinals
Born
October 5th, 1877 148 years ago
Died
August 12th, 1959 66 years ago — 81 years old
An Irish-American baseball player and manager, he played as an outfielder and had a significant career in Major League Baseball. O'Neill played for teams including the St. Louis Cardinals and the Philadelphia Phillies. Following his playing career, he transitioned into management, leading several teams, particularly in minor league baseball. His tenure in baseball spanned over a decade, during which he earned respect for his strategic approach to the game.
Continue ReadingHenry Fonda
American actor in classic films
Born
May 16th, 1905 120 years ago
Died
August 12th, 1982 43 years ago — 77 years old
An influential American actor whose career spanned over five decades. Became prominent in the 1930s and gained recognition for performances in films such as 'The Grapes of Wrath', '12 Angry Men', and 'On Golden Pond'. Fonda's work earned him accolades and cemented a legacy in Hollywood. He was also a recipient of the Academy Award for Best Actor for 'On Golden Pond'.
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