Denny Hulme
Formula One driver and 1967 World Champion
A prominent race car driver from New Zealand, significant achievements occurred in Formula One during the 1960s and 1970s. Competed successfully with the Brabham team, securing the World Championship title in 1967, becoming the first New Zealander to win this honor. Additionally participated in various endurance races, including the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans, showcasing versatility and skill in motorsport. Later in career, transitioned to New Zealand touring car competitions, achieving notable victories.
Won the 1967 Formula One World Championship
Raced for the Brabham team
Other People Born on June 18th
Jackie Leven
Scottish singer-songwriter and guitarist
Born
June 18th, 1950 75 years ago
Died
November 14th, 2011 14 years ago — 61 years old
Born in Scotland, this singer-songwriter and guitarist gained recognition through a unique blend of folk and rock music. The early career involved performance with various bands, including the group 'Catherine Wheels'. In the 1990s, a successful solo career commenced, marked by poignant lyrics and distinctive guitar work. Multiple albums were released, with 'Forbidden Songs' standing out as a major work, showcasing personal and evocative storytelling. Live performances often included a blend of music and thoughtful anecdotes.
Continue ReadingHenry Clay Folger
Businessman and philanthropist, Folger Library
Born
June 18th, 1857 168 years ago
Died
1930 96 years ago — 73 years old
An American businessman and philanthropist, contributed significantly to the field of literature through the establishment of a notable library. Founded the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C., which houses the largest collection of William Shakespeare's works. The library opened to the public in 1932 and has served as a major center for research and education on Shakespeare and his time.
Continue ReadingAlexander Wetmore
Ornithologist; authored numerous studies
Born
June 18th, 1886 139 years ago
Died
December 7th, 1978 47 years ago — 92 years old
Contributed significant research in ornithology and paleontology. Served as the chief ornithologist of the U.S. Biological Survey. Worked at the Smithsonian Institution for over four decades, leading advancements in bird study and conservation. Authored several key publications, including comprehensive works on North American birds. His studies helped establish foundational knowledge in avian ecology. His work included critical assessments of migratory patterns, taxonomy, and habitat requirements.
Continue ReadingMiklós Horthy
Hungarian admiral and Regent of Hungary
Born
June 18th, 1868 157 years ago
Died
February 9th, 1957 68 years ago — 88 years old
Served as the Regent of Hungary from 1920 to 1944. Horthy was an admiral in the Austro-Hungarian Navy during World War I and played a significant role in the establishment of the interwar period in Hungary. His leadership was marked by the restoration of the monarchy without a king, as well as economic and political instability. Horthy aligned Hungary with the Axis Powers during World War II, which included the implementation of anti-Jewish laws. Following the war, he was captured by the Allies and exiled, living in Portugal until his death in 1957.
Continue ReadingE. W. Scripps
Publisher and founder of E. W. Scripps Company
Born
June 18th, 1854 171 years ago
Died
1926 100 years ago — 72 years old
Founded the E. W. Scripps Company, which became a major player in the newspaper industry. Established a chain of newspapers and was instrumental in the development of the modern newspaper model. Advocated for journalistic integrity and innovation in reporting. Played a significant role in the expansion of the media landscape in the United States.
Continue ReadingIvan Trubetskoy
Russian field marshal and politician
Born
June 18th, 1667 358 years ago
Died
January 16th, 1750 276 years ago — 82 years old
Field marshal and politician held significant positions in the Russian military and government. Played a critical role during the Northern War, contributing to military strategies and operations that helped secure Russian victories. Served as a senator and was involved in various political matters of the time. Participated in administrative reforms aimed at strengthening Russia's governance and military structure. His career reflected a combination of military leadership and political engagement.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on October 4th
Stefanos Stefanopoulos
Greek Prime Minister and politician
Born
July 3rd, 1898 127 years ago
Died
October 4th, 1982 43 years ago — 84 years old
Served as Prime Minister of Greece from 1945 to 1946. Played a significant role during the aftermath of World War II and the subsequent Greek Civil War, focusing on national reconciliation and recovery. Contributed to the rebuilding of political structures in Greece post-occupation. Participated in legislative reforms aimed at stabilizing the Greek government during a turbulent period.
Continue ReadingSarel Cilliers
South African preacher and activist
Born
September 7th, 1801 224 years ago
Died
October 4th, 1871 154 years ago — 70 years old
Born in 1801, this figure was a prominent preacher and activist in South Africa during the 19th century. An influential leader in the Boer community, he played a significant role in the establishment of the Voortrekker movement. Cilliers was a key figure in the Great Trek, where he advocated for the migration of Afrikaans-speaking settlers into the interior of South Africa, seeking to escape British rule. His sermons and writings often inspired the pioneers and provided a sense of purpose and direction during a tumultuous period in South African history. His legacy includes contributions to the cultural and religious identity of Afrikaners.
Continue ReadingJanis Joplin
Singer-songwriter with iconic voice
Born
January 19th, 1943 83 years ago
Died
October 4th, 1970 55 years ago — 27 years old
Born in Port Arthur, Texas, a prominent figure in the 1960s music scene emerged with a distinctive voice and emotional delivery. Rose to fame as the lead singer of Big Brother and the Holding Company, especially with the hit 'Piece of My Heart.' Pursued a solo career, releasing acclaimed albums including 'Cheap Thrills' and 'Pearl.' An influential performer, often associated with the counterculture movement, played an integral role in the Monterey Pop Festival and Woodstock. Joplin's life was marked by struggles with substance abuse, and she tragically died at a young age, leaving a lasting legacy in rock music.
Continue ReadingEmperor Kameyama of Japan
Emperor of Japan during the Kamakura period
Born
July 9th, 1249 776 years ago
Died
October 4th, 1305 720 years ago — 56 years old
Born in 1249, ascended to the throne in 1259 as the 90th emperor of Japan, ruling during the Kamakura period. His reign saw significant political strife and the rise of the Kamakura shogunate. Kameyama's reign ended in 1274 when he abdicated in favor of his son, though he continued to exert influence during the subsequent years. His tenure is marked by the ongoing conflict between the imperial court and the shogunate, reflecting the complex political landscape of the time. The emperor's later life was spent in relative obscurity until his death in 1305.
Continue ReadingGordon Cooper
Astronaut and Mercury-Atlas 9 pilot
Born
March 6th, 1927 98 years ago
Died
October 4th, 2004 21 years ago — 77 years old
An engineer, pilot, and astronaut, this individual played a significant role in the early years of human space exploration. Selected as a NASA astronaut in 1959, he flew in space during the Mercury and Gemini programs. The most notable mission was Mercury-Atlas 9, where he completed 22 orbits around Earth in 1963, making him one of the first Americans to achieve such a feat. This mission held the record for the longest manned spaceflight at the time. After leaving NASA, continued to contribute to the aerospace industry and inspired future generations in engineering and space exploration.
Continue ReadingMichael Smith
Biochemist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
April 26th, 1932 93 years ago
Died
October 4th, 2000 25 years ago — 68 years old
An English-Canadian biochemist and geneticist contributed significantly to the field of molecular biology. Worked primarily at the University of British Columbia, focusing on site-directed mutagenesis, a groundbreaking technique that allowed for precise modifications of DNA. This method provided insights into the function of genes and proteins, influencing genetic research widely. Received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1993 for advancements in the understanding of DNA, making major strides in genetic engineering and biotechnology.
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