Desmond Doss
Combat medic and Medal of Honor recipient
Served as a combat medic during World War II without carrying a weapon due to religious beliefs. Demonstrated exceptional bravery during the Battle of Hacksaw Ridge, rescuing numerous soldiers under heavy fire. Received the Medal of Honor in 1945 for valor and heroism in combat. His life inspired the 2016 film 'Hacksaw Ridge', which depicted his experiences.
Received the Medal of Honor
Saved 75 soldiers during the Battle of Hacksaw Ridge
Other People Born on February 7th
Lee Ok-sung
South Korean boxer, world champion titleholder
Born
February 7th, 1981 44 years ago
Competed professionally in boxing, securing the WBC minimum weight title. Achieved a significant career milestone by defending the championship successfully and gaining recognition in the sport. Participated in various notable matches that contributed to a prominent career in boxing. Retired with a record representing a mix of victories and losses.
Continue ReadingHeidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper
NASA astronaut and naval officer
Born
February 7th, 1963 62 years ago
Served as a naval officer in the United States Navy. Became a NASA astronaut and participated in two Space Shuttle missions. Contributed to the assembly and maintenance of the International Space Station during spacewalks and managed critical repairs. Engaged in extensive training and public outreach programs related to space exploration.
Continue ReadingTrey Hardee
American decathlete and world champion
Born
February 7th, 1984 41 years ago
Competed in the decathlon, achieving notable success on the international stage. Won the gold medal at the 2009 World Championships in Athletics, setting a personal best of 8,790 points. Participated in the Olympic Games, competing in 2008 and 2012. Established a reputation for athletic versatility and strength across multiple track and field events.
Continue ReadingEarl King
American blues guitarist and songwriter
Born
February 7th, 1934 91 years ago
Died
April 17th, 2003 22 years ago — 69 years old
Originated in New Orleans, a prominent musician in the blues genre, contributed significantly to the evolution of the music style. Worked as a guitarist and bandleader, influencing many artists. Produced several albums and collaborated with key figures in the industry. Wrote many songs that became classics in the blues repertoire, showcasing a unique blend of New Orleans rhythms and deep lyrical themes.
Continue ReadingTina Majorino
Actress known for 'Napoleon Dynamite'
Born
February 7th, 1985 40 years ago
Majorino began acting as a child and gained recognition for her role in 'Napoleon Dynamite' as the character Deb. She also starred in the television series 'Veronica Mars', where she played the role of Mac. Over the years, Majorino participated in various films and television projects, maintaining a consistent presence in the entertainment industry since her early career.
Continue ReadingAlan Lancaster
Bass Player and Songwriter for Status Quo
Born
February 7th, 1949 76 years ago
Died
2022 3 years ago — 73 years old
Born in England and later based in Australia, a prominent bass player and songwriter contributed significantly to the rock band Status Quo. The band became notable for its distinctive sound and energetic performances. Gained recognition through numerous chart-topping hits and enduring popularity, especially during the 1970s and 1980s. Participated in many successful albums and tours, solidifying the band’s legacy in rock music. Continues to be remembered for the musical contributions made during an influential era in rock history.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on March 23rd
Dave Brockie
Singer-songwriter and bass player
Born
August 30th, 1963 62 years ago
Died
March 23rd, 2014 11 years ago — 50 years old
A Canadian-American musician gained prominence as the lead vocalist and bass player for the heavy metal band GWAR. Founded in 1984, the band combined theatrical stage performances with heavy metal music, creating a unique brand of shock rock. GWAR became known for their elaborate costumes and satirical lyrics, often addressing political and social themes. The band's albums, such as 'Scumdogs of the Universe' and 'America Must Be Destroyed', solidified their status in the metal genre. Brockie's stage persona, Oderus Urungus, became iconic in the music scene.
Continue ReadingJim Duffy
Animator, director, and producer of films
Born
1937 88 years ago
Died
March 23rd, 2012 13 years ago — 75 years old
An American animator, director, and producer, focused primarily on animated shorts and television series. Directed episodes of the animated series DuckTales and provided production work for various Disney projects. Worked on numerous animated films through his career, contributing to the art of animation and storytelling.
Continue ReadingMiroslava Breach
Investigative Journalist and Reporter
Born
1962 63 years ago
Died
March 23rd, 2017 8 years ago — 55 years old
An investigative journalist from Mexico specialized in drug trafficking and organized crime. Breach worked for multiple publications, including the newspaper, La Jornada. Focused on issues impacting the Mexican border region, she reported on violence and corruption linked to the drug wars. Breach received recognition for her courage in facing threats while covering sensitive issues. Tragically, her career was cut short when she was murdered in 2017, highlighting the dangers faced by journalists in Mexico.
Continue ReadingRobert Laxalt
Author of 'The Man Who Sold the World'
Born
September 25th, 1923 102 years ago
Died
March 23rd, 2001 24 years ago — 77 years old
An American author focused on themes related to the culture and landscape of the American West, particularly Nevada. Wrote several novels and works of nonfiction, drawing from personal experiences and heritage. Contributed significantly to the representation of Basque culture in literature. His literary career included a mix of historical and contemporary subjects, revealing insights into the lives of his characters and their environments.
Continue ReadingKen Howard
American actor and award-winning performer
Born
March 28th, 1944 81 years ago
Died
March 23rd, 2016 9 years ago — 71 years old
An American actor who gained prominence for a career spanning several decades in film, television, and theater. Best recognized for the role of Coach Ken Reeves in the television series "The White Shadow." Received a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for the Broadway production of "Child's Play". Served as president of the Screen Actors Guild from 2009 to 2011, advocating for the rights of performers. In addition to television and stage work, appeared in films including "Caprice" and "The Descendants."
Continue ReadingAdolfo Suárez
Spanish lawyer and first Prime Minister
Born
September 25th, 1932 93 years ago
Died
March 23rd, 2014 11 years ago — 81 years old
A significant figure in Spanish politics, served as the first Prime Minister of Spain after the dictatorship of Francisco Franco. Took office in 1976 and played a critical role in transitioning the country to democracy. Oversaw the drafting of the 1978 Spanish Constitution, which established a parliamentary monarchy. Resigned in 1981 amid political challenges but remained influential in Spanish political life.
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