Dixy Lee Ray

American biologist and politician

Dixy Lee Ray - American biologist and politician
Born

September 3rd, 1914
110 years ago

Died

January 2nd, 1994
31 years ago — 79 years old

Category

Leaders & Politicians

Country

United States

Links & References

Served as the 17th Governor of Washington from 1977 to 1981. Contributed significantly to the field of marine biology and environmental policy. Held the position of Chair of the Atomic Energy Commission, influencing nuclear energy discussions. Advocated for scientific research and education throughout her career.

Served as Governor of Washington from 1977 to 1981

Chair of the Atomic Energy Commission

Authored the book 'Environmental Politics'

Other People Born on September 3rd

James Joseph Sylvester

English mathematician and academic
Born
September 3rd, 1814 210 years ago
Died
March 15th, 1897 127 years ago — 82 years old

A mathematician and academic, contributions included significant work in matrix theory, invariant theory, and group theory. Held a professorship at the University of Oxford and later at Johns Hopkins University. Sylvester was instrumental in establishing the field of matrix algebra and made substantial contributions to number theory. He founded the American Journal of Mathematics and has a lasting legacy in mathematics education.

Continue Reading

Garrett Hedlund

American actor in 'Tron: Legacy'
Born
September 3rd, 1984 40 years ago

Born in 1984, this actor gained prominence through roles in films including 'Friday Night Lights' and 'Tron: Legacy'. A role in 'Mudbound' garnered critical acclaim and a nomination for a Screen Actors Guild Award. The actor also starred in 'On the Road', based on the novel by Jack Kerouac, showcasing a range of dramatic abilities. In addition, contributions to music have been made through performances in film soundtracks. The actor has collaborated with various directors and participated in significant film festivals.

Continue Reading

Fred Hawkins

American golfer with professional titles
Born
September 3rd, 1923 101 years ago
Died
December 6th, 2014 10 years ago — 91 years old

A professional golfer with a career spanning several decades, achieved considerable success on the PGA Tour. Major championship participation included the Masters Tournament and the U.S. Open, where strong performances were recorded. Inducted into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame for contributions to the sport. Also, played on the Senior PGA Tour in later years, further showcasing competitive prowess in golf.

Continue Reading

Charles Tatham

American fencer and Olympic medalist
Born
September 3rd, 1854 170 years ago
Died
September 24th, 1939 85 years ago — 85 years old

Competed in fencing events during the late 19th century. Achieved notable success at the 1900 Summer Olympics in Paris, where this athlete won a silver medal in the men's foil event. Involved in the development of fencing as a sport in the United States, contributing to its popularity and organization during this era. Additionally participated in various national fencing competitions, establishing a legacy within the sport that influenced future generations.

Continue Reading

Kiran Desai

Author of 'The Inheritance of Loss'
Born
September 3rd, 1971 53 years ago

An Indian-American author gained recognition for the novel 'The Inheritance of Loss', which won the Booker Prize in 2006. The narrative explores themes of immigration, cultural identity, and the effects of globalization. Desai's work often reflects personal experiences and the complexities of belonging to two cultures. Other significant works include 'Hullabaloo in the Guava Orchard' and 'The Inheritance of Loss', which was both critically acclaimed and popular among readers. Desai has received several literary awards throughout her career, affirming her position in contemporary literature.

Continue Reading

Alison Lurie

Author and academic known for 'Foreign Affairs'
Born
September 3rd, 1926 98 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 94 years old

An American author and academic, distinguished in the fields of literature and education. Authored several acclaimed novels and scholarly works, with a significant contribution to the understanding of contemporary American culture and society. 'Foreign Affairs' won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1985, showcasing the complexities of love and relationships among intellectuals. As a professor, offered insights into literature, particularly in the realm of modern fiction, impacting generations of students. Engaged in writing criticism and essays, further illustrating themes of social observation and human behavior.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on January 2nd

David R. Ross

Scottish historian and author
Born
February 28th, 1958 67 years ago
Died
January 2nd, 2010 15 years ago — 51 years old

Specialized in Scottish history and culture, produced significant works that contributed to the understanding of Scotland's past. Focused on various historical events and figures, providing deep insight into the social and political landscapes of Scotland. Authored several influential texts that remain relevant in historical studies.

Continue Reading

Erroll Garner

Jazz pianist and composer, 'Misty'
Born
June 15th, 1921 103 years ago
Died
January 2nd, 1977 48 years ago — 55 years old

A prominent jazz pianist and composer, recognized for his unique style and contributions to the jazz genre. Garner's career began in the 1920s, and he gained acclaim for his virtuosic piano skills and distinctive approach to improvisation. His most celebrated composition, 'Misty', became a jazz standard and was featured in numerous recordings by various artists. Garner also performed extensively in clubs and concert halls, captivating audiences with his dynamic performances. The album 'Concert by the Sea', recorded in 1955, remains one of his most significant works, showcasing his talent and artistry in a live setting.

Continue Reading

Daryl Dragon

Musician and member of The Captain & Tennille
Born
August 27th, 1942 82 years ago
Died
January 2nd, 2019 6 years ago — 76 years old

An American musician gained fame as one half of the pop duo The Captain & Tennille. The duo's biggest hit, "Love Will Keep Us Together," topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1975, earning a Grammy Award for Record of the Year. Dragon, often referred to as 'The Captain,' played keyboard and arranged music, contributing to the duo's unique sound which blended pop and soft rock elements. The duo had several other successful singles and albums throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Their music was characterized by catchy melodies and harmonies, appealing to a wide audience during their peak years.

Continue Reading

Gordon Hirabayashi

Sociologist and academic on Japanese American internment
Born
1918 107 years ago
Died
January 2nd, 2012 13 years ago — 94 years old

Contributed to the field of sociology with a focus on civil rights and the experiences of Japanese Americans during World War II. Conducted significant research on the internment of Japanese Americans and the impact it had on their identity and culture. Actively engaged in academic discussions and wrote extensively on issues related to social justice and discrimination. Hirabayashi's legal case regarding his refusal to comply with internment orders reached the U.S. Supreme Court, challenging the constitutionality of the internment policy.

Continue Reading

Léon Flameng

French professional road cyclist
Born
April 30th, 1877 147 years ago
Died
January 2nd, 1917 108 years ago — 39 years old

A French professional road cyclist participated in several prominent races during the late 19th century and early 20th century. Acclaimed for outstanding performances in competitive cycling, he achieved significant recognition in the Paris-Roubaix and Paris-Brussels races. Flameng was involved in the development of racing strategies and contributed to the popularity of cycling as a sport in France. His career spanned multiple successful seasons, laying a foundation for future generations of cyclists.

Continue Reading

Siad Barre

Somali General and 3rd President
Born
1919 106 years ago
Died
January 2nd, 1995 30 years ago — 76 years old

Served as the third President of Somalia from 1969 to 1991, overseeing the country's transition to a socialist state. Established a one-party system under the Somali Revolutionary Socialist Party. Implemented nationalization of key resources and military expansion. Contributed to the Ogaden War against Ethiopia from 1977 to 1978, which initially resulted in territorial gains before military setbacks. The regime faced growing opposition in the late 1980s, leading to civil war and ultimately the loss of power in 1991. Exiled and lived in Nigeria until death in 1995.

Continue Reading