Don Getty
Canadian football player and politician
Played quarterback in Canadian football for the Edmonton Eskimos and earned the Grey Cup championship in 1954. Served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in Alberta from 1971 to 1993. Became the 11th Premier of Alberta from 1985 to 1992, overseeing various economic policies and political changes during his tenure. Contributed to public service after leaving politics, maintaining involvement in community initiatives.
Played quarterback for the Edmonton Eskimos
Won the Grey Cup in 1954
Served as Alberta's 11th Premier from 1985 to 1992
Other People Born on August 30th
Ernests Gulbis
Latvian Tennis Player and French Open Quarterfinalist
Born
August 30th, 1988 37 years ago
A professional tennis player from Latvia, achieved a career-high ATP singles ranking of World No. 10 in 2014. Competed at a variety of Grand Slam tournaments, reaching the quarterfinals of the French Open in 2014. Played for the Latvian national team in the Davis Cup and represented Latvia in international competitions. Known for a powerful serve and aggressive play style, contributed to the visibility of Latvian tennis on the world stage.
Continue ReadingFélix Sánchez
Runner and Olympic Gold Medalist
Born
August 30th, 1977 48 years ago
This individual competed in track and field, specializing in the 400m hurdles. Achieved significant success in international competitions, including the Olympic Games. Secured two gold medals in the 400m hurdles at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics, representing the Dominican Republic. Dominated at the Pan American Games and garnered multiple gold medals throughout the career in this discipline.
Continue ReadingSeriki Audu
Nigerian footballer with notable club career
Born
August 30th, 1991 34 years ago
Died
2014 12 years ago — 23 years old
Born on August 30, 1991, a Nigerian footballer played as a defender. Initiated a professional career in the Nigeria Professional Football League before moving to international clubs. Particularly associated with teams in the lower divisions of European football. Contributed significantly to team defense, showcasing skills in positioning and tackling. Played essential matches that led teams to promotion and improved rankings.
Continue ReadingRaúl Castillo
American actor known for 'Looking'
Born
August 30th, 1977 48 years ago
This actor achieved recognition for performances in television and film. Gained prominence through the HBO series 'Looking', which depicted the lives of gay men in San Francisco. Starred in the film 'Atypical' and had a role in 'The Last Black Man in San Francisco'. Participated in various theater productions, showcasing versatility in acting.
Continue ReadingMarlon Byrd
Baseball player, 2010 All-Star
Born
August 30th, 1977 48 years ago
Played Major League Baseball from 2003 to 2015. Teams included the Philadelphia Phillies, Washington Nationals, and Chicago Cubs. Achieved an All-Star selection in 2010 while with the Cubs. Recorded over 1,000 hits in his career and showcased a strong defensive presence in the outfield.
Continue ReadingDaryl Gates
American police officer, D.A.R.E. Program
Born
August 30th, 1926 99 years ago
Died
April 16th, 2010 16 years ago — 83 years old
A police officer with a long tenure in law enforcement developed a widely adopted drug prevention program aimed at school-aged children. This program focused on educating youth about the dangers of drug use and was designed to foster resistance to peer pressure regarding drugs. Served as the Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department from 1978 to 1992, leading the department during significant events and policy changes. After retirement, continued to engage in discussions about policing and drug-related issues.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on February 26th
Sorel Etrog
Sculptor known for 'The Scream'
Born
August 29th, 1933 92 years ago
Died
February 26th, 2014 12 years ago — 80 years old
A Romanian-Canadian sculptor, painter, and illustrator, became prominent in the art world through unique abstract works that combined influences from both European and Canadian artistry. Developed a distinct style characterized by organic forms and vibrant colors, merging sculpture, painting, and drawing. Contributed significantly to public art, with several large-scale installations prominently displayed across Canada. His work embodies a fusion of cultural elements and artistic movements, attracting both national and international recognition.
Continue ReadingJoseph Wapner
Television Judge on The People's Court
Born
November 15th, 1919 106 years ago
Died
February 26th, 2017 9 years ago — 97 years old
Served as a judge in the Los Angeles County Superior Court and later became a television personality. Gained recognition as the presiding judge on the reality courtroom series 'The People's Court', which premiered in 1981 and popularized the genre of court shows. Wapner's rigorous but fair adjudication style contributed to the show's success and longevity. His contributions to the legal and television fields made him a well-recognized figure in American popular culture.
Continue ReadingMarie-Claire Alain
Organist and educator, notable for recordings
Born
August 10th, 1926 99 years ago
Died
February 26th, 2013 13 years ago — 86 years old
A prominent organist and educator, contributed significantly to the field of organ music. Taught at the Conservatoire de Paris and published several educational works. Made numerous recordings, showcasing both classical pieces and contemporary works. Participated in international competitions as a juror and awarded multiple accolades for excellence in musicianship.
Continue ReadingWendy Richard
English actress known for EastEnders
Born
July 20th, 1943 82 years ago
Died
February 26th, 2009 17 years ago — 65 years old
An English actress achieved fame for portraying Pauline Fowler in the BBC soap opera EastEnders from 1985 to 2006. Initially trained at the Arts Educational Schools, participated in various stage productions before transitioning to television. Appeared in the sitcom Are You Being Served? as Miss Brahms, showcasing comedic talent. Throughout the career, involved in numerous other television projects, cementing a legacy as an enduring figure in British popular culture.
Continue ReadingSheppard Frere
Historian and archaeologist specializing in Roman Britain
Born
1916 110 years ago
Died
February 26th, 2015 11 years ago — 99 years old
Contributed significantly to the understanding of Roman Britain through historical and archaeological research. Published works include influential texts on Roman and post-Roman landscapes, which provided insights into urban development and archaeological methodologies. Served as the director of excavations at significant sites, enhancing the body of knowledge regarding Roman monuments and settlements in Britain. Influenced both academic and public perspectives on the historical significance of Roman heritage in England.
Continue ReadingMary Whiton Calkins
Philosopher and psychologist, first female president of the APA
Born
1863 163 years ago
Died
February 26th, 1930 96 years ago — 67 years old
Contributions to psychology included work on self-psychology and memory. Established a laboratory at Wellesley College, becoming the first woman president of the American Psychological Association in 1905. Calkins developed paired-association technique to explore memory processes. Published numerous papers and books on the relationship between psychology and philosophy.
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