Elie Wiesel
Holocaust survivor and human rights activist
Survived the Holocaust and documented the experience in literature. Authored the memoir 'Night', which recounts experiences in Nazi concentration camps. Became a prominent advocate for human rights and spoke out against oppression worldwide. Founded the Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity, focusing on education and promoting understanding between people.
Authored 'Night', a memoir about the Holocaust
Received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1986
Advocated for human rights around the world
Other People Born on September 30th
Ellis H. Roberts
Journalist and U.S. Treasurer
Born
September 30th, 1827 198 years ago
Died
January 8th, 1918 108 years ago — 90 years old
Worked as a journalist and served as the 20th Treasurer of the United States from 1893 to 1895. Involved in various political activities and held several public office positions throughout a career in both journalism and politics. Contributed to major publications and was active in the financial oversight of the nation during a transformative period in American history.
Continue ReadingEhud Olmert
Israeli politician and former Prime Minister
Born
September 30th, 1945 80 years ago
Served as the 12th Prime Minister of Israel from 2006 to 2009. Before that, held various positions in government, including Mayor of Jerusalem and a member of the Knesset. Played a significant role in the peace process, initiating negotiations with Palestinian leaders. Following his premiership, faced legal challenges and served time in prison for bribery and corruption charges.
Continue ReadingJoffrey Lauvergne
French basketball player, NBA performer
Born
September 30th, 1991 34 years ago
Competed in professional basketball primarily as a power forward. Played for teams including the Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs, and the Indiana Pacers in the NBA. Established a career in European leagues prior to joining the NBA, particularly known for his tenure with ASVEL Basket in France. Represented the French national team in international competitions.
Continue ReadingJimmy Johnstone
Scottish footballer and Celtic legend
Born
September 30th, 1944 81 years ago
Died
March 13th, 2006 20 years ago — 61 years old
A prominent Scottish footballer played for Celtic from 1961 to 1975. During his time with the team, became a key figure in the club's history, contributing to multiple domestic and European successes. Johnstone was known for exceptional dribbling skills and creativity on the field. He played an integral role in Celtic's triumph in the 1967 European Cup, helping the team to become the first British club to win the title. Following his successful career at Celtic, he also played for the San Jose Earthquakes in the North American Soccer League. Johnstone's legacy in Scottish football remains influential, celebrated by fans for his dedication and talent.
Continue ReadingJohn Russell
English Politician, 4th Duke of Bedford
Born
September 30th, 1710 315 years ago
Died
January 5th, 1771 255 years ago — 60 years old
Served as the 4th Duke of Bedford and held the position of Secretary of State for the Southern Department during the 18th century. Engaged in various political affairs and contributed to governmental decisions in England. Participated in discussions and policies that shaped the political landscape of the time.
Continue ReadingEric Piatkowski
Basketball player, Chicago Bulls
Born
September 30th, 1970 55 years ago
Played professional basketball in the NBA from 1994 to 2005. Spent significant time with the Chicago Bulls and the San Antonio Spurs. Contributed to teams known for their competitiveness during the 1990s. Known for his shooting ability and versatility on the court.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on July 2nd
Peanuts Lowrey
Baseball player, coach, and manager
Born
August 27th, 1917 108 years ago
Died
July 2nd, 1986 39 years ago — 68 years old
Played Major League Baseball as an outfielder from 1942 to 1952 for the Chicago Cubs, New York Giants, and St. Louis Cardinals. Transitioned to coaching and managing in the minor leagues after concluding playing career. Managed various teams including the Triple-A Oklahoma City 89ers and held coaching roles in the majors with teams like the Chicago White Sox.
Continue ReadingJoseph Fielding Smith
Religious leader, 10th LDS President
Born
July 19th, 1876 149 years ago
Died
July 2nd, 1972 53 years ago — 95 years old
Served as the 10th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1945 to 1970. Authored numerous works on theology and church history, contributing to the church's doctrine. Advocated for education and religious studies within the church. Played a significant role in church governance and leadership during mid-20th century.
Continue ReadingErnest Hemingway
American novelist and Nobel Prize winner
Born
July 21st, 1899 126 years ago
Died
July 2nd, 1961 64 years ago — 61 years old
A prominent novelist and short story writer emerged in the early 20th century. Works included the novels 'The Old Man and the Sea,' 'For Whom the Bell Tolls,' and 'A Farewell to Arms.' Contributed to journalism while covering the Spanish Civil War and World War II. Received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954 for mastery of the art of narrative. Influenced writing styles and techniques, contributing to the development of modern American literature.
Continue ReadingGladys Brockwell
American actress in silent films
Born
September 26th, 1894 131 years ago
Died
July 2nd, 1929 96 years ago — 34 years old
Active in the early 20th century, this actress gained recognition for roles in silent films. Featured in significant productions including 'The Silver Lining' and 'The Trap'. Transitioned into talkies and continued acting throughout the 1930s. Maintained a presence in both film and stage productions.
Continue ReadingManuel II of Portugal
Last King of Portugal
Born
1889 137 years ago
Died
July 2nd, 1932 93 years ago — 43 years old
Served as the last king of Portugal from 1908 until the monarchy was abolished in 1910. Ascended to the throne following the assassination of his father, Carlos I, and began his reign during a period of political instability and social unrest. Fled to exile in 1910 following the republican revolution that ended the monarchy. Spent the rest of his life in France and England, remaining a figure of nostalgic remembrance for royalists in Portugal. Died in 1932 in exile, marking the end of the Portuguese monarchy, with his reign being the final chapter in the country's long-standing lineage of kings.
Continue ReadingMario Puzo
Author of The Godfather novel
Born
October 15th, 1920 105 years ago
Died
July 2nd, 1999 26 years ago — 78 years old
A prominent author and screenwriter, Puzo is best remembered for creating the iconic crime novel The Godfather, published in 1969. The novel's success led to a groundbreaking film adaptation directed by Francis Ford Coppola, which was released in 1972. Puzo co-wrote the screenplay for the film, which won three Academy Awards and is frequently cited as one of the greatest films in cinematic history. In addition to The Godfather, Puzo wrote other novels, including The Sicilian and The Godfather Returns, continuing the saga of the Corleone family. His work has had a lasting influence on the portrayal of organized crime in popular culture.
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