Emiliano Zapata
Mexican revolutionary general
Led the Mexican Revolution starting in 1910, advocating for agrarian reform and the rights of peasant farmers. Commanded the Liberation Army of the South and became a key figure in the struggle against the Díaz regime. Formulated the Plan of Ayala, which called for land redistribution. Developed a reputation for guerrilla tactics and mobilized large rural communities to support the revolutionary cause. Assassinated in 1919, leading to the continuation of the agrarian struggle in Mexico.
Led the Mexican Revolution
Formulated the Plan of Ayala
Commanded the Liberation Army of the South
Other People Born on August 8th
Ernest Lawrence
American physicist, Nobel Prize winner
Born
August 8th, 1901 124 years ago
Died
August 27th, 1958 67 years ago — 57 years old
Contributed to the field of nuclear physics and invented the cyclotron, a particle accelerator, which allowed for groundbreaking experiments in nuclear science. Played a significant role in the Manhattan Project during World War II. Received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1939 for his work on the artificial production of radioactive isotopes. Served as a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, and helped establish the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
Continue ReadingAchille Varzi
Italian racing driver and Mille Miglia winner
Born
August 8th, 1904 121 years ago
Died
July 1st, 1948 77 years ago — 43 years old
An accomplished racing driver, made significant contributions to the sport in the early to mid-20th century. Gained prominence in Italy and internationally through participation in numerous Grand Prix races. Achieved noteworthy success in the Mille Miglia, a prestigious endurance race, securing victories that solidified a reputation among peers. Competed for top teams, including Alfa Romeo and Auto Union, showcasing exceptional skill on various racetracks across Europe. Left a lasting legacy in the world of motorsport.
Continue ReadingJimmy Murphy
Football manager and player for Manchester United
Born
August 8th, 1910 115 years ago
Died
November 14th, 1989 36 years ago — 79 years old
Played as a footballer and later managed Manchester United. Assisted in rebuilding the team after the Munich air disaster in 1958. Held the position of the team's assistant manager, contributing to the development of players and strategy during a transformative period for the club.
Continue ReadingJerry Tarkanian
College basketball coach and innovator
Born
August 8th, 1930 95 years ago
Died
February 11th, 2015 10 years ago — 84 years old
An influential figure in college basketball, led the UNLV Runnin' Rebels to a national championship in 1990. Served as head coach at several universities, including Long Beach State, UNLV, and Fresno State. Tarkanian was known for his innovative coaching strategies and for bringing a fast-paced style of play to the game, which had a lasting effect on college basketball. His teams frequently made deep runs in the NCAA tournament, demonstrating consistent success. Off the court, faced various controversies regarding NCAA rules and regulations, but maintained a loyal following of players and fans.
Continue ReadingMel Tillis
Country singer-songwriter and guitarist
Born
August 8th, 1932 93 years ago
Died
November 19th, 2017 8 years ago — 85 years old
Esteemed American singer-songwriter and guitarist excelled in country music. Gained prominence in the 1950s and 1960s. Known for a vocal style characterized by a stutter and a staggering ability to craft memorable songs. Several hits achieved commercial success, solidifying a legacy in the music industry.
Continue ReadingSylvia Sidney
Actress in 'Fury' and 'Dead End'
Born
August 8th, 1910 115 years ago
Died
July 1st, 1999 26 years ago — 88 years old
An actress whose career spanned over five decades, gaining recognition in both film and television. Gained popularity during the 1930s with roles in notable films such as 'Fury' and 'Dead End'. Appeared in various other productions throughout her career, showcasing a range of characters and emotions. Transitioned into television in the later years, continuing to feature in several acclaimed series, exemplifying versatility in acting. Received accolades and nominations for performances, leaving a lasting influence in the film industry.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on April 10th
Sakıp Sabancı
Businessman and philanthropist, founded Sabancı Holding
Born
1933 93 years ago
Died
April 10th, 2004 21 years ago — 71 years old
A Turkish businessman established Sabancı Holding, one of the largest conglomerates in Turkey. Played a significant role in various sectors including banking, retail, and industry. Contributed to the development of the Turkish economy through the expansion and diversification of the holding company. Engaged in philanthropic efforts, notably through the establishment of the Sabancı Foundation, which focused on education, culture, and social development.
Continue ReadingJean Vander Pyl
Voice actress from The Flintstones
Born
1919 107 years ago
Died
April 10th, 1999 26 years ago — 80 years old
A prominent voice actress and actress, contributed to character voices in animated television series and films. Gained recognition for voicing Wilma Flintstone in the classic animated series The Flintstones. Provided voice work for several other animated shows including portraying characters in The Jetsons and The Smurfs. Also had a career in live-action television and film, making appearances in series such as I Love Lucy and The Brady Bunch.
Continue ReadingAngela Voigt
German long jumper Olympic medalist
Born
May 18th, 1951 74 years ago
Died
April 10th, 2013 12 years ago — 61 years old
Competed in long jump, representing Germany. Secured a silver medal at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Achieved success in European competition, winning gold medals at the European Athletics Championships in 1982 and 1986. Established herself as one of the top long jumpers of her time through consistent performances and technical skill.
Continue ReadingLili Chookasian
Operatic singer, Grammy Award winner
Born
1921 105 years ago
Died
April 10th, 2012 13 years ago — 91 years old
An Armenian-American operatic singer, gained recognition for performances in numerous opera productions. Held a significant role as a mezzo-soprano in the Lyric Opera of Chicago and sang with the Metropolitan Opera. Gained acclaim for work in international venues, including operas in Europe. Received a Grammy Award for participation in the recording of Copland’s ‘The Tender Land’. Fashioned a distinguished career with a devotion to opera and vocal training, mentoring upcoming singers.
Continue ReadingRichie Benaud
Cricketer and renowned sportscaster
Born
October 6th, 1930 95 years ago
Died
April 10th, 2015 10 years ago — 84 years old
Played cricket for Australia from 1952 to 1963 as a leg-spin bowler and captain. Captained Australia to a 4-0 victory against England in the 1961 Ashes series. Transitioned to broadcasting, becoming a prominent sportscaster with a career spanning decades. His insights and commentary significantly shaped the way cricket was presented on television.
Continue ReadingHeinz Fraenkel-Conrat
Biochemist and physician in virology
Born
1910 116 years ago
Died
April 10th, 1999 26 years ago — 89 years old
Contributed significantly to the field of virology, focusing on the structure and function of viruses. Developed the first successful strategy for purifying tobacco mosaic virus, paving the way for subsequent research in virology. Conducted early studies on the genetic nature of viruses, laying groundwork for future discoveries in molecular biology. Held academic positions at several universities and published extensively in scientific journals.
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