Eric Thompson

Race car driver and businessman

Eric Thompson - Race car driver and businessman
Born

November 4th, 1919
105 years ago

Died

August 22nd, 2015
9 years ago — 95 years old

Category

Athletes & Sports Figures

Country

United Kingdom

Links & References

A race car driver and businessman participated in motorsport during the mid-20th century. Competed in various racing events and was associated with notable British motor racing teams. Later transitioned into business, focusing on automotive enterprises. Contributed to both motorsport and the automotive industry, showcasing skills in both arenas.

Competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans

Raced with the Aston Martin team

Other People Born on November 4th

Eugene Sledge

Soldier and author of 'With the Old Breed'
Born
November 4th, 1923 101 years ago
Died
March 3rd, 2001 24 years ago — 77 years old

Served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II, specifically in the Pacific Theater. Participated in major battles such as the Battle of Peleliu and the Battle of Okinawa. Authored the memoir 'With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa', which provided a vivid account of the experiences of soldiers in the Pacific campaign. Later became a professor of history at the University of Montevallo, where taught courses on World War II. Sledge's work contributed to the understanding of the psychological effects of war on soldiers.

Continue Reading

Edward Knight

American composer and academic
Born
November 4th, 1961 63 years ago

A composer and academic contributed significantly to contemporary classical music. Associated with various educational institutions, focused on fostering new musical talent and expanding the repertoire of new works. Developed a distinctive style characterized by unique harmonic and melodic structures. Composed numerous works including chamber music, orchestral pieces, and choral compositions, often furthering the exploration of musical forms and techniques.

Continue Reading

Charles K. Kao

Physicist and engineer, Nobel laureate
Born
November 4th, 1933 91 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 85 years old

A Chinese physicist and engineer contributed significantly to the development of fiber optics technology. His research in the 1960s laid the foundation for high-capacity telecommunications networks. Kao's innovative work demonstrated how light can be transmitted through fibers, leading to advancements in global communication systems. His groundbreaking contributions earned recognition within the scientific community and beyond, resulting in receipt of the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2009. This achievement highlighted the importance of fiber optics in modern telecommunication infrastructures.

Continue Reading

Charles Despiau

French sculptor with notable works
Born
November 4th, 1874 150 years ago
Died
1946 79 years ago — 72 years old

Born in 1874, a prominent French sculptor emerged, recognized for contributions to modern sculpture. Studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris and developed a distinctive style characterized by smooth surfaces and classical forms. Most of the career focused on portrait sculptures and representations of the human figure. Created several public monuments and received honors for artistic excellence. His work reflected a deep understanding of anatomy and mastery in conveying emotion through sculptural form, making a significant mark in the realm of 20th-century sculpture.

Continue Reading

Joseph Rotblat

Physicist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
November 4th, 1908 116 years ago
Died
August 31st, 2005 19 years ago — 96 years old

Born in Poland, this physicist contributed significantly to the development of atomic science and became a prominent advocate for nuclear disarmament. After working on the Manhattan Project, he left due to moral objections regarding the use of atomic weapons against civilian populations. He dedicated later years to promoting peace and was a co-founder of the Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs, which focused on the role of science in global security. His efforts earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1995.

Continue Reading

Edmund Kean

British Shakespearean stage actor
Born
November 4th, 1787 237 years ago
Died
1833 192 years ago — 46 years old

Born in 1787, a prominent stage actor specializing in Shakespearean plays, notable for a powerful and emotional acting style. Kean debuted at Drury Lane Theatre in 1814, gaining acclaim for his portrayal of characters like Othello and King Lear. Established a reputation for intense performances, influencing future generations of actors. Kean's professional life included several tumultuous episodes, leading to tensions with management and fellow actors. Despite challenges, he maintained a devoted following and was regarded as one of the leading figures in British theatre during his time. Kean’s final performance occurred shortly before his death in 1833, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of acting.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on August 22nd

Noella Leduc

American baseball player
Born
December 23rd, 1933 91 years ago
Died
August 22nd, 2014 10 years ago — 80 years old

An American baseball player, active primarily in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Played for the Fort Wayne Daisies and the South Bend Blue Sox during the late 1940s and early 1950s. Leduc was a talented infielder known for her competitive spirit and dedication to the game. After the league's closure, she participated in various exhibitions to promote women's baseball.

Continue Reading

Gregory Goodwin Pincus

Biologist, co-created the birth-control pill
Born
1903 122 years ago
Died
August 22nd, 1967 57 years ago — 64 years old

A prominent biologist and academic contributed significantly to reproductive biology. Co-developed the oral contraceptive pill in collaboration with Margaret Sanger and John Rock, which played a crucial role in women's health and family planning. Established the Pincus Method, a pioneering approach in the study of reproductive hormones. Pincus also held academic positions at institutions such as Harvard University and Boston University, focusing on the intersection of biology and medicine.

Continue Reading

Paul Poberezny

Founder of Experimental Aircraft Association
Born
September 14th, 1921 103 years ago
Died
August 22nd, 2013 11 years ago — 91 years old

Aviation pioneer and businessman founded the Experimental Aircraft Association in 1953, promoting recreational aviation and supporting homebuilt aircraft. Played a crucial role in organizing the annual Oshkosh AirVenture, the world's largest aviation event. Contributed significantly to the growth and development of the experimental aircraft movement through advocacy and education.

Continue Reading

Anders Zorn

Swedish painter and etcher, 'Summer Night'
Born
February 18th, 1860 165 years ago
Died
August 22nd, 1920 104 years ago — 60 years old

A prominent Swedish artist, focused on painting, etching, and sculpture. Gained recognition for vivid portraits and depictions of Swedish landscapes. Mastered the technique of watercolor and oil painting, exhibiting a mastery of light and color. Worked in various styles, but primarily associated with naturalism. Contributed to the beauty of Swedish culture through art and was influential in the resurgence of portrait painting during the late 19th century. Received numerous accolades, including medal honors at international exhibitions.

Continue Reading

Emperor Konoe of Japan

Japanese Emperor during the Heian period
Born
June 16th, 1139 885 years ago
Died
August 22nd, 1155 869 years ago — 16 years old

Ruled as Emperor of Japan from 1142 until death in 1155. His reign took place during the Heian period, a time characterized by the flourishing of court culture and the establishment of the samurai class. The emperor's court was marked by a strong influence from the Fujiwara clan. His reign was notable for the emergence of various cultural advancements, particularly in literature and the arts. He was also involved in significant political intrigues and struggles for power, which set the stage for future conflicts in the country.

Continue Reading

Arnold Gerschwiler

Figure Skater and Coach
Born
1914 111 years ago
Died
August 22nd, 2003 21 years ago — 89 years old

A prominent figure skater and coach, contributed significantly to the development of the sport in Switzerland. Competed internationally, showcasing talent in singles and pairs events. Transitioned into coaching, mentoring several skaters and helping to elevate the overall standard of figure skating in the country. Held leadership positions within Swiss sports federations, fostering growth and innovation in figure skating.

Continue Reading