Erich Eliskases
Austrian chess player and author
Competed in chess tournaments from the 1930s to the 1950s, with significant participation in international competitions. Achieved the title of International Grandmaster and was recognized for contributions to chess literature. Notable achievements include playing in various Chess Olympiads and contributing analysis and writings that influenced the chess community.
Played in multiple Chess Olympiads for Austria
Achieved the title of International Grandmaster
Published several works on chess strategy
Other People Born on February 15th
Rui Patrício
Portuguese football goalkeeper
Born
February 15th, 1988 37 years ago
A professional football goalkeeper born in 1988, had a career that included significant contributions to multiple clubs and the national team. Started the professional career at Sporting CP, where he won the Taça de Portugal and Taça da Liga. Transferred to Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2018, contributing to the team's promotion to the Premier League. Represented the national team in several tournaments including the UEFA Euro 2016, where the team secured the championship title.
Continue ReadingShameka Christon
Basketball player for New York Liberty
Born
February 15th, 1982 43 years ago
A professional basketball player played in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) primarily for the New York Liberty. Standout college career occurred at the University of Arkansas, where garnered acclaim for scoring and athleticism. Drafted 17th overall in the 2004 WNBA Draft. Represented the USA in international competitions and contributed to various successful campaigns for her teams.
Continue ReadingSerkan Kırıntılı
Turkish footballer and goalkeeper
Born
February 15th, 1985 40 years ago
Played as a goalkeeper in professional football. Started career at an early age and spent significant time with several teams, including Kocaelispor and Altay SK. Gained recognition in the Turkish Super League for skills in goalkeeping. Also represented the national team at various youth levels. Retired from professional play after a well-regarded career.
Continue ReadingValeri Bojinov
Bulgarian footballer and forward
Born
February 15th, 1986 39 years ago
A Bulgarian footballer played as a forward, beginning professional career in 2002. Transitioned to the senior team of his local club, CSKA Sofia, where performance led to a move to several European clubs. Played for Fiorentina and Manchester City in top leagues. Gained recognition for contributions to the national team, earning over 40 caps and participating in major tournaments.
Continue ReadingRich Swann
Professional wrestler and performer
Born
February 15th, 1991 34 years ago
Debuted in professional wrestling in 2008, achieved recognition in various promotions including Impact Wrestling and WWE. Gained prominence for high-flying style and charisma in the ring. Won the WWE Cruiserweight Championship, marking a significant achievement in the cruiserweight division. Competed in major events such as WrestleMania and other pay-per-view events, showcasing skills in several high-profile matches.
Continue ReadingJames Yap
Basketball player, PBA MVP Awardee
Born
February 15th, 1982 43 years ago
Professional basketball player from the Philippines. Played in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) primarily for the Purefoods franchise. Achieved significant success during the career, including multiple championships and personal accolades. Contributed to the team's victories and celebrated moments in the sport, recognized for exceptional scoring ability and clutch performances.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on February 2nd
Billy Henderson
Singer and member of The Spinners
Born
August 9th, 1939 86 years ago
Died
February 2nd, 2007 18 years ago — 67 years old
Became part of The Spinners in the mid-1960s, a vocal group that achieved significant success in the music industry. The Spinners were influential in the genre of soul and R&B, earning multiple hits throughout the 1970s. Several of their songs reached the top of the charts, and the group received Grammy nominations. Henderson's contributions helped the group gain an enduring legacy in American music, marked by their harmonious vocal arrangements and engaging performances. The group toured extensively and delighted audiences with their charismatic stage presence before Henderson's passing in 2007.
Continue ReadingHella Wuolijoki
Author and politician from Estonia-Finland
Born
July 22nd, 1886 139 years ago
Died
February 2nd, 1954 71 years ago — 67 years old
Born in Estonia, transitioned to Finland and became a prominent author and politician. Active in political life during the interwar period, contributed significantly to Finnish literature with works that reflected the cultural and political landscape of the time. After the Second World War, engaged in activities promoting Finnish cultural identity. Played a notable role in leftist politics, aligning with socialist ideologies and advocating for workers' rights. Wuolijoki's literary contributions included plays and novels that explored themes of identity, societal issues, and personal experiences.
Continue ReadingLou Harrison
Composer and educator, created 'Pacific Symphony'
Born
May 14th, 1917 108 years ago
Died
February 2nd, 2003 22 years ago — 85 years old
This American composer and educator was influential in the 20th-century music scene. Initiated interest in alternative tunings and non-Western music, integrating these elements into compositions. Became prominent for works incorporating Eastern musical influences, showcasing a blend of Western and Asian styles. Advocated for composing music using unconventional instruments, often employing gamelan ensembles. Contributed to the development of contemporary classical music through teaching and writing, impacting numerous students and musicians. In later years, gained recognition for collaborative projects, expanding the audience for new music forms.
Continue ReadingCharley Grapewin
American actor in silent films
Born
December 20th, 1869 156 years ago
Died
February 2nd, 1956 69 years ago — 86 years old
An American actor, Grapewin started his career in vaudeville before making a transition to film. He appeared in numerous silent films in the 1920s and gained recognition in talking pictures during the 1930s and 1940s. Grapewin portrayed memorable roles, including a notable performance in the iconic film 'The Wizard of Oz' as Uncle Henry. His versatility allowed him to play both comedic and dramatic parts, contributing to the early Hollywood movie landscape. Additionally, he appeared in several popular films through the 1930s, solidifying his status as a respected character actor. Grapewin remained active in film until his death in 1956.
Continue ReadingFred Perry
Tennis player and Wimbledon champion
Born
May 18th, 1909 116 years ago
Died
February 2nd, 1995 30 years ago — 85 years old
An English tennis player, contributed significantly to the sport during the 1930s. Achieved great success by winning the Wimbledon men's singles title three times, in 1934, 1935, and 1936. Also excelled in doubles, securing the mixed doubles title at Wimbledon in 1934. After retiring from active play, ventured into business and became a successful entrepreneur in the fashion industry, establishing a popular clothing brand.
Continue ReadingAlistair MacLean
Scottish novelist and screenwriter of thrillers
Born
April 21st, 1922 103 years ago
Died
February 2nd, 1987 38 years ago — 64 years old
A Scottish novelist and screenwriter, this individual specialized in writing thrillers and adventure fiction. The career spanned several decades, beginning in the 1950s. Works exhibited a characteristic style, often featuring military themes and espionage. Several novels were adapted into successful films, contributing to a broader cultural presence. The literary portfolio included bestsellers that defined the genre during the mid-20th century.
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