Ernie Davis

American football player, Heisman Trophy winner

Ernie Davis - American football player, Heisman Trophy winner
Born

December 14th, 1939
85 years ago

Died

May 18th, 1963
62 years ago — 23 years old

Category

Athletes & Sports Figures

Country

United States

Links & References

Played college football at Syracuse University, leading the team to a national championship in 1959. Became the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy in 1961. Selected first overall in the 1962 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins but was traded to the Cleveland Browns. Suffered from leukemia, which shortened professional career.

Won the Heisman Trophy in 1961

Led Syracuse University to a national championship in 1959

First African American to win the Heisman Trophy

Other People Born on December 14th

Lewis Arquette

Actor in 'The Waltons' and 'The Great Outdoors'
Born
December 14th, 1935 89 years ago
Died
2001 24 years ago — 66 years old

An American actor, producer, and screenwriter, contributed to the film and television industry from the 1960s until the early 2000s. Appeared in a variety of television shows and movies, achieving recognition for performances in 'The Waltons', 'The Great Outdoors', and 'The Shadow'. Worked across multiple genres, including drama and comedy. Also undertook roles behind the scenes as a producer and screenwriter, showcasing a multifaceted involvement in the creation of visual content.

Continue Reading

Dan Dailey

American dancer and actor in musicals
Born
December 14th, 1915 109 years ago
Died
October 16th, 1978 46 years ago — 62 years old

A prominent dancer and actor, contributions to the film industry included performances in musicals during the mid-20th century. Achieved significant recognition through work in films like 'A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court' and 'Good News'. Engaged in various stage performances and television shows, showcasing versatility and talent. Received accolades for a career spanning several decades in entertainment, influencing the genre of musical film.

Continue Reading

Louis Marshall

American lawyer and civil rights advocate
Born
December 14th, 1856 168 years ago
Died
1929 96 years ago — 73 years old

A prominent lawyer and civil rights advocate, played a key role in the American Jewish community's efforts to secure civil rights. Served as the president of the American Jewish Committee and worked on various legal cases involving civil liberties. Contributed to the drafting of the Declaration of Principles for the American Jewish Committee and was involved in legal battles for Jewish rights and social justice. Advocated for the rights of immigrants and fought against anti-Semitism in the early 20th century. His advocacy work significantly influenced the position of Jews in America.

Continue Reading

John Lurie

Actor, musician, and director
Born
December 14th, 1952 72 years ago

An American actor, musician, painter, director, and producer. Played a significant role in the television series 'Fishing with John' as both a star and co-writer, blending humor and a unique perspective on outdoor adventures. Formed the band The Lounge Lizards, contributing to the downtown New York jazz scene during the 1980s. Developed a career in painting and exhibited work in various galleries. Directed films, garnering attention at film festivals for creative projects.

Continue Reading

Jon Elia

Pakistani philosopher and poet
Born
December 14th, 1931 93 years ago
Died
November 8th, 2002 22 years ago — 70 years old

A prominent philosopher, poet, and scholar, this individual made significant contributions to Urdu literature and philosophy. Born in 1931, his poetry reflects complex themes of love, despair, and existential musings. He was recognized for his unique style, which blended traditional elements with modern existential thought. His notable works include poetry collections that resonate with readers due to their intellectual depth and emotional power. Throughout life, he participated actively in literary discussions and was instrumental in shaping contemporary Urdu poetry.

Continue Reading

Anna Maria Jopek

Polish singer-songwriter and pianist
Born
December 14th, 1970 54 years ago

Born in 1970, a Polish singer-songwriter and pianist. Jopek began her music career in the early 1990s, blending traditional Polish music with jazz and world music influences. She gained recognition through her unique vocal style and innovative arrangements. Several albums showcased her versatility and originality, establishing a dedicated following both in Poland and internationally. Collaborations with distinguished musicians further enriched her work, contributing to her acclaim in the music industry.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on May 18th

Rupert of Germany

Count Palatine and Holy Roman King
Born
May 5th, 1352 673 years ago
Died
May 18th, 1410 615 years ago — 58 years old

Rupert held titles as the Count Palatine of the Rhine and King of Germany during the late 14th and early 15th centuries. His reign was characterized by involvement in the power struggles of the imperial succession and conflicts with rival factions. Rupert played a significant role in the politics of the Holy Roman Empire. He was elected King of the Romans in 1400, a title that sought to legitimize his authority amid the complex feudal and dynastic conflicts of the time. His leadership included challenges in maintaining the loyalty of various territorial princes and dealing with external threats. Rupert's military strategies and alliances were essential in his political manoeuvring.

Continue Reading

Chukwuedu Nwokolo

Nigerian physician and academic leader
Born
1921 104 years ago
Died
May 18th, 2014 11 years ago — 93 years old

Contributed to the field of medicine as a physician and academic, with a focus on clinical research and health care development in Nigeria. Worked extensively on advancing medical education and improving health services. Involved in numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing the healthcare system and trained a generation of medical professionals. Participated in various workshops and conferences to share knowledge and expertise in the medical community.

Continue Reading

Austin Eubanks

Addiction recovery advocate and speaker
Born
1981 44 years ago
Died
May 18th, 2019 6 years ago — 38 years old

Survived the Columbine High School shooting in 1999. Became an advocate for addiction recovery, drawing from personal experiences with substance abuse following the trauma of the shooting. Engaged in speaking events across the country to share insights on mental health and addiction, aiming to reduce stigma and promote understanding of these issues. Worked with various organizations and initiatives focused on recovery and prevention. Contributed to numerous media outlets, spreading awareness about the impact of trauma and the importance of mental wellness.

Continue Reading

Lothar Schmid

German chess player and arbiter
Born
May 10th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
May 18th, 2013 12 years ago — 85 years old

Accomplished chess player and international arbiter. Played in numerous tournaments throughout the 20th century. Achieved the title of International Arbiter in 1984. Contributed to various chess publications and served as an organizer for major chess events. Actively participated in the chess community, promoting the game across different platforms.

Continue Reading

Elias Ashmole

Astrologer and politician with antiquities journal
Born
May 23rd, 1617 408 years ago
Died
May 18th, 1692 333 years ago — 74 years old

An English astrologer and politician, contributed significantly to the study of astrology and antiquities. Served as a key figure in the founding of the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, becoming one of the earliest public museums in the world. Authored 'Theatrum Chemicum Brittanicum', a compilation of alchemical texts, which remains a crucial resource for historians of chemistry and astrology. His interest in antiquities led to notable contributions to the historical understanding of various artifacts.

Continue Reading

Dobrica Ćosić

Serbian politician, 1st President of Yugoslavia
Born
December 29th, 1921 103 years ago
Died
May 18th, 2014 11 years ago — 92 years old

A prominent politician participated in the political landscape of Yugoslavia and Serbia. Served as the first President of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia from 1992 to 1993. Played a significant role in shaping the country's direction during the tumultuous period of the 1990s, including the Yugoslav Wars. Also recognized as a writer and intellectual, contributing to Serbian literature and discussions on national identity.

Continue Reading