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

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

Joyce Vincent Wilson

American singer with Tony Victory
Born
December 14th, 1946 78 years ago

A singer and songwriter, contributed to the popular music scene in the 1980s as a member of the renowned group Tony Orlando and Dawn. The group achieved significant success with hit songs such as "Knock Three Times" and "Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree." Later, transitioned to a solo career while performing in various venues across the United States.

Continue Reading

George Furth

American actor and playwright noted for "Company"
Born
December 14th, 1932 92 years ago
Died
August 11th, 2008 17 years ago — 75 years old

An American actor and playwright, contributed significantly to theatre and television. Played roles in several television series including "The Love Boat" and "L.A. Law". Co-wrote the musical "Company" with Stephen Sondheim, which premiered on Broadway in 1970 and received critical acclaim. Worked extensively in both acting and writing throughout the latter half of the 20th century, leaving a lasting influence on American theatre.

Continue Reading

Jean-Alain Boumsong

Footballer and defender for Lyon
Born
December 14th, 1979 45 years ago

A footballer played as a defender. Started professional career in 1998 with Lyon. Joined clubs including Newcastle United and Rangers, contributing to various league campaigns. Represented France at the international level, earning caps and participating in major tournaments.

Continue Reading

Chris Brunt

Footballer and West Bromwich Albion captain
Born
December 14th, 1984 40 years ago

A Northern Irish footballer played primarily as a winger or midfielder. Spent the majority of professional career at West Bromwich Albion, where played over 300 matches. Represented Northern Ireland at the international level, earning more than 60 caps. Known for leadership on the field and pivotal role in the team's strategies during his tenure.

Continue Reading

Xul Solar

Argentinian painter and sculptor
Born
December 14th, 1887 137 years ago
Died
April 9th, 1963 62 years ago — 75 years old

An influential artist engaged in painting and sculpture. Developed a unique style that blended abstraction with elements of mysticism and esoterism. Contributed significantly to the Argentine avant-garde movement. Was also a writer and inventor of a constructed language called 'Neocriollo.' Worked frequently with the theme of the cosmos and the metaphysical, reflecting personal philosophies in artistic expressions.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on May 18th

Joseph Pevney

Actor and director of television classics
Born
1911 114 years ago
Died
May 18th, 2008 17 years ago — 97 years old

A prominent actor and director, recognized for contributions to television during the mid-20th century. Directed numerous episodes of iconic shows including 'Star Trek', 'The Twilight Zone', and 'Bonanza'. Transitioned from acting to directing, showcasing a talent for crafting engaging stories. Over a career that spanned several decades, worked on various projects that garnered a dedicated following and critical acclaim.

Continue Reading

Jo Benkow

Norwegian politician and soldier
Born
1924 101 years ago
Died
May 18th, 2013 12 years ago — 89 years old

Served as a member of the Norwegian Parliament for several terms. Held the position of President of the Parliament from 1993 to 1997. Participated in the military during World War II, contributing to Norway's resistance efforts against Nazi occupation. Engaged in various political activities after the war, including leadership roles in the Conservative Party.

Continue Reading

Maurice Tate

English cricketer and bowler
Born
May 30th, 1895 130 years ago
Died
May 18th, 1956 69 years ago — 60 years old

An accomplished cricketer in England, played primarily as a fast-medium bowler and all-rounder. Represented Sussex County Cricket Club and the England national team during the 1920s and 1930s. Achieved notable success in Test matches, contributing significantly to the team's performance during his career. Played a pivotal role in numerous matches, displaying skill in both bowling and batting. Retired with impressive statistics in first-class cricket, showcasing longevity and prowess in the sport.

Continue Reading

Eliza Orzeszkowa

Polish author of 'On the Niemen'
Born
June 6th, 1841 184 years ago
Died
May 18th, 1910 115 years ago — 68 years old

An influential Polish author and publisher contributed significantly to Polish literature in the 19th century. Work often explored social issues, especially the plight of the peasantry and women's rights. 'On the Niemen' published in 1888, gained notable recognition and illustrated the struggle for national identity. Active in the movement for women's education, engaged with various social causes, and also supported the Polish nationalist movement during the partitions of Poland.

Continue Reading

Tony O'Reilly

Rugby player and businessman
Born
May 7th, 1936 89 years ago
Died
May 18th, 2024 1 years ago — 88 years old

Played rugby union for Ireland and represented the British and Irish Lions on their 1959 tour to Australia and New Zealand. Transitioned to a successful business career, leading the H.J. Heinz Company as the managing director of its Irish operations. O'Reilly became a prominent media figure, acquiring a controlling interest in Independent News & Media, which published several major newspapers and media outlets in Ireland.

Continue Reading

Pierre-Gilles de Gennes

Physicist, Nobel Prize laureate.
Born
October 24th, 1932 92 years ago
Died
May 18th, 2007 18 years ago — 74 years old

A prominent physicist and academic, contributions focused on condensed matter physics and liquid crystals. Played a pivotal role in the development of the theory of liquid crystals and polymers. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1991 for discovering that methods developed for studying order phenomena in simple systems can be generalized to more complex forms of matter, in particular to liquid crystals and polymers.

Continue Reading