Esa Pakarinen
Finnish actor and musician
Born in 1911, a prominent figure in Finnish entertainment, with a career spanning several decades in both film and music. Became popular for comic roles in numerous Finnish films during the 1940s and 1950s, and gained recognition as a talented musician, contributing significantly to the Finnish pop music scene. Contributed to the film industry with notable performances, solidifying a legacy in Finnish culture.
Starred in 'Käpy selän alla'
Released popular music albums
Other People Born on February 9th
Nigel Dawes
Ice hockey player with the Calgary Flames
Born
February 9th, 1985 41 years ago
Born in 1985, a professional ice hockey player participated in the NHL, including stints with the Calgary Flames and the New York Rangers. Debuted in 2006 and played primarily as a forward. After leaving the NHL, continued a successful career in various leagues, including contributions to teams in Europe and Asia. Dawes was also part of the Kazakhstani national team, representing Kazakhstan in international competitions.
Continue ReadingCooper DeJean
American football player, Iowa Hawkeyes
Born
February 9th, 2003 23 years ago
Profession involved participation in American football, primarily as a cornerback for the Iowa Hawkeyes. Developed skills through collegiate competition and gained recognition for defensive abilities. Contributed to the team's successes during the 2021 and 2022 seasons, playing a crucial role in defensive strategies. Achieved All-Big Ten honors, showcasing capability on the field and helping to elevate the team's performance against prominent opponents.
Continue ReadingMichael B. Jordan
American Actor in Black Panther
Born
February 9th, 1987 39 years ago
An American actor achieved recognition for roles in television and film. Gained prominence through the portrayal of Wallace in the series The Wire and as Erik Killmonger in the blockbuster film Black Panther. Additionally starred in the critically acclaimed film Fruitvale Station, which highlighted the life of Oscar Grant. Other notable performances included roles in Creed and its sequel, Creed II, where portrayed the character Adonis Creed, the son of the legendary boxer Apollo Creed.
Continue ReadingPhil Ford
Basketball player and coach
Born
February 9th, 1956 70 years ago
Played college basketball at the University of North Carolina, winning the NCAA Championship in 1982. Had a successful career in the NBA, playing for the Kansas City Kings and the New Jersey Nets. After retiring as a player, transitioned into coaching and served in various assistant coaching roles, contributing to player development and team strategy.
Continue ReadingDavide Lanzafame
Italian footballer with notable club careers
Born
February 9th, 1987 39 years ago
Born in 1987, this Italian footballer began his professional career in youth teams before joining clubs such as Juventus, where he debuted in Serie A. He also played for several other clubs, including Palermo and Catania, contributing significantly in league matches. His career included stints in the lower divisions and abroad, showcasing skills as a forward and midfielder.
Continue ReadingDioner Navarro
Baseball catcher, All-Star selection
Born
February 9th, 1984 42 years ago
Played Major League Baseball primarily as a catcher. Made his debut in 2004 and had stints with teams including the New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays, and Toronto Blue Jays. Achieved All-Star status in 2008 as a member of the Rays and contributed to the team's postseason efforts. Throughout his career, known for solid defensive skills and a reliable batting average.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on April 28th
Heinrich Bär
German pilot and Luftwaffe colonel
Born
May 25th, 1913 112 years ago
Died
April 28th, 1957 69 years ago — 43 years old
Served as a colonel in the Luftwaffe during World War II. Achieved recognition as a fighter ace, credited with over 200 enemy aircraft kills. Participated prominently in the defense of Germany, engaging in numerous aerial battles. Bär flew the Messerschmitt Bf 109 and was part of several renowned units such as Jagdgeschwader 77. After the war, he faced denazification proceedings but later returned to aviation, working in various capacities within the airline industry.
Continue ReadingLou Thesz
Professional wrestler and trainer
Born
April 24th, 1916 110 years ago
Died
April 28th, 2002 24 years ago — 86 years old
A significant figure in the world of professional wrestling, revolutionized the wrestling style and contributed to its popularity. Worked as a wrestler and trainer, influencing many future generations of wrestlers. Held the NWA World Heavyweight Championship multiple times and was pivotal in the establishment of various wrestling promotions. His legacy includes extensive contributions to the technical aspects of wrestling and the training of several wrestlers who later found success in the industry.
Continue ReadingJames Hylton
Race car driver with NASCAR accomplishments
Born
1934 92 years ago
Died
April 28th, 2018 8 years ago — 84 years old
Accomplished American race car driver won the 1966 NASCAR Rookie of the Year award. Competed in the NASCAR Grand National Series and participated in multiple Daytona 500 races. Achieved notable success in the 1970s, finishing in the top ten in points standings several times. Recognized for longevity in racing, participating in races for over four decades until 2018. Continued to influence the sport through mentorship.
Continue ReadingJohn Singleton
Film director of 'Boyz n the Hood'
Born
January 6th, 1968 58 years ago
Died
April 28th, 2019 7 years ago — 51 years old
A prominent American director, producer, and screenwriter gained recognition for directing the groundbreaking film 'Boyz n the Hood' in 1991. The film was significant for its raw portrayal of life in South Central Los Angeles and addressed issues of race and violence. Singleton's work often explored themes related to African-American culture and identity. He became the first African-American to receive a Best Director Academy Award nomination for this debut feature. In addition to 'Boyz n the Hood', Singleton directed several other films, including 'Poetic Justice' and 'Shaft'. He also contributed to television, serving as a director and executive producer for the series 'Snowfall'.
Continue ReadingMarcia Brown
Children's book author and illustrator
Born
July 13th, 1918 107 years ago
Died
April 28th, 2015 11 years ago — 96 years old
An American author and illustrator of children's literature, this individual created numerous beloved picture books. Much of the work focused on stories that highlighted cultural themes and moral lessons. Several of the books received recognition and awards, including the Caldecott Medal, which honors outstanding children's book illustrations.
Continue ReadingAnn Petry
American novelist, wrote 'The Street'
Born
October 12th, 1908 117 years ago
Died
April 28th, 1997 29 years ago — 88 years old
Petry began her writing career in the 1940s, exploring themes of race and gender through fiction. She gained significant recognition with the publication of 'The Street' in 1946, which was the first novel by an African American woman to sell over a million copies. Petry's works often focused on the struggles and aspirations of African Americans, reflecting social issues of the time. Throughout her career, she published several novels, short stories, and children's books. Petry also worked as a journalist and editorial assistant, furthering her contributions to literature and culture.
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