Fireball Roberts
Race car driver and NASCAR pioneer
Born
Died
Category
Athletes & Sports Figures
Country
United States
Links & References
An influential figure in early NASCAR, contributed to the popularity of stock car racing during the 1950s. Achieved significant success on the circuit, winning numerous races and becoming a top contender. In 1962, secured victory in the prestigious Daytona 500. Known for a driving style that combined speed and strategy, raced for teams like Fireball Racing. His career came to an untimely end due to injuries sustained in a crash during the 1964 season.
Won the 1962 Daytona 500
Achieved 33 career wins in NASCAR
Other People Born on January 20th
Kim Jeong-hoon
South Korean singer and actor from "Princess Hours"
Born
January 20th, 1980 46 years ago
Born in 1980, a South Korean singer and actor gained recognition through performances in television dramas and music. Debuted in the popular boy band UN, which released several albums and garnered a large fan base. Transitioned to acting with a prominent role in the hit drama "Princess Hours," which increased visibility in the entertainment industry. The career featured various appearances in other television series and films, solidifying a presence in the cultural landscape of South Korea.
Continue ReadingTom Cairney
Footballer and Fulham FC captain
Born
January 20th, 1991 35 years ago
Born in Scotland, a footballer primarily recognized for playing as a midfielder. Cairney began his professional career at Hull City, making his debut in 2009. He later moved to Blackburn Rovers, further developing his skills. In 2015, he signed with Fulham FC, contributing significantly to the team's success. Under his leadership, Fulham achieved promotion to the Premier League in 2018 after winning the Championship play-offs. Cairney's playing style demonstrated strong technical ability and creativity on the ball, earning him a reputation within the sport.
Continue ReadingZac Goldsmith
English politician and environmentalist
Born
January 20th, 1975 51 years ago
Involved in politics starting with election to the House of Commons as a Conservative MP in 2015 for Richmond Park. Advocated for environmental issues and served as a prominent voice on sustainability within the government. Joined the House of Lords in 2020, contributing to discussions on various environmental policies. Served as the Minister of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs from 2020 to 2021. Goldsmith's background includes work as a journalist prior to entering politics, focusing on environmental and conservation topics.
Continue ReadingRob Bourdon
American musician and songwriter in Linkin Park
Born
January 20th, 1979 47 years ago
A musician and songwriter, contributed as the drummer for the rock band Linkin Park. The band achieved critical and commercial success with the debut album 'Hybrid Theory' released in 2000, which sold over 10 million copies in the United States alone. Bourdon's drumming style and production skills were integral to the band's signature sound, combining elements of rock, hip-hop, and electronic music. Linkin Park became influential figures in the nu metal genre, garnering a massive global fanbase and numerous awards.
Continue ReadingQuestlove
Musician and filmmaker, The Roots drummer
Born
January 20th, 1971 55 years ago
An American musician, record producer, and filmmaker. Co-founded the hip-hop band The Roots, which gained acclaim for their unique sound blending live instrumentation with hip-hop. Served as the drummer for the group and contributed to their work on several projects. Involved in various productions, including the musical direction for 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon'. Directed a documentary on the iconic music festival Woodstock. Authored books recounting personal experiences and explorations of music culture.
Continue ReadingJumpol Adulkittiporn
Thai actor in '2gether: The Series'
Born
January 20th, 1991 35 years ago
An actor active in the Thai entertainment industry, gained popularity through a leading role in the series '2gether: The Series'. The performance in this romantic comedy series garnered significant attention and a dedicated fanbase. In addition to acting, involvement in promotional activities and events for various brands increased visibility and marketability. Additionally participated in other television dramas and films, expanding presence in the entertainment field.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on July 2nd
Norm Prescott
Animator and co-founder of Filmation
Born
January 31st, 1927 98 years ago
Died
July 2nd, 2005 20 years ago — 78 years old
An American animator, producer, and composer co-founded Filmation Studios, which became a prominent studio in animation during the 1960s and 1970s. The studio was responsible for popularizing animated television series such as 'He-Man and the Masters of the Universe' and 'Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids'. Prescott contributed to the creation of numerous beloved characters and series that defined the era of Saturday morning cartoons. His work in animation helped shape the landscape of children’s programming, making a lasting impact on the industry.
Continue ReadingÁngela Jeria
Chilean archaeologist and cultural researcher
Born
1926 100 years ago
Died
July 2nd, 2020 5 years ago — 94 years old
Contributed significantly to the study of Chilean archaeology, focusing on pre-Columbian cultures and their impact on society. Conducted extensive research on the Mapuche and Atacameño cultures. Engaged in numerous excavations, uncovering artifacts that provided insights into the historical development of human settlements in Chile. Worked as a professor, sharing knowledge and mentoring future archaeologists.
Continue ReadingManuel Cardona
Spanish physicist and academic
Born
1934 92 years ago
Died
July 2nd, 2014 11 years ago — 80 years old
A Spanish physicist and academic specialized in condensed matter physics. Contributed extensively to the field of solid-state physics and material science. Published over 400 papers and co-authored numerous books. Held significant roles in various international scientific organizations and was influential in promoting research and education in physics. Served as a professor at several universities and mentored many students in the academic community.
Continue ReadingJim Weaver
American football player and coach
Born
1945 81 years ago
Died
July 2nd, 2015 10 years ago — 70 years old
Played college football at the University of Oregon. Coached multiple high school teams and served as an assistant coach at the collegiate level. Led the University of Oregon to a bowl appearance as head coach in 1980. Contributed to the development of several players who went on to play professionally.
Continue ReadingMochtar Lubis
Indonesian journalist and author
Born
March 7th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
July 2nd, 2004 21 years ago — 82 years old
Born in 1922, this individual was a significant figure in Indonesian journalism and literature. His writings often addressed themes of social justice and democracy. The work 'The Prostitute' gained attention for its candid portrayal of societal issues in Indonesia. Throughout the career, this individual faced challenges due to political environments, leading to detention and censorship. Despite these obstacles, continued to write and advocate for freedom of expression.
Continue ReadingAlan Longmuir
Scottish bass player and songwriter
Born
June 20th, 1948 77 years ago
Died
July 2nd, 2018 7 years ago — 70 years old
A prominent bass player and songwriter contributed significantly to the music scene during the 1970s and 1980s. Co-founded the band Bay City Rollers, which gained immense popularity with their upbeat pop sound and catchy melodies. The group achieved multiple chart-topping hits across the globe, with a notable presence in the UK and the US. Longmuir's musical talents and contributions were integral to the band's success during its heyday, including several albums that charted well.
Continue Reading