Fred Perry
Tennis player and Wimbledon champion
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.
Winning Wimbledon men's singles title three times
Winning Wimbledon mixed doubles title in 1934
Other People Born on May 18th
Nicholas II of Russia
Last Emperor of Russia before 1917
Born
May 18th, 1868 157 years ago
Died
1918 108 years ago — 50 years old
Born in 1868, the last Emperor of Russia ruled from 1894 until his abdication in 1917 during the Russian Revolution. Nicholas II faced numerous challenges, including military defeats in World War I and widespread social unrest. His reign saw the fall of the Russian Empire, and he and his family were executed by Bolsheviks in 1918. Historically significant, his reign marked the end of over three centuries of Romanov rule.
Continue ReadingRay Nagel
American football player and coach
Born
May 18th, 1927 98 years ago
Died
January 15th, 2015 11 years ago — 87 years old
Played football at the University of Iowa and served as a quarterback before entering the coaching profession. Coached teams including the University of Utah and the University of Hawaii. Held a position as head coach at the University of Hawaii from 1970 to 1972. Contributed to player development and team strategies throughout coaching career.
Continue ReadingJay Wells
Ice Hockey Player and Coach
Born
May 18th, 1959 66 years ago
Played as a defenseman in the National Hockey League (NHL) for multiple teams including the New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings, and Buffalo Sabres. Transitioned to coaching after retirement from professional play, contributing to various junior and minor league teams. Participated in a total of over 700 NHL games during a career spanning more than a decade.
Continue ReadingMathew Brady
Photographer known for Civil War imagery
Born
May 18th, 1822 203 years ago
Died
January 15th, 1896 130 years ago — 73 years old
A prominent American photographer and journalist, contributed significantly to the field of photography during the Civil War. Established a studio in New York City and captured some of the earliest and most impactful images of wartime. Influenced the public's perception of the war through compelling portraits of soldiers and battlefield scenes. Innovations in photographic techniques expanded the medium's capabilities, making the photographs significant historical documents. Played a pivotal role in bringing photography into public awareness.
Continue ReadingBertrand Russell
Philosopher and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
May 18th, 1872 153 years ago
Died
February 2nd, 1970 56 years ago — 97 years old
A prominent British mathematician and philosopher, contributed significantly to a variety of fields including logic, philosophy, and social criticism. Authored numerous influential works, including 'Principia Mathematica' co-written with Alfred North Whitehead, which laid the groundwork for much of modern mathematics. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1950 for varied and significant writings, advocating for humanitarian ideals and nuclear disarmament. Engaged actively in political discourse throughout his career, participating in various anti-war movements and promoting social reform.
Continue ReadingBig Joe Turner
Blues/R&B singer and songwriter
Born
May 18th, 1911 114 years ago
Died
1985 41 years ago — 74 years old
An influential figure in the development of rhythm and blues, contributed to the genre with a powerful voice and energetic performances. Gained popularity in the 1930s and 1940s, becoming a prominent force in the transition from blues to R&B. Recorded numerous songs that became classics, including 'Shake, Rattle and Roll', which gained significant attention in both the black and white music markets. Performed extensively in clubs and festivals, showcasing a vocal style that combined elements of jazz, gospel, and blues. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, recognized for significant contributions to American music.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on February 2nd
Gustave Lanctot
Canadian historian and academic
Born
July 5th, 1883 142 years ago
Died
February 2nd, 1975 51 years ago — 91 years old
Contributed significantly to the field of Canadian history through numerous publications and academic work. Held a prominent position in historiography, particularly focusing on the French and British colonial periods in Canada. Served as a professor at the Université de Montréal and wrote several important texts that influenced historical perspectives. Engaged in various scholarly activities that promoted Canadian history and heritage.
Continue ReadingPaul Baloff
Singer-songwriter of thrash metal band Exodus
Born
April 25th, 1960 65 years ago
Died
February 2nd, 2002 24 years ago — 41 years old
Originated in the early 1980s as the lead vocalist for a prominent thrash metal band. Contributed to the band's seminal album, Bonded by Blood, which became a defining record of the genre. After departing the group, returned in the 1990s, contributing to further recordings and tours. Gained recognition for powerful vocal style and high-energy performances, becoming a notable figure in the thrash metal scene until death in 2002.
Continue ReadingLou Harrison
Composer and educator, created 'Pacific Symphony'
Born
May 14th, 1917 108 years ago
Died
February 2nd, 2003 23 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 ReadingChris Kyle
American sniper and soldier
Born
April 8th, 1974 51 years ago
Died
February 2nd, 2013 13 years ago — 38 years old
Served as a Navy SEAL sniper in the Iraq War, achieving the status of the most lethal sniper in U.S. military history. Kyle's recorded number of confirmed kills stands at 160. He authored the autobiography 'American Sniper', which details his experiences and challenges during combat and has been adapted into a feature film. After leaving the military, he engaged in various veteran support activities until his death.
Continue ReadingHugh D. McIntosh
Australian businessman and promoter
Born
September 10th, 1876 149 years ago
Died
February 2nd, 1942 84 years ago — 65 years old
Established a successful career in the Australian entertainment and business sectors. Played a vital role in the development of the Australian National Exhibition, showcasing various innovations. Founded the first successful film production company in Australia, contributing to the early film industry. Actively involved in sports promotion, particularly in horse racing and rugby, significantly influencing the Australian sporting landscape. Also engaged in various business ventures, including the establishment of a significant hotel chain.
Continue ReadingAntti Aarne
Finnish historian, scholar of folklore
Born
December 5th, 1867 158 years ago
Died
February 2nd, 1925 101 years ago — 57 years old
Contributed significantly to the field of folklore studies. Developed the Aarne-Thompson classification system for folktales, which served as the foundation for categorizing and analyzing folk narratives. Published numerous articles and books on Finnish folklore, making primary sources more accessible to scholars and the public. His work laid the groundwork for future research in comparative folklore and mythology.
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