George Kennedy
American actor in 'Cool Hand Luke'
Born
Died
Category
Performers & Entertainers
Country
United States
Links & References
An actor who gained prominence in the 1960s and 1970s. Played the role of Dragline in 'Cool Hand Luke', which showcased his acting abilities and made him a recognizable figure in cinema. Appeared in various films and television series throughout his career, earning accolades for his performances. Won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for the role in 'Cool Hand Luke'. His career spanned several decades, with appearances in over 200 films and TV shows, contributing to the entertainment industry significantly.
Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor
Role of Dragline in 'Cool Hand Luke'
Other People Born on February 18th
Pee Wee King
Country musician and bandleader
Born
February 18th, 1914 111 years ago
Died
March 7th, 2000 25 years ago — 86 years old
A prominent figure in country music, significant contributions included the formation of the Golden West Cowboys. The use of the accordion in a country music context helped popularize the instrument in the genre. Best known for the hit song "Tennessee Waltz," which became a major crossover success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard charts. The musical style blended traditional country with Western swing, leaving a lasting influence on the genre.
Continue ReadingWallace Stegner
American novelist and essayist
Born
February 18th, 1909 116 years ago
Died
April 13th, 1993 32 years ago — 84 years old
Born in 1909, a prominent American novelist, short story writer, and essayist. Associated with the Western U.S., spent significant time in California. Works often reflected themes of nature and the American experience. Published several novels while also contributing essays that discussed environmentalism and the cultural history of the West. Played a significant role in establishing creative writing programs at universities, notably at Stanford University.
Continue ReadingEmanuel Granberg
Finnish church painter
Born
February 18th, 1754 271 years ago
Died
August 1st, 1797 228 years ago — 43 years old
Born in Finland, a prominent church painter gained recognition for significant contributions to ecclesiastical art during the late 18th century. Granberg trained in the traditional techniques of painting and specialized in altarpieces and murals, which adorned numerous churches throughout Finland. His works often reflected the Baroque and Rococo styles, featuring elaborate decorations and biblical themes that engaged congregations. Granberg played a critical role in the development of Finnish religious art and influenced later generations of artists in the region. Additionally, Granberg was instrumental in the establishment of church art as a distinct category within the Finnish cultural heritage.
Continue ReadingClaude Ake
Nigerian political scientist and academic
Born
February 18th, 1939 86 years ago
Died
November 7th, 1996 29 years ago — 57 years old
Born in 1939, this Nigerian political scientist served as a prominent academic and thinker in the field of political science. The individual established a significant career focused on issues related to democracy, governance, and development in Africa. Contributions included writings that examined the complexities of African politics during a transformative period in the continent's history. The person held academic positions at various institutions, influencing many through research and scholarship.
Continue ReadingMary Ure
Scottish-English actress in theater and film
Born
February 18th, 1933 92 years ago
Died
April 3rd, 1975 50 years ago — 42 years old
Born in Scotland, Ure pursued a career in acting that spanned theater and film. She gained early recognition at the Royal Court Theatre in London, where performances in plays like 'The Birthday Party' showcased her talent. Ure starred in notable films such as 'The Devil's Disciple' and 'The Spur of the Moment'. She received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in 'Sons and Lovers'. Ure's career was marked by significant collaborations with prominent playwrights and directors, establishing her as a respected figure in both the British stage and cinema.
Continue ReadingJohnny Hart
Cartoonist, co-creator of The Wizard of Id
Born
February 18th, 1931 94 years ago
Died
April 7th, 2007 18 years ago — 76 years old
A cartoonist co-created the comic strip The Wizard of Id in 1964, which gained popularity for its satirical take on medieval life and humor. The strip became known for its clever wordplay and distinctive style, running for over five decades and appearing in numerous newspapers across the United States. Alongside The Wizard of Id, also created the long-running comic strip BC, first published in 1958, which humorously depicted the lives of prehistoric characters. His work contributed significantly to the landscape of American comic art and syndicated newspaper comics.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on February 28th
Zara Cully
American actress from 'The Jeffersons'
Born
1892 133 years ago
Died
February 28th, 1978 47 years ago — 86 years old
Cully was an American actress who gained prominence in the television industry. She played the role of Mother Winslow on the television series 'The Jeffersons', contributing to the show's success during its run in the late 1970s. Prior to her role in 'The Jeffersons', she had an active career in theater and made appearances in various television shows, showcasing her talent and versatility as an actress. Cully's portrayal in 'The Jeffersons' became significant, particularly for its representation of African American family life. Her contributions to television left a lasting legacy in the industry.
Continue ReadingNeville Cardus
Cricket and music writer, author of 'Autobiography'
Born
April 2nd, 1888 137 years ago
Died
February 28th, 1975 50 years ago — 86 years old
A notable cricket and music writer, contributed extensively to journalism throughout the 20th century. Worked for Manchester Guardian and wrote many articles on cricket and classical music. Authored several books, with 'Autobiography' considered a significant work in sports literature. His writings often blended analysis with personal reflections on the game and its players.
Continue ReadingKhosrow II
Shah of Iran, Sasanian Empire
Died
February 28th, 628 1397 years ago — None years old
Ruled as Shah of the Sasanian Empire from 590 to 628. His reign was marked by a restoration of the Persian state, engaging in significant military campaigns, particularly against the Byzantine Empire. Khosrow II successfully captured Jerusalem in 614, leading to the acquisition of the True Cross. His governance included administrative reforms and advancements in arts and architecture. The latter part of his rule faced internal strife and external pressures, culminating in a revolt that led to his downfall and death.
Continue ReadingEddie "Rochester" Anderson
Comedian and actor in 'The Jack Benny Show'
Born
1905 120 years ago
Died
February 28th, 1977 48 years ago — 72 years old
An American actor and comedian, one of the first black performers to gain mainstream success in American entertainment. Achieved widespread recognition for work on 'The Jack Benny Show', where the character provided comic relief and became a beloved figure in humor. His contributions to the show helped solidify its place in American television history. Also starred in films and was active in radio performances, showcasing talent across multiple mediums.
Continue ReadingDonald A. Glaser
Physicist and Nobel Prize winner
Born
September 21st, 1926 99 years ago
Died
February 28th, 2013 12 years ago — 86 years old
Contributions to the field of physics are significant, particularly in the development of the bubble chamber. This invention changed the way subatomic particles were observed and studied. Glaser received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1960 for this work, which advanced experimental techniques in particle physics. Later, he explored biophysics and neurosciences, further diversifying his research pursuits. His academic career included a position at the University of California, Berkeley, where he influenced numerous students and researchers.
Continue ReadingArkady Shevchenko
Ukrainian diplomat and defector
Born
1930 95 years ago
Died
February 28th, 1998 27 years ago — 68 years old
Served as a high-ranking diplomat in the Soviet Union, specializing in international relations. Defected to the West in 1978, seeking asylum in the United States during the Cold War. Worked at the United Nations, advocating for Soviet policies while secretly reporting to Western intelligence agencies. Authored the book "Breaking with Moscow," providing insights into the inner workings of Soviet diplomacy and politics. Contributed to discussions on Eastern European affairs and served as a lecturer in diplomacy.
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