George Mikan

Basketball player and coach, NBA pioneer

George Mikan - Basketball player and coach, NBA pioneer
Born

June 18th, 1924
100 years ago

Died

June 1st, 2005
19 years ago — 80 years old

Category

Athletes & Sports Figures

Country

United States

Links & References

A basketball player and coach, achieved notable success in the 1940s and 1950s. Played for the Minneapolis Lakers, leading the team to five NBA championships. Revolutionized the game with his height and skill as a center. After playing, transitioned to coaching, contributing to the development of basketball.

Led Minneapolis Lakers to five NBA championships

Was the first dominant big man in NBA history

Helped establish the professional basketball league

Other People Born on June 18th

Kerry Butler

American actress and singer in Broadway
Born
June 18th, 1971 53 years ago

Achieved prominence as a Broadway actress and singer. Gained attention for performances in notable productions such as 'Les Misérables' where role as Eponine received critical acclaim. Starred in 'Beauty and the Beast' as Belle, showcasing vocal talents and stage presence. Played the lead in 'Xanadu', contributing to the show's success and earning award nominations.

Continue Reading

Takeoff

American rapper with Migos
Born
June 18th, 1994 30 years ago
Died
November 1st, 2022 2 years ago — 28 years old

A prominent rapper, part of the hip-hop trio Migos, contributed significantly to the genre's popularity in the 2010s. Migos achieved mainstream success with the single 'Bad and Boujee,' which topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2017. The group's innovative style and catchy hooks influenced many artists and reshaped the rap landscape. Migos released several critically acclaimed albums, showcasing a blend of trap and Southern hip-hop. Takeoff was recognized for his unique flow and lyrical contributions, often taking the spotlight in collective performances.

Continue Reading

Jackie Leven

Scottish singer-songwriter and guitarist
Born
June 18th, 1950 74 years ago
Died
November 14th, 2011 13 years ago — 61 years old

Born in Scotland, this singer-songwriter and guitarist gained recognition through a unique blend of folk and rock music. The early career involved performance with various bands, including the group 'Catherine Wheels'. In the 1990s, a successful solo career commenced, marked by poignant lyrics and distinctive guitar work. Multiple albums were released, with 'Forbidden Songs' standing out as a major work, showcasing personal and evocative storytelling. Live performances often included a blend of music and thoughtful anecdotes.

Continue Reading

Allan Sandage

Astronomer and cosmologist, discovered quasars
Born
June 18th, 1926 98 years ago
Died
November 13th, 2010 14 years ago — 84 years old

An American astronomer and cosmologist made significant contributions to the understanding of galaxies and cosmic evolution. Participated in the discovery of quasars, elucidating their nature and distribution. Developed techniques for measuring the distance to galaxies and advancing methods in photometry and stellar classification. Played a crucial role in establishing the Hubble constant, providing insights into the expansion of the universe. Published numerous influential papers that shaped modern cosmology and observational astronomy.

Continue Reading

Eleanor of England

Countess of Bar and royal figure
Born
June 18th, 1269 755 years ago
Died
August 29th, 1298 726 years ago — 29 years old

Born in 1269, served as Countess of Bar. Married to Baldwin II, Count of Bar, strengthening alliances between England and the region. Daughter of Edward I of England and Eleanor of Castile, contributed to diplomatic ties in royal circles. Raised in the royal court, participated in various political negotiations throughout her life.

Continue Reading

Annelie Ehrhardt

German hurdler and Olympian
Born
June 18th, 1950 74 years ago

Competed in athletics with a specialization in hurdles. Achieved significant success during the 1970s. Represented East Germany in international competitions, including the 1972 Munich Olympics. Set multiple national records in the 100 meters hurdles. Contributed to the sport's popularity in East Germany through competitive excellence.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on June 1st

Tony Thompson

American singer with hit albums
Born
September 2nd, 1975 49 years ago
Died
June 1st, 2007 17 years ago — 31 years old

A prominent American singer, contributed significantly to the R&B and soul music scenes. Gained recognition in the 1990s as the lead vocalist for the group Hi-Five. Released several albums with notable chart success. Pursued a solo career after the group's initial success, producing hit singles that continued to resonate within the genre. Collaborated with various artists, showcasing vocal abilities and musical range throughout the career.

Continue Reading

Minamoto no Yukiie

Japanese warlord and military leader
Died
June 1st, 1186 838 years ago — None years old

A prominent figure in the late Heian period, this warlord played a significant role in the conflicts involving the Minamoto clan. Engaged in military campaigns against the Taira clan, he was involved in key battles that shaped the history of Japan. Ultimately, the struggles for power during this era contributed to the rise of the samurai class. Yukiie was a notable leader in these conflicts before his death in 1186.

Continue Reading

Edward Holyoke

American pastor and academic leader
Born
June 26th, 1689 335 years ago
Died
June 1st, 1769 255 years ago — 79 years old

Contributed significantly to early American education as a pastor and educator. Served as the President of Harvard College from 1737 to 1769. Held a prominent position in the academic community during the early 18th century, overseeing a notable period of institutional growth and development. Engaged in various educational reforms and maintained a focus on classical studies. Played a vital role in shaping the curriculum and academic policies of the college, influencing generations of students. Notable for promoting both religious and scholarly pursuits.

Continue Reading

Pierre-Joseph Desault

Anatomist and surgeon, surgical innovator
Born
February 6th, 1744 281 years ago
Died
June 1st, 1795 229 years ago — 51 years old

Contributions to surgery and anatomy were significant during the 18th century. Founded a surgery school in Paris that became influential in surgical education. Developed new techniques in surgery, particularly in the treatment of wounds and fractures. Published important works on surgical methodology and anatomy, paving the way for modern practices.

Continue Reading

Polissena Sforza

Lady of Rimini
Born
1428 597 years ago
Died
June 1st, 1449 575 years ago — 21 years old

Rimini's Lady served in the 15th century, becoming a key figure in the political landscape of Italy. Marrying the ruling lord of Rimini, she played an essential role in the governance and stability of the region during a tumultuous period of conflict and power struggles among noble families. Her lineage and connections influenced the alliances and rivalries of her time, reflecting the complex dynamics of Italian noble politics. The Sforza family was known for their significant impact on the politics and culture of northern Italy, with Rimini being a vital area during the Renaissance. Polissena's legacy continued through her descendants, who played crucial roles in the power dynamics of the period.

Continue Reading

Ermengarde of Anjou

Duchess regent of Brittany
Born
1068 957 years ago
Died
June 1st, 1146 878 years ago — 78 years old

Served as the Duchess regent of Brittany during the early 12th century. Played a crucial role in managing the duchy during her husband's absence. Actively participated in the political landscape of the time, navigating alliances and conflicts to maintain stability in Brittany. Her leadership occurred during a period marked by territorial disputes and shifting loyalties among various kingdoms in France.

Continue Reading