George Mikan
Basketball player and coach, NBA pioneer
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
Eleanor of Woodstock
Historical figure, English princess
Born
June 18th, 1318 707 years ago
Died
1355 670 years ago — 37 years old
Birth occurred on June 18, 1318. Was an English princess and daughter of King Edward II and Isabella of France. Married Hugh the younger of Bohemia in 1326, which established a notable alliance. Spent a significant part of life in various continental courts, reflecting the complex political alliances of the time. Involved in the governance of regions in England and provided support to her family during turbulent periods in English history. Died in 1355.
Continue ReadingVincenzo Montella
Italian football manager and player
Born
June 18th, 1974 51 years ago
Played as a striker in Serie A, primarily for clubs such as Roma and Sampdoria. Achieved significant success as a manager after retirement, including winning the Coppa Italia and the Supercoppa Italiana with Fiorentina. Served as head coach for various clubs, including Sevilla and the Italian national team at under-21 level.
Continue ReadingJohn Bellany
Scottish painter celebrated for his work
Born
June 18th, 1942 83 years ago
Died
August 28th, 2013 12 years ago — 71 years old
A Scottish painter gained recognition for vivid and emotive artworks, often reflecting themes of personal and cultural identity. The creative journey began at Edinburgh College of Art, leading to a distinctive style that blended traditional techniques with contemporary subjects. Various exhibitions showcased works across the UK and internationally. Bellany's paintings frequently drew inspiration from folklore and the Scottish landscape, incorporating elements of the surreal and symbolic. The artist faced personal challenges that influenced his creative output, particularly during periods of illness, which deepened the emotional resonance of his art. The recipient of numerous accolades, his legacy endures in both public collections and private galleries.
Continue ReadingEmperor Ōgimachi of Japan
Emperor with notable reign during Edo
Born
June 18th, 1517 508 years ago
Died
February 6th, 1593 432 years ago — 75 years old
Reigned as the 105th emperor of Japan from 1567 to 1586, overseeing a period marked by the rise of powerful feudal lords and political struggles. Contributed to the consolidation of power in the imperial court during a turbulent era. His reign saw significant cultural developments, including the flourishing of Noh theater and the arts.
Continue ReadingOz Fox
Singer-songwriter and guitarist
Born
June 18th, 1961 64 years ago
A musician with a career spanning several decades, noted for contributions to the Christian metal genre. Gained recognition as a guitarist and songwriter for the band Stryper, which achieved commercial success in the 1980s and 1990s. Released several albums, combining hard rock and Christian themes. Engaged in numerous collaborative projects across various music styles and has produced tracks for other artists.
Continue ReadingJerome Karle
American chemist, Nobel Prize laureate
Born
June 18th, 1918 107 years ago
Died
June 6th, 2013 12 years ago — 94 years old
A chemist whose research focused on crystallography, contributed significantly to the development of methods to determine molecular structures. Worked at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory and later at the University of Michigan. Received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1985 for pioneering contributions to the field. Published numerous papers, advancing the understanding of chemical and molecular science.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on June 1st
Charles Kennedy
Scottish politician and journalist
Born
November 25th, 1959 66 years ago
Died
June 1st, 2015 10 years ago — 55 years old
A Scottish politician and journalist, this individual served as the leader of the Liberal Democrats from 1999 to 2006. Elected as a Member of Parliament in 1983, he represented the Ross, Skye and Lochaber constituency. He addressed key issues such as education, health, and civil liberties. As party leader, he advocated for electoral reform and was a prominent voice against the Iraq War, influencing party policies and public opinion during his tenure. After resigning from leadership, continued to contribute to political discourse until passing in 2015.
Continue ReadingThomas R. Marshall
Vice President under Woodrow Wilson
Born
March 14th, 1854 171 years ago
Died
June 1st, 1925 100 years ago — 71 years old
Served as the 28th Vice President of the United States from 1913 to 1921 under President Woodrow Wilson. Was a practicing lawyer before entering politics and became the Governor of Indiana from 1909 to 1913. During the vice presidency, addressed issues such as the economy and American involvement in World War I. Played a significant role in supporting Wilson's policies and initiatives, particularly related to the League of Nations and the Treaty of Versailles.
Continue ReadingJean Ritchie
American folk singer and songwriter
Born
December 8th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
June 1st, 2015 10 years ago — 92 years old
A prominent figure in American folk music, Ritchie contributed significantly to the preservation and popularization of traditional Appalachian music. Born in Kentucky, she began her career in the 1940s, sharing songs that highlighted the rich cultural heritage of the region. Ritchie's music often featured instruments such as the dulcimer, which she helped to revive among folk musicians. Throughout her career, she recorded numerous albums and published several songbooks, influencing generations of folk artists. Ritchie was also involved in the development of folk music education and was a beloved figure within the folk music community until her passing.
Continue ReadingRichard Greene
English actor, The Adventures of Robin Hood
Born
August 25th, 1918 107 years ago
Died
June 1st, 1985 40 years ago — 66 years old
A prominent English actor, celebrated for roles in film and television, particularly in the 1950s. Starred in the television series 'The Adventures of Robin Hood', which gained significant popularity and contributed to his enduring legacy. Also appeared in various films, showcasing versatility across genres. Contributed to numerous theatrical productions throughout his career.
Continue ReadingKitabatake Chikafusa
Japanese author and historian
Born
1293 732 years ago
Died
June 1st, 1354 671 years ago — 61 years old
A prominent figure in the 14th century, contributed significantly to Japanese literature and history. Authored 'Jinno Shotōki', a historical text detailing the imperial family and its legacy. Focused on the importance of the imperial lineage and the legitimacy of the imperial court, influencing subsequent generations of historians and scholars. Engaged in the political struggles of the era, advocating for the legitimacy of the Southern Court during the Nanboku-chō period. His work became a vital resource for understanding the historical dynamics of feudal Japan.
Continue ReadingPrince Charles
Count of Flanders, Belgian Royalty
Born
October 10th, 1903 122 years ago
Died
June 1st, 1983 42 years ago — 79 years old
Born in 1903, held the title of Count of Flanders and served as a prominent member of the Belgian royal family. Engaged in various duties concerning the military and the church, he also contributed to the patronage of several cultural and educational initiatives. His significant influence within the royal family extended to both ceremonial and diplomatic roles, enhancing the monarchy's ties with other nations.
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