Gloria Stuart
American actress from Titanic
An actress with a career spanning over seven decades. Debut occurred in the 1930s with roles in films such as 'The Invisible Man' and 'The Murder of Mary Russell'. Gained recognition later in life for the role of Old Rose in 'Titanic', directed by James Cameron. Received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for this performance. Also involved in painting and was a prominent advocate for the arts.
Played Old Rose in 'Titanic'
Received an Academy Award nomination
Other People Born on July 4th
Bill Withers
Singer-songwriter with iconic hits
Born
July 4th, 1938 87 years ago
Died
March 30th, 2020 5 years ago — 81 years old
An American singer-songwriter gained prominence in the 1970s with a distinctive voice and heartfelt lyrics. Best known for hits like 'Ain't No Sunshine,' 'Lean on Me,' and 'Lovely Day,' Withers' music explored themes of love and resilience. His work earned multiple Grammy Awards, showcasing a talent for blending soul, R&B, and folk influences. Withers released several albums, including 'Just As I Am' and 'Still Bill,' which featured chart-topping singles and became staples in music history. After generously stepping away from the spotlight, the artist continued to influence many across various genres until passing away in 2020.
Continue ReadingGertrude Lawrence
British actress of 'The King and I'
Born
July 4th, 1898 127 years ago
Died
September 6th, 1952 73 years ago — 54 years old
Born in 1898, an accomplished British actress, singer, and dancer. Achieved recognition on the London stage and later on Broadway. Began her career in musical theater and became prominent in the 1920s. Gained significant acclaim for performances in productions such as 'Hay Fever' and 'The King and I', where she played Anna Leonowens. Her contributions to the theater were notable, earning admiration for her talent and charisma. By the early 1950s, she had established herself as one of the leading figures in musical theater.
Continue ReadingWude Ayalew
Ethiopian long-distance runner
Born
July 4th, 1987 38 years ago
Competed in long-distance running events, particularly excelling in the 5000 meters and 10,000 meters. Secured victory at the 2002 World Junior Championships in the 5000 meters. Participated in multiple international competitions, representing Ethiopia and contributing to the country's reputation in athletics. Achieved personal bests that positioned among the elite long-distance runners of her time.
Continue ReadingJean-Pierre Blanchard
Pioneer of balloon flight invention
Born
July 4th, 1753 272 years ago
Died
March 7th, 1809 216 years ago — 55 years old
Inventor and aeronaut, played a key role in advancing balloon flight in the late 18th century. Conducted the first successful manned flight in the United States in 1793, launching from Philadelphia. Collaborated with various scientists and made significant contributions to aerial navigation. Developed different types of balloons and contributed to public demonstrations that popularized ballooning in Europe and America.
Continue ReadingÖmer Aşık
Turkish basketball center, NBA player
Born
July 4th, 1986 39 years ago
A professional basketball player who played as a center in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Aşık began his career in Turkey before transitioning to the NBA. He played for the Chicago Bulls and the Houston Rockets among other teams. Aşık contributed to teams with solid defense and rebounding skills, helping both franchises during his tenure. He also represented the Turkish national team in international competitions.
Continue ReadingÁngel Romero
Paraguayan footballer, San Lorenzo player
Born
July 4th, 1992 33 years ago
A professional footballer from Paraguay, played as a forward. Began his career at the Paraguayan club Cerro Porteño, where he won multiple league titles. Later moved to play for San Lorenzo in Argentina, contributing to the team's success. Also a member of the Paraguay national team, represented the country in international competitions, including the Copa América.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on September 26th
Ana Seneviratne
Sri Lankan police officer and diplomat
Born
1927 99 years ago
Died
September 26th, 2015 10 years ago — 88 years old
Served as a police officer in Sri Lanka, specializing in law enforcement and public safety. Transitioned to a diplomatic role, representing Sri Lankan interests internationally. Worked in various capacities to foster international relations and improve security collaboration. Contributed to the enhancement of police standards and practices within the nation. Died in 2015, leaving behind a legacy in both law enforcement and diplomacy.
Continue ReadingJohn Ashton
American actor, Beverly Hills Cop
Born
February 22nd, 1948 77 years ago
Died
September 26th, 2024 1 years ago — 76 years old
An actor featured in a variety of films and television series. Achieved recognition for roles in the 'Beverly Hills Cop' series, portraying Detective John Taggart. Also had significant appearances in 'Midnight Run' and 'The Last Boy Scout'. His career began in the 1970s and spanned several decades, often appearing in comedic roles.
Continue ReadingNils Bohlin
Swedish engineer, inventor of seat belt
Born
1920 106 years ago
Died
September 26th, 2002 23 years ago — 82 years old
An engineer from Sweden, contributed to automotive safety by inventing the three-point safety belt in 1959. This invention significantly improved passenger protection in vehicles and was adopted by various automobile manufacturers worldwide. Bohlin's design was instrumental in reducing injuries and fatalities associated with road traffic accidents. His innovation laid the groundwork for modern seatbelt systems, which are standard in vehicles today. Bohlin worked for Volvo and was committed to enhancing passenger safety in the automotive industry throughout his career.
Continue ReadingIva Toguri D'Aquino
American broadcaster and wartime broadcaster
Born
July 4th, 1916 109 years ago
Died
September 26th, 2006 19 years ago — 90 years old
Born in 1916 in Los Angeles, a typist and broadcaster became an infamous voice during World War II. While in Japan, she worked for the Japanese government as a radio broadcaster, adopting the on-air persona of 'Tokyo Rose'. This role involved broadcasting propaganda targeted at Allied troops. Post-war, legal issues arose concerning accusations of treason, which led to a highly publicized trial. Ultimately, the conviction was overturned decades later, acknowledging significant procedural flaws in the original trial.
Continue ReadingOseola McCarty
Philanthropist supporting education.
Born
1908 118 years ago
Died
September 26th, 1999 26 years ago — 91 years old
A prominent philanthropist, dedicated efforts to support education through substantial financial contributions. Established a scholarship fund for students at the University of Southern Mississippi, emphasizing the importance of education in transforming lives. Built a reputation for generosity, stemming from a simple life spent working various jobs, including laundry services. Received national recognition for charitable work, including a prestigious honorary doctorate for contributions to education and community development.
Continue ReadingMario Montez
Puerto Rican-American actor & performer
Born
1935 91 years ago
Died
September 26th, 2013 12 years ago — 78 years old
A prominent figure in the underground film and drag scene, gained recognition during the 1960s. Featured in various avant-garde films, including Andy Warhol's notable works. Showcased a distinctive style that blended performance art with cinema, contributing to the rise of queer representation in media. Retained a significant presence in the New York City art and theater communities throughout his career.
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