Gordon Hayward
Professional basketball player with All-Star status
Played college basketball for Butler University, leading the team to the NCAA Championship game in 2010. Selected 9th overall in the 2010 NBA Draft by the Utah Jazz. Played for the Jazz until 2017, earning an NBA All-Star selection in 2017. Signed with the Boston Celtics in 2017, where he contributed to playoff runs, including the Eastern Conference Finals. In 2020, signed with the Charlotte Hornets.
Led Butler to the NCAA Finals in 2010
Selected for the NBA All-Star Game in 2017
Played for the Utah Jazz and Boston Celtics
Other People Born on March 23rd
Yevgeny Grishin
Speed Skater, Olympic Gold Medalist
Born
March 23rd, 1931 94 years ago
Died
July 9th, 2005 20 years ago — 74 years old
Competitor in speed skating during the late 20th century. Achieved significant success at national and international levels. Won a gold medal in the men's 500 meters at the 1960 Winter Olympics in Squaw Valley. Additionally earned multiple titles at World Championships, showcasing exceptional skills in long-distance and sprint events. Contributed to the development of the sport in Russia.
Continue ReadingWernher von Braun
Rocket engineer and moon mission architect
Born
March 23rd, 1912 113 years ago
Died
June 16th, 1977 48 years ago — 65 years old
A prominent rocket engineer and space architect, developed the V-2 rocket during World War II. Emigrated to the United States after the war and became instrumental in the space program. Contributed to the design and execution of the Saturn V launch vehicle, which successfully sent astronauts to the Moon during the Apollo missions. Advocated for space exploration and played a key role in NASA's early achievements in space technology.
Continue ReadingWalter Rodney
Guyanese historian and activist
Born
March 23rd, 1942 83 years ago
Died
June 13th, 1980 45 years ago — 38 years old
An influential historian, scholar, and activist contributed significantly to the understanding of Caribbean history and colonialism. Authored the book "How Europe Underdeveloped Africa," which critically examined the impact of European colonialism on African economies. Rodney's activism included mobilizing for worker rights and pan-African unity. His political involvement led to his expulsion from Guyana in 1968 due to his opposition to the government. Later, he continued his academic and political work in Jamaica and other countries, advocating for social justice and historical awareness.
Continue ReadingBethanie Mattek-Sands
Tennis player and mixed doubles champion
Born
March 23rd, 1985 40 years ago
This tennis player achieved success in both singles and doubles formats, prominently in mixed doubles. Career highlights include winning three Grand Slam mixed doubles titles and being a part of the United States Fed Cup team. Known for a distinctive playing style and strong net game, the athlete developed a reputation for competitiveness on the court.
Continue ReadingJuan Gris
Spanish painter and Cubist artist
Born
March 23rd, 1887 138 years ago
Died
May 11th, 1927 98 years ago — 40 years old
Born in 1887, this artist became an influential figure in the Cubist movement. Initially trained as an illustrator, the artist moved to Paris, where the style evolved. The use of geometric shapes and vibrant colors characterized the work. Collaborated with other prominent artists of the time, including Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque. The artist's most recognized works include 'Still Life with Checked Tablecloth' and 'Portrait of Picasso', which display a unique synthesis of forms and intricate composition.
Continue ReadingJon Finlayson
Australian Actor and Screenwriter
Born
March 23rd, 1938 87 years ago
Died
September 12th, 2012 13 years ago — 74 years old
Born in 1938, this Australian actor and screenwriter gained recognition for contributions to film and television. Career highlights include significant roles in productions such as 'The Spy Who Came In from the Cold' and 'The Mummy'. Known for versatility, worked in both dramatic and comedic genres, contributing to a variety of screenplays and performances. Active in the industry for decades, the focus remained on creating engaging narratives and memorable characters.
Continue Reading