Greta Andersen

Danish swimmer and Olympic medalist

Greta Andersen - Danish swimmer and Olympic medalist
Born

May 1st, 1927
98 years ago

Died

February 6th, 2023
2 years ago — 95 years old

Category

Athletes & Sports Figures

Country

Denmark

Links & References

A competitive swimmer, gained recognition in the 1940s and 1950s. Competed in the 1948 and 1952 Summer Olympics, earning a silver medal in the 400-meter freestyle in 1948. Achieved multiple titles at European Championships, securing several gold medals. Set numerous world records during the career, contributing to the development of women's swimming in Denmark.

Silver medalist in the 400-meter freestyle at the 1948 Olympics

Multiple gold medals at European Championships

World record holder in various swimming events

Other People Born on May 1st

William Lilly

Astrologer, author of 'Christian Astrology'
Born
May 1st, 1602 423 years ago
Died
June 9th, 1681 344 years ago — 79 years old

Born in England, a prominent astrologer and author emerged during the 17th century. Gained recognition through the publication of 'Christian Astrology' in 1647, which became a foundational text in the field of astrology. He also produced almanacs, achieving significant popularity among the public. His work combined astrology with religion, reflecting the cultural beliefs of the time. In addition to astrology, engaged in a number of legal disputes, advocating for the practice of astrology in a society increasingly skeptical of the discipline. Lilly's writings contributed to the popularity of astrology in England and influenced future practitioners in the field.

Continue Reading

David Backes

Ice Hockey Player, Stanley Cup Champion
Born
May 1st, 1984 41 years ago

Played professional ice hockey in the NHL, primarily for the St. Louis Blues. Served as the team captain and contributed to the team's success over multiple seasons. Later joined the Boston Bruins, contributing to their pursuit of the Stanley Cup. Played for the U.S. national team in international competitions. Known for physical style of play and leadership on and off the ice.

Continue Reading

Otto Kretschmer

German admiral and U-boat commander
Born
May 1st, 1912 113 years ago
Died
August 5th, 1998 26 years ago — 86 years old

An admiral in the German Navy, notable for command of U-99 during World War II. Achieved significant success in the Battle of the Atlantic, sinking numerous Allied ships. Became one of the most successful U-boat commanders, earning a reputation for tactical innovation in submarine warfare. After being captured in 1941, spent the remainder of the war as a prisoner. Post-war, contributed to naval strategy and operations in the Bundesmarine.

Continue Reading

Herbert Backe

German agronomist and politician
Born
May 1st, 1896 129 years ago
Died
April 6th, 1947 78 years ago — 50 years old

An agronomist and politician contributed significantly to agricultural policy in Germany during the 1930s. Played a key role in the establishment of the Lebensraum theory, advocating for agricultural expansion in Eastern Europe. Assumed various political roles, including serving as State Secretary of Food and Agriculture from 1933 to 1945. Participated in the organization of food production and distribution during World War II, influencing food supply strategies. His policies directly affected the agricultural landscape in Nazi Germany and were associated with wartime strategies.

Continue Reading

J. Lawton Collins

American General during WWII
Born
May 1st, 1896 129 years ago
Died
1987 38 years ago — 91 years old

A prominent military leader during World War II, Collins played a critical role in several key operations in the Pacific Theater. He commanded the 25th Infantry Division in the early stages of the war and later led the 3rd Army during the invasion of Okinawa. Following the war, Collins served as the Army Chief of Staff, overseeing post-war military reorganizations. His leadership and strategic planning significantly contributed to the success of U.S. forces during pivotal battles in the war. Collins also engaged in military planning for the Korean War before retiring from the Army.

Continue Reading

Christian Benítez

Ecuadorian footballer; top league scorer
Born
May 1st, 1986 39 years ago
Died
July 29th, 2013 12 years ago — 27 years old

Played professional football primarily as a forward. Achieved prominence in various clubs, especially with El Nacional and Club América. Excelled in the Ecuador national team, contributing to their participation in the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Winning multiple league titles and cups in Ecuador and Mexico marked a significant part of the career. Recognized for exceptional scoring abilities and work ethic on the field.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on February 6th

Alan Nunnelee

American politician and lawyer
Born
October 9th, 1958 66 years ago
Died
February 6th, 2015 10 years ago — 56 years old

Served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Mississippi from 2011 until 2015. Before entering Congress, held the position of a state senator in Mississippi. Engaged in legislative work focusing on issues such as education and economic development during time in office. Worked as a practicing attorney prior to political career.

Continue Reading

Charles II of England

Monarch and Royalist leader
Born
May 29th, 1630 395 years ago
Died
February 6th, 1685 340 years ago — 54 years old

Ascended to the throne as King of England, Ireland, and Scotland in 1660 following the English Civil War and the period of Commonwealth. His reign, known as the Restoration, marked the return of the monarchy after the rule of Oliver Cromwell. Established the Church of England as state religion and promoted arts and sciences, leading to a cultural flourishing. His court became a center of culture, attracting numerous artists and intellectuals.

Continue Reading

Ritwik Ghatak

Film director and screenwriter, The Cloud-Capped Star
Born
1925 100 years ago
Died
February 6th, 1976 49 years ago — 51 years old

This individual was a director and screenwriter, primarily associated with Bengali cinema. Work often addressed social issues and human suffering, reflecting the complexities of life in post-partition India and East Bengal. Notable films include The Cloud-Capped Star, which explores themes of displacement and societal breakdown. The artistic style combined elements of realism with a deep emotional narrative, elevating regional cinema to new levels. Contributions to the Bengali film industry have been significant, influencing a generation of filmmakers with unique storytelling and visual aesthetics. This individual's films continue to be studied and celebrated for their cultural and historical contexts.

Continue Reading

Manfred Eigen

Biophysical chemist, Nobel Prize winner
Born
May 9th, 1927 98 years ago
Died
February 6th, 2019 6 years ago — 91 years old

A prominent biophysical chemist contributed significantly to the understanding of chemical reactions and kinetics. Developed the technique of relaxation spectroscopy, which enabled the study of fast reactions. Eigen's research laid foundational work in the field of molecular biology, particularly in the understanding of enzyme kinetics. Received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1967 for work on fast processes in chemical systems. Held teaching and research positions at various prestigious institutions, influencing the field for decades.

Continue Reading

Sebastian Piñera

Chilean politician and former president
Born
1949 76 years ago
Died
February 6th, 2024 1 years ago — 75 years old

Served as the President of Chile from 2010 to 2014 and again from 2018 to 2022. During the first term, implemented education reforms and navigated the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake. The second term focused on social and economic reforms amid widespread protests and demands for change in the constitution. Managed the COVID-19 pandemic response in Chile during the later years of presidency. Has a background in economics and is also a successful businessman.

Continue Reading

Vince Guaraldi

Jazz pianist and composer of Peanuts music
Born
July 17th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
February 6th, 1976 49 years ago — 47 years old

A prominent jazz pianist and composer, this individual gained recognition for creating the memorable scores for the animated Peanuts television specials. His work included the famous song 'Linus and Lucy,' which became synonymous with the Peanuts franchise. Throughout the 1960s, this musician contributed to the soundtracks of several specials, enhancing the appeal of the beloved characters with a distinctive jazz style. In addition to his work with Peanuts, he released numerous albums that showcased his skills and creativity within the jazz genre. Despite passing away in 1976, his music continues to be celebrated and remains integral to the Peanuts legacy.

Continue Reading