Guy Laliberté
Canadian businessman and Cirque du Soleil founder
A Canadian businessman and philanthropist, founded Cirque du Soleil in 1984, transforming the circus arts with a unique blend of street performance, acrobatics, and theater. The company grew from a small group of 20 performers to a global entertainment phenomenon, known for its artistic innovation and signature productions. Laliberté also contributed to artistic endeavors beyond Cirque, engaging in various philanthropic activities including the One Drop Foundation, which focuses on water access around the world. His passion for poker garnered attention as he participated in high-stakes tournaments, including the World Series of Poker.
Founded Cirque du Soleil
Established One Drop Foundation
Other People Born on September 2nd
Rosalind Ashford
American singer with The Marvelettes
Born
September 2nd, 1943 83 years ago
A prominent American singer, recognized for being a member of the legendary Motown girl group The Marvelettes. The group gained fame in the 1960s with hits that defined the Motown sound. Their song 'Please Mr. Postman' achieved immense success, becoming the first song by a Motown act to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The Marvelettes' harmonious blend of pop and soul music contributed significantly to the Motown legacy, influencing future generations of artists. Over the years, the group saw various line-up changes but remained a significant part of the musical landscape.
Continue ReadingIsrael Gelfand
Mathematician and biologist, Gelfand Transform
Born
September 2nd, 1913 113 years ago
Died
2009 17 years ago — 96 years old
Contributions to mathematics included work in functional analysis, representation theory, and differential equations. Significant influence on the theory of distributions, known for developing tools like the Gelfand transform. In biology, contributions included the mathematical modeling of biological processes. Authored numerous seminal textbooks and papers, shaping future research in mathematics and its applications.
Continue ReadingLiliʻuokalani
Last monarch of the Hawaiian Kingdom
Born
September 2nd, 1838 188 years ago
Died
1917 109 years ago — 79 years old
The last sovereign monarch of Hawaiʻi reigned from 1891 until the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1893. Born into the Hawaiian royal family, significant contributions include promoting the Hawaiian language and culture. After the overthrow, was imprisoned in the ʻIolani Palace and later expressed her views through writing, with works like the song 'Aloha ʻOe'. Advocated for the rights of the Hawaiian people and opposed annexation by the United States. In her later years, worked to restore the Hawaiian monarchy unsuccessfully.
Continue ReadingMathieu Kérékou
Beninese soldier and politician, President
Born
September 2nd, 1933 93 years ago
Died
October 14th, 2015 10 years ago — 82 years old
Born in 1933, a prominent military figure and political leader in Benin. Initially rose to power through a coup in 1972, leading the country until 1991. Returned to power after winning the presidential election in 1996 and was re-elected for a second term in 2001. His administration focused on democratic reforms and economic policies aimed at stabilizing the nation. Kérékou played a significant role in transitioning Benin to a multi-party democracy.
Continue ReadingAhmad Shah Massoud
Afghan commander and defense minister
Born
September 2nd, 1953 73 years ago
Died
September 9th, 2001 25 years ago — 48 years old
Served as a prominent military commander and politician in Afghanistan. Played a crucial role during the Soviet-Afghan War, leading the Mujahideen against Soviet forces. Appointed as the Minister of Defense in the Afghan government in the early 1990s. Advocated for a unified and democratic Afghanistan while resisting the Taliban's rise to power. Assassinated in 2001 by Al-Qaeda operatives just days before the September 11 attacks on the United States.
Continue ReadingAndrew Grove
Businessman and author; Intel Corporation
Born
September 2nd, 1936 90 years ago
Died
2016 10 years ago — 80 years old
A businessman and engineer, significant contributions were made to the semiconductor industry. Served as the CEO of Intel Corporation from 1987 to 1998, during which the company became the largest supplier of semiconductor chips. Authored multiple books, including 'Only the Paranoid Survive', which discussed management strategies in the tech industry. Contributed to the development of vital technologies, including microprocessors.
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