Howard Marks

Cannabis smuggler and writer

Howard Marks - Cannabis smuggler and writer
Born

August 13th, 1945
79 years ago

Died

April 10th, 2016
9 years ago — 70 years old

Category

Activists & Humanitarians

Country

Wales

Links & References

Engaged in large-scale cannabis smuggling operations during the 1970s and 1980s, utilizing various aliases and connections. Arrested in 1988, served a significant prison term in the United States. After release, authored several books, including 'Mr. Nice', an autobiographical account detailing experiences in drug trafficking. Became an advocate for drug law reform and the legalization of cannabis. Marks appeared in media discussions advocating for changes in drug policy.

Authored 'Mr. Nice'

Led cannabis legalization campaigns

Other People Born on August 13th

Fidel Castro

Cuban politician and revolutionary leader
Born
August 13th, 1926 98 years ago
Died
November 25th, 2016 8 years ago — 90 years old

Served as the Prime Minister of Cuba from 1959 to 1976 and then as President from 1976 to 2008. Led the Cuban Revolution against the regime of Batista, establishing a one-party socialist state. Implemented various social reforms, including universal healthcare and education. His administration was marked by significant tensions with the United States, particularly during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Continue Reading

Margaret Tafoya

Pueblo potter and traditional artisan
Born
August 13th, 1904 120 years ago
Died
2001 24 years ago — 97 years old

A member of the Santa Clara Pueblo, an influential potter specialized in traditional Pueblo pottery. Techniques included hand-coiling and complex decorative elements, often inspired by ancestral designs. Worked primarily with local clay and natural pigments to create functional and artistic vessels. Received numerous awards for pottery, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Pueblo peoples. Contributed to the preservation and promotion of Native American pottery traditions through her intricate craftsmanship. Active in the art community until her death in 2001.

Continue Reading

Rasmus Bartholin

Danish physician and mathematician
Born
August 13th, 1625 399 years ago
Died
November 4th, 1698 326 years ago — 73 years old

Contributed significantly to the fields of medicine and mathematics. Served as a professor at the University of Copenhagen. Played a crucial role in promoting scientific inquiry in Denmark. Conducted research in optics and is remembered for Bartholin's law regarding the refraction of light. His work laid the groundwork for future developments in the understanding of light and vision.

Continue Reading

Midori Ito

Figure Skater and Olympic Medalist
Born
August 13th, 1969 55 years ago

Highly accomplished figure skater excelled in singles competition. Achieved global recognition in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Won the gold medal at the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville, becoming the first woman to land a triple axel in competition. Secured multiple titles including five World Championships from 1989 to 1992. Competed with prestigious clubs, showcasing technical prowess and artistry on ice.

Continue Reading

Richard Willstätter

Nobel Prize-winning chemist
Born
August 13th, 1872 152 years ago
Died
August 3rd, 1942 82 years ago — 69 years old

A chemist and academic with significant contributions to the field of organic chemistry. Willstätter's research focused on the structure and function of chlorophyll and other plant pigments. In 1915, awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work in this area. Held a long-standing academic career, serving as a professor at the University of Munich. Published numerous papers that advanced the understanding of complex organic compounds, influencing future generations in the field of chemical research.

Continue Reading

Don Ho

Singer and ukulele player from Hawaii
Born
August 13th, 1930 94 years ago
Died
April 14th, 2007 18 years ago — 76 years old

A prominent figure in Hawaiian music, this individual gained widespread recognition through the hit song 'Tiny Bubbles'. Regular performances at the landmark Honey's nightclub in Waikiki contributed to the popularity of Hawaiian music during the 1960s and 1970s. A successful television personality, appeared on various shows, including his own series, 'The Don Ho Show'. The music career spanned multiple decades, showcasing the ukulele and traditional Hawaiian sounds.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on April 10th

Rosa Campbell Praed

Australian novelist and writer
Born
1851 174 years ago
Died
April 10th, 1935 90 years ago — 84 years old

Born in Australia, a novelist and writer emerged as a prominent figure in literature during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The work often reflected themes of colonial life, gender roles, and social issues of the time. Notable works include 'If I Were King' and 'The Country of the Blind,' which garnered attention for their insight into societal norms and human behavior. The author spent a significant portion of life in England, where the literary contributions flourished, establishing connections with various literary circles.

Continue Reading

Gregory V of Constantinople

Ecumenical Patriarch, religious leader
Born
1746 279 years ago
Died
April 10th, 1821 204 years ago — 75 years old

Served as the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople during a turbulent period marked by the Greek War of Independence. Gregory V opposed the uprising against Ottoman rule, maintaining loyalty to the Sultan. This stance led to his execution in 1821, following the capture of the Patriarchate. His leadership focused on church unity and the promotion of the Orthodox faith, while navigating complex political landscapes. He was a prominent figure within the Orthodox Church and played a significant role in religious leadership during a critical time.

Continue Reading

King Oliver

Cornet player and bandleader, Creole Jazz Band
Born
1885 140 years ago
Died
April 10th, 1938 87 years ago — 53 years old

A prominent cornet player and bandleader in the early 20th century, contributed significantly to the development of jazz music. Led the Creole Jazz Band, one of the first African American bands to gain nationwide fame. Performed with notable musicians such as Louis Armstrong, influencing the course of jazz in America. Recorded several influential pieces that showcased the New Orleans style of music. Helped to popularize the use of improvisation in jazz, leaving a lasting legacy in the genre.

Continue Reading

Al Jaffee

Cartoonist best known for Mad Magazine
Born
March 13th, 1921 104 years ago
Died
April 10th, 2023 2 years ago — 102 years old

A prominent cartoonist contributed significantly to the humor magazine Mad, introducing beloved features like the fold-in and the Snappy Answers to Stupid Questions. Jaffee's artistic style and satirical commentary resonated with readers, making his work a staple of American pop culture. Over a career spanning several decades, Jaffee collaborated with other notable artists and writers, creating memorable characters and illustrations that reflected the social and political climate. His work earned recognition within the comic industry, solidifying his legacy as an innovator in cartooning.

Continue Reading

Hugh of Arles

King of Italy
Died
April 10th, 948 1077 years ago — None years old

Served as king of Italy from 926 until death in 948. His reign followed the period of fragmentation in the Italian peninsula and was part of the larger context of the Carolingian Empire's decline. Strengthened ties with the nobility and asserted royal authority over regional powers. Became known for attempts to consolidate power in a politically fractured Italy.

Continue Reading

Seraphim of Athens

Greek archbishop and religious leader
Born
1913 112 years ago
Died
April 10th, 1998 27 years ago — 85 years old

Served as the archbishop of Athens and All Greece from 1973 until death in 1998. Played a significant role in the Greek Orthodox Church and was involved in various religious activities and initiatives. Was a prominent figure in interfaith dialogue and advocated for religious unity. Under leadership, the church addressed social issues and contributed to community well-being.

Continue Reading