Iolanda Balaș
Romanian high jumper Olympic champion
Achieved significant success in high jump during the 1950s. Competed in international events representing Romania. Won a gold medal at the 1960 Rome Olympics. Set multiple world records throughout her career, including a remarkable jump of 1.85 meters in 1961. Retired in 1965, leaving a legacy in the sport.
Won the gold medal at the 1960 Rome Olympics
Set a world record of 1.85 meters in 1961
Other People Born on December 12th
Dattu Phadkar
Indian cricketer and Test player
Born
December 12th, 1925 100 years ago
Died
1985 41 years ago — 60 years old
Active in the 1940s and 1950s, contributed significantly to Indian cricket. Represented India in 5 Test matches from 1948 to 1952, playing primarily as a batsman. Part of the team during the inaugural tour of India to England. Developed a reputation as a reliable player, showcasing skills in challenging conditions.
Continue ReadingGarrett Atkins
Baseball player with Colorado Rockies
Born
December 12th, 1979 46 years ago
A baseball player primarily played as a first baseman and third baseman in Major League Baseball. Played for the Colorado Rockies from 2003 to 2010. Contributed to the team's success during the 2007 season, which culminated in a World Series appearance. Later played for the Baltimore Orioles and the San Diego Padres. Also played internationally in Japan, adding to the breadth of professional experience in the sport.
Continue ReadingNina Kolarič
Slovenian long jumper Olympic athlete
Born
December 12th, 1986 39 years ago
Competed in long jump events representing Slovenia. Achieved significant success on the international athletic stage. Participated in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Secured a bronze medal at the 2007 European Athletics Indoor Championships.
Continue ReadingSamuel Hood
Admiral and politician, 1st Viscount Hood
Born
December 12th, 1724 301 years ago
Died
January 27th, 1816 210 years ago — 91 years old
Served in several notable naval battles during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Earned recognition for leadership in the Battle of the Nile. Held various political offices, including a position in the House of Lords. Contributed to the Royal Navy's strategic successes against France and established a reputation for naval prowess.
Continue ReadingOrlando Hudson
Baseball player, 2004 Gold Glove Award
Born
December 12th, 1977 48 years ago
Played Major League Baseball as a second baseman from 2002 to 2014. Teams included the Montreal Expos, New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, Chicago White Sox, Arizona Diamondbacks, and San Diego Padres. Contributed to multiple playoff appearances and earned recognition for defensive skills. Achieved the Gold Glove Award in 2004, indicating excellence in fielding. Career statistics include a batting average of .273 with more than 1,000 hits during tenure.
Continue ReadingEd Koch
American politician and New York City Mayor
Born
December 12th, 1924 101 years ago
Died
February 1st, 2013 13 years ago — 88 years old
Served as the 105th Mayor of New York City from 1978 to 1989. Led the city during a period of economic hardship and implemented policies aimed at revitalizing the city. Advocated for fiscal responsibility and urban development. Known for the catchphrase 'How am I doing?', which became synonymous with his leadership style and public persona. After leaving office, continued to be active in public life, offering commentary on New York City politics and broader issues.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on March 11th
Richard Brooks
American director and screenwriter
Born
May 18th, 1912 114 years ago
Died
March 11th, 1992 34 years ago — 79 years old
A prominent director, producer, and screenwriter, contributed significantly to American cinema from the 1950s to the 1980s. Directed notable films such as 'Elmer Gantry', which garnered critical acclaim and earned Academy Awards. Worked on various genres, including drama and crime, and created influential television series. Demonstrated skill in adapting literary works to film, evident in successful adaptations like 'In Cold Blood'.
Continue ReadingAlbrecht III Achilles
Elector of Brandenburg during 15th century
Born
November 9th, 1414 611 years ago
Died
March 11th, 1486 540 years ago — 71 years old
Served as the Elector of Brandenburg from 1471 until death in 1486. Played a crucial role in the politics of the Holy Roman Empire during the late 15th century. A member of the House of Hohenzollern, he worked to consolidate power in Brandenburg and expand its territories. His rule saw efforts to strengthen the electoral authority and establish greater autonomy from external influences. Albrecht III Achilles also engaged in military campaigns aimed at increasing the influence of Brandenburg within the imperial landscape. Described as a strategic leader, his reign marked a notable period in the history of the state.
Continue ReadingSlobodan Milošević
Serbian politician and former president
Born
August 20th, 1941 84 years ago
Died
March 11th, 2006 20 years ago — 64 years old
Served as the 3rd President of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia from 1997 to 2000. Prior to the presidency, held the position of President of Serbia from 1989. His leadership was marked by significant political turmoil, including the Yugoslav Wars throughout the 1990s, which were characterized by ethnic conflicts and international disputes. After losing power, faced trial for war crimes and crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. Died in custody in 2006 while awaiting trial proceedings.
Continue ReadingPhilo Farnsworth
Television inventor and pioneer
Born
August 19th, 1906 119 years ago
Died
March 11th, 1971 55 years ago — 64 years old
An inventor and television pioneer, significantly contributed to the development of electronic television. Developed the first working television system, which included the fully electronic method of scanning and transmitting images. Conducted several important experiments that led to the invention of the cathode ray tube technology used in early television sets. Established a significant patent battle over television against RCA.
Continue ReadingJohn J. McCloy
American lawyer and diplomat with key roles
Born
1895 131 years ago
Died
March 11th, 1989 37 years ago — 94 years old
Served as U.S. Assistant Secretary of War during World War II, overseeing issues related to military mobilization and strategy. Later held the position of High Commissioner for Germany in the post-war period, playing a significant role in shaping U.S. policy in Europe. Acted as president of the World Bank and was involved in various legal and corporate sectors after his government service. Contributed to national and international discussions on security and economic recovery.
Continue ReadingCamille Laurin
Canadian psychiatrist and politician
Born
1922 104 years ago
Died
March 11th, 1999 27 years ago — 77 years old
A psychiatrist and politician significantly contributed to the Quebec sovereignty movement. Played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Office de la langue française in Quebec. Advocated for the promotion of the French language in Quebec and was a key figure in the modern Quebec nationalism movement. Served as a member of the National Assembly of Quebec for the Parti Québécois and was appointed as Minister of Cultural Affairs. His efforts were instrumental in the passing of Bill 101, which established French as the official language of the province.
Continue Reading