Iris Apfel
Businesswoman and interior designer
An influential businesswoman and interior designer with a significant impact on the fashion industry. Established a career in textile and fashion design, contributing to various prestigious projects. Co-founded a textile firm, Old World Weavers, which became a respected resource in the design community. Created a widely recognized eye for color and pattern, leading to collaborations with numerous designers and brands. Regarded for a distinctive personal style, which garnered attention on social media and in fashion magazines. Founded a non-profit organization to promote arts and culture.
Co-founded Old World Weavers
Launched a successful collaboration with MAC Cosmetics
Featured in the 2014 documentary 'Iris'
Other People Born on August 29th
William C. White
Seventh-day Adventist Church minister
Born
August 29th, 1854 171 years ago
Died
1937 89 years ago — 83 years old
A prominent leader within the Seventh-day Adventist Church and son of its co-founder, played a significant role in the church's establishment and development. Served as the first president of the Pacific Union Conference. Contributed to the Adventist Review as an editor and published numerous works promoting the church's mission. Active in various capacities within church administration and education.
Continue ReadingDavid West
Basketball player and two-time champion
Born
August 29th, 1980 45 years ago
A professional basketball player with a career spanning from 2003 to 2017. West played for teams such as the New Orleans Hornets, Indiana Pacers, and Golden State Warriors. He was a two-time NBA champion, winning titles with the Warriors in 2015 and 2017. West was selected as an NBA All-Star in 2008 and earned All-NBA Team honors during his career. Known for his scoring ability and defensive skills, West contributed to each team's success throughout his career.
Continue ReadingWerner Forssmann
Physician and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
August 29th, 1904 121 years ago
Died
June 1st, 1979 46 years ago — 74 years old
A German physician pioneered cardiac catheterization techniques in the 1920s. Forssmann self-experimented by inserting a catheter into his own heart, which sparked further research in the field. His work provided a crucial foundation for modern cardiology, allowing for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions directly within the heart. After facing initial skepticism and challenges, his groundbreaking research earned recognition and the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1956, shared with two other scientists.
Continue ReadingChris Simms
American football player and analyst
Born
August 29th, 1980 45 years ago
Played quarterback in the National Football League (NFL) for teams including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Tennessee Titans. Achieved a college football career at the University of Texas, where led the Longhorns to a Rose Bowl victory. Transitioned to sports analysis after retirement, providing insights and commentary for various media outlets.
Continue ReadingNoah Syndergaard
Baseball pitcher; 2015 World Series champion
Born
August 29th, 1992 33 years ago
Professional baseball pitcher played in Major League Baseball. Debuted in 2015 with the New York Mets and contributed to the team's success during the 2015 season, helping secure a National League pennant. Known for a fastball that exceeds 100 mph and a unique delivery style. Played for the Los Angeles Angels after his time with the Mets. Injuries impacted subsequent seasons, but a strong performance in various games maintained visibility in the league.
Continue ReadingAnthony Recker
Baseball player, New York Mets catcher
Born
August 29th, 1983 42 years ago
Professional baseball player participated in Major League Baseball primarily as a catcher. Played for the New York Mets and several other teams during a career spanning from 2011 to 2019. Contributed in various roles including as a pinch hitter and defensive substitute. Recker demonstrated versatility and skill in the catching position throughout his career.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on March 1st
Bobby Timmons
Jazz pianist and composer of 'Moanin'
Born
1935 91 years ago
Died
March 1st, 1974 51 years ago — 39 years old
A prominent jazz pianist and composer, Timmons became a notable figure during the hard bop era. He collaborated with several leading jazz musicians and is especially recognized for his contributions to the Thelonious Monk Quintet and Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. Timmons gained acclaim for his composition 'Moanin', which became a jazz standard and showcased his unique blend of gospel, blues, and jazz influences. He recorded several albums throughout his career, earning a reputation as a skilled performer and composer in the jazz genre.
Continue ReadingFrancisco de Almeida
Portuguese soldier and explorer
Born
1450 576 years ago
Died
March 1st, 1510 515 years ago — 60 years old
Served as Portugal's first viceroy of India. Led early exploration efforts along the East African coast and the Indian Ocean. Established several forts in India, including in Cochin and Goa. Played a crucial role in the expansion of Portuguese influence in the region, laying the foundation for future colonial endeavors.
Continue ReadingGeorges J. F. Köhler
Biologist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
1946 80 years ago
Died
March 1st, 1995 30 years ago — 49 years old
A significant figure in the field of immunology, contributions included the development of monoclonal antibodies. Collaborated with César Milstein and Niels K. Jerne, leading to groundbreaking discoveries in antibody production. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1984 for this work. Served as a professor and researcher at the University of Freiburg.
Continue ReadingGruffydd ap Llywelyn Fawr
Welsh noble and ruler of Gwynedd
Born
1200 826 years ago
Died
March 1st, 1244 781 years ago — 44 years old
A prominent Welsh noble, Gruffydd ap Llywelyn Fawr held the title of Prince of Gwynedd during the early 13th century. He was the son of Llywelyn the Great and played a crucial role in the politics of Wales. After his brother's death, Gruffydd asserted his claim to succeed as ruler. His reign was marked by struggles against both English and internal rivalries in Wales. As a significant Welsh leader, he sought to unify the Welsh principalities against external threats. Gruffydd was involved in several conflicts, including skirmishes with nobles who challenged his authority, ultimately culminating in his death in 1244.
Continue ReadingBonnie Franklin
American actress known for One Day at a Time
Born
January 6th, 1944 82 years ago
Died
March 1st, 2013 12 years ago — 69 years old
An actress and singer, this individual gained prominence through a leading role in the television series One Day at a Time, which aired from 1975 to 1984. The character portrayed represented a single mother navigating life with her two daughters, contributing to discussions surrounding familial and societal issues. In addition to television work, major appearances included roles in theater productions and guest appearances in several television shows. With a career spanning several decades, this person also received recognition for stage performances, particularly in the musical Brighton Beach Memoirs.
Continue ReadingLuigi Vanvitelli
Architect, designer of Palace of Caserta
Born
May 12th, 1700 325 years ago
Died
March 1st, 1773 252 years ago — 72 years old
An Italian architect, active during the 18th century, gained recognition for the design of the Royal Palace of Caserta, a prominent example of Baroque architecture. This monumental structure, commissioned by the King of Naples, showcases an innovative approach to architectural space and design, merging natural landscapes with grandiose building techniques. Vanvitelli's work on the complex included extensive gardens, fountains, and a unique layout that emphasized the grandeur of the royal residence. His contributions to architecture also extended beyond Caserta, influencing various European styles of the time and setting new standards in palace design.
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