Jack Sharkey
Professional boxer and referee
Born in 1902, this individual became a prominent heavyweight boxing champion in the 1920s and 1930s. Claiming the World Heavyweight title in 1932, significant bouts included matches against Max Schmeling and Jim Braddock. Transitioning to a career as a referee, the individual oversaw numerous high-profile boxing matches, bringing extensive experience to the role. Retirement from boxing did not diminish involvement in the sport.
Won the World Heavyweight Championship in 1932
Competed in notable fights against Max Schmeling
Served as a referee for major boxing matches
Other People Born on October 26th
Georges Danton
French lawyer and Minister of Justice
Born
October 26th, 1759 266 years ago
Died
April 5th, 1794 231 years ago — 34 years old
A prominent figure during the French Revolution, played a significant role in the early stages of the revolution. Served as the first president of the Committee of Public Safety and advocated for the rights of the common people. Danton's leadership during the revolution included pivotal speeches and political action that helped shape the course of the new government. His tenure was marked by fierce debates and conflicts with political rivals, eventually leading to his arrest and execution in 1794. Danton's legacy lives on as a key architect of revolutionary change in France.
Continue ReadingSeth MacFarlane
Voice actor and creator of Family Guy
Born
October 26th, 1973 52 years ago
A prominent voice actor and creator of animated series, contributions include the creation and production of the television series Family Guy, American Dad!, and The Cleveland Show. In addition to television, worked as a director and producer, and composed and performed music, including the album Music Is Better Than Words. Received recognition for both voice work and musical talent.
Continue ReadingRóbert Petrovický
Slovak ice hockey player, played for NHL
Born
October 26th, 1973 52 years ago
An ice hockey player from Slovakia played professionally for multiple teams in the NHL, including the New York Rangers and the Calgary Flames. He represented Slovakia in international competitions, contributing to the national team at the IIHF World Championships. Having played in various leagues throughout his career, he was noted for his offensive skills on the ice and participated in significant games that showcased his abilities.
Continue ReadingJoseph Cramarossa
Canadian hockey player, AHL standout
Born
October 26th, 1992 33 years ago
Played professional ice hockey in the American Hockey League and ECHL. Cramarossa was drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in the 6th round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. He spent several seasons with the Norfolk Admirals and the San Diego Gulls, contributing to the teams' offensive efforts and earning a reputation for solid performance during his tenure. Cramarossa also played for teams like the Utica Comets and the Chicago Wolves in the AHL, showcasing versatility on the ice through various playing styles.
Continue ReadingC. W. Post
American businessman and food pioneer
Born
October 26th, 1854 171 years ago
Died
May 9th, 1914 111 years ago — 59 years old
Established Post Foods and created several breakfast cereals. The introduction of Grape-Nuts marked a significant innovation in the food industry. Promoted the idea of nutrition and health through cereal products. Developed a successful marketing strategy that contributed to the nationwide popularity of breakfast cereals in the early 20th century.
Continue ReadingSergey Karasev
Russian basketball player with NBA experience
Born
October 26th, 1993 32 years ago
Born in Russia, played professional basketball in various leagues. Began career with BC Triumph Lyubertsy, later joined the NBA where played for the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Brooklyn Nets, contributing to team efforts during the regular season. Returned to Russia, playing for teams like UNICS Kazan and Zenit Saint Petersburg, competing in the VTB United League. Demonstrated skills as a versatile forward with shooting proficiency and playmaking abilities.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on August 17th
Tadeusz Ślusarski
Pole vaulter and Olympic medalist
Born
May 19th, 1950 75 years ago
Died
August 17th, 1998 27 years ago — 48 years old
Born in 1950, a Polish pole vaulter achieved significant success in athletics, particularly in the 1970s. Competed in multiple international competitions, securing a place as one of the top athletes in this field. Represented Poland in the 1976 Summer Olympics, winning a bronze medal in pole vaulting. Achieved notable performances in European championships and was a qualified participant in world championships.
Continue ReadingSilvio Santos
Brazilian television host and entrepreneur
Born
1930 96 years ago
Died
August 17th, 2024 1 years ago — 94 years old
A media mogul, engaged in the Brazilian television industry for several decades. Founded the influential SBT network, significantly shaping Brazilian entertainment. Hosted the long-running television show 'Programa Silvio Santos', which became a staple in Brazilian homes. Built a business empire encompassing various sectors, including retail, cosmetics, and banking. His charismatic presenting style and business acumen established him as a prominent figure in Brazilian culture.
Continue ReadingMuhammad Zia-ul-Haq
Pakistani general and politician
Born
August 12th, 1924 101 years ago
Died
August 17th, 1988 37 years ago — 64 years old
Served as the sixth President of Pakistan from 1978 until his death in 1988. Initially took power through a military coup in 1977, establishing martial law and assuming the position of Chief Martial Law Administrator. Implemented policies that facilitated the Islamization of Pakistan's legal and societal structures. Oversaw significant political and economic changes, and his tenure was marked by efforts to increase the role of Islamic law in governance. Died in an airplane crash in 1988, which was highly controversial and led to various conspiracy theories.
Continue ReadingArthur Hiller
Film director of Love Story fame
Born
November 22nd, 1923 102 years ago
Died
August 17th, 2016 9 years ago — 92 years old
A Canadian-American director, notable for contributions to film and television, worked extensively in both media. Directed the classic romantic drama 'Love Story', which became a cultural phenomenon in the early 1970s. Hiller also directed 'The In-Laws' and 'Silver Streak', both of which received critical acclaim. Throughout a prolific career, he became involved in several television projects, showcasing his versatility in adapting stories across genres.
Continue ReadingTom Kendall
Australian cricketer and journalist
Born
August 24th, 1851 174 years ago
Died
August 17th, 1924 101 years ago — 72 years old
Played first-class cricket from 1869 to 1887. Achieved significant success as a leading bowler for Victoria and represented Australia in early Test matches. Also contributed to cricket journalism, writing for various publications. His career remained influential in the development of cricket in Australia.
Continue ReadingConrad Aiken
American poet and novelist
Born
August 5th, 1889 136 years ago
Died
August 17th, 1973 52 years ago — 84 years old
Born in 1889, a prominent American poet, novelist, and critic, contributed significantly to 20th-century literature. Aiken's literary career spanned multiple genres, with poetry as the primary focus. A published author from a young age, received a Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1930 for the collection 'Selected Poems.' Aiken explored themes of consciousness and emotion in works such as the novel 'Apprenticeship' and the short story collection 'Great Circle.' His influence extends to various literary movements, and he was associated with the objectivist movement. In his writing, Aiken often employed innovative techniques, blending elements of modernism and romanticism.
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