James Brady
15th White House Press Secretary
Served as the 15th White House Press Secretary from 1981 until 1993. Held the position during the Ronald Reagan administration and became a prominent advocate for gun control following a tragic assassination attempt on Reagan that resulted in serious injuries. Established the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, which sought to promote stricter gun control legislation. Worked to educate the public on the effects of gun violence and the need for reform. Contributed to various legislative efforts aimed at reducing gun-related incidents across the United States.
Served as the White House Press Secretary
Advocated for gun control legislation
Other People Born on August 29th
John Granville
English soldier and politician, 1st Earl of Bath
Born
August 29th, 1628 397 years ago
Died
August 22nd, 1701 324 years ago — 72 years old
Served as an English soldier and politician during the late 17th century. Became the 1st Earl of Bath in 1702. Held the position of Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, overseeing military and civil matters in the region. Participated in various military campaigns and was active in political affairs within England. Navigated the complexities of Irish politics and governance while maintaining loyalty to the crown. His contributions to military and political life in Ireland were significant during a tumultuous period.
Continue ReadingDante Basco
American actor and voice artist
Born
August 29th, 1975 50 years ago
Born in 1975, this actor gained prominence through distinct voice roles in animation and live-action performances. Voiced the character of Rufio in the film 'Hook' directed by Steven Spielberg, showcasing talent in both acting and voice work. Contributed to various animated series, particularly as Zuko in 'Avatar: The Last Airbender', earning recognition for voice acting skills. Engaged in projects that highlight Filipino culture and heritage.
Continue ReadingJohn Locke
Philosopher of political theory
Born
August 29th, 1632 393 years ago
Died
October 28th, 1704 321 years ago — 72 years old
Contributor to political philosophy and empiricism, this philosopher greatly influenced liberalism and the development of democratic thought. Authored several important texts, including 'Two Treatises of Government,' which outlined principles of natural rights and government by consent. Also wrote 'An Essay Concerning Human Understanding,' exploring the origins and limits of human knowledge through experience. His ideas on tolerance and the separation of church and state have been crucial in shaping modern political philosophy.
Continue ReadingIris Apfel
Businesswoman and interior designer
Born
August 29th, 1921 104 years ago
Died
March 1st, 2024 1 years ago — 102 years old
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.
Continue ReadingFrederick Denison Maurice
English theologian, author of 'Theological Essays'
Born
August 29th, 1805 220 years ago
Died
April 1st, 1872 153 years ago — 66 years old
An English theologian and academic, this individual contributed significantly to theology and education during the 19th century. Maurice served as a professor at King's College London, where he influenced a generation of students. He was a founding member of the Christian Socialism movement, advocating for social justice through a Christian lens. His writings included essays on theology, literature, and history, with works such as 'Theological Essays' and 'The Conscience'. This individual also played a role in the establishment of the Working Men's College, focusing on providing education to the working class.
Continue ReadingYsaline Bonaventure
Tennis player, French Open participant
Born
August 29th, 1994 31 years ago
A professional tennis player who competed on the WTA Tour and achieved significant success in both singles and doubles. Reached a career-high singles ranking in the top 100 and gained recognition for participation in major tournaments. Made an impact in doubles competitions, securing titles and advancing in Grand Slam events.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on August 4th
Billy Sherrill
Record producer and songwriter of country music
Born
November 5th, 1936 89 years ago
Died
August 4th, 2015 10 years ago — 78 years old
A prominent figure in the country music scene, played a significant role in shaping the genre from the 1960s through the 1980s. Worked extensively with artists such as George Jones and Tammy Wynette, contributing to numerous hit records. Developed a reputation for the 'countrypolitan' sound, blending traditional country with pop music elements. As a songwriter, penned many successful compositions that became classics in the country genre. Influenced a generation of musicians and producers with innovative approaches to arrangement and production.
Continue ReadingWashington Luís
Brazilian politician and lawyer
Born
October 26th, 1869 156 years ago
Died
August 4th, 1957 68 years ago — 87 years old
Served as the 13th President of Brazil from 1926 to 1930. Prior to presidency, held the position of governor of São Paulo. Focused on the modernization of the country and promoted aviation. His administration faced economic challenges, leading to political unrest and eventual deposition during a military coup.
Continue ReadingJacob Aall
Norwegian economist and politician
Born
July 27th, 1773 252 years ago
Died
August 4th, 1844 181 years ago — 71 years old
An influential economist and politician in Norway. Focused on agricultural and economic reforms during the 19th century. Contributed to educational advancements and supported the establishment of higher learning institutions. Played a significant role in shaping Norway's economic policies and promoting liberal ideas. Engaged in public service and political discourse that encouraged economic improvement and societal development.
Continue ReadingGertrude of Saxony
Countess and regent of Holland
Died
August 4th, 1113 912 years ago — None years old
Born around 1030, held the title of countess and regent in Holland. Managed the affairs of the region during a critical period, particularly after the death of her husband, who was the count of Holland. Actively involved in governance and the coordination of resources, Gertrude was a significant figure in the political landscape of her time. Her leadership spanned several decades until her death in 1113.
Continue ReadingTsung-Dao Lee
Nobel Prize-winning physicist
Born
November 24th, 1926 99 years ago
Died
August 4th, 2024 1 years ago — 97 years old
A Chinese-American physicist, contributions included work in particle physics and the development of the theory of parity violation in weak interactions. This pivotal work established that certain physical processes are not symmetrical, leading to significant advancements in the understanding of fundamental forces. His collaboration with Chen-Ning Yang resulted in the formulation of concepts that reshaped the field and earned the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1957. Lee has served as a professor at several prestigious institutions, influencing generations of physicists.
Continue ReadingSeichō Matsumoto
Japanese journalist and author of novels
Born
December 21st, 1909 116 years ago
Died
August 4th, 1992 33 years ago — 82 years old
A prominent figure in Japanese literature, contributed to the development of detective fiction in Japan. Wrote numerous novels, stories, and essays, with a focus on social issues, morality, and human psychology. Gained significant recognition through the publication of acclaimed works such as 'Kōri no Hana' and 'Kawaita Kawa.' Served as a journalist, using platforms to advocate for social justice and address contemporary issues. His literature often reflected the changing dynamics in post-war Japan.
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