Jean Béliveau

Ice hockey player and Canadiens captain

Jean Béliveau - Ice hockey player and Canadiens captain
Born

August 31st, 1931
94 years ago

Died

December 2nd, 2014
10 years ago — 83 years old

Category

Athletes & Sports Figures

Country

Canada

Links & References

A prominent ice hockey player, achieved notable success in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Montreal Canadiens. Played as a center from 1950 to 1971, establishing an impressive career characterized by skill and leadership. Contributed significantly to the Canadiens' victories, leading the team to multiple Stanley Cup championships. Additionally, known for contributions beyond the rink, including efforts in community service and charity work.

Captained Montreal Canadiens to 10 Stanley Cup titles

Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1972

Other People Born on August 31st

Shar Jackson

Actress and singer, starred in Moesha
Born
August 31st, 1976 49 years ago

A prominent actress and singer, gained recognition for starring in the television series Moesha as Niecy Jackson. Also appeared in the spin-off series The Parkers. In addition to acting, pursued a career in music and released an album. Participated in reality television, including Celebrity Cook-Off.

Continue Reading

Matti Breschel

Danish professional road cyclist
Born
August 31st, 1984 41 years ago

Born in 1984, this cyclist specialized in road racing and represented Denmark in international competitions. Notable career highlights include participation in prestigious events such as the Tour de France and the UCI Road World Championships. Following a successful professional career that began in the early 2000s, this athlete competed for teams like CSC and Saxo Bank, earning recognition for significant performances in various races. Following retirement, continued contributions to the cycling community as a mentor and coach were noted.

Continue Reading

Géza Révész

Hungarian Minister of Defence
Born
August 31st, 1902 123 years ago
Died
1977 48 years ago — 75 years old

A Hungarian general and politician, served as Minister of Defence. Played a significant role in the military and political landscape of Hungary during the mid-20th century. Contributed to defense policy and military organization during a critical period in Hungarian history.

Continue Reading

Pete Newell

Basketball coach and player with NCAA title
Born
August 31st, 1915 110 years ago
Died
November 17th, 2008 16 years ago — 93 years old

This individual played college basketball at the University of California, Berkeley, where a successful career included being a key player on the team that won the 1939 NCAA championship. Transitioning to coaching, this individual led the University of California, Santa Barbara to great success and became the head coach of the University of California, Berkeley. While coaching, this individual emphasized fundamentals and developed many players who later achieved professional success in the NBA. This individual also served as a coach for the U.S. men's national basketball team, guiding the team to success in international competitions.

Continue Reading

Sauce Gardner

American football cornerback, NFL star
Born
August 31st, 2000 25 years ago

A prominent American football cornerback, played college football at the University of Cincinnati. Drafted by the New York Jets in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Garnered acclaim for his performance during the 2022 NFL season, contributing significantly to the Jets' defense. Recognized for exceptional coverage skills and ability to intercept passes.

Continue Reading

Guillaume Amontons

Physicist and instrument maker
Born
August 31st, 1663 362 years ago
Died
October 11th, 1705 319 years ago — 42 years old

Worked on the study of friction and temperature measurement. Developed the concept of the coefficient of friction and constructed early thermometers. Amontons's work laid foundational principles for modern physics and thermodynamics.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on December 2nd

George T. Sakato

Medal of Honor recipient, U.S. Army soldier
Born
1921 104 years ago
Died
December 2nd, 2015 9 years ago — 94 years old

Served in the United States Army during World War II. Participated in the Battle of Okinawa, where exhibited extraordinary bravery under fire. Received the Medal of Honor for actions during a mission on May 22, 1945, demonstrating selflessness and valor. After the war, settled in California and engaged in community activities.

Continue Reading

Elizabeth Hardwick

Literary critic and novelist with 'Sleepless Nights'
Born
July 27th, 1916 109 years ago
Died
December 2nd, 2007 17 years ago — 91 years old

Born in 1916, a prominent American literary critic, novelist, and short story writer. Contributed to various publications including 'The New York Review of Books'. Authored several novels and essays, often exploring themes of identity and society. Achieved recognition for 'Sleepless Nights', a semi-autobiographical novel examining life, love, and the complexities of modern existence. Also involved in feminist literary criticism, providing insight into the works of contemporaries and earlier authors. Sustained a lasting influence on the literary landscape through critique and promotion of both established and emerging writers.

Continue Reading

Paul Heinrich von Groth

German scientist in mineralogy
Born
June 23rd, 1843 182 years ago
Died
December 2nd, 1927 97 years ago — 84 years old

Contributed extensively to the field of mineralogy, focusing on crystallography and the study of minerals. Published several influential works, including 'Die Mineralien der Mexikanischen Republik'. Engaged in research that laid the foundations for modern mineral classification and analysis. Served in academic positions, shaping the study of geology and mineralogy in Germany.

Continue Reading

Muhammad Shaybani

Khan of Bukhara, unifier of Central Asia
Born
1451 574 years ago
Died
December 2nd, 1510 514 years ago — 59 years old

Ruled as khan of Bukhara and established the Shaybanid dynasty. Led various military campaigns in Central Asia, contributing to the unification of the region under his leadership. Unified the Uzbeg tribes and fought against various neighboring powers. His reign marked a significant period of consolidation in the area, leading to notable expansions of territory.

Continue Reading

Giles Cooper

Irish soldier and playwright
Born
August 9th, 1918 107 years ago
Died
December 2nd, 1966 58 years ago — 48 years old

Served as an officer in the Irish Army during World War II. Wrote plays that explored themes of conflict and personal struggle, contributing to Irish theatre. Notable works include 'The Redundancy of the Dead' and 'The Last of Mr. Fortune'. Held a strong interest in the intersection of politics and art.

Continue Reading

Hernán Cortés

Spanish explorer and conqueror of Mexico
Born
1485 540 years ago
Died
December 2nd, 1547 477 years ago — 62 years old

A Spanish general and explorer, the individual led an expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire. In 1519, the expedition landed on the Mexican coast, eventually leading to the capture of the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlán, in 1521. This event marked a crucial point in the Spanish colonization of the Americas. Cortés served as the governor of New Spain and played a significant role in the early development of the colony, establishing settlements and fortifications. The conquest opened vast territories for Spanish exploitation and settlement, reshaping the region's demographics and culture.

Continue Reading