Jean-Pierre Beltoise

Racing driver with Monaco GP achievement

Jean-Pierre Beltoise - Racing driver with Monaco GP achievement
Born

April 26th, 1937
88 years ago

Died

January 5th, 2015
10 years ago — 77 years old

Category

Athletes & Sports Figures

Country

France

Links & References

Pursued a career as a racing driver and motorcycle racer. Competed in Formula One during the 1960s and 1970s. Achieved notable successes in various racing championships, including victories in endurance racing and Formula 2. Secured a memorable win at the 1972 Monaco Grand Prix, which showcased exceptional skill and prowess on the track. Transitioned to a successful career in motorcycle racing before dedicating time to his work as a racing school instructor.

Won the 1972 Monaco Grand Prix

Achieved multiple victories in endurance racing

Competed in Formula One for several teams

Other People Born on April 26th

Gary Wright

Singer-songwriter and keyboard player
Born
April 26th, 1943 82 years ago
Died
2023 2 years ago — 80 years old

An American singer-songwriter and keyboard player, recognized for blending rock and pop with elements of electronic music. Gained prominence in the 1970s with hit singles that showcased unique keyboard arrangements. Achieved major success with the song 'Dream Weaver' which topped the charts and later became a popular classic. His innovative use of synthesizers contributed to the sound of the era, influencing countless musicians in subsequent decades.

Continue Reading

Arno Allan Penzias

Physicist, Nobel Prize in Physics 1978
Born
April 26th, 1933 92 years ago
Died
2024 1 years ago — 91 years old

A German-American physicist contributed significantly to the field of astrophysics. Penzias served as a researcher at Bell Laboratories, where he and Robert Wilson discovered the cosmic microwave background radiation, providing strong evidence for the Big Bang theory. This pivotal discovery earned the 1978 Nobel Prize in Physics. Penzias also held various academic positions, sharing knowledge and advancing research in physics and engineering disciplines.

Continue Reading

Alberto Quintano

Chilean footballer
Born
April 26th, 1946 79 years ago

A prominent figure in Chilean football, played as a midfielder for several clubs. Spent significant parts of the career at Universidad de Chile, where contributed to multiple championships. Represented the national team in international competitions, playing in crucial qualifying matches for the FIFA World Cup.

Continue Reading

Pedro Pierluisi

Puerto Rican politician and governor
Born
April 26th, 1959 66 years ago

Elected as governor of Puerto Rico in 2021, held the position after serving as the Resident Commissioner in the U.S. Congress from 2013 to 2021. Worked on issues related to the territory’s political status and economic challenges. Has a background in law and served in various roles in the local government, including as the Secretary of Justice of Puerto Rico.

Continue Reading

Sandra Schmitt

German Alpine ski racer
Born
April 26th, 1981 44 years ago
Died
November 11th, 2000 24 years ago — 19 years old

Competed in Alpine skiing events, achieving notable rankings in multiple World Cup competitions. Represented Germany in various international competitions, including the Winter Olympics. Secured a place in the top ten in several World Cup races throughout the career, contributing to the visibility of German alpine skiing on the global stage.

Continue Reading

John Grierson

Scottish film director and producer
Born
April 26th, 1898 127 years ago
Died
February 19th, 1972 53 years ago — 73 years old

A pioneering figure in documentary filmmaking, established the British documentary movement. Founded the National Film Board of Canada, promoting film as a means of cultural expression. Worked on influential documentaries such as 'Drifters' and 'Night Mail', which showcased the power of film to tell stories of ordinary life and social issues. His work profoundly shaped the documentary genre.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on January 5th

Felix Manz

Swiss Anabaptist martyr and leader
Born
1498 527 years ago
Died
January 5th, 1527 498 years ago — 29 years old

A prominent figure in the Anabaptist movement, one of the earliest proponents of adult baptism during the Protestant Reformation. Played a significant role in establishing the Anabaptist faith in Zurich, Switzerland. Manz was arrested for his beliefs and subsequently executed by drowning in 1527, becoming a martyr for the Anabaptist cause. His death highlighted the severe persecution faced by Anabaptists during this period.

Continue Reading

Qazi Hussain Ahmad

Pakistani politician and Islamic scholar
Born
January 12th, 1938 87 years ago
Died
January 5th, 2013 12 years ago — 74 years old

A prominent scholar and politician, significantly involved in the socio-political landscape of Pakistan. Played a pivotal role in the Jamaat-e-Islami party, serving as its Ameer for many years. Engaged in various religious and social campaigns, focusing on Islamic values and justice. Contributed to the development of educational institutions reflecting Islamic teachings. Participated in parliamentary politics, advocating for Islamic principles and policies. Actively worked towards the promotion of democracy and human rights within the region.

Continue Reading

Roberto Gerhard

Catalan composer and notable scholar
Born
1896 129 years ago
Died
January 5th, 1970 55 years ago — 74 years old

A Catalan composer and scholar, contributions to contemporary classical music included orchestral works, chamber pieces, and music for stage and screen. Gerhard's work often integrated Spanish folk elements with modern techniques. He studied in France and later became a professor at Cambridge University. His compositions reflect a deep understanding of various musical styles and innovative use of instrumentation. Worked in England for many years after leaving Spain during the Spanish Civil War, establishing a significant presence in the British music scene.

Continue Reading

Burton Lane

American composer of Broadway musicals
Born
February 2nd, 1912 113 years ago
Died
January 5th, 1997 28 years ago — 84 years old

A prominent American composer and songwriter, contributed significantly to the American musical theater landscape in the mid-20th century. Collaborated with lyricists such as E.Y. Harburg and Alan Jay Lerner. Major works include the scores for the musicals 'Finian's Rainbow' and 'On a Clear Day You Can See Forever'. Also composed songs for films, with notable contributions to the 1947 musical film 'Finian's Rainbow'.

Continue Reading

Andrei Platonov

Russian journalist and author
Born
August 28th, 1899 126 years ago
Died
January 5th, 1951 74 years ago — 51 years old

An influential Russian writer and journalist, contributed significantly to Soviet literature during the early to mid-20th century. Writings often explored the complex social and psychological landscape of Soviet society. Notably authored the novels 'Chevengur' and 'The Foundation Pit', which examined themes of collectivism and human suffering. Work frequently faced censorship, reflecting the political tensions of the era.

Continue Reading

Charles the Bold

Duke of Burgundy known for military actions
Born
November 10th, 1433 591 years ago
Died
January 5th, 1477 548 years ago — 43 years old

Duke of Burgundy led military campaigns during the 15th century aimed at expanding the Burgundian territory. Initiated significant reforms in administration and finance, enhancing the power of the duchy. Sought to establish a strong centralized state through alliances and diplomacy, but faced resistance from regional powers. Died in the Battle of Nancy, which marked a turning point in Burgundian history.

Continue Reading