Jean-Pierre Wimille

French race car driver and Le Mans winner

Jean-Pierre Wimille - French race car driver and Le Mans winner
Born

February 26th, 1908
117 years ago

Died

January 28th, 1949
76 years ago — 40 years old

Category

Athletes & Sports Figures

Country

France

Links & References

A prominent race car driver from France, gained recognition in the 1930s and 1940s for participation in prestigious motorsport events. Achieved significant success in endurance racing, particularly at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where victories showcased exceptional driving skills. Competed in various Grand Prix events, establishing a reputation in the pre-war racing circuit and contributing to automotive sports history. Continued racing until tragic death in a car accident.

Won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1936 and 1939

Secured multiple wins in Grand Prix events

Drove for Bugatti and Alfa Romeo teams

Other People Born on February 26th

John Harvey Kellogg

Physician and co-inventor of corn flakes
Born
February 26th, 1852 173 years ago
Died
December 14th, 1943 81 years ago — 91 years old

A physician and businessman contributed significantly to the health food movement in the United States. Developed a popular breakfast cereal to promote digestive health. Served as the director of the Battle Creek Sanitarium, promoting nutritional education and vegetarianism. Advocated for health through diet, exercise, and hygiene.

Continue Reading

Stefano Landi

Composer known for Baroque operas
Born
February 26th, 1587 438 years ago
Died
October 28th, 1639 385 years ago — 52 years old

Born in 1587, this Italian composer contributed significantly to the early Baroque musical landscape. His works often blended elements of drama and lyricism, reflecting the evolving style of the period. Key compositions include operas, notably 'Il Sant'Alessio', which showcased innovative use of recitative and aria. Additionally, he was active in the Venetian musical scene, influencing the development of opera and vocal music during a formative time in European music history. Beyond composition, he was involved in education, shaping future musicians.

Continue Reading

Aleksandras Stulginskis

Lithuanian politician and president
Born
February 26th, 1885 140 years ago
Died
1969 56 years ago — 84 years old

Born in 1885, significant political figure in Lithuania's interwar period. Served as the second President of Lithuania from 1922 to 1926. Initially engaged in agriculture, contributed to the development of agrarian policies. Played a crucial role in establishing the country's democratic institutions following its independence from Russia after World War I.

Continue Reading

Prince Ernst August of Hanover

German prince, head of Hanover house
Born
February 26th, 1954 71 years ago

Born into the House of Hanover, a historical royal house, served as the head of the family. Inherited the title of Duke of Cumberland and Teviotdale and served as the 2nd Duke of Cumberland after succeeding his father. Engaged in family affairs and represented the Hanoverian royal family. Involved in various cultural and charitable endeavors throughout his life, consistently aligning with interests related to heritage and history. Associated with several controversies and was a prominent figure in discussions about the role of modern royalty in society.

Continue Reading

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan

Turkish politician and 12th President
Born
February 26th, 1954 71 years ago

Born in 1954, the individual served as the Mayor of Istanbul from 1994 to 1998. In 2001, co-founded the Justice and Development Party (AKP), which gained significant popularity. Took office as Prime Minister of Turkey from 2003 until 2014, overseeing economic reforms and infrastructure projects. Became the 12th President of Turkey in 2014, implementing a presidential system of governance following a 2017 referendum. The individual has been involved in both domestic and foreign policy decisions, shaping Turkey's modern political landscape.

Continue Reading

Matt Prior

Cricketer and England wicketkeeper.
Born
February 26th, 1982 43 years ago

An accomplished cricketer with a significant career, specializing as a wicketkeeper-batsman. Represented England in Test and Limited Overs formats, contributing to several series victories and tournaments. Played a crucial role in the 2013 Ashes series, helping England secure a 3-0 victory over Australia. At the domestic level, represented Sussex and later played for Durham, showcasing strong performances in county cricket.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on January 28th

Frank Forde

Australian educator and Prime Minister
Born
July 18th, 1890 135 years ago
Died
January 28th, 1983 42 years ago — 92 years old

An educator and politician served as the 15th Prime Minister of Australia for a brief period in 1945. Forde became Prime Minister following the death of John Curtin and completed the term until the election of Ben Chifley. Prior to his premiership, Forde held various ministerial positions, including Minister for the Army during World War II. His contributions in education and public service spanned several decades, emphasizing the importance of education reform and community engagement. Forde's leadership style focused on collaboration within the Labor Party, significantly influencing party dynamics in post-war Australia.

Continue Reading

Reynaldo Hahn

Composer of 'Romeo et Juliette'
Born
August 9th, 1874 151 years ago
Died
January 28th, 1947 78 years ago — 72 years old

Born in Venezuela and later becoming a naturalized French citizen, this composer gained recognition for contributions to music, particularly in the realm of opera and art songs. He studied at the Paris Conservatory and became associated with notable figures in the Parisian cultural scene. His works often reflected a blend of French and Venezuelan elements. 'Romeo et Juliette', one of his significant operas, premiered in 1927. Aside from composition, activities included conducting and music criticism, which further established a prominent presence in the early 20th century music landscape. Engagements encompassed various orchestras and soirées, showcasing artistic collaboration.

Continue Reading

Helen Sawyer Hogg

Canadian astronomer and academic
Born
August 1st, 1905 120 years ago
Died
January 28th, 1993 32 years ago — 87 years old

Contributed to the field of astronomy through extensive research and publications. Focused on the study of globular clusters and their role in the formation of galaxies. Authored several books and numerous scientific papers, enhancing the understanding of stellar populations. Played a key role in making astronomy accessible through public lectures and outreach programs.

Continue Reading

Oldřich Kulhánek

Czech painter and stage designer
Born
February 26th, 1940 85 years ago
Died
January 28th, 2013 12 years ago — 72 years old

A prominent Czech painter, illustrator, and stage designer, played a significant role in the Czech art scene. Worked extensively in the fields of graphic arts and theatre design. Created a range of illustrations for children's books and adult literature. Collaborated with various theatre companies, contributing to stage designs for many productions. Developed a distinctive style that blended traditional techniques with modern themes.

Continue Reading

Spytihněv II

Duke of Bohemia
Born
1031 994 years ago
Died
January 28th, 1061 964 years ago — 30 years old

Ruled as Duke of Bohemia from 1055 until death in 1061. Succeeded Spytihněv I after a brief power struggle. His reign was characterized by conflicts with surrounding territories and internal challenges in consolidating power. Worked to strengthen the dukedom's influence, often through alliances and military engagements. Contributed to the early establishment of Bohemia as a crucial region in Central Europe.

Continue Reading

Carlo Clerici

Swiss cyclist and Tour de France participant
Born
September 3rd, 1929 96 years ago
Died
January 28th, 2007 18 years ago — 77 years old

This cyclist competed primarily during the 1950s and 1960s. He participated in the Tour de France and achieved notable rankings in various races. His career spanned several years in professional cycling, contributing to the sport's history through participation in prestigious events.

Continue Reading