Jerome Robbins
Choreographer of West Side Story
A prominent American director, producer, and choreographer, contributed significantly to musical theater and ballet. Created iconic works including the choreography for "West Side Story" and directed productions such as "Fiddler on the Roof." Collaborated with the New York City Ballet and served as an artistic director for the company, influencing contemporary dance techniques. Burnished a reputation for innovative storytelling through dance, combining classical and modern styles to create engaging performances.
Choreographed West Side Story
Directed Fiddler on the Roof
Co-directed New York City Ballet
Other People Born on October 11th
Andy Douglas
Professional wrestler and tag champion
Born
October 11th, 1979 46 years ago
Born in 1979, a professional wrestler gained prominence in the wrestling circuits. Achieved recognition in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), where participated in significant tag team competitions. Partnered with Shark Boy to form the tag team known as the 3Live Kru, which won multiple championships and showcased skills in the ring. Notable for high-energy performances and competitive spirit.
Continue ReadingAlfonso de Portago
Race car driver and bobsledder
Born
October 11th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
May 12th, 1957 68 years ago — 28 years old
Born in Spain in 1928, a prominent race car driver and bobsledder achieved notable recognition in motorsports. Competed in Formula One with Ferrari, making his debut at the 1956 French Grand Prix. Participated in the Mille Miglia, a famous road race, showcasing exceptional skill and bravery during a period of limited safety standards in racing. Tragically lost life during the 1957 Mille Miglia, marking a significant moment in racing history.
Continue ReadingMal Whitfield
Olympic track and field athlete
Born
October 11th, 1924 101 years ago
Died
November 19th, 2015 10 years ago — 91 years old
An American track and field athlete excelled in middle-distance events and gained recognition during the 1948 and 1952 Olympic Games. Claimed gold medals in the 800 meters at both Olympics, showcasing exceptional speed and endurance. Competed for the United States in various international events, earning multiple accolades and setting records in his discipline. Contributed to the sport as a coach and mentor after his competitive career. Advocated for athletics programs and youth sports, emphasizing education and discipline.
Continue ReadingCahit Arf
Turkish mathematician and academic
Born
October 11th, 1910 115 years ago
Died
December 26th, 1997 28 years ago — 87 years old
Contributed significantly to mathematics, especially in the fields of algebra and number theory. Developed the Arf invariant, a crucial concept in topology. Held a professorship at Istanbul Technical University and was a member of the Turkish Academy of Sciences. Engaged in academic activities throughout most of life, including publishing numerous research papers that advanced mathematical understanding.
Continue ReadingC. Gordon Fullerton
Astronaut and engineer of Space Shuttle
Born
October 11th, 1936 89 years ago
Died
August 21st, 2013 12 years ago — 76 years old
An American colonel and engineer, contributed significantly to the space program as a NASA astronaut. Served as a pilot on the Space Shuttle missions STS-3 and STS-51-F, participating in critical phases of shuttle operations. Worked on various engineering and aeronautics projects prior to joining NASA, helping to advance aerospace technology. Retired from NASA and continued a career in academia and engineering.
Continue ReadingMauricio Victorino
Uruguayan footballer and defender
Born
October 11th, 1982 43 years ago
Victorino played as a professional football defender primarily in Uruguay and other countries. Starting his career with Nacional, he later played for various clubs, including Defensor Sporting and several international teams. His career included notable stints in leagues across South America and Europe, showcasing his skills as a reliable defender. Victorino also earned caps for the Uruguay national team, participating in international competitions.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on July 29th
Mickey Cohen
American mob boss with organized crime influence
Born
September 4th, 1913 112 years ago
Died
July 29th, 1976 49 years ago — 62 years old
Mickey Cohen became a prominent figure in organized crime in Los Angeles during the mid-20th century. Involved in various illegal activities, he played a significant role in the nightclub and gambling scene. His operations included bootlegging, loan sharking, and racketeering. Cohen's association with the Chicago Outfit and other crime families helped him expand his influence in the region. Throughout his criminal career, he faced numerous legal challenges and was incarcerated multiple times. His life was characterized by notable conflicts with law enforcement and rival gangs, solidifying his reputation as a key player in the mafia landscape of the time.
Continue ReadingChristian de Castries
French General during Indochina War
Born
August 11th, 1902 123 years ago
Died
July 29th, 1991 34 years ago — 88 years old
A French general served during the Indochina War, commanding forces in pivotal battles. Led troops at the Battle of Dien Bien Phu, which marked a significant turning point in the conflict. Engaged in military strategy and operations in Southeast Asia throughout the war, impacting French colonial efforts.
Continue ReadingMartin Behaim
Navigator and geographer; created globe
Born
October 6th, 1459 566 years ago
Died
July 29th, 1507 518 years ago — 47 years old
A navigator and geographer in the late 15th century, contributed significantly to the mapping of the world. Created the Erdapfel, the oldest surviving terrestrial globe, which depicted the known world at the time. Worked in Portugal under patronage of King John II, facilitating navigation and exploration during the Age of Discovery. Helped illuminate geographical understanding through detailed documentation of various regions.
Continue ReadingJon R. Cavaiani
Medal of Honor recipient, Vietnam veteran
Born
August 2nd, 1943 82 years ago
Died
July 29th, 2014 11 years ago — 70 years old
Served as a sergeant in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Participated in numerous combat operations and demonstrated exceptional bravery in the line of duty. Awarded the Medal of Honor for actions during a battle that saved the lives of fellow soldiers. After military service, engaged in various veteran advocacy efforts.
Continue ReadingCoen de Koning
Dutch speed skater and Olympic medalist
Born
March 30th, 1879 146 years ago
Died
July 29th, 1954 71 years ago — 75 years old
Excelled in speed skating during the early 20th century. Competed in the 1908 Summer Olympics where speed skating was included as a demonstration sport. Secured a gold medal in the 5000 meters event during those games. Participated in various international competitions, contributing to the popularity of speed skating in the Netherlands.
Continue ReadingDorothy Hodgkin
Biochemist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
May 12th, 1910 115 years ago
Died
July 29th, 1994 31 years ago — 84 years old
A biochemist and crystallographer, this individual developed techniques for X-ray crystallography. With a focus on complex organic molecules, significant contributions included the structure of penicillin and vitamin B12, leading to recognition in the scientific community. The pioneering work paved the way for advancements in the field of chemistry and medicine. Received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1964 for contributions to structural analysis using X-ray methods.
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