Jess Willard
American professional boxer
Born in 1881, a professional boxer competed from 1910 to 1923. Held the World Heavyweight Championship from 1915 to 1919, becoming the first heavyweight champion to knock out Jack Johnson. Notable for his height and reach, he gained recognition during the boxing boom of the early 20th century. Fought in prominent matches against contenders such as Gene Tunney and Jack Dempsey, the latter resulting in a significant title defense.
Won the World Heavyweight Championship
Defeated Jack Johnson to become champion
Fought Jack Dempsey in a title defense
Other People Born on December 29th
Shlomo Venezia
Greek-Italian Holocaust survivor and author
Born
December 29th, 1923 102 years ago
Died
October 1st, 2012 13 years ago — 88 years old
Born in Greece, a survivor of the Holocaust, documented experiences in Auschwitz and other camps. After the war, settled in Italy, where personal narratives highlighted the brutality faced during this period. Worked to educate others about the Holocaust, emphasizing the importance of remembrance and truth. Authored influential works that served to preserve the memory of the victims and the horrors endured. Contributed to various initiatives aimed at Holocaust education.
Continue ReadingOrkun Kökçü
Footballer with Feyenoord SC
Born
December 29th, 2000 25 years ago
Born in 2000, a professional footballer who plays as a midfielder. Initiated football career at local clubs in Turkey before moving to the Netherlands. Joined the youth academy of Feyenoord, making a professional debut in 2018. Quickly established a reputation for skills and vision on the field. Contributed to Feyenoord's triumph in the 2022 KNVB Cup, showcasing talent in high-pressure situations. Also represented the Netherlands at various youth levels, later called up to the senior national team.
Continue ReadingRay Nitschke
Professional American football linebacker
Born
December 29th, 1936 89 years ago
Died
March 8th, 1998 27 years ago — 61 years old
A linebacker, achieved prominence in professional American football during the 1960s and 1970s. Played for the Green Bay Packers from 1958 to 1972. Contributed significantly to the team's success in winning the first two Super Bowls, Super Bowl I and Super Bowl II. Renowned for aggressive playing style and leadership on the field. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978.
Continue ReadingJulio Rodríguez
Baseball player for Seattle Mariners
Born
December 29th, 2000 25 years ago
A Dominican baseball player debuted in Major League Baseball (MLB) with the Seattle Mariners. Rodríguez excelled as an outfielder and displayed remarkable skills both offensively and defensively. In his rookie season, he achieved significant milestones, including being named the American League Rookie of the Year. Known for his powerful batting and speed on the bases, Rodríguez quickly became a key player for the Mariners, contributing to their offense and earning recognition throughout the league.
Continue ReadingBilly Mitchell
General and aviation pioneer
Born
December 29th, 1879 146 years ago
Died
February 19th, 1936 89 years ago — 56 years old
Served as a United States Army general and became a leading advocate for air power in the military. Played a pivotal role in the development of strategic bombing doctrine. Advocated for the formation of an independent air force, emphasizing the importance of aviation in modern warfare. In the 1920s, conducted numerous tests showcasing the capabilities of bombers against naval targets, leading to significant shifts in military strategy. Faced opposition from military leaders and retired in 1926, continuing to promote air power until death in 1936.
Continue ReadingCarl Ludwig
German physician and physiologist
Born
December 29th, 1816 209 years ago
Died
April 23rd, 1895 130 years ago — 78 years old
A physician and physiologist contributed extensively to the field of physiology. Developed methods to measure blood pressure, introducing the 'sphygmomanometer' for clinical assessment. Conducted research in cardiac physiology and renal function, establishing a foundation for future research in these areas. Published influential works, including studies on muscle physiology and the nervous system. Served as a professor at the University of Leipzig and influenced subsequent generations of scientists and physicians.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on December 15th
Vasily Zaytsev
Russian sniper during WWII
Born
March 23rd, 1915 110 years ago
Died
December 15th, 1991 34 years ago — 76 years old
Served as a captain in the Soviet Army during World War II. Gained prominence during the Battle of Stalingrad, where exceptional marksmanship resulted in the elimination of numerous enemy soldiers. Participated in sniper duels and demonstrated remarkable tactical acumen, which contributed to the Soviet defense. Zaytsev became a symbol of Soviet resistance and heroism, earning recognition among both soldiers and civilians.
Continue ReadingPaul Lévy
Mathematician and theorems in probability
Born
September 15th, 1886 139 years ago
Died
December 15th, 1971 54 years ago — 85 years old
Contributions to probability theory included foundational work on stochastic processes and Brownian motion. Developed concepts that bear his name, such as Lévy processes. Served as a professor at the Collège de France and influenced the field through published works. In addition, introduced Lévy-Cramér theorem and Lévy continuity theorem, impacting theoretical and practical applications in mathematics.
Continue ReadingFederigo Zuccari
Astronomer and Observatory Director
Born
August 26th, 1783 242 years ago
Died
December 15th, 1817 208 years ago — 34 years old
Contributed significantly to astronomy as the director of the Astronomical Observatory of Naples. Focused on observational astronomy and collaborated on various astronomical projects. Played a role in advancing the study of celestial phenomena and improved the accuracy of astronomical data collection. Engaged with both local and international scientific communities, furthering knowledge in the field.
Continue ReadingWolfgang Pauli
Physicist, Nobel Prize winner
Born
April 25th, 1900 125 years ago
Died
December 15th, 1958 67 years ago — 58 years old
A physicist and academic contributed significantly to quantum mechanics and theoretical physics. Pauli formulated the Pauli exclusion principle, which states that no two fermions can occupy the same quantum state within a quantum system. In 1945, awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for the discovery of the exclusion principle. Worked at institutions such as the University of Zurich and the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, where influences in physics were widely acknowledged. His theories have had lasting implications in quantum theory and particle physics.
Continue ReadingSaufatu Sopoanga
Tuvaluan politician, 8th Prime Minister
Born
February 22nd, 1952 73 years ago
Died
December 15th, 2020 5 years ago — 68 years old
Served as the 8th Prime Minister of Tuvalu from 2002 to 2004. Held various ministerial positions, including Minister for Finance and Minister for Foreign Affairs. Focused on issues of climate change and sustainable development during time in office. Worked to raise Tuvalu's profile in international forums and enhance diplomatic relations.
Continue ReadingEliza Atkins Gleason
American librarian and educator
Born
December 15th, 1909 116 years ago
Died
December 15th, 2009 16 years ago — 100 years old
Contributed significantly to library science and education in the United States. Worked as an educator and librarian in various institutions. Published widely on library science, history, and education practices. Served as the first African American librarian at the Los Angeles Public Library. Focused on the importance of libraries in urban education and community service.
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