John Hanning Speke
Explorer of Africa, discovered Lake Victoria
Born
Died
Category
Explorers & Adventurers
Country
United Kingdom
Links & References
An English soldier and explorer contributed to the exploration of East Africa. Speke participated in several expeditions with the goal of discovering the source of the Nile River. In 1858, he reached Lake Victoria, which he identified as the source of the Nile. His work was significant in mapping the interior of Africa during a time of expanding European exploration. Speke's expeditions often faced challenges such as harsh landscapes and encounters with local populations. He published accounts of his journeys, detailing the geography and cultures encountered during the explorations.
Discovered Lake Victoria as the Nile's source
Participated in the Speke and Grant expedition
Other People Born on May 4th
Victor Oladipo
Basketball player, NBA All-Star
Born
May 4th, 1992 33 years ago
Professional basketball player began collegiate basketball at the University of Indiana. Drafted second overall in the 2013 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic. Played for the Magic and later joined the Oklahoma City Thunder, where performance improved significantly. Achieved NBA All-Star status while playing for the Indiana Pacers in 2018. Sustained injuries impacted subsequent seasons but continued to play in the league, showcasing skills as a guard.
Continue ReadingGeorge Hill
American Basketball Player with Pacers
Born
May 4th, 1986 39 years ago
A professional basketball player, played primarily as a point guard. Entered the NBA in 2008 after being selected in the first round of the NBA Draft by the San Antonio Spurs. Gained recognition during the tenure with the Indiana Pacers, contributing to multiple playoff appearances. Known for strong defensive skills and leadership on the court, also played for teams including the Utah Jazz, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Milwaukee Bucks. Claimed an NBA championship with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021.
Continue ReadingJorge Lorenzo
Motorcycle racer, 3-time MotoGP champion
Born
May 4th, 1987 38 years ago
Achieved significant success in motorcycle racing, primarily competing in the MotoGP series. Secured three MotoGP World Championships in 2010, 2012, and 2015 while riding for Yamaha. Concluded a successful career with notable stints at Ducati and Yamaha, amassing multiple Grand Prix victories and podium finishes. Known for technical ability and competitive spirit on the track.
Continue ReadingRadja Nainggolan
Belgian footballer and Serie A midfielder
Born
May 4th, 1988 37 years ago
Born in 1988, made professional debut in 2005 with the Belgian club, Germinal Beerschot. Joined Cagliari in 2014, where gained attention for strong performances. Transferred to AS Roma in 2014, contributing significantly to the team's midfield with tactical intelligence and physical play. Played for the Belgian national team from 2009 to 2018, participating in the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the UEFA Euro 2016. Known for a distinctive playing style and notable personal life decisions, retired after a brief stint at Antwerp.
Continue ReadingAudrey Hepburn
British actress and humanitarian
Born
May 4th, 1929 96 years ago
Died
January 20th, 1993 32 years ago — 63 years old
Achieved prominence as an actress in the 1950s and 1960s, featured in films such as 'Breakfast at Tiffany's', 'Roman Holiday', and 'My Fair Lady'. Transitioned to humanitarian work later in life, focusing on children's rights and health as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. Actively participated in missions to various countries suffering from poverty and war, utilizing fame to support international efforts.
Continue ReadingFernandinho
Brazilian football midfielder, Manchester City
Born
May 4th, 1985 40 years ago
A football midfielder played primarily for Manchester City and the Brazil national team. Achieved significant success in domestic and international competitions. Helped Manchester City secure multiple Premier League titles and domestic cups during tenure. Contributed to Brazil's squad in major tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on September 15th
Jeremy Moore
English general in the Gulf War
Born
1928 97 years ago
Died
September 15th, 2007 18 years ago — 79 years old
A general in the British Army, served as the commander of British forces during the Gulf War in 1991. Played a key role in the planning and execution of Operation Desert Storm, which aimed to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi occupation. Commanded British troops in various campaigns and held important leadership positions throughout a military career spanning several decades. Participated in NATO operations and contributed to military strategy discussions.
Continue ReadingBernard Van de Kerckhove
Belgian cyclist and Tour de France participant
Born
1941 84 years ago
Died
September 15th, 2015 10 years ago — 74 years old
Competed as a professional cyclist in road racing events. Participated in multiple editions of the Tour de France. Achieved notable performances in various cycling competitions throughout the career. Contributed to the development of cycling as a competitive sport in Belgium.
Continue ReadingFernando Botero
Colombian painter and sculptor
Born
April 19th, 1932 93 years ago
Died
September 15th, 2023 2 years ago — 91 years old
Born in Colombia, this artist developed a distinctive style characterized by the use of exaggerated proportions and vibrant colors. Botero's works often address social and political themes through humor and irony. His early artistic influences included Colombian folk art, which shaped his unique perspective. Throughout a prolific career, he produced numerous paintings, sculptures, and drawings, enabling him to garner international recognition. Botero's art is displayed in major museums globally, with significant exhibitions in the United States and Europe, underscoring his lasting legacy within the global art scene.
Continue ReadingRaymond Baxter
Television host and pilot
Born
January 25th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
September 15th, 2006 19 years ago — 84 years old
Baxter served as a prominent English television host and was notable for hosting the BBC's coverage of significant events, including the Apollo Moon landings and the first broadcast of the Monty Python's Flying Circus. He was also an accomplished pilot, demonstrating this skill during various TV segments focused on aviation. His career spanned several decades, with a strong presence in the British media landscape, influencing the way scientific and technological advancements were presented to the public.
Continue ReadingTito Jackson
Singer-songwriter and guitarist in The Jackson 5
Born
October 15th, 1953 72 years ago
Died
September 15th, 2024 1 years ago — 70 years old
A member of The Jackson 5, contributed as a singer, songwriter, and guitarist in the group, which rose to fame in the late 1960s. The group became one of the first African American musical groups to achieve widespread success, producing hits such as 'I Want You Back,' 'ABC,' and 'I'll Be There.' Tito also pursued a solo career, releasing several albums and singles. His involvement in the music industry continued into the 21st century.
Continue ReadingAldemaro Romero
Venezuelan pianist and composer
Born
1928 97 years ago
Died
September 15th, 2007 18 years ago — 79 years old
A prominent pianist, composer, and conductor from Venezuela, contributions spanned various musical genres including classical and popular music. Romero studied at the Conservatorio de Música de Caracas, and later, his career included performing with numerous orchestras. He was a key figure in the development of Venezuelan music and its global representation. His work included the exploration and promotion of traditional Venezuelan music forms, leading to the creation of various orchestral arrangements that incorporated folkloric elements. In addition to performing, he directed the Venezuelan Symphony Orchestra during the 1970s and was involved in music education.
Continue Reading