John Heisman
American football coach and player
Played football at Brown University and the University of Pennsylvania. Coached at multiple institutions including Auburn University, where innovative offensive strategies were developed. The Heisman Trophy, awarded annually to the most outstanding player in college football, was named in his honor. Contributed to the growth of the sport through coaching and strategic contributions.
Invented the forward pass
Coached the first team to go 15-0 in a season
The Heisman Trophy named after him
Other People Born on October 23rd
Ang Lee
Film director and producer of dramas
Born
October 23rd, 1954 71 years ago
Born in Taiwan, a prominent director and producer emerged with a focus on powerful storytelling. Early works included 'Pushing Hands' and 'The Wedding Banquet', exploring themes of culture and identity. Gained major acclaim for directing 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon', a film that achieved international success and won multiple Academy Awards, including Best Foreign Language Film. Directed 'Brokeback Mountain', a groundbreaking film that received critical acclaim and won three Academy Awards, including Best Director. Also known for 'Life of Pi', which won four Academy Awards, including Best Director, showcasing innovative visual effects and storytelling techniques.
Continue ReadingGraça Machel
Mozambican politician and humanitarian leader
Born
October 23rd, 1945 80 years ago
Born in 1945, this individual has played significant roles in politics and humanitarian efforts. As the first Education Minister of Mozambique, contributed to reforms in the education sector post-independence. Served as a member of the African Union Panel of the Wise and has advocated for children's rights and women's rights throughout Africa. Was the founding member of the Southern Africa Development Community's gender unit and actively engaged in the campaign against apartheid in South Africa.
Continue ReadingAleksandr Salugin
Russian footballer with FC Mordovia Saransk
Born
October 23rd, 1988 37 years ago
Born in October 1988, a professional footballer played as a midfielder. Developed skills at youth clubs, eventually joining FC Mordovia Saransk. Contributed to the team's campaigns in both the Russian First League and the Premier League. Participated in various league matches, showcasing abilities on the field.
Continue ReadingGrant Imahara
Television presenter and engineer
Born
October 23rd, 1970 55 years ago
Died
July 13th, 2020 5 years ago — 49 years old
Engineered and presented segments for the science entertainment television series MythBusters. Played a crucial role in building and operating robots for the show as part of a team that explored the validity of urban legends and myths. Worked on numerous projects in movie production and robotics. Was also involved in the development of animatronics and special effects in various films.
Continue ReadingPelé
Brazilian football legend and actor
Born
October 23rd, 1940 85 years ago
Died
December 29th, 2022 2 years ago — 82 years old
A Brazilian footballer, widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. Played for Santos FC and the Brazil national team, contributing to a golden era in Brazilian football. Achieved international fame by winning three FIFA World Cups in 1958, 1962, and 1970. Also ventured into acting, appearing in the film 'Escape to Victory' alongside other famous footballers. After retirement, engaged in various charitable activities and became a global ambassador for football.
Continue ReadingJohnny Carroll
Rockabilly musician and performer
Born
October 23rd, 1937 88 years ago
Died
1995 30 years ago — 58 years old
A prominent figure in the rockabilly music scene, this musician gained recognition in the late 1950s. His energetic style and distinctive sound contributed to the popularity of rockabilly. Notable performances included appearances on various television shows and festival stages, which showcased his talent and helped define the genre during its peak. The musician's work often featured themes of youthful rebellion and romance, resonating with a generation. Over the years, recorded music included several singles that became classics within the rockabilly community.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on October 3rd
Dub Taylor
Actor in western films and television
Born
1907 118 years ago
Died
October 3rd, 1994 31 years ago — 87 years old
An American actor specialized in Western films and television, contributed to the genre through various roles in popular productions. Active in the film industry from the 1940s through the 1990s, played memorable characters in several classics. Gained recognition for performances in 'Shenandoah,' 'Bonanza,' and 'The Dukes of Hazzard,' displaying a unique style. Worked on both film and television projects, establishing a career that spanned decades.
Continue ReadingPeter Norman
Australian sprinter, 1968 Olympic silver medalist
Born
June 15th, 1942 83 years ago
Died
October 3rd, 2006 19 years ago — 64 years old
Competed in sprinting events and achieved notable success in athletics. Secured a silver medal in the 200 meters at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. His performance in the final was marked by a personal best time of 20.06 seconds. During the same Olympics, participated in a historic moment when two fellow athletes raised their fists in a Black Power salute on the podium, leading to significant conversations about race and politics in sports. Retained a strong legacy in Australian athletics and advocated for human rights throughout life.
Continue ReadingJohn Crank
Mathematician & physicist, heat diffusion
Born
February 6th, 1916 109 years ago
Died
October 3rd, 2006 19 years ago — 90 years old
Contributions spanned applied mathematics and physics, particularly focusing on problems in heat conduction and diffusion processes. Authored significant texts, including the influential book 'Free and Forced Convection' which presented mathematical methods applicable to scientific problems. Developed numerical methods that solved differential equations, establishing groundwork for future advancements in the field. Worked extensively with the Laplace and Fourier transforms to model physical phenomena. Engaged in research that bridged theory and practical applications, impacting engineering and scientific communities.
Continue ReadingRoddy McDowall
Actor known for 'Planet of the Apes'
Born
September 17th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
October 3rd, 1998 27 years ago — 70 years old
An English-American actor began a career in film and television that spanned over six decades. Gained recognition as a child actor in films like 'How Green Was My Valley' and became widely acclaimed for roles in the 'Planet of the Apes' series. Transitioned successfully between film, television, and stage, showcasing versatile performances. Also directed television specials and made numerous guest appearances on popular shows.
Continue ReadingElisabeth of Valois
Queen of Spain, wife of Philip II
Born
April 2nd, 1545 480 years ago
Died
October 3rd, 1568 457 years ago — 23 years old
Born in 1545, this individual became Queen of Spain through marriage to Philip II. The union was politically significant, strengthening ties between Spain and France. She spent much of her life in the Spanish royal court and played a crucial role in court life and politics during her time. A patron of the arts, she also influenced cultural developments in Spain. Elisabeth died in 1568 at a young age, and her legacy continues through her daughter, who eventually became Empress of Austria.
Continue ReadingJanet Leigh
American actress known for 'Psycho'
Born
July 6th, 1927 98 years ago
Died
October 3rd, 2004 21 years ago — 77 years old
An American actress and author achieved notable recognition during the Golden Age of Hollywood. Began a film career in the late 1940s and gained prominence for roles in films such as 'Psycho' where portrayed Marion Crane. Worked with esteemed directors and starred in a variety of genres including drama and comedy. Also published books, sharing personal insights and experiences. Continued to act in film and television throughout her life, earning acclaim for her performances.
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