John von Neumann
Mathematician and physicist, game theory
Born
Died
Category
Thinkers & Philosophers
Country
United States
Links & References
A Hungarian-American mathematician and physicist, contributions spanned various fields, including mathematics, physics, computer science, and economics. Developed game theory, providing a framework for analyzing competitive situations. Contributed to the creation of the first electronic computer, ENIAC, and advanced the field of quantum mechanics. Helped develop the Manhattan Project during World War II, which led to the atomic bomb. Worked on several mathematical theories, including functional analysis and set theory.
Developed game theory
Contributed to the Manhattan Project
Advanced the field of quantum mechanics
Other People Born on December 28th
David Moss
Ice Hockey Player with NHL Experience
Born
December 28th, 1981 43 years ago
Played professional ice hockey in the National Hockey League (NHL) primarily as a forward. Drafted by the Calgary Flames in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft, contributed to the team from 2006 to 2010. Also played for the Phoenix Coyotes during the 2010-2011 season. Accumulated significant experience in the AHL, showcasing talents in key developmental leagues. Retired from professional play after several seasons and continued involvement in hockey through coaching and mentoring.
Continue ReadingAustin Barnes
Baseball player for Los Angeles Dodgers
Born
December 28th, 1989 35 years ago
Professional baseball catcher played for the Los Angeles Dodgers in Major League Baseball. Made his MLB debut in 2014 and became a part of the Dodgers' roster during several seasons. Contributed to the team's success during postseason play and participated in the 2020 World Series championship.
Continue ReadingTom Cannon
Footballer for Everton FC
Born
December 28th, 2002 22 years ago
A footballer, engaged with Everton FC, played as a forward. In youth leagues, showcased significant talent, contributing to the team's offensive strategies. Achievements in academy competitions highlighted potential for professional success. Made senior team debut in a competitive match, representing Everton in domestic leagues. Participation in various youth national teams demonstrated skills on an international level.
Continue ReadingTom Huddlestone
English footballer and midfielder
Born
December 28th, 1986 38 years ago
Played as a midfielder in English football, primarily associated with Tottenham Hotspur and Hull City. Made notable contributions to the teams he played for, showcasing technical skill and game awareness. Represented England at the under-21 level, gaining experience on the international stage. Transitioned to a coaching role after retirement, focusing on youth development in football.
Continue ReadingShane Elford
Rugby league player and representative athlete
Born
December 28th, 1977 47 years ago
Played professionally as a rugby league player in Australia. Elford began his career with the Penrith Panthers and later played for the Wests Tigers and the Sydney Roosters. Recognized for versatile playing style, contributing both in the center and wing positions. Accumulated a significant number of appearances in the NRL and represented New South Wales in representative matches.
Continue ReadingThomas Dekker
Actor in 'The Secret Life of the American Teenager'
Born
December 28th, 1987 37 years ago
Born in 1987, this individual began acting at a young age, gaining recognition for roles in film and television. Appeared in the popular series 'The Secret Life of the American Teenager' and starred in the remake of 'A Nightmare on Elm Street'. Besides acting, pursued a career in music, releasing original songs and collaborating with other artists.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on February 8th
Ian Stevenson
Psychiatrist known for parapsychology research
Born
October 31st, 1918 107 years ago
Died
February 8th, 2007 18 years ago — 88 years old
A psychiatrist and academic focused on parapsychology and reincarnation, conducted extensive research into children's memories of past lives. Researched cases around the world, documenting detailed accounts that included verifiable facts. Published numerous articles and books on the subject, leading to significant discussions within the scientific community. Established the Division of Personality Studies at the University of Virginia, which furthered the study of personality and consciousness.
Continue ReadingDerrick Thomas
American football linebacker
Born
1967 58 years ago
Died
February 8th, 2000 25 years ago — 33 years old
Played linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs from 1989 to 1999. Regarded as one of the most productive pass rushers in NFL history. Established several records during his career, including the record for most sacks in a single game with 7 sacks against the Seattle Seahawks in 1990. Earned nine Pro Bowl selections and was named to the First-team All-Pro three times. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009, posthumously recognized for contributions to the sport and community.
Continue ReadingMarkos Vamvakaris
Greek singer-songwriter and bouzouki player
Born
1905 120 years ago
Died
February 8th, 1972 53 years ago — 67 years old
A significant figure in the development of rebetiko music, he contributed to the genre with his distinctive vocals and bouzouki skills. Vamvakaris spent the early part of his life in poverty, which influenced his musical themes. His career took off in the 1930s, with many recordings that featured his original compositions. Vamvakaris's music often addressed the hardships of everyday life, drawing from personal experiences and the struggles of the working class. His body of work secured his status as a foundational artist in Greek music history.
Continue ReadingHendrik Willem Bakhuis Roozeboom
Chemist known for phase rule advancements
Born
October 24th, 1854 171 years ago
Died
February 8th, 1907 118 years ago — 52 years old
An influential chemist and academic, contributions to physical chemistry included significant work on the phase rule. This concept describes the relationship between the number of phases and the degrees of freedom in a system. Conducted research that laid the foundation for modern thermodynamic theories. Published various papers that advanced understanding of phase equilibria, enabling future progress in the field. Held a prominent academic role in Dutch universities, shaping chemistry education and research during that era.
Continue ReadingOng Teng Cheong
Architect and 5th President of Singapore
Born
January 22nd, 1936 89 years ago
Died
February 8th, 2002 23 years ago — 66 years old
An architect and politician served as the 5th President of Singapore from 1993 to 1999. Before the presidency, held various roles in government including Minister of Communications and Minister of Labour. Contributed to significant developments in the architectural landscape of Singapore and engaged in public service to advance communication and labour policies. Played a key role in the development of Singapore's urban environment and social framework, promoting efficient public transport and policies benefitting workers.
Continue ReadingDennis Gabor
Physicist and engineer, Nobel laureate
Born
June 5th, 1900 125 years ago
Died
February 8th, 1979 46 years ago — 78 years old
Significant contributions to the field of optics were made. Developed holography, a method of recording and displaying three-dimensional images using laser technology. Received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1971 for the invention of holography. His work has influenced various fields including photography, microscopy, and information storage.
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