Johnny Raper
Rugby league player and coach
Played rugby league for the St. George Dragons and the Australian national team. Won significant titles including the NSWRL premiership and the World Cup. Transitioned to coaching after his playing career, contributing to the development of players and strategies in the sport. Recognized as one of the all-time greats of Australian rugby league.
Won 11 premierships with St. George Dragons
Represented Australia in international competitions
Inducted into the Australian Rugby League Hall of Fame
Other People Born on April 12th
George N. Briggs
American politician, 19th Governor of Massachusetts
Born
April 12th, 1796 229 years ago
Died
1861 165 years ago — 65 years old
Served as the 19th Governor of Massachusetts from 1843 to 1844. Held the position during a time of political transition in the state. Prior to governorship, engaged in legal practice and served in the Massachusetts State Legislature. Participated in shaping state policies and legislation. Known for addressing issues related to public education and infrastructure.
Continue ReadingLakshman Kadirgamar
Sri Lankan foreign affairs minister
Born
April 12th, 1932 93 years ago
Died
2005 21 years ago — 73 years old
A prominent lawyer and politician in Sri Lanka, served as the 5th Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2000 until his assassination in 2005. Played a significant role in international diplomacy and advocating for the Sri Lankan government during the civil conflict. His tenure included efforts to promote peace and negotiate with international bodies regarding the nation's issues.
Continue ReadingDennis Banks
American author and activist
Born
April 12th, 1937 88 years ago
Died
2017 9 years ago — 80 years old
An author and activist focused on Indigenous rights and culture. Co-founded the American Indian Movement (AIM) in 1968, advocating for the rights of Native Americans. Participated in various protests, including the occupation of Alcatraz Island in 1969 and the Wounded Knee incident in 1973. Authored several books discussing Indigenous issues and history, contributing to the visibility of Native American culture.
Continue ReadingHeinz Schneiter
Footballer and manager with prominent roles
Born
April 12th, 1934 91 years ago
Died
2017 9 years ago — 83 years old
A Swiss footballer and manager, played primarily as a forward. Started his career at Grasshopper Club Zürich and later played for FC Lausanne-Sport. Transitioned to management after retiring from playing, leading teams in the Swiss leagues. Renowned for tactical expertise and development of younger players. Contributed to the sport through coaching at various levels.
Continue ReadingMontserrat Caballé
Spanish soprano renowned for opera
Born
April 12th, 1933 92 years ago
Died
October 6th, 2018 7 years ago — 85 years old
Acclaimed for contributions to opera, a Spanish soprano gained international fame for powerful performances in the operatic repertoire. Performances at prestigious venues, including the Metropolitan Opera, showcased a vocal technique marked by a rich color and impressive range. A celebrated recording career featured collaborations with various artists, expanding reach beyond traditional audiences. Achieved a significant milestone with the album 'Barcelona,' a collaboration with Freddie Mercury, cementing a crossover appeal into popular music.
Continue ReadingHenri Druey
Swiss lawyer and politician, 2nd President
Born
April 12th, 1799 226 years ago
Died
1855 171 years ago — 56 years old
A prominent Swiss lawyer and politician, served as the 2nd President of the Swiss Confederation in 1848. Played a significant role in the drafting of the first Federal Constitution of Switzerland. Druey's tenure included a focus on strengthening the federal government and promoting national unity. His advocacy for civil liberties and education reform also marked his political career during a transformative period in Swiss history.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on February 9th
Howard Martin Temin
Geneticist, Nobel Prize laureate in Physiology
Born
December 10th, 1934 91 years ago
Died
February 9th, 1994 31 years ago — 59 years old
A prominent geneticist and academic, contributed significantly to the understanding of the interplay between genetics and viral behavior. Conducted groundbreaking research that led to the discovery of reverse transcriptase, an enzyme that converts RNA to DNA, illuminating mechanisms behind certain viruses such as HIV. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1975 for co-discovery of reverse transcription. His work laid important groundwork for molecular biology and genetics research.
Continue ReadingPercy Faith
Composer and conductor of orchestral music
Born
April 7th, 1908 117 years ago
Died
February 9th, 1976 49 years ago — 67 years old
A Canadian composer and conductor achieved prominence in the mid-20th century with orchestral arrangements and recordings. Best known for popularizing easy listening music, created lush orchestral arrangements that appealed to a wide audience. Worked on multiple albums, achieving commercial success with tracks such as 'Theme from a Summer Place.' Won a Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Arrangement in 1960. Influenced the sound of numerous artists and contributed significantly to the genre of pop orchestral music.
Continue ReadingChick Corea
Jazz composer and pianist
Born
June 12th, 1941 84 years ago
Died
February 9th, 2021 4 years ago — 79 years old
A prominent figure in jazz music, his career spanned over five decades. Contributed to the development of jazz fusion through innovative compositions and collaborations. Formed the influential band Return to Forever, blending jazz with rock, Latin, and classical elements. Experimented with various musical styles and worked with numerous notable musicians throughout his career. Corea's contributions to music earned various awards, including several Grammy Awards.
Continue ReadingOsamu Tezuka
Japanese manga artist and animator
Born
November 3rd, 1928 97 years ago
Died
February 9th, 1989 36 years ago — 60 years old
An influential manga artist and animator, contributed significantly to the development of manga and anime as art forms. Created the iconic character Astro Boy and produced the first feature-length animated film in Japan, titled 'A Thousand and One Nights'. Established Tezuka Productions, becoming a prominent figure in the industry. Many works incorporated themes of humanity, morality, and social issues, paving the way for future creators in the medium.
Continue ReadingWalter Frederick Morrison
Inventor of the Frisbee
Born
January 23rd, 1920 106 years ago
Died
February 9th, 2010 15 years ago — 90 years old
An American businessman invented the flying disc toy known as the Frisbee in the 1940s. Initially created as a cake pan, it became popular when its design was refined for recreational use. The toy gained widespread popularity in the 1960s, leading to the establishment of the Frisbee brand and various games associated with it. Morrison's invention has become a staple of outdoor play and has inspired numerous competitions and events around the world. The manufacturing and marketing of the Frisbee transformed the toy industry and created a new category of play.
Continue ReadingJohn Gavin
American actor and ambassador
Born
April 8th, 1931 94 years ago
Died
February 9th, 2018 7 years ago — 86 years old
An American actor and diplomat served as United States ambassador to Mexico from 1981 to 1986. Gained fame through film roles in the 1960s, particularly in 'Psycho' and 'Spartacus'. In addition to acting, held various positions within the entertainment industry and participated in public service efforts. Worked as a businessman, further expanding professional contributions. Contributed to cultural diplomacy during tenure as ambassador.
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