Jorge Rafael Videla
Argentinian general and President
Served as the 43rd President of Argentina from 1976 to 1981 following a military coup. Led the country during the Dirty War, a period characterized by widespread human rights abuses. Implemented policies aimed at suppressing dissent and promoting economic reforms. Oversaw actions that resulted in the disappearance and torture of thousands.
Led Argentina during the Dirty War
Implemented economic reforms
Presided over a military dictatorship
Other People Born on August 2nd
Vidya Charan Shukla
Indian politician and Minister of External Affairs
Born
August 2nd, 1929 96 years ago
Died
June 11th, 2013 12 years ago — 83 years old
Served as an influential Indian politician for several decades. Held the position of Minister of External Affairs in the government of India. Played a key role in shaping foreign policy during critical periods, including the non-alignment movement. Participated actively in various national and state-level political activities, influencing legislative processes.
Continue ReadingBertha Lutz
Brazilian feminist and scientist
Born
August 2nd, 1894 131 years ago
Died
September 16th, 1976 49 years ago — 82 years old
A prominent Brazilian feminist and scientist, focused on women's rights and scientific research. Played a key role in the suffrage movement in Brazil, advocating for women's voting rights. Contributed to the founding of the Brazilian Federation for Women's Progress. Conducted significant research in the field of herpetology, contributing to the study of amphibians and reptiles. Actively worked towards the inclusion of women in scientific endeavors and was an influential figure in both feminism and sciences in Brazil.
Continue ReadingJohn Tyndall
Physicist and mountaineer in the UK
Born
August 2nd, 1820 205 years ago
Died
December 4th, 1893 132 years ago — 73 years old
A physicist and mountaineer, focused on atmospheric physics and the science of gases. Conducted groundbreaking experiments on the absorption of heat by gases. Authored 'Heat as a Mode of Motion', introducing key concepts in thermodynamics. Played a significant role in the establishment of the field of physical optics. Contributed to the understanding of light polarization and the theory of why the sky is blue. Engaged in mountaineering, often leading expeditions in the Alps and advocating for the sport.
Continue ReadingPrafulla Chandra Ray
Chemist and academic, founder of Bengal Chemicals
Born
August 2nd, 1861 164 years ago
Died
1944 82 years ago — 83 years old
Prafulla Chandra Ray contributed significantly to the field of chemistry in India. A prominent academic, he established Bengal Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals, the first pharmaceutical company in India. Ray's research primarily focused on the chemistry of arsenic and nitrogen compounds. He played a key role in the promotion of chemical education in India and was involved with several educational institutions. His dedication to fostering chemistry as a rigorous academic discipline was instrumental in shaping the future of chemical sciences in the country.
Continue ReadingMikołaj Krzysztof Radziwiłł
Polish nobleman and military leader
Born
August 2nd, 1549 476 years ago
Died
1616 410 years ago — 67 years old
Born in 1549, a prominent Polish nobleman contributed significantly to the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Held the title of Grand Hetman of Lithuania, overseeing military operations during various conflicts. Instrumental in the defense of the Commonwealth against external threats and participated in the negotiations of the Union of Lublin, which strengthened ties between Poland and Lithuania. Advocated for religious tolerance within the territories of the Commonwealth, reflecting the socio-political complexities of the era.
Continue ReadingTheodor Zwinger
Swiss physician and scholar
Born
August 2nd, 1533 492 years ago
Died
1588 438 years ago — 55 years old
Born in 1533, contributed significantly to medicine and academia. Served as a professor at the University of Basel, influencing medical education. Authored several works on medicine and natural history, prominently the 'Theatrum Vitae Humanae', which detailed human anatomy and disease. Engaged with humanistic principles, promoting the study of classical texts in the context of medical science.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 17th
Vangelis
Greek composer of electronic music
Born
March 29th, 1943 82 years ago
Died
May 17th, 2022 3 years ago — 79 years old
A celebrated Greek composer and keyboard player, made significant contributions to electronic music. Gained worldwide fame for composing film scores, particularly for 'Chariots of Fire' which won an Academy Award for Best Original Score. Also created the iconic score for 'Blade Runner', which became highly influential in the genre. Worked extensively with synthesizers and innovative techniques that shaped modern soundtracks. Released numerous albums that explored various musical styles and themes throughout a prolific career.
Continue ReadingDonna Summer
Singer-songwriter with disco hits
Born
1948 78 years ago
Died
May 17th, 2012 13 years ago — 64 years old
A prominent singer-songwriter rose to fame in the 1970s as a defining voice of the disco era. Achieved mainstream success with hits like 'Love to Love You Baby', 'Bad Girls', and 'Last Dance'. Received multiple Grammy Awards and achieved commercial success with numerous best-selling albums. Contributed to the transformation of pop music with a unique blend of disco, soul, and rock influences. Continued to perform and release music until death in 2012.
Continue ReadingTony Randall
American actor and producer
Born
February 26th, 1920 105 years ago
Died
May 17th, 2004 21 years ago — 84 years old
An American actor, director, and producer, his career spanned several decades, highlighting his versatility in both comedic and dramatic roles. Gained widespread recognition for portraying Felix Unger in the television series 'The Odd Couple,' which ran from 1970 to 1975. Additionally appeared in the Broadway production of 'Boy Meets Girl' and many other stage performances. Worked extensively in film and television, contributing to various successful projects throughout his career.
Continue ReadingEzzedine Salim
Iraqi politician and diplomat
Born
1943 83 years ago
Died
May 17th, 2004 21 years ago — 61 years old
Served as Iraq's Minister of Planning and held the position of Chief of the Iraqi National Assembly. Contributed to the political landscape during the transitional period following the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime. Worked on rebuilding Iraq's governance structure and participated in discussions aimed at establishing a democratic framework. Was also a key figure in negotiations relating to post-war reconstruction efforts. Salim played a critical role in uniting various political factions within the Iraqi governing council.
Continue ReadingLloyd Alexander
American author of fantasy literature
Born
1924 102 years ago
Died
May 17th, 2007 18 years ago — 83 years old
An influential American author and soldier, this individual became well recognized for writing children's and young adult fantasy novels. The most notable work is the 'Chronicles of Prydain' series, which includes 'The Book of Three' and 'The Black Cauldron'. The series is celebrated for its rich storytelling and memorable characters. Beyond literature, the author served at the end of World War II in the United States Army, which contributed to a depth of experience reflected in later writings. The individual's works combined adventure and moral themes, resonating with readers for decades.
Continue ReadingThongbanh Sengaphone
Laotian politician and key government figure
Born
1953 73 years ago
Died
May 17th, 2014 11 years ago — 61 years old
Thongbanh Sengaphone served as a prominent politician in Laos, holding various governmental positions throughout his career. His roles included serving as a Minister of Public Security and as a member of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party. Sengaphone's political activities were closely tied to the governance and security policies in Laos during his time in office. He contributed to the development of party frameworks and state security strategies, particularly in the context of Lao governance. His political tenure was marked by significant events in the country's history, influencing the direction of its internal affairs until his passing in 2014.
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