Leona Helmsley

American hotelier and real estate leader

Leona Helmsley - American hotelier and real estate leader
Born

July 4th, 1920
105 years ago

Died

August 20th, 2007
18 years ago — 87 years old

Category

Leaders & Politicians

Country

United States

Links & References

A prominent business figure in the hotel and real estate industry, operated the Helmsley Hotels. Gained notoriety for operating high-end hotels in New York City, including the famous Parker Meridien and the Grand Hyatt. Her business strategies and controversies garnered significant media attention throughout her career. Became a key figure in the New York social scene during the 1980s, often associated with luxury living and extravagant lifestyles. Her legal troubles in the late 1980s and her eventual conviction for tax evasion, which led to a four-year prison sentence, marked significant turning points in her life.

Operated Helmsley Hotels in NYC

Convicted for tax evasion in 1989

Other People Born on July 4th

Peter Rowan

American singer-songwriter and guitarist
Born
July 4th, 1942 83 years ago

An influential figure in the bluegrass and folk music scenes, significant contributions to American roots music were made. Collaborated with iconic musicians such as Bill Monroe and Jerry Garcia. Released multiple albums that showcased a blend of bluegrass, country, and folk styles. Notable works include 'The Peter Rowan Band' and 'Dust Bowl Children.'

Continue Reading

Horace Grant

Basketball player, NBA champion
Born
July 4th, 1965 60 years ago

Born in 1965, a professional basketball player played primarily as a power forward. Played for the Chicago Bulls, where won three consecutive NBA championships from 1996 to 1998. Later played for the Orlando Magic and the Los Angeles Lakers, contributing to significant playoff runs and earning a fourth championship. Transitioned into coaching and continued to influence the game.

Continue Reading

Polina Bogusevich

Russian singer and competition winner
Born
July 4th, 2003 22 years ago

Born in 2003, a singer from Russia rose to prominence after winning the first season of the talent show 'The Voice Kids' in Russia. This victory highlighted vocal abilities and led to a successful music career, with subsequent singles and performances across various platforms. The singer gained a following through participation in notable competitions and music releases, showcasing a blend of pop and contemporary styles that resonated with audiences.

Continue Reading

Tom Longboat

Canadian long-distance runner and soldier
Born
July 4th, 1886 139 years ago
Died
1949 76 years ago — 63 years old

Born in 1886, a long-distance runner excelled in the marathon, winning the Boston Marathon in 1907 with a record time. Served in World War I as a soldier, joining the 107th Battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force. Competed in various championships, establishing a reputation for speed and endurance. After the war, faced challenges adjusting to civilian life but remained active in athletics.

Continue Reading

Hiram Walker

American businessman, Canadian Club founder
Born
July 4th, 1816 209 years ago
Died
January 12th, 1899 126 years ago — 82 years old

Established Canadian Club, a renowned whisky brand. Founded Hiram Walker & Sons distillery in Ontario, which became a leading whisky producer. Pioneered the production techniques that contributed to the quality and popularity of Canadian whisky during the late 19th century. Expanded business operations and played a significant role in the growth of the spirits industry in Canada.

Continue Reading

Thomas Nagel

Philosopher and academic, notable works
Born
July 4th, 1937 88 years ago

An American philosopher and academic contributed significantly to the fields of philosophy of mind, ethics, and political philosophy. Authored influential works such as 'The View from Nowhere' and 'Mortal Questions', exploring consciousness, subjective experience, and moral reasoning. Served as a professor at New York University, shaping philosophical discourse through teaching and writing. Engaged in debates on topics such as free will, the nature of mind, and the implications of subjective perspectives on ethical considerations.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on August 20th

Igor Vovkovinskiy

Tallest person in America
Born
1982 43 years ago
Died
August 20th, 2021 4 years ago — 39 years old

Born in Ukraine, an individual immigrated to the United States at a young age. Studied law while also pursuing a career in acting. Gained attention for being the tallest man in America, reaching a height of 7 feet 8.33 inches. Featured in various media and made appearances on television shows, highlighting unique height with a notable appearance on 'The Oprah Winfrey Show'. Advocated for awareness regarding Marfan syndrome, a condition that contributed to extraordinary stature.

Continue Reading

Narendra Dabholkar

Indian author and rationalist activist
Born
1945 80 years ago
Died
August 20th, 2013 12 years ago — 68 years old

An Indian author and activist focused on rationalism and social reform. Founded the Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti, an organization combating superstition and promoting scientific thinking. Wrote extensively on the topics of atheism and rationalism. Authored several books addressing superstition, including 'The Myth of God' and 'Crisis of Faith'. Recognized for vigorous advocacy against black magic and fraudulent practices, leading campaigns to educate the public on rational thought and skepticism.

Continue Reading

Martin Opitz

German poet and composer of Baroque era
Born
December 23rd, 1597 427 years ago
Died
August 20th, 1639 386 years ago — 41 years old

A prominent poet and composer during the Baroque period, contributions to the German literary landscape included a significant role in establishing the German language in poetry. Opitz published 'Buch von der deutschen Poeterey', which laid theoretical foundations for German poetry and advocated for the use of the German language in literature. His works reflected a blend of classical influences and new forms of expression and played an essential role in the development of German drama and lyrical poetry.

Continue Reading

Đặng Phong

Vietnamese economist and historian
Born
1937 88 years ago
Died
August 20th, 2010 15 years ago — 73 years old

Contributed significantly to the understanding of Vietnam's economic history and socialist transformation. Served as a professor at the National University of Vietnam, specializing in economic history. Conducted extensive research on the historical development of Vietnam's economy from the colonial period to post-war reconstruction. Authored several influential works that examined the impact of governmental policies on economic growth and social change.

Continue Reading

Sir Charles Sedley

English playwright and politician
Born
1639 386 years ago
Died
August 20th, 1701 324 years ago — 62 years old

A baronet and playwright, contributed to the restoration comedy genre. Gained recognition for works that blended satire, social commentary, and humor. Served as a Member of Parliament during the late 17th century. Engaged in political activities and was often involved in courtly intrigues. Sedley's plays showcased the social mores and excesses of his time, reflecting the attitudes of the Restoration period.

Continue Reading

Darya Dugina

Russian journalist and political commentator
Born
1992 33 years ago
Died
August 20th, 2022 3 years ago — 30 years old

A journalist and political commentator contributed to various media outlets, focusing on topics related to Russian political affairs. Dugina wrote extensively for a pro-Kremlin news site, providing insights on national issues and international relations. Engaged in public discourse through commentary, Dugina participated in discussions surrounding Russian identity and geopolitical matters. She was involved in several public events advocating for conservative values and Russian nationalism. Her work reflected the perspectives of those aligned with the current government.

Continue Reading