Malcolm Campbell
Race car driver and world speed record holder
Acclaimed as a race car driver, this individual set multiple world speed records in the early 20th century. Competed primarily on land and achieved a notable milestone by becoming the first person to surpass the 300 mph mark in a car. The land speed records were established using vehicles such as the Blue Bird and the latest models from the Auto Union. The pursuit of speed led to significant advancements in automotive engineering during this era.
First person to exceed 300 mph in a vehicle
Set a world speed record of 301.129 mph in 1933
Achieved multiple land speed records in the 1920s and 1930s
Other People Born on March 11th
John Barrowman
Actor and singer, starred in Doctor Who
Born
March 11th, 1967 58 years ago
Born in 1967, this Scottish-American actor and singer gained prominence for roles in television and musical theater. Starred as Jack Harkness in the series Doctor Who and its spin-off Torchwood. Barrowman also performed in various stage productions, showcasing vocal talents in musicals. Over the years, he participated in television shows, making appearances in a mix of genres, while also hosting and participating in reality programs. His career spanned both performing and singing, leading to a dedicated fanbase in both the acting and music communities.
Continue ReadingDock Ellis
Baseball player and coach, no-hitter pitcher
Born
March 11th, 1945 80 years ago
Died
December 19th, 2008 17 years ago — 63 years old
A professional baseball player and coach had a career spanning from the mid-1960s to the early 1980s. Primarily a pitcher, achieved notoriety with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Threw a no-hitter on June 12, 1970, against the San Diego Padres, which was notable not only for the achievement but also for occurring while under the influence of LSD. Later transitioned to coaching and was involved in minor league and independent baseball. Advocated for social justice and player rights throughout his career.
Continue ReadingFreda Meissner-Blau
Austrian activist and politician
Born
March 11th, 1927 98 years ago
Died
December 22nd, 2015 10 years ago — 88 years old
Born in 1927, an Austrian activist and politician committed to environmentalism and social justice. Co-founded the Austrian Green Party in 1986, advocating for ecological responsibility and sustainability. Served as a member of the Austrian Parliament from 1990 to 1994, representing the interests of green politics. Known for active participation in campaigns addressing nuclear safety, climate change, and civil rights.
Continue ReadingBecky Hammon
Basketball coach and player, WNBA star
Born
March 11th, 1977 48 years ago
A former professional basketball player and current coach, this individual played in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) for the San Antonio Stars. After retiring as a player, the individual became an assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA, making history as one of the first female coaches in the league. The coaching career includes leading the Las Vegas Aces to success in the WNBA.
Continue ReadingAnna Bochkoltz
Operatic soprano and composer
Born
March 11th, 1815 210 years ago
Died
December 24th, 1879 146 years ago — 64 years old
Born in Germany in 1815, this operatic soprano gained recognition for vocal performances and contributions to music education as a voice teacher and composer. She made significant contributions to the operatic repertoire and was associated with various music institutions, influencing future generations of singers and musicians through her teachings. The soprano's work encompassed both performance and compositional efforts, establishing her as a respected figure in 19th-century German opera.
Continue ReadingMark Rober
YouTuber and engineer with engaging science content
Born
March 11th, 1980 45 years ago
An engineer and former NASA employee, this individual gained popularity through a YouTube channel that features creative science and engineering projects. Beginning a career at NASA in the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, this person contributed to rover missions on Mars. Transitioning to YouTube, content includes elaborate experiments, innovative gadgets, and education-focused videos, reaching millions of viewers. Projects such as the glitter bomb aimed at package thieves showcased creativity and engineering skills, receiving widespread attention. The channel emphasizes STEM education and encourages young audiences to engage with science and engineering.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on December 31st
Phillip Whitehead
Screenwriter and politician
Born
1937 89 years ago
Died
December 31st, 2005 20 years ago — 68 years old
Contributed to British television as a screenwriter and producer. Worked on the long-running series 'The Goldbergs' and 'Doctor Who'. Served as a member of Parliament representing the constituency of Batley and Spen. Engaged in political discourse and policy development, particularly in the realm of media regulation and the public broadcasting sector.
Continue ReadingAbul Hasan Ali Nadwi
Muslim scholar and author of Islamic texts
Born
1914 112 years ago
Died
December 31st, 1999 26 years ago — 85 years old
A prominent Indian Muslim scholar and author, this individual contributed significantly to Islamic literature and education. His scholarly work focused on Islamic philosophy and history. Established an influential Islamic institution, Nadwatul Ulama, in Lucknow, which aimed to modernize Islamic education. Authored numerous books on Islam that were widely distributed and translated into various languages. Engaged in interfaith dialogues to promote understanding among different religious communities.
Continue ReadingJerry Turner
American journalist and news anchor
Born
1929 97 years ago
Died
December 31st, 1987 38 years ago — 58 years old
Turner served as a prominent journalist and news anchor, working primarily in television. A significant portion of the career was spent at a major television station, contributing to local and national news coverage. His reporting earned respect within the journalism community, and he became a trusted figure among viewers. Over the years, Turner reported on various significant events and issues, shaping public discourse through thoughtful analysis and presentation.
Continue ReadingSeymour Martin Lipset
Sociologist and author of "American Exceptionalism"
Born
March 18th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
December 31st, 2006 19 years ago — 84 years old
An influential sociologist and academic focused on American society, political culture, and democratic theory. Contributed to the understanding of social stratification, political behavior, and the impact of social conditions on democracy. Authored several significant works, including "American Exceptionalism: A Double-Edged Sword," which examined the uniqueness of American society in its political and cultural contexts. Served as a professor at several universities, including Stanford and George Mason University, where taught courses on sociology and politics.
Continue ReadingRoy Amara
American scientific researcher
Born
1925 101 years ago
Died
December 31st, 2007 18 years ago — 82 years old
Contributed significant work in the field of futurism and technology forecasting. Played a crucial role in founding the Institute for the Future, which focused on understanding the implications of emerging technologies. Developed the Amara's Law, which states that the impact of technology is often overestimated in the short run but underestimated in the long run. Engaged in research that explored societal changes due to technological advancements, influencing various sectors including education and business.
Continue ReadingBill Idelson
Actor and writer for 'The Dick Van Dyke Show'
Born
1919 107 years ago
Died
December 31st, 2007 18 years ago — 88 years old
An American actor, producer, and screenwriter, contributed significantly to television in the mid-20th century. Played various roles on 'The Dick Van Dyke Show', gaining recognition for comedic talents. Worked as a writer for shows including 'The Monkees' and 'The Phil Silvers Show'. Later, produced and directed numerous television projects, showcasing versatility in the entertainment industry. In addition to acting, involved in off-screen endeavors that enhanced television production during a transformative period.
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