Manute Bol
Basketball player and activist
A basketball player from Sudan, known for extraordinary height, played predominantly for the Washington Bullets in the NBA. Spent time with the Golden State Warriors and the Philadelphia 76ers, becoming one of the tallest players in NBA history at 7 feet 7 inches. After retiring, engaged in humanitarian efforts, particularly in supporting peace initiatives in Sudan and advocating for the welfare of the Sudanese people. Passed away in 2010.
Played for the Washington Bullets
Tallest player in NBA history at 7'7"
Advocated for humanitarian efforts in Sudan
Other People Born on October 16th
Mel Counts
Basketball player, 1964 NBA Champion
Born
October 16th, 1941 84 years ago
Played professional basketball primarily as a center. Spent significant time with the Boston Celtics, contributing to their success during the 1960s. Won the NBA Championship in 1964. Also played for teams including the Detroit Pistons and the Phoenix Suns in a career spanning over a decade. Achieved recognition for skills in rebounding and defense.
Continue ReadingTony Rolt
Race Car Driver and Engineer with Le Mans Win
Born
October 16th, 1918 107 years ago
Died
February 6th, 2008 17 years ago — 89 years old
Acclaimed as both a race car driver and engineer, achieved significant success in motorsport during the 1950s. Competed extensively in endurance racing and was a prominent figure at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Played a crucial role in the development of several automobile technologies.
Continue ReadingNiwa Nagahide
Japanese samurai and military leader
Born
October 16th, 1535 490 years ago
Died
May 15th, 1585 440 years ago — 49 years old
Born in 1535, served as a prominent samurai during the Sengoku period in Japan. Acted as a loyal vassal to Oda Nobunaga, contributing to his military campaigns. Played a significant role in various battles and was involved in the administration of regions conquered by Nobunaga. Demonstrated notable military strategies and governance skills, assisting in the unification efforts of Japan during this turbulent time.
Continue ReadingDmitri Hvorostovsky
Opera singer acclaimed for Verdi roles
Born
October 16th, 1962 63 years ago
Died
November 22nd, 2017 8 years ago — 55 years old
Born in 1962, this opera singer achieved international acclaim for powerful baritone performances. His career spanned multiple prestigious opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera and the Royal Opera. The singer's interpretations of Verdi characters established a significant presence in the opera world. He won the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World Competition in 1989, which launched his illustrious career. Throughout his life, he balanced concert performances with opera appearances, maintaining a strong presence in both arenas. His work also included collaborations with prominent orchestras and a number of celebrated albums, showcasing a repertoire rich in Russian and Italian opera.
Continue ReadingKuroda Kiyotaka
Japanese general and 2nd Prime Minister
Born
October 16th, 1840 185 years ago
Died
August 23rd, 1900 125 years ago — 59 years old
Kuroda Kiyotaka served as a general in the Imperial Japanese Army and held the position of the second Prime Minister of Japan. Elected to office in 1888, he led the government during a period of significant modernization and reform in Japan. He was instrumental in shaping the early political landscape following the Meiji Restoration, advocating for military expansion and administrative reform. Kuroda's tenure as Prime Minister lasted until 1889, during which he focused on developing the nation’s military infrastructure and securing Japan's status on the international stage. His leadership role contributed to the establishment of the modern Japanese state.
Continue ReadingDavid Ben-Gurion
Israeli politician and founding Prime Minister
Born
October 16th, 1886 139 years ago
Died
December 1st, 1973 52 years ago — 87 years old
A key figure in the establishment of the State of Israel, this individual served as the first Prime Minister from 1948 to 1954. Played an essential role in the founding of the Histadrut, the General Confederation of Labor in Israel. Participated in the Jewish Agency, advocating for Jewish immigration to Palestine and the establishment of a Jewish state. Promoted agricultural and defense policies in the newly formed government, focusing on the development of the Negev desert and securing international recognition for Israel.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on June 19th
Paul Popenoe
Founder of relationship counseling
Born
October 16th, 1888 137 years ago
Died
June 19th, 1979 46 years ago — 90 years old
Founded the American Institute of Family Relations. Developed principles of marriage counseling and relationship dynamics. Authored multiple books on relationships and family life. Played a significant role in establishing marriage counseling as a profession in the United States.
Continue ReadingAlberico Gentili
Italian-English jurist, early international law
Born
January 14th, 1552 473 years ago
Died
June 19th, 1608 417 years ago — 56 years old
A jurist and legal scholar whose work laid foundations for international law. Focused on the legal aspects of war and peace, and contributed significantly to the discourse on sovereignty and the law of nations. Published notable writings that explored the application of Roman law to modern contexts, particularly in relation to treaties and the conduct of states. His major work, 'De Jure Belli,' provided a systematic treatment of the laws of war and was influential in shaping future legal frameworks.
Continue ReadingElisenda of Montcada
Queen consort and regent of Aragon
Born
1292 733 years ago
Died
June 19th, 1364 661 years ago — 72 years old
Served as queen consort and regent of Aragon during the 14th century. Played a significant role in the political affairs of the region, especially during the minority of her stepson. Governed effectively while influencing both domestic and foreign policies. Managed various cultural and social projects, fostering the development of the kingdom.
Continue ReadingRamón López Velarde
Mexican poet and author of 'Zodiac'
Born
June 15th, 1888 137 years ago
Died
June 19th, 1921 104 years ago — 33 years old
Born in 1888, a significant figure in early 20th-century Mexican literature, contributed to the literary movement known as Modernismo. Authored several celebrated poems, with 'Zodiac' standing out as a pivotal work that explored themes of love, identity, and nature. Worked as a journalist and advocated for cultural and political causes through writing. His poetry is characterized by rich imagery and emotional depth, earning a lasting legacy in Mexican literature.
Continue ReadingAli Shariati
Iranian sociologist and activist
Born
November 23rd, 1933 92 years ago
Died
June 19th, 1977 48 years ago — 43 years old
An influential sociologist and activist from Iran, contributed significantly to the intellectual movement preceding the Iranian Revolution. Focused on the social and cultural aspects of Islam, Shariati sought to reinterpret religious concepts to promote social justice and improve the lives of the oppressed. Shariati's works emphasized the role of the individual in society and spurred a generation of Iranian youth towards political activism. His writings, combining philosophy, sociology, and religious thought, established a foundation for contemporary Islamic ideology and social movements in Iran.
Continue ReadingWilliam Golding
British novelist, Nobel Prize winner
Born
September 19th, 1911 114 years ago
Died
June 19th, 1993 32 years ago — 81 years old
A British novelist, playwright, and poet, achievements include the exploration of human nature through literature. The publication of the novel 'Lord of the Flies' in 1954 marked a significant moment in literary history, depicting the descent into savagery of a group of boys stranded on an uninhabited island. In 1983, awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for writings that illuminate the complexities of humanity. Contributions to drama and poetry include works such as 'The Inheritors' and 'Free Fall'.
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