Mark Donohue

Race car driver, Indianapolis 500 winner

Mark Donohue - Race car driver, Indianapolis 500 winner
Born

March 18th, 1937
87 years ago

Died

August 19th, 1975
49 years ago — 38 years old

Category

Athletes & Sports Figures

Country

United States

Links & References

A prominent race car driver achieved notable success in American motorsports. Competed in the Indianapolis 500, winning the event in 1970. Helped develop the Penske Racing team into a leading force in racing. Also excelled in Trans-Am and Can-Am series, securing multiple championships and setting speed records on various tracks. His engineering insights contributed to advancements in race car performance.

Won the Indianapolis 500 in 1970

Secured the 1971 Trans-Am Championship

Achieved multiple victories in Can-Am series

Other People Born on March 18th

Vasyl Ivanchuk

Chess Grandmaster and World Cup winner
Born
March 18th, 1969 55 years ago

Born in 1969, this Ukrainian chess player achieved Grandmaster status in 1988. Frequently competed in international tournaments, earning a reputation for strategic prowess. Secured first place in multiple open tournaments and was a key player in the Chess Olympiad, representing Ukraine and contributing to the team’s successes. Claiming victory in the World Cup in 2007 solidified a prominent position in the chess community. Additionally, engaged in numerous contests against other Grandmasters, often achieving impressive results throughout a long career.

Continue Reading

Stéphanie Cohen-Aloro

Tennis player and French Open competitor
Born
March 18th, 1983 41 years ago

Competed professionally in tennis, achieving success on both the WTA Tour and in Grand Slam tournaments. Reached the third round of the French Open in 2003, marking a significant moment in her career. Primarily played in singles but also participated in doubles events. Represented France in various international competitions, contributing to the national team's efforts.

Continue Reading

Mike Quackenbush

American wrestler and Chikara founder
Born
March 18th, 1976 48 years ago

Born in 1976, a prominent figure in professional wrestling, established the Chikara wrestling promotion in 2002, fostering an environment that emphasized a unique blend of athletics and storytelling. As a wrestler, developed a distinctive style that incorporated elements of lucha libre and technical wrestling. In addition to in-ring performances, contributed to the wrestling community as a trainer and author, sharing knowledge of the craft through various mediums. Chikara became known for its family-friendly approach and innovative match types, influencing independent wrestling.

Continue Reading

Werner Mölders

German colonel and Luftwaffe pilot
Born
March 18th, 1913 111 years ago
Died
November 22nd, 1941 83 years ago — 28 years old

Born in 1913, this individual served as a colonel in the Luftwaffe during World War II. He became the first pilot to achieve 100 aerial victories. Mölders played a significant role in the early air battles of the war and was instrumental in the Battle of Britain. His tactical skills were recognized with multiple awards, including the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds. Mölders died in a flying accident in 1941.

Continue Reading

Eugène Jansson

Swedish painter of modern art
Born
March 18th, 1862 162 years ago
Died
1915 110 years ago — 53 years old

A prominent Swedish painter associated with the modern art movement, recognized for landscapes and portrayals of urban life. Developed a unique style characterized by a vibrant palette and expressive forms. Gained acclaim for depictions of the city of Stockholm, particularly its archipelago, capturing the interplay of light and shadow. Worked extensively in oils and watercolors, influencing the trajectory of Swedish art in the early 20th century.

Continue Reading

Miki Berenyi

English singer-songwriter and guitarist
Born
March 18th, 1967 57 years ago

A singer-songwriter and guitarist, this individual gained prominence as a member of the alternative rock band Lush. The band emerged in the late 1980s and contributed significantly to the shoegaze movement. Their debut album, "Spooky," received critical acclaim, showcasing a blend of dreamy melodies and guitar-driven sound. The group achieved success in the 1990s with albums like "Split" and "Lovelife," which further cemented their status in the music scene. Activities included extensive touring in support of both studio albums and singles, contributing to a solid international fan base.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on August 19th

Donald Woods

South African journalist and activist
Born
December 15th, 1933 91 years ago
Died
August 19th, 2001 23 years ago — 67 years old

A journalist and anti-apartheid activist. Early in his career, covered the geographical and social intricacies of South Africa. Supported the black liberation movements and documented the struggles against apartheid. Gained international recognition for the coverage of the life and death of Stephen Biko, a prominent Black Consciousness leader. Published 'Biko', a book that detailed Biko's life and the anti-apartheid struggle, which contributed to international awareness and condemnation of apartheid policies. Woods faced persecution by the apartheid regime, leading to a period of exile in the United Kingdom.

Continue Reading

Alcide De Gasperi

Prime Minister of Italy post-WWII
Born
April 3rd, 1881 143 years ago
Died
August 19th, 1954 70 years ago — 73 years old

Served as the 30th Prime Minister of Italy from 1945 to 1953. Played a crucial role in the formation of a democratic government after World War II and was instrumental in Italy's reconstruction. Advocated for European integration and was a founding member of the Christian Democracy party. Helped draft the new Italian Constitution, establishing democratic principles following the fall of fascism. His leadership significantly shaped Italy's political landscape during the post-war period.

Continue Reading

Jean Eudes

French priest, founded the Congregation of Jesus and Mary
Born
1601 424 years ago
Died
August 19th, 1680 344 years ago — 79 years old

A French priest established the Congregation of Jesus and Mary in the 17th century to promote the spiritual development of clergy and laity. His missionary work focused on spreading devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Eudes emphasized the necessity of priestly formation and responsible pastoral care. The congregation he founded contributed to the education and spiritual guidance of priests and laypersons during a critical time in Catholic Church history.

Continue Reading

Hawise

Duchess of Brittany
Born
1037 988 years ago
Died
August 19th, 1072 952 years ago — 35 years old

Hawise was the daughter of Duke Geoffrey I of Brittany and Hawise of Bretagne. After her father's death, she inherited the duchy and became a prominent political figure in 11th-century Brittany. Hawise participated in the political affairs of her time, particularly through her marriages which strengthened alliances with powerful families. She played a crucial role in the dynastic politics of Brittany, influencing the Succession and governance of the region.

Continue Reading

Sérgio Vieira de Mello

Brazilian diplomat and UN official
Born
March 15th, 1948 77 years ago
Died
August 19th, 2003 21 years ago — 55 years old

Born in Brazil in 1948, this diplomat dedicated over 30 years to international service with the United Nations. Positions included High Commissioner for Human Rights and Special Representative for Iraq following the 2003 invasion. Engaged extensively in peacekeeping and humanitarian missions in various conflict zones. Emphasized the importance of human rights and diplomatic solutions in crisis situations. Played a pivotal role in rebuilding countries emerging from conflict, bringing a focus on local issues and cultural understanding.

Continue Reading

Edmund Skellings

American poet and educator
Born
1932 93 years ago
Died
August 19th, 2012 12 years ago — 80 years old

Contributions included influential poetry and academic work. Authored several poetry collections, with subjects ranging from personal reflections to broader socio-political themes. Served as a professor, shaping the educational landscape for aspiring writers and poets. Participated in various literary festivals and workshops, fostering a community for poetry and creative expression.

Continue Reading