Mark Donohue

Race car driver, Indianapolis 500 winner

Mark Donohue - Race car driver, Indianapolis 500 winner
Born

March 18th, 1937
88 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

Mike Bell

Professional wrestler and promoter
Born
March 18th, 1971 54 years ago
Died
2008 17 years ago — 37 years old

Born in 1971, a professional wrestler who gained attention in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) during the late 1990s. In addition to wrestling, involvement in promoting wrestling events was significant, leading to the establishment of various independent wrestling promotions. Recognition came through participation in innovative wrestling matches and collaborations with notable wrestling personalities. Contributions to the wrestling community included training emerging talents and engaging in promotional activities that enhanced wrestling visibility.

Continue Reading

Deborah Jeane Palfrey

American madam involved in escorting
Born
March 18th, 1956 69 years ago
Died
2008 17 years ago — 52 years old

Operating an escort service in Washington, D.C., managed a well-known brothel in the 1990s and early 2000s. Gained significant media attention during a 2007 scandal involving high-profile clients. Faced legal challenges that included charges of racketeering and conspiracy. Maintained a public persona through interviews and media appearances discussing the escort industry and its operations. Passed away in 2008.

Continue Reading

Vasyl Ivanchuk

Chess Grandmaster and World Cup winner
Born
March 18th, 1969 56 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

Lillian Vernon

Businesswoman and Founder of Lillian Vernon Company
Born
March 18th, 1927 98 years ago
Died
December 14th, 2015 9 years ago — 88 years old

A German-American businesswoman established a successful mail-order business specializing in personalized products. Founded the Lillian Vernon Company in 1951, which became one of the first to market personalized items through mail-order sales. This venture changed the landscape of consumer retail, promoting a new approach to personalization in shopping. In addition to business endeavors, engaged in philanthropy, supporting various educational and cultural initiatives. Received recognition for contributions to entrepreneurship, inspiring future generations of business leaders.

Continue Reading

Alessandro Alessandroni

Italian musician and composer for film
Born
March 18th, 1925 100 years ago
Died
2017 8 years ago — 92 years old

An Italian musician and composer focused on film scores, contributed significantly to the genre of Spaghetti Westerns. Collaborated with composers such as Ennio Morricone, providing whistling and guitar work for iconic soundtracks. Also known for creating the score for the film 'A Fistful of Dollars', which helped define the musical style of Western films during the 1960s.

Continue Reading

Peter Graves

American actor from 'Mission: Impossible'
Born
March 18th, 1926 99 years ago
Died
March 14th, 2010 15 years ago — 83 years old

An accomplished actor, notable for a career spanning several decades in film and television. Gained prominence through the role of Jim Phelps in the television series 'Mission: Impossible', contributing to the show's success from 1967 to 1973 and its film adaptations. Also starred in various genres, including comedy and drama, showcasing versatility across his performances. Served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, which influenced his later roles in military-themed projects. Continued to engage with audiences throughout the years until death in 2010.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on August 19th

Augustus

Elector of Saxony and patron of arts
Born
July 31st, 1526 498 years ago
Died
August 19th, 14 2010 years ago — -1512 years old

Birth occurred on July 31, 1526. Served as Elector of Saxony from 1547 until death in 1586. Played a significant role in the Protestant Reformation by supporting Martin Luther and promoting Protestantism in Saxony. Established the University of Wittenberg, where reformist ideas flourished. Encouraged the development of the arts and culture, leading to notable advancements during the Renaissance period in Germany.

Continue Reading

Linus Pauling

Chemist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
February 28th, 1901 124 years ago
Died
August 19th, 1994 30 years ago — 93 years old

Born in 1901, this individual was a prominent American chemist who made significant contributions to the field of chemistry and biochemistry. The work on the nature of the chemical bond earned a Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1954, establishing a foundation for modern molecular biology. Additionally, engaged in peace activism, opposing nuclear weapons testing, and promoting nuclear disarmament. Received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1962 for efforts in campaigning against nuclear weapons, becoming one of the few individuals to receive two unshared Nobel Prizes. Wrote extensively on the effects of war and the importance of peace, influencing international policy discussions during the Cold War period.

Continue Reading

Tekla Juniewicz

Supercentenarian recognized for longevity
Born
1906 119 years ago
Died
August 19th, 2022 2 years ago — 116 years old

Born on June 10, 1906, this individual became one of the oldest verified people, reaching 116 years of age. Throughout life, experienced significant historical events including two World Wars and the fall of communism in Poland. Lived through changes in society and culture across more than a century. Continued to participate in public life and was recognized for the extraordinary age reached, gaining attention in various media outlets.

Continue Reading

Utpal Dutt

Indian actor and playwright
Born
March 29th, 1929 96 years ago
Died
August 19th, 1993 31 years ago — 64 years old

An influential figure in Indian theater and film, this actor gained acclaim for work in Hindi cinema. Dutt served as a prominent figure in Bengali theater, contributing significantly as both director and playwright. Notable films included 'Gol Maal' and 'Chhoti Si Baat'. Dutt's theatrical contributions extended to founding the Little Theatre Group in Kolkata, which focused on interpretable and meaningful performances. Recognized for a distinct acting style, Dutt remained active in regional and national theater until his later years.

Continue Reading

Franz Xavier Wernz

Religious Leader, Superior General of Jesuits
Born
December 4th, 1844 180 years ago
Died
August 19th, 1914 110 years ago — 69 years old

Served as the 25th Superior General of the Society of Jesus from 1892 to 1906. Focused on the revitalization and expansion of Jesuit education and missions during a challenging period for the society. Played a crucial role in reestablishing the Jesuits in various countries after their suppression in the 18th century. Aimed to strengthen the formation of Jesuit members and emphasized the importance of academic excellence and pastoral engagement.

Continue Reading

Jean Baptiste Joseph Delambre

French mathematician and astronomer
Born
September 19th, 1749 275 years ago
Died
August 19th, 1822 202 years ago — 72 years old

A mathematician and astronomer contributed significantly to the measurement of the meridian arc from Dunkirk to Barcelona. Published works on astronomy and the metric system further advanced scientific understanding. Collaborated on the redefinition of the meter in France, influencing global standards.

Continue Reading