Martin Johnson
Rugby player and coach, World Cup winner
Born
Category
Athletes & Sports Figures
Country
England
Links & References
A rugby player and coach from England, made significant contributions to the sport. Played as a lock and captained the national team, leading to a Rugby World Cup victory in 2003. Transitioned into coaching after retirement, including a role as head coach for the England national team. Served as an influential figure in British rugby during a pivotal era.
Captained England to a Rugby World Cup title in 2003
Earned 84 caps for England from 1993 to 2003
Inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame
Other People Born on March 9th
Bernard Landry
Canadian politician and Premier of Quebec
Born
March 9th, 1937 89 years ago
Died
November 6th, 2018 7 years ago — 81 years old
Served as a prominent figure in Quebec politics, holding influential roles in various capacities including the Premier of Quebec from 2001 to 2003. Played a vital role in the sovereignty movement and supported the Quebec sovereignty association. Worked as a lawyer prior to entering politics, contributing to legal and governmental projects. Participated in economic development initiatives and was involved with the Parti Québécois, pushing for policies aligned with Quebec nationalism.
Continue ReadingJean-Baptiste Kléber
French general and military leader
Born
March 9th, 1753 273 years ago
Died
June 14th, 1800 226 years ago — 47 years old
Born in 1753, a significant figure in the French Revolutionary Wars and served as a general in the French Army. Played a crucial role in the Egyptian campaign, leading troops during the Battle of the Pyramids in 1798. After the departure of Napoleon Bonaparte, took command of French forces in Egypt and worked on establishing a French administration in Egypt. Assassinated in 1800, his legacy included contributions to military tactics and fortifications in the region.
Continue ReadingMickey Spillane
Crime Novelist with Mike Hammer Series
Born
March 9th, 1918 108 years ago
Died
May 13th, 1977 49 years ago — 59 years old
An American crime novelist published a series of hardboiled detective novels featuring the character Mike Hammer. The first novel, 'I, the Jury,' released in 1947, established a new standard in the genre with its visceral style and complex plots. Spillane's work gained immense popularity, selling millions of copies. His writing style combined graphic violence and a focus on moral ambiguity, appealing to a broad audience. The character of Mike Hammer became iconic in American fiction, influencing both literature and film. Spillane also ventured into screenwriting and created adaptations of his works for film and television, further cementing his legacy in the crime genre.
Continue ReadingKeely Smith
American singer and actress known for 'The Tonight Show'
Born
March 9th, 1928 98 years ago
Died
December 16th, 2017 8 years ago — 89 years old
Born in 1928, a prominent American singer and actress achieved recognition through a successful career in music and television. Smith gained fame as a vocalist in the 1950s, particularly for her partnership with Louis Prima. The duo's performances blended jazz and popular styles, with Smith's powerful voice complementing Prima's energetic showmanship. Smith's appearances on national television, especially on 'The Tonight Show' during the 1960s, contributed to her widespread acclaim. She also recorded several acclaimed albums showcasing her vocal ability. Her career spanned decades, during which she became known for her exceptional skills in both singing and performing. Smith continued to entertain audiences until her later years.
Continue ReadingWill Geer
American actor and The Waltons star
Born
March 9th, 1902 124 years ago
Died
April 22nd, 1978 48 years ago — 76 years old
An American actor, recognized for work in film, television, and theater. Gained significant fame as Grandpa Zebulon Walton in the television series 'The Waltons,' which aired from 1972 to 1981. Involved in various stage productions throughout the 1930s and 1940s, contributing to early theatrical movements. Actively engaged in social issues, advocating for civil rights and environmental causes. Also had a notable film career with appearances in movies such as 'The Grapes of Wrath' and 'The Long, Hot Summer.'
Continue ReadingRobert Calvert
English singer-songwriter and playwright
Born
March 9th, 1945 81 years ago
Died
August 14th, 1988 37 years ago — 43 years old
An English singer-songwriter and playwright, contributions spanned music and theater. In the early 1970s, became a member of the space rock band Hawkwind, known for albums including "Doremi Fasol Latido" and "Warrior on the Edge of Time." Following his work with Hawkwind, embarked on a solo career with albums such as "Captain Lockheed and the Starfighters," which displayed unique storytelling and musical style. Also engaged in theatrical projects, writing plays that often incorporated elements of his musical background.
Continue Reading