Maureen Connolly
Tennis player, 1953 Wimbledon champion
Born
Died
Category
Athletes & Sports Figures
Country
United States
Links & References
This American tennis player achieved significant success in the sport during the 1950s. She became the first woman to win all four Grand Slam singles titles in a single calendar year in 1953. Connolly won the French Championships, Wimbledon, the U.S. Nationals, and the Australian Championships. Known for her powerful serve and swift court coverage, she dominated women's tennis and earned a reputation as one of the sport's greats. Connolly's career was cut short due to a horseback riding accident, ending her professional pursuits at a young age.
Winning 1953 Wimbledon singles title
Winning all four Grand Slam titles in 1953
Other People Born on September 17th
Anne Bancroft
Acclaimed American actress and director
Born
September 17th, 1931 94 years ago
Died
2005 20 years ago — 74 years old
Born in 1931, this actress gained prominence in theater and film, achieving critical acclaim for her versatility in roles. Notable for starring in 'The Graduate' alongside Dustin Hoffman, her performance as Mrs. Robinson became iconic. She also excelled in stage productions, receiving praise for her work in 'Two for the Seesaw' and 'The Miracle Worker', where she portrayed Helen Keller's teacher, Annie Sullivan. Her talent earned multiple awards throughout her career, including an Academy Award, two Tony Awards, and an Emmy Award. Contributions to film and theater solidified her status as a significant figure in American performing arts.
Continue ReadingStirling Moss
Renowned English racing driver and sportscaster
Born
September 17th, 1929 96 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 91 years old
An iconic figure in motorsport, one of the most successful racing drivers of all time achieved significant success in Formula One during the late 1950s. Competing for teams like Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, and Lotus, recorded 16 Grand Prix victories. This individual was instrumental in promoting motorsport through commentary and analysis after retiring from competitive racing.
Continue ReadingJohn List
American murderer of his family
Born
September 17th, 1925 100 years ago
Died
March 21st, 2008 17 years ago — 82 years old
Committed the murder of five family members in 1971 in Westfield, New Jersey, then disappeared for 18 years. Assumed a new identity while evading law enforcement. Arrested in 1989 after America's Most Wanted featured the case. Convicted and sentenced to life in prison without parole, List died in 2008.
Continue ReadingThomas P. Stafford
NASA astronaut and test pilot
Born
September 17th, 1930 95 years ago
Died
March 18th, 2024 1 years ago — 93 years old
An American Air Force officer and test pilot, significant contributions came as a NASA astronaut during the Apollo program. Commanded the Apollo 10 mission, which served as a rehearsal for the first moon landing. Participated in the Gemini program, facilitating key advancements in spaceflight techniques. After retiring from NASA, held various positions in the aerospace industry, influencing future space exploration efforts.
Continue ReadingBill Black
Bass player and bandleader from America
Born
September 17th, 1926 99 years ago
Died
October 21st, 1965 60 years ago — 39 years old
A prominent American bass player and bandleader, notable for contributions to the development of rock and roll music in the 1950s. Rose to fame as a member of Elvis Presley's original band, providing the iconic bass lines essential to the rockabilly sound. After leaving Presley's group, formed Bill Black's Combo, which achieved success on the charts with instrumental hits. The combo blended elements of rock, country, and rhythm and blues, and garnered popularity in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
Continue ReadingJean-Marie Lustiger
French Cardinal and Archbishop of Paris
Born
September 17th, 1926 99 years ago
Died
August 5th, 2007 18 years ago — 80 years old
Ordained a priest in 1954, served as the Archbishop of Paris from 1981 until retirement in 2005. Played a significant role in the Second Vatican Council and contributed to various theological discussions. Active in interfaith dialogue, particularly between Christianity and Judaism, as he was born to a Jewish family and converted to Catholicism. Participated in multiple synods and was influential in shaping the Church's approach to modern societal issues.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on June 21st
Jaime Sin
Filipino cardinal and religious leader
Born
August 31st, 1928 97 years ago
Died
June 21st, 2005 20 years ago — 76 years old
Ordained as a priest in 1954 and became a bishop in 1976. Elevated to the position of cardinal in 1976, served as the Archbishop of Manila from 1974 until retirement in 2003. Played a significant role in the People Power Revolution in 1986, which led to the ousting of President Ferdinand Marcos. Advocated for social justice, human rights, and peace across various platforms. Contributed to the formulation of the Church's stance during political turmoil in the Philippines.
Continue ReadingFrederick Crews
Essayist and literary critic
Born
1933 92 years ago
Died
June 21st, 2024 1 years ago — 91 years old
An American essayist and literary critic contributed extensively to the field of literary criticism. Focused on modernist literature and psychoanalytic literary theory, published several influential works. Authored notable critiques and analyses, examining authors such as Sigmund Freud and the interpretation of classic texts. Engaged in debates about interpretations of major literary figures and movements, influencing academic discourse through essays and critiques.
Continue ReadingRudra Mohammad Shahidullah
Bangladeshi poet and playwright
Born
October 16th, 1956 69 years ago
Died
June 21st, 1992 33 years ago — 35 years old
Born in 1956, this individual was a prominent figure in Bengali literature. Authored numerous poems and plays that explored themes of love, loss, and the human condition. The poetic style was marked by a blending of traditional and modern elements, earning a significant place in the literary canon of Bangladesh. Several works received critical acclaim and were influential in the development of contemporary Bengali poetry. The individual was also involved in various cultural movements that aimed to enrich the arts in the country.
Continue ReadingJames Chaney
Civil Rights Activist and Freedom Rider
Born
May 30th, 1943 82 years ago
Died
June 21st, 1964 61 years ago — 21 years old
An American civil rights activist contributed to the fight against racial segregation and discrimination in the United States during the 1960s. Born in 1943, involvement in the civil rights movement began at a young age, participating in Freedom Rides and voter registration drives. In 1964, Chaney traveled to Mississippi to support the voter registration campaign as part of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE). His disappearance and murder during this time highlighted the risks faced by civil rights activists and garnered national attention, serving as a catalyst for further activism and reform.
Continue ReadingKryštof Harant
Czech soldier and composer of hymns
Born
1564 461 years ago
Died
June 21st, 1621 404 years ago — 57 years old
A soldier and composer active in the early 17th century. Served as an officer in the army and participated in significant military campaigns. Composed various works, including hymns and religious music, contributing to the cultural landscape of the time. His works reflected the issues faced during the Thirty Years' War and showcased a blend of military and musical achievements. Harant's writings and compositions continue to be studied and performed in modern contexts, highlighting the intersection of music and military history.
Continue ReadingLeonel Brizola
Brazilian engineer and politician
Born
1922 103 years ago
Died
June 21st, 2004 21 years ago — 82 years old
An influential Brazilian engineer and politician, served as the Governor of Rio de Janeiro multiple times. Championed educational reforms and advocated for social justice during his political career. Founded the Brazilian Democratic Labor Party and was a prominent figure in opposition to military rule. Participated in various national political movements, emphasizing the importance of education for all citizens.
Continue Reading