Maurice Richard
Ice hockey player, The Rocket
An elite ice hockey player participated in the National Hockey League with the Montreal Canadiens from 1942 to 1960. Established a reputation as a prolific goal scorer, notably becoming the first player in NHL history to score 50 goals in a single season during the 1944-45 season. Served as a coach and mentor after retiring, influencing future generations of players. His jersey number 9 was retired league-wide, signifying his impact on the sport. The Rocket continues to be a symbol of hockey excellence in Canada.
First player to score 50 goals in a season
Played for Montreal Canadiens
Retired jersey number 9 league-wide
Other People Born on August 4th
Johnny Grubb
Professional baseball player and coach
Born
August 4th, 1948 78 years ago
A baseball player and coach with a career spanning several decades, this individual played in Major League Baseball primarily as an outfielder. The playing career extended from 1972 to 1985, with stints on teams including the San Diego Padres, Texas Rangers, and Detroit Tigers. After retiring as a player, transitioned into coaching, contributing to the development of the game at various levels.
Continue ReadingIosia Soliola
Rugby league player, 2013 World Cup participant
Born
August 4th, 1986 40 years ago
Born in 1986, a rugby league player represented New Zealand and Samoa. Played as a forward and contributed significantly to his teams throughout his career. Notably participated in the 2013 Rugby League World Cup with the Samoan national team. Played in the National Rugby League (NRL) for several clubs including the Canberra Raiders and the St. George Illawarra Dragons. His career was marked by strong performances and leadership on the field.
Continue ReadingBarbara Saß-Viehweger
German politician and civil law notary
Born
August 4th, 1943 83 years ago
This individual served as a member of the German Bundestag, representing the Social Democratic Party. Throughout a political career, significant focus was placed on issues related to law and social justice. Holding the position of a civil law notary, contributions included legal guidance for numerous civic matters. Participation in various committees shaped policies related to her areas of expertise. An advocate for the rights of citizens, efforts concentrated on improving legal access for the public.
Continue ReadingVicente Álvarez Areces
Spanish politician, 6th President Asturias
Born
August 4th, 1943 83 years ago
Died
2019 7 years ago — 76 years old
Served as the 6th President of the Principality of Asturias from 2003 to 2011. Held positions in the Socialist Workers' Party, contributing to regional governance. Played a significant role in promoting economic and social policies within the region. Participated in the Spanish Parliament representing Asturias, influencing national legislative processes.
Continue ReadingWilliam Rowan Hamilton
Irish physicist and mathematician
Born
August 4th, 1805 221 years ago
Died
September 2nd, 1865 161 years ago — 60 years old
Born in 1805, made significant contributions to classical mechanics and optics. Developed Hamiltonian mechanics, which reformulated Newtonian mechanics. Introduced quaternions, which represented the extension of complex numbers to a four-dimensional space. Served as the Astronomical Observator at the Dunsink Observatory in Dublin. Published important works in mathematical physics and played a pivotal role in the development of modern algebra.
Continue ReadingBjørn Wirkola
Norwegian ski jumper and footballer
Born
August 4th, 1943 83 years ago
Competed in ski jumping events and played professional football. Achieved significant success in ski jumping, winning two gold medals at the 1966 World Ski Championships. Played for the club club Ørn-Horten and represented Norway in international competitions. Transitioned to football after a successful skiing career.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 27th
Hjördis Petterson
Swedish actress in film and theater
Born
October 17th, 1908 118 years ago
Died
May 27th, 1988 38 years ago — 79 years old
An actress started a career in the 1930s, earning recognition in Swedish film and theater. Appeared in productions such as 'Käfinge' and 'Lort-SM'. Designed a stage career marked by strong performances and dedication to the craft. Continued to act through the decades, contributing to the arts in Sweden until later in life.
Continue ReadingJeff Conaway
Actor in Grease and Celebrity Rehab
Born
October 5th, 1950 76 years ago
Died
May 27th, 2011 15 years ago — 60 years old
An American actor and singer, achieved prominence through roles in film and television. Played the character Kenickie in the film 'Grease', which became a cultural phenomenon. Appeared in the television series 'Taxi' as Bobby Wheeler, showcasing comedic talent. Later participated in the reality series 'Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew', which provided insight into personal struggles. Had a varied career that included stage performances and music.
Continue ReadingPayut Ngaokrachang
Thai animator and director of 'Tawipob'
Born
April 1st, 1929 97 years ago
Died
May 27th, 2010 16 years ago — 81 years old
Contributed significantly to the Thai animation industry during a career spanning several decades. Founded the first Thai animation studio, developing unique animated content that reflected Thai culture and folklore. Directed 'Tawipob', the first Thai animated feature film, released in 1977. Helped form the Thai Animation Association and promoted education in animation through various initiatives, fostering new generations of animators in Thailand.
Continue ReadingJagjit Singh Lyallpuri
Indian politician and freedom fighter
Born
April 10th, 1917 109 years ago
Died
May 27th, 2013 13 years ago — 96 years old
Born in 1917, this individual was a prominent figure in India's struggle for independence from British rule. Actively participated in various movements advocating for freedom and was a key member of the Indian National Congress. This individual also held significant political positions post-independence, contributing to the development of policies and governance in the newly formed nation. A strong proponent of social justice, the individual worked tirelessly to address issues affecting the marginalized communities.
Continue ReadingJohn Beaufort
English military leader and noble
Born
March 25th, 1404 622 years ago
Died
May 27th, 1444 582 years ago — 40 years old
The 1st Duke of Somerset served as a military leader during the Lancastrian phase of the Hundred Years' War. Born in 1404, Beaufort held significant titles including Earl of Somerset. He played a pivotal role in various military campaigns, particularly in defense of English territories in France. His leadership was noted in the Battle of Agincourt and the subsequent struggles for dominance in Normandy. The duke's military endeavors spanned several decades, contributing to the ongoing conflicts of the era until his death in 1444.
Continue ReadingGil Scott-Heron
American singer-songwriter and author
Born
April 1st, 1949 77 years ago
Died
May 27th, 2011 15 years ago — 62 years old
An influential figure in music and literature, contributed significantly to the spoken word genre. His work combined elements of poetry, jazz, and soul, often addressing social issues such as racial inequality and urban life. Released landmark albums such as 'Pieces of a Man' and 'Winter in America'. Authored the critically acclaimed book 'The Vulture'. Recognized for a unique style that blended music and political commentary, which inspired future generations of artists.
Continue Reading