Meskerem Legesse
Ethiopian long-distance runner
Competed in long-distance running events, specializing in the 5000 meters and cross country. Achieved significant success during the 2002 African Championships, securing a gold medal in the 5000 meters. Participated in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, representing Ethiopia in the women's 5000 meters event. Contributed to the growth of women's athletics in Ethiopia through competitive performances and appearances in international competitions.
Gold medalist at the 2002 African Championships
Competitor in the 2004 Olympic Games
Other People Born on September 28th
Koko Taylor
Blues singer with 'Wang Dang Doodle'
Born
September 28th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
June 3rd, 2009 16 years ago — 80 years old
A prominent blues singer, Taylor became renowned for her powerful voice and emotive performances. She gained acclaim in the 1960s and 1970s, primarily through her recordings on the Chess Records label. Taylor's most popular song, 'Wang Dang Doodle,' showcased her talent and earned her significant recognition. Over the years, she released numerous albums, contributing to the blues genre and influencing many artists. Taylor received multiple awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album in 1985. Her career spanned several decades, during which she solidified her status as a key figure in American blues music.
Continue ReadingDoris Singleton
American actress with iconic TV roles
Born
September 28th, 1919 106 years ago
Died
June 26th, 2012 13 years ago — 92 years old
An American actress appeared primarily in television. Notable roles in 'I Love Lucy' as an advertising executive and 'The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour' showcased her talent in comedic performances. Her career spanned several decades, contributing to various television series and movies in the 1950s and 1960s. Frequent performances in sitcoms solidified her status within the television landscape of that era, making her a familiar face to audiences.
Continue ReadingAugustus FitzRoy
Prime Minister of Great Britain
Born
September 28th, 1735 290 years ago
Died
March 14th, 1811 214 years ago — 75 years old
Served as Prime Minister of Great Britain from 1768 to 1770, overseeing a period marked by political instability. Managed the government during the early stages of the American Revolutionary War. Facilitated legislative measures and attempted to maintain British interests in the American colonies, facing significant challenges due to colonial unrest. Held the title of 3rd Duke of Grafton and was a member of the Whig party, contributing to the political landscape of the time. Engaged in various administrative roles prior to premiership, including serving as a Lord of the Treasury and as a Secretary of State for the Southern Department.
Continue ReadingKōko Tsurumi
Japanese gymnast with Olympic success
Born
September 28th, 1992 33 years ago
Competed in artistic gymnastics, achieving notable success at international competitions. Represented Japan at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, securing a bronze medal in the women's team event. Also participated in various World Championships, contributing to Japan's standings in the sport.
Continue ReadingWilliam Windom
American actor with a star role in "My World and Welcome To It"
Born
September 28th, 1923 102 years ago
Died
August 16th, 2012 13 years ago — 88 years old
An American actor, gained prominence in the 1960s and 1970s with a career spanning television, film, and stage. Celebrated for versatility in character roles, portrayed a range of personalities in various productions. Achieved significant recognition for work on the television series "My World and Welcome To It," which won an Emmy Award. Also made guest appearances in well-known shows such as "The Twilight Zone" and had roles in films like "To Hell and Back."
Continue ReadingHaywood S. Hansell
American general and air strategist
Born
September 28th, 1903 122 years ago
Died
November 14th, 1988 37 years ago — 85 years old
Born in 1903, a general in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. Primarily involved in the strategic bombing campaign against Japan in the Pacific Theater. Served as the commander of the XXI Bomber Command and advocated for the use of long-range bombing. Played a significant role in the development of air power strategies that influenced future military operations. After the war, continued service in the air force and contributed to military doctrine and training.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on July 15th
Bert Convy
Game show host and actor
Born
July 23rd, 1933 92 years ago
Died
July 15th, 1991 34 years ago — 57 years old
Convy began his career as a singer and achieved recognition in the 1960s as a member of the musical group The Crew Cuts. Transitioning to acting, he appeared in television series such as 'The Carol Burnett Show' and movies like 'If It's Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium.' He gained prominence as a game show host, most notably for 'Tattletales' and 'Hollywood Squares.' His work in the entertainment industry spanned several decades, showcasing a versatility that included singing, acting, and hosting.
Continue ReadingOmar Abu Risha
Syrian diplomat and poet, Ambassador to U.S.
Born
1910 116 years ago
Died
July 15th, 1990 35 years ago — 80 years old
Served as the 4th Syrian Ambassador to the United States, contributing to the diplomatic relations between Syria and the U.S. throughout his tenure. In addition to diplomacy, engaged in poetry which reflected the cultural heritage of Syria. The work as a poet often intersected with the roles in public service, illustrating the values and traditions of Syrian society.
Continue ReadingJohn T. Riedl
Computer Scientist and Academic
Born
1962 64 years ago
Died
July 15th, 2013 12 years ago — 51 years old
Contributed significantly to the fields of computer science and human-computer interaction. Riedl held a faculty position at the University of Minnesota and conducted extensive research on collaborative filtering and recommender systems. His work laid the foundation for many algorithms used in modern online recommendation services and e-commerce. Published numerous papers throughout his career, advancing the understanding of user preferences and social information filtering. Participated in various academic conferences and shared insights on the future of technology in education and digital media.
Continue ReadingRobert A. Roe
Soldier and U.S. Congressman
Born
February 28th, 1924 101 years ago
Died
July 15th, 2014 11 years ago — 90 years old
Served in the Army during World War II, achieving the rank of captain. Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1969, representing New Jersey for over two decades. Played a key role in various legislative efforts, particularly in transportation and veterans' affairs, while serving on important committees. Contributed to the formulation of policies that shaped the nation's infrastructure and support systems for military personnel.
Continue ReadingGyörgy Kolonics
Hungarian canoe racer and Olympian
Born
1972 54 years ago
Died
July 15th, 2008 17 years ago — 36 years old
Competed in sprint canoe events, earning significant accolades in international competitions. Secured two gold medals at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and trained extensively with the national team. Achieved multiple victories at the Canoe Sprint World Championships, establishing a reputation as a leading athlete in the sport. Helped promote canoe racing in Hungary through participation in various events and coaching initiatives.
Continue ReadingRoberto Bolaño
Chilean novelist and poet
Born
April 28th, 1953 72 years ago
Died
July 15th, 2003 22 years ago — 50 years old
A prominent figure in contemporary literature, this novelist, short-story writer, poet, and essayist produced a significant body of work that gained international recognition. Born in Chile, he spent much of his life in Mexico and later moved to Spain. His notable works include 'The Savage Detectives' and '2666', which both received critical acclaim and contributed to his reputation as an influential voice in literature. His writing often explored themes of exile, violence, and the complexities of the human experience. Bolaño received several awards posthumously, including the Neustadt International Prize for Literature.
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