Michael Cooper
Basketball player and coach for Lakers
A basketball player and coach, excelled in his career primarily with the Los Angeles Lakers during the 1980s. Played as a guard and forward. Contributed to the team winning five NBA championships from 1980 to 1988. Later transitioned to coaching, leading various teams in the WNBA and college basketball, and gained recognition for developing players and strategies on the court.
Won five NBA championships with Lakers
Coached in WNBA and college basketball
Other People Born on April 15th
A. Philip Randolph
Labor leader and civil rights activist
Born
April 15th, 1889 136 years ago
Died
May 16th, 1979 46 years ago — 90 years old
A prominent labor leader and civil rights activist, contributions included organizing the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, the first predominantly African American labor union. Played a significant role in the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, rallying support for civil rights and economic justice. Advocated for the rights of workers and promoted racial equality throughout a lengthy career in social justice activism. Helped to foster alliances between labor unions and civil rights organizations, enhancing cooperation in the fight for equality.
Continue ReadingArshile Gorky
Painter and illustrator of abstract art
Born
April 15th, 1904 121 years ago
Died
July 21st, 1948 77 years ago — 44 years old
Born in 1904, this Armenian-American painter became a prominent figure in the abstract expressionist movement. Moving to the United States in the 1920s, developed a style that fused elements of surrealism and personal symbolism. Worked in various media, including painting and drawing, drawing inspiration from the work of Picasso and the European avant-garde. Produced significant works like 'The Artist and His Mother', reflecting personal themes and early life experiences. Died in 1948, leaving behind a legacy in modern art.
Continue ReadingKenneth Lay
Businessman and Enron CEO
Born
April 15th, 1942 83 years ago
Died
July 5th, 2006 19 years ago — 64 years old
Born in 1942, a prominent American businessman served as the CEO and chairman of Enron Corporation, an energy company based in Houston, Texas. Lay played a crucial role in the company's rapid growth in the 1990s, promoting innovative energy trading and deregulation. Under his leadership, Enron's stock skyrocketed, making it one of the largest companies in the United States. However, amid accounting scandals, Enron filed for bankruptcy in 2001, marking one of the largest bankruptcies in U.S. history. Lay faced criminal charges related to securities fraud and conspiracy, though he died before the trial concluded.
Continue ReadingCorrie ten Boom
Nazi resister and author of The Hiding Place
Born
April 15th, 1892 133 years ago
Died
1983 43 years ago — 91 years old
Born in the Netherlands, played a pivotal role in sheltering Jewish refugees during World War II. Operated a secret room in her family's home to hide individuals from Nazi persecution. After her arrest, endured imprisonment in concentration camps. Following the war, authored The Hiding Place, detailing experiences and themes of forgiveness and faith. Became a sought-after speaker, sharing lessons of resilience and compassion throughout the world.
Continue ReadingPercy Shaw
Inventor of the cat's eye
Born
April 15th, 1890 135 years ago
Died
1976 50 years ago — 86 years old
An English businessman developed a reflective road safety device that improved visibility for drivers at night. The device, called the cat's eye, consisted of a pair of reflective lenses mounted in a rubber housing. This invention increased road safety and gained widespread adoption in the UK and beyond. Originally patented in the 1930s, the cat's eye significantly reduced accidents by enhancing lane visibility during low-light conditions. Shaw's company continued to produce cat's eyes for decades.
Continue ReadingStanley Bruce
Australian Prime Minister and politician
Born
April 15th, 1883 142 years ago
Died
August 25th, 1967 58 years ago — 84 years old
Served as the 8th Prime Minister of Australia from 1923 to 1929. Focused on economic development and infrastructural improvements during tenure. Advocated for closer ties between Australia and Great Britain. Contributed to the establishment of the National Health and Medical Research Council and played a role in various social reforms. Served in the Australian Senate after his prime ministerial term, representing the United Australia Party.
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