Mikuláš Dzurinda
Slovak Prime Minister and politician
Served as the Prime Minister of Slovakia from 1998 to 2006. Played a key role in navigating Slovakia's integration into the European Union and NATO. Led the Slovak Democratic and Christian Union party. Associated with significant economic reforms during his tenure, focusing on privatization and tax reforms.
Served as Prime Minister from 1998 to 2006
Oversaw Slovakia's EU membership in 2004
Led NATO accession efforts for Slovakia
Other People Born on February 4th
Jiří Raška
Czech ski jumper and coach, Olympic silver
Born
February 4th, 1941 85 years ago
Died
2012 14 years ago — 71 years old
Competed in ski jumping, achieving notable success in the 1960s. Secured a silver medal at the 1964 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck in the individual normal hill event. Raised the profile of ski jumping in Czechoslovakia through coaching, contributing to the training of future generations of athletes. Participated in multiple World Championships, earning recognition for consistent performance throughout his career.
Continue ReadingCarly Patterson
Gymnast and Olympic gold medalist
Born
February 4th, 1988 38 years ago
Achieved prominence in gymnastics by winning the all-around title at the 2004 Athens Olympics. Competed for the United States National Gymnastics Team and participated in various international competitions. Became the first American woman since 1984 to win the Olympic all-around title in gymnastics. Transitioned to a singing career after retiring from gymnastics, releasing music and making public appearances.
Continue ReadingMohamed Sherif
Egyptian footballer and striker
Born
February 4th, 1996 30 years ago
A professional footballer played as a striker, primarily for Al Ahly SC in Egypt. Sherif began his career in the youth system of the club before making his first-team debut in 2016. He quickly established himself as a key player, known for scoring crucial goals in domestic competitions as well as the CAF Champions League. In 2020, he contributed significantly to Al Ahly's victory in the CAF Champions League, securing the title for the club. Additionally, he made appearances for the Egyptian national team, competing in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Continue ReadingEmperor Norton
Self-proclaimed Emperor of the U.S.
Born
February 4th, 1818 208 years ago
Died
January 8th, 1880 146 years ago — 61 years old
An English-American businessman declared himself Emperor of the United States in 1859, living in San Francisco. The proclamation brought a unique blend of humor and absurdity to local culture. Despite lacking any formal power, enacted edicts, including the establishment of a bridge between California and the Pacific coast. Received public support and affection, often seen as a symbol of hope during challenging economic times. Lived in relative obscurity until death in 1880.
Continue ReadingGavin DeGraw
Singer-songwriter with hit songs
Born
February 4th, 1977 49 years ago
A singer-songwriter from the United States, gained prominence in the early 2000s. Rose to fame with the release of the debut album "Chariot" in 2003, which included the hit singles "I Don't Want to Be" and "Follow Through." Achieved commercial success with subsequent albums, contributing to the adult contemporary and pop music scenes. Participated in various music festivals and tours, collaborating with multiple artists over the years.
Continue ReadingJonathan Larson
Playwright and composer of Rent
Born
February 4th, 1960 66 years ago
Died
January 25th, 1996 30 years ago — 35 years old
A prominent American playwright and composer, gained recognition for the groundbreaking musical Rent. Rent, which explored themes of love, loss, and the struggles of marginalized communities, premiered Off-Broadway in 1996. Larson received the Tony Award for Best Musical posthumously, as well as the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. The musical became a cultural phenomenon, celebrated for its innovative approach to storytelling and representation of the LGBTQ+ community. Larson's life was tragically cut short just before the show's premiere, adding a poignant note to the legacy of his work.
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