Noël Chabanel

French missionary and martyr in Canada

Noël Chabanel - French missionary and martyr in Canada
Born

February 2nd, 1613
412 years ago

Died

December 8th, 1649
375 years ago — 36 years old

Category

Activists & Humanitarians

Country

France

Links & References

Served as a Jesuit missionary in New France, specifically in what is now Canada. Dedicated efforts towards the evangelization of Indigenous peoples. Encountered significant challenges, including cultural barriers and conflict. Martyred in 1649 during an attack by the Iroquois, symbolizing the struggles faced by early missionaries in North America.

Missionary work among Indigenous peoples

Canonized as a saint in the Catholic Church

Part of the North American Martyrs

Other People Born on February 2nd

Wenzel Anton

Prince of Kaunitz-Rietberg
Born
February 2nd, 1711 314 years ago
Died
June 27th, 1794 231 years ago — 83 years old

Born in 1711, served as a prominent diplomat and statesman in the Holy Roman Empire. Held the position of Minister of State under Empress Maria Theresa. Facilitated key alliances and negotiations during the War of Austrian Succession and Seven Years' War. Contributed significantly to the Habsburg monarchy's foreign policy and diplomatic strategies.

Continue Reading

Glynn Edwards

Malaysian-English actor in British television
Born
February 2nd, 1931 94 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 87 years old

Born in 1931, this actor had a prominent career in British television. His early work included stage performances before transitioning to screen acting. A notable role included playing the character ‘Hank’ in the long-running television series 'Minder', which aired from 1979 to 1994. The series followed a former police officer who becomes a protector and mentor to a small-time conman. The actor also appeared in films and other television series, contributing to the entertainment industry over several decades. His versatility and presence on screen earned him recognition in the field of acting.

Continue Reading

Aleksander Jagiełło

Polish footballer, played for Lech Poznań
Born
February 2nd, 1995 30 years ago

A Polish footballer, played as a midfielder and joined Lech Poznań in 2014. Contributed to the team during various domestic league matches and European competitions. Later played for other clubs, demonstrating proficiency in midfield roles. Part of the Poland national team at youth levels, showcasing talent in international fixtures.

Continue Reading

Jean de Lattre de Tassigny

French general and military leader
Born
February 2nd, 1889 136 years ago
Died
January 11th, 1952 73 years ago — 62 years old

A prominent French general, this military leader played a significant role during World War II and the First Indochina War. He commanded the French forces during the liberation of France and had a strategic impact on military operations in North Africa and Europe. In the aftermath of World War II, this general was appointed as the commander of French forces in Vietnam, where he sought to reestablish French control over the region amid growing nationalist movements. His leadership was marked by both tactical engagements and efforts to strengthen French military presence.

Continue Reading

Genichiro Tenryu

Professional wrestler and promoter
Born
February 2nd, 1950 75 years ago

Active as a professional wrestler since the late 1970s, a significant figure in the Japanese wrestling scene. Renowned for contributions to various wrestling promotions, particularly All Japan Pro Wrestling and Michinoku Pro Wrestling. Established a prominent career characterized by technical skills and intense rivalries. Achieved recognition as a three-time Triple Crown Heavyweight Champion. Transitioned into a role as a promoter, fostering the next generation of wrestlers in Japan.

Continue Reading

Red Schoendienst

Baseball player, coach, and manager
Born
February 2nd, 1923 102 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 95 years old

A professional baseball player, coach, and manager with a career spanning multiple decades. Played primarily as a second baseman, highlighted by a tenure with the St. Louis Cardinals. Achieved success in coaching and management roles following retirement as a player. Participated in multiple All-Star Games and was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1989.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on December 8th

Oliver Postgate

Animator and puppeteer for children's TV
Born
April 12th, 1925 100 years ago
Died
December 8th, 2008 16 years ago — 83 years old

An English animator and puppeteer, contributed significantly to children's television. Developed the iconic series Bagpuss and Noggin the Nog, which became staples of British children's programming. Utilized a unique stop-motion animation technique using puppets and models. Collaborated with Peter Firmin to create a distinctive visual style that defined many of the productions.

Continue Reading

Knut Nystedt

Norwegian organist and composer of choral works
Born
September 3rd, 1915 110 years ago
Died
December 8th, 2014 10 years ago — 99 years old

An organist and composer, contributed significantly to choral music. Served as a professor of music and contributed to various educational institutions. Created a wide array of choral compositions that reflect both sacred and secular themes. His works showcase influences of Norwegian folk music, enriching the choral repertoire. Conducted choirs across Norway and internationally, advocating for contemporary choral music.

Continue Reading

Caroll Spinney

Puppeteer and voice actor of Big Bird
Born
December 26th, 1933 91 years ago
Died
December 8th, 2019 5 years ago — 85 years old

A prominent puppeteer and voice actor, contributed significantly to children's television. Created and performed beloved characters Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch on the show 'Sesame Street' for over four decades. Launched a successful career that combined puppetry with storytelling, making a lasting impact on educational television. Spinney's work involved elaborate puppeteering techniques and engaging vocal performances, earning recognition and awards in the industry.

Continue Reading

Gladys George

American actress in 1940s film
Born
September 13th, 1904 121 years ago
Died
December 8th, 1954 70 years ago — 50 years old

Born in 1904, this American actress gained recognition for her roles in film and theater during the early to mid-20th century. Notably, she starred in 'The Maltese Falcon' as Brigid O'Shaughnessy and received acclaim for performances in 'Each Dawn I Die' and 'The Roaring Twenties'. With a career spanning over three decades, she was present in films that showcased her talents in both dramatic and comedic roles. Beyond the silver screen, she also gained attention for her work in stage productions, particularly in Broadway shows. The 1940s marked the height of her career, making her a prominent figure in Hollywood.

Continue Reading

Ivan Gundulić

Croatian poet and playwright
Born
January 8th, 1589 436 years ago
Died
December 8th, 1638 386 years ago — 49 years old

A notable poet and playwright from Croatia, recognized for contributions to Southern Slavic literature during the Baroque period. His most famous work, 'Osman,' is an epic poem that reflects the historical conflict between the Ottomans and Christians. This poem established Gundulić as an important figure in Croatian literature and explored themes of freedom and heroism. Additionally, his play 'Dubrovačka trilogija' highlighted social and political issues of his time, further cementing his influence. Gundulić's works often incorporated rich imagery and complex characters, characteristic of the Baroque style, and they have been studied for their artistic merit and historical context.

Continue Reading

Drogo of Metz

Frankish bishop and ecclesiastical leader
Born
June 17th, 801 1224 years ago
Died
December 8th, 855 1169 years ago — 54 years old

Born in 801, served as a bishop in the Frankish kingdom. Played a significant role in the episcopal governance and administration of religious affairs. Contributed to the regional consolidation of ecclesiastical authority during the Carolingian era. Engaged in various synods and councils, which addressed both theological issues and church governance. Passed away in 855.

Continue Reading