Norm Van Brocklin
American football player and coach, NFL MVP
Born
Died
Category
Athletes & Sports Figures
Country
United States
Links & References
An American football player and coach recognized for contributions to both playing and coaching in the NFL. Played quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams and the Philadelphia Eagles. Achieved NFL MVP honors in 1960. Served as head coach for various teams, most notably the Atlanta Falcons and the Minnesota Vikings, leading the Vikings to an NFL Championship in 1970.
Played quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams
Achieved NFL MVP in 1960
Coached the Minnesota Vikings to an NFL Championship in 1970
Other People Born on March 15th
Matt Gay
American football kicker, Super Bowl champion
Born
March 15th, 1994 32 years ago
Played college football at the University of Utah, gaining recognition for consistent kicking accuracy. Selected in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where significant contributions were made in games, including a notable performance against the New York Giants. In 2021, won Super Bowl LVI with the Los Angeles Rams. Established a reputation for clutch kicks during the postseason and regular season.
Continue ReadingGilberto Freyre
Brazilian sociologist and cultural theorist
Born
March 15th, 1900 126 years ago
Died
July 18th, 1987 38 years ago — 87 years old
Freyre advanced the study of Brazilian culture and society through his work as a sociologist, anthropologist, and historian. His seminal book, 'Casa-Grande e Senzala' (The Masters and the Slaves), published in 1933, explored the complex interactions between the country's Portuguese settlers, African slaves, and Indigenous peoples. This work laid the foundation for understanding the formation of Brazilian identity. Freyre's scholarship integrated notions of miscegenation and cultural diversity, challenging the prevailing narratives of racial purity in Latin America. His writings on social structure, family dynamics, and cultural norms significantly influenced Brazilian intellectual thought and discussions on social issues. Freyre's career encompassed roles in education, public service, and as a writer, contributing to numerous publications throughout his life.
Continue ReadingSérgio Vieira de Mello
Brazilian diplomat and UN official
Born
March 15th, 1948 78 years ago
Died
August 19th, 2003 22 years ago — 55 years old
Born in Brazil in 1948, this diplomat dedicated over 30 years to international service with the United Nations. Positions included High Commissioner for Human Rights and Special Representative for Iraq following the 2003 invasion. Engaged extensively in peacekeeping and humanitarian missions in various conflict zones. Emphasized the importance of human rights and diplomatic solutions in crisis situations. Played a pivotal role in rebuilding countries emerging from conflict, bringing a focus on local issues and cultural understanding.
Continue ReadingKristian Kostov
Singer-songwriter, Eurovision contestant
Born
March 15th, 2000 26 years ago
Born in 2000, a singer-songwriter from Russia and Bulgaria rose to prominence after competing in the Eurovision Song Contest 2017, representing Bulgaria with the song "Beautiful Mess." The performance earned significant attention and a top placement in the competition. Apart from Eurovision, several singles were released, showcasing a blend of pop and contemporary styles, contributing to a growing fan base. Collaborations with various artists helped expand the musical repertoire, and diverse performances in different venues further established a presence in the music industry.
Continue ReadingMike Tomlin
American football coach, Super Bowl champion
Born
March 15th, 1972 54 years ago
Began coaching career as a defensive backs coach at the University of Memphis before moving to the NFL. Joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a defensive coordinator in 2007. Hired as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2007, becoming the youngest head coach to win a Super Bowl with the Steelers in Super Bowl XLIII. Has consistently led the team to playoff appearances and achieved a reputation for developing strong defenses.
Continue ReadingBen Okri
Nigerian poet and author, The Famished Road
Born
March 15th, 1959 67 years ago
Born in Nigeria, this individual became a prominent poet and author, gaining recognition for his contributions to literature. The work 'The Famished Road' received the Booker Prize in 1991, establishing a significant presence in the literary world. Themes of magic realism and African culture pervaded the literary pieces, reflecting socio-political issues in Nigeria. This poet's body of work includes several novels, poetry collections, essays, and articles that explore the intricacies of the human experience, often drawing from personal and historical narratives.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 2nd
Michael Blake
American author and screenwriter, Dances with Wolves
Born
July 5th, 1945 80 years ago
Died
May 2nd, 2015 11 years ago — 69 years old
Born in 1945, this American author and screenwriter gained prominence through his work in literature and film. The most notable accomplishment is the screenplay for 'Dances with Wolves', which earned an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. The film, directed by Kevin Costner, received critical acclaim and several Oscars, including Best Picture. In addition to the screenplay, the author wrote the original novel upon which the film is based. Other contributions include screenwriting for projects like 'The Mystery of Edwin Drood' and 'The Last of the Dogmen'. His content often explored themes of Native American culture and the human experience.
Continue ReadingLeonardo da Vinci
Renaissance painter and polymath
Born
April 15th, 1452 574 years ago
Died
May 2nd, 1519 507 years ago — 67 years old
A prominent figure of the Renaissance, this individual was a painter, sculptor, architect, and engineer. Renowned works include the 'Mona Lisa' and 'The Last Supper.' Additionally, contributions to anatomy, invention, and engineering showcased an exceptional breadth of knowledge. Various sketches and studies revealed advanced understanding in multiple disciplines, influencing countless artists and thinkers. The legacy extends beyond visual arts into science and innovation, paving the way for future exploration in art and technology.
Continue ReadingErnest Starling
English physiologist and academic
Born
April 17th, 1866 160 years ago
Died
May 2nd, 1927 99 years ago — 61 years old
Contributed significantly to the field of physiology, particularly through the establishment of the Starling Law of the Heart, which describes the relationship between the heart's filling and its contraction strength. His research included the role of hormones in bodily functions and the development of techniques for measuring blood pressure and heart functions. Starling conducted extensive studies on the actions of the thyroid gland and the role of the pancreas in digestion, helping to lay the groundwork for future research in these areas.
Continue ReadingRonald Barnes
English cricketer and politician
Born
April 16th, 1884 142 years ago
Died
May 2nd, 1963 63 years ago — 79 years old
Served as the 3rd Baron Gorell and contributed to cricket as a player. Played first-class cricket for Sussex County Cricket Club. Engaged in journalism and contributed to political discourse as a member of the House of Lords. Involved in various charitable and social causes throughout the career.
Continue ReadingRodolfo Pio da Carpi
Italian cardinal with papal influence
Born
February 22nd, 1500 526 years ago
Died
May 2nd, 1564 462 years ago — 64 years old
Born in 1500, served as a cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church. Played a key role in the papal court, influencing ecclesiastical decisions. Promoted various reforms within the church and actively participated in the political and religious affairs of the time. Contributed to the understanding of art and architecture through patronage, notably fostering the works of prominent artists associated with the Renaissance.
Continue ReadingJoe Corbett
Baseball player and coach in MLB
Born
December 4th, 1875 150 years ago
Died
May 2nd, 1945 81 years ago — 69 years old
Played as a pitcher in Major League Baseball. Competed for teams including the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Phillies. Transitioned to a coaching role after his playing career. Coached various minor league teams following his retirement, contributing to the development of upcoming players.
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