Paul Williams
Singer and choreographer for The Muppets
Born
Died
Category
Performers & Entertainers
Country
United States
Links & References
A prominent figure in the music and entertainment industry, contributions include writing and performing hits for various artists and television shows. Williams co-wrote iconic songs such as "Rainbow Connection" and "Evergreen". As a choreographer, worked on projects for The Muppets, contributing to the show's distinctive style. Received an Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Evergreen" from the film 'A Star Is Born'. Williams' career spans decades, during which involvement in television and film remains significant.
Co-wrote 'Rainbow Connection'
Won Academy Award for 'Evergreen'
Choreographed for The Muppets
Other People Born on July 2nd
Ryan Murphy
American swimmer with Olympic gold medals
Born
July 2nd, 1995 31 years ago
Competed in swimming events for the United States, specializing in backstroke and individual medley. Achieved three gold medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics, winning the 100m backstroke, 200m backstroke, and 200m individual medley. Added a bronze medal in the 4x100m medley relay. Established a reputation as one of the top swimmers in the country, setting multiple American records in backstroke events. Persistently contributed to the team events in international competitions.
Continue ReadingPolly Holliday
American actress from 'Alice'
Born
July 2nd, 1937 89 years ago
Born in 1937, an American actress gained prominence for playing the character Flo in the television series 'Alice'. The character became iconic for the catchphrase 'Kiss my grits!' and contributed significantly to the show's success. Holliday also had notable roles in films and other television series, showcasing her talent beyond just one role. Throughout her career, she appeared in various productions, bringing characters to life with her distinctive style and charm.
Continue ReadingJulia Grabher
Austrian tennis player and competitor
Born
July 2nd, 1996 30 years ago
Competed on the professional tennis circuit starting in 2012. Achieved success in both singles and doubles events. Won multiple titles on the ITF Circuit. Made significant contributions to the Austrian national tennis team in various international competitions.
Continue ReadingSaweetie
Rapper and songwriter with 'Icy Grl'
Born
July 2nd, 1993 33 years ago
Arap artist gained prominence with the viral hit 'Icy Grl' in 2017. This track showcased her lyrical skill and unique style. Following this success, multiple singles, including 'My Type' and 'Tap In,' reached commercial success, solidifying a presence in the rap industry. The debut studio album 'Pretty B*tch Music' has been anticipated within the genre, contributing to her growing influence. Collaborations with various artists and appearances in popular media have established a significant foothold in contemporary music.
Continue ReadingHans Bethe
Physicist who won Nobel Prize in Physics
Born
July 2nd, 1906 120 years ago
Died
March 6th, 2005 21 years ago — 98 years old
German-American physicist contributed significantly to quantum mechanics and nuclear physics. Played a crucial role in the development of the atomic bomb as part of the Manhattan Project. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1967 for his work on the theory of stellar nucleosynthesis, explaining how stars produce energy and elements. Additionally, served as a professor at Cornell University, influencing numerous students and research in theoretical physics.
Continue ReadingOlav V of Norway
King of Norway, Olympic sailor
Born
July 2nd, 1903 123 years ago
Died
January 17th, 1991 35 years ago — 87 years old
Became King of Norway in 1957 and reigned until death in 1991. Served in the Norwegian Army during World War II and became a symbol of national unity. Participated in sailing competitions and won a gold medal in the 1928 Summer Olympics in Amsterdam. Worked to modernize the Norwegian monarchy and was known for being approachable and down-to-earth. Engaged in numerous charitable causes and emphasized the importance of social welfare.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on August 17th
Ira Gershwin
American songwriter with classic lyrics
Born
December 6th, 1896 129 years ago
Died
August 17th, 1983 43 years ago — 86 years old
A prominent American songwriter, contributed lyrics to many celebrated songs and musicals. Collaborated extensively with composer George Gershwin, creating lasting works in American music. Wrote lyrics for iconic songs such as 'Summertime', 'I Got Rhythm', and 'Someone to Watch Over Me'. Lyricist for the Broadway musicals 'Porgy and Bess' and 'Lady, Be Good!', which showcased the Gershwin brothers' talents. Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1970, further solidifying a legacy in American songwriting.
Continue ReadingRadoje Domanović
Serbian journalist and author
Born
February 16th, 1873 153 years ago
Died
August 17th, 1908 118 years ago — 35 years old
Born in Serbia, Domanović became an influential journalist and author in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His work primarily focused on social and political themes, often critiquing contemporary societal issues. He gained recognition for his satirical writings that highlighted the absurdities of bureaucracy and nationalism. Domanović's essays and stories resonated with the public, solidifying his place in Serbian literature. His legacy includes both literary contributions and the impact of his journalism on Serbian society during a transformative period.
Continue ReadingConrad Aiken
American poet and novelist
Born
August 5th, 1889 137 years ago
Died
August 17th, 1973 53 years ago — 84 years old
Born in 1889, a prominent American poet, novelist, and critic, contributed significantly to 20th-century literature. Aiken's literary career spanned multiple genres, with poetry as the primary focus. A published author from a young age, received a Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1930 for the collection 'Selected Poems.' Aiken explored themes of consciousness and emotion in works such as the novel 'Apprenticeship' and the short story collection 'Great Circle.' His influence extends to various literary movements, and he was associated with the objectivist movement. In his writing, Aiken often employed innovative techniques, blending elements of modernism and romanticism.
Continue ReadingEmperor Go-Fukakusa
Emperor of Japan during the Kamakura period
Born
June 28th, 1243 783 years ago
Died
August 17th, 1304 722 years ago — 61 years old
Became emperor of Japan in 1246 and reigned until 1259. During the reign, significant administrative changes took place within the imperial court. Following abdication, served as a retired emperor, influencing politics behind the scenes. The period saw ongoing conflicts between the imperial court and warrior clans, impacting the political landscape of the time. His reign was part of the Kamakura era, marked by the emergence of the samurai class and a shift in power dynamics.
Continue ReadingArthur Fox
English-American fencer and Olympian
Born
September 9th, 1878 148 years ago
Died
August 17th, 1958 68 years ago — 79 years old
Competed in fencing during the early 20th century. Achieved significant recognition in the 1908 Summer Olympics held in London. Contributed to the fencing community through coaching and advocacy for the sport. His techniques and methodologies influenced future generations of fencers, both in America and abroad.
Continue ReadingMuhammad Zia-ul-Haq
Pakistani general and politician
Born
August 12th, 1924 102 years ago
Died
August 17th, 1988 38 years ago — 64 years old
Served as the sixth President of Pakistan from 1978 until his death in 1988. Initially took power through a military coup in 1977, establishing martial law and assuming the position of Chief Martial Law Administrator. Implemented policies that facilitated the Islamization of Pakistan's legal and societal structures. Oversaw significant political and economic changes, and his tenure was marked by efforts to increase the role of Islamic law in governance. Died in an airplane crash in 1988, which was highly controversial and led to various conspiracy theories.
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