Pete Conrad
American astronaut and Apollo 12 commander
Served as a naval aviator before joining NASA as an astronaut. Flew on Gemini 5 and commanded Apollo 12, the second mission to land on the Moon. Commanded the crew that included Alan Bean and Richard Gordon. After Apollo 12, contributed to the Apollo Lunar Module and studied the Moon's characteristics. Later worked with the Skylab mission and focused on space station design.
Commanded Apollo 12, landing on the Moon
Participated in Gemini 5 mission
Contributed to Skylab space station program
Other People Born on June 2nd
Bobby Simmons
Basketball player and NBA champion
Born
June 2nd, 1980 45 years ago
Played professional basketball primarily as a shooting guard. Entered the NBA in 2001 and played for teams including the Chicago Bulls, Seattle SuperSonics, and the Milwaukee Bucks. Achieved significant recognition during a standout season with the Bucks in 2005, earning the NBA's Most Improved Player Award. Played collegiate basketball at DePaul University before entering the NBA Draft.
Continue ReadingWallace Hartley
Violinist and bandleader on RMS Titanic
Born
June 2nd, 1878 147 years ago
Died
1912 114 years ago — 34 years old
A violinist and bandleader played on the RMS Titanic during its tragic maiden voyage in April 1912. The band continued to perform as the ship sank, contributing to the stories of heroism associated with the disaster. Hartley and his band members played music to calm passengers amidst chaos and uncertainty. Hartley’s life and the last performance of the band have been commemorated in various media, capturing the emotional gravity of the event.
Continue ReadingConstantine II of Greece
King of Greece during a turbulent era
Born
June 2nd, 1940 85 years ago
Died
January 10th, 2023 3 years ago — 82 years old
Ruled as the King of Greece from 1964 until the abolition of the monarchy in 1973. Came to the throne after the death of his father, King Paul I. The reign was marked by political instability and a military coup in 1967, resulting in a period of exile. Returned to Greece after the fall of the military junta in 1974, but did not regain the throne. Lived in exile for the majority of his later life and made efforts to maintain a connection with the Greek Orthodox Church and his royal lineage.
Continue ReadingCarmen Silvera
Canadian-English actress in sitcoms
Born
June 2nd, 1922 103 years ago
Died
2002 24 years ago — 80 years old
Born in 1922, this actress gained recognition primarily for roles in television comedies. Achieved prominence with a memorable performance in the long-running British sitcom 'Love Thy Neighbour,' playing the role of Eva. Her career included appearances in other British television shows, contributing to the landscape of 1970s and 1980s television.
Continue ReadingMilo O'Shea
Irish-American actor in film and theater
Born
June 2nd, 1926 99 years ago
Died
April 2nd, 2013 12 years ago — 86 years old
Established a successful career in film, television, and theater. Achieved prominence for performances in productions such as 'The Torn Curtain' and 'Bang Bang.' Noted for roles in the television series 'Vicious' and 'The Love Boat.' Received accolades for contributions to the arts and was recognized for stage work including performances in 'Waiting for Godot'.
Continue ReadingPope Pius X
Pope and church reformer
Born
June 2nd, 1835 190 years ago
Died
August 20th, 1914 111 years ago — 79 years old
Served as the Pope of the Roman Catholic Church from 1903 until death in 1914. Focused on updating church practices and emphasized frequent communion. Initiated reforms in liturgy and catechism, seeking to counter modernist interpretations of the faith. Canonized saints and promoted devotion to the Eucharist. Advocated for the establishment of a new code of canon law and addressed issues of social justice and poverty.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on July 8th
Joseph Ward
New Zealand Prime Minister and businessman
Born
April 26th, 1856 169 years ago
Died
July 8th, 1930 95 years ago — 74 years old
Born in Australia, a prominent businessman and politician served as the 17th Prime Minister of New Zealand. During tenure, implemented significant economic reforms. Ordained with leadership in the Liberal Party, contributed to the establishment of the New Zealand Railways and was involved in the introduction of several social policies. Later served as Minister of Finance, overseeing budgets that facilitated infrastructure growth.
Continue ReadingJune Allyson
American actress in classic musicals
Born
October 7th, 1917 108 years ago
Died
July 8th, 2006 19 years ago — 88 years old
Achieved fame as an actress in the 1940s and 1950s, particularly in musical films. Gained recognition for roles in 'Girl Crazy' and 'The Three Musketeers'. Also starred in dramas, including 'The Uninvited' and 'Little Women'. Later became a television personality and featured in commercials. Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for contributions to the film industry.
Continue ReadingKen Stabler
American football quarterback and sportscaster
Born
December 25th, 1945 80 years ago
Died
July 8th, 2015 10 years ago — 69 years old
A successful American football quarterback, recognized for a prominent career with the Oakland Raiders in the National Football League (NFL). Played a key role in leading the Raiders to victory in Super Bowl XI in 1977. After retiring from active play in 1984, transitioned to a career as a sportscaster, providing insights and commentary on football. His passing in 2015 marked the end of a significant chapter in American football history.
Continue ReadingJean Moulin
French Resistance leader during WWII
Born
June 20th, 1899 126 years ago
Died
July 8th, 1943 82 years ago — 44 years old
Played a pivotal role in the French Resistance during World War II. Moulin coordinated various Resistance groups to unify efforts against the Nazi occupation. Captured by the Gestapo, he endured severe torture and refused to betray his comrades. His bravery inspired many and solidified his legacy as a symbol of resistance against tyranny.
Continue ReadingRefik Saydam
Turkish physician and politician, Prime Minister
Born
September 8th, 1881 144 years ago
Died
July 8th, 1942 83 years ago — 60 years old
A prominent physician and politician who served as the 5th Prime Minister of Turkey. Born in 1881, pursued medical education and established a successful practice. Gained political prominence in the early 20th century, playing a significant role in the establishment of the Republican regime in Turkey. Advocated for public health reforms and educational advancements. Served as Prime Minister from 1921 to 1923, during a period of significant national development and consolidation of the Republic's early policies.
Continue ReadingRobert Burns Woodward
Chemist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
April 10th, 1917 108 years ago
Died
July 8th, 1979 46 years ago — 62 years old
A prominent American chemist and academic, contributions included significant advancements in organic chemistry. Won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1965 for the development of the theory and methods of organic synthesis. Played a crucial role in the synthesis of complex natural products. Held a distinguished academic position at Harvard University, mentoring numerous students and researchers throughout a prominent career.
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