Pierre de Coubertin
Founder of the International Olympic Committee
An educator and historian focused on educational reform in France. Advocated for the revival of the ancient Olympic Games. Established the International Olympic Committee in 1894, leading to the first modern Olympics held in Athens in 1896. Promoted physical education and sports as a means of character building and global unity.
Founded the International Olympic Committee in 1894
Revived the modern Olympic Games in 1896
Other People Born on January 1st
Kim Philby
British spy and intelligence officer
Born
January 1st, 1912 114 years ago
Died
May 11th, 1988 37 years ago — 76 years old
A notable figure in British intelligence, played a key role during the Cold War. Worked for MI6 while secretly cooperating with the Soviet Union. Philby's espionage activities led to critical intelligence breaches affecting Western security. His treachery was part of the infamous Cambridge Five spy ring. In 1963, defected to the Soviet Union, where he lived for the remainder of his life.
Continue ReadingPaul Revere
Silversmith and engraver in America
Born
January 1st, 1735 291 years ago
Died
May 10th, 1818 207 years ago — 83 years old
A prominent silversmith and engraver, served as an important figure in the American Revolution. Engaged in midnight rides to warn colonists of British troop movements. Contributed to revolutionary efforts through his craftsmanship and propaganda engravings. His most famous work includes the engraving of the Boston Massacre, which played a critical role in galvanizing colonial sentiment against British rule.
Continue ReadingJimmy Jones
Basketball player and coach for teams
Born
January 1st, 1945 81 years ago
Died
August 2nd, 2012 13 years ago — 67 years old
A professional basketball player emerged in the 1960s. Played for the Washington Bullets in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and had a successful career that included multiple seasons in the league. Transitioned into coaching after retiring from playing, contributing to the development of future players.
Continue ReadingAnton Melik
Geographer and academic in Slovenia
Born
January 1st, 1890 136 years ago
Died
June 8th, 1966 59 years ago — 76 years old
A prominent geographer and academic, contributions focused on the geography of Slovenia and the broader Balkans. Engaged in teaching at the University of Ljubljana, promoting geographic education and research. Authored several influential works that explored geographical features, influences, and methodologies relevant to the region. Actively participated in various scholarly organizations establishing a foundation for future geographic studies.
Continue ReadingFriedrich Spanheim
Dutch theologian and academic
Born
January 1st, 1600 426 years ago
Died
May 14th, 1649 376 years ago — 49 years old
An influential theologian and academic, contributions spanned various areas of theology and philosophy. Spanheim served as a professor at the University of Leiden, where he significantly influenced theological discourse. His works often addressed issues of religious tolerance and the relationship between church and state. Writings emphasized the importance of reason in theology, contributing to the development of Protestant thought during the 17th century.
Continue ReadingQi Baishi
Chinese painter and watercolor artist
Born
January 1st, 1864 162 years ago
Died
1957 69 years ago — 93 years old
A prominent Chinese painter, recognized for mastery in traditional brushwork and innovative watercolor techniques. Birth in Hunan province preceded a lifetime that included studying various subjects, with a focus on flowers, insects, and landscapes. His work reflected a deep appreciation for nature and simplicity, embodying traditional Chinese aesthetic principles. Qi gained national acclaim during the 20th century and contributed to the modern ink painting movement. His works were featured in numerous exhibitions and collections, including in the National Museum of China.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on September 2nd
Ronald Coase
Economist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
December 29th, 1910 115 years ago
Died
September 2nd, 2013 12 years ago — 102 years old
An economist and author, contributed significantly to the fields of law and economics. Developed the Coase theorem, which states that under certain conditions, private parties can negotiate without government intervention. Authored influential works such as 'The Nature of the Firm' and 'The Firm, the Market, and the Law'. Had a notable academic career with decades spent teaching at various institutions, including the University of Chicago. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 1991 for contributions to economic theory.
Continue ReadingBob Denver
American actor from Gilligan's Island
Born
January 9th, 1935 91 years ago
Died
September 2nd, 2005 20 years ago — 70 years old
An actor gained fame for a leading role in the television series 'Gilligan's Island,' which aired from 1964 to 1967. Denver portrayed the character Gilligan, a bumbling first mate of the SS Minnow. The show became a cultural icon and has continued in syndication over the decades. In addition to 'Gilligan's Island,' Denver appeared in other television and film projects, including 'The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis.' His career spanned several decades, showcasing versatility in both comedic and dramatic roles. Denver's performances contributed significantly to the landscape of American television during the 1960s and beyond.
Continue ReadingManos Katrakis
Greek actor in theater and film
Born
1908 118 years ago
Died
September 2nd, 1984 41 years ago — 76 years old
Primarily active in the mid-20th century, this actor contributed significantly to Greek theater and film. The performer became a prominent figure in the dramatic arts, showcasing talent in various productions. Work included notable roles in classic plays and films, contributing to the cultural landscape of Greece during the 1950s and 1960s. His ability to portray complex characters resonated with audiences, elevating his status in the performing arts.
Continue ReadingFrank Drake
Radio astronomer and astrophysicist
Born
1930 96 years ago
Died
September 2nd, 2022 3 years ago — 92 years old
A radio astronomer and astrophysicist contributed extensively to the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. Developed the Drake Equation, a formula estimating the number of active, communicative extraterrestrial civilizations in the Milky Way galaxy. Initiated the SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) program, which employed radio telescopes to search for signals from potentially habitable planets. Worked on the Mariner 2 spacecraft mission to Venus, providing valuable data on solar radiation.
Continue ReadingElvera Sanchez
American dancer with The Joffrey Ballet
Born
1905 121 years ago
Died
September 2nd, 2000 25 years ago — 95 years old
A prominent dancer and choreographer, contributed significantly to the art of ballet. Joined The Joffrey Ballet and showcased extraordinary talent on stage, becoming an integral part of its evolution. Participated in numerous performances, earning recognition in the dance community. Established a legacy within the ballet world through dedication and artistry.
Continue ReadingMark Abrahamian
Guitarist for the band Shadowfax
Born
1966 60 years ago
Died
September 2nd, 2012 13 years ago — 46 years old
A guitarist, contributed to the fusion and world music genres. Played with the instrumental band Shadowfax, which gained popularity in the 1980s. Released several albums that blended jazz, rock, and folk influences. Shadowfax received a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Jazz Performance in 1988 for their album 'Shadows'. Abrahamian's playing style incorporated both technical skill and an emotional depth, earning recognition among peers and fans alike.
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