Pope Pius X
Pope and church reformer
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.
Established the feast day of St. Joseph
Canonized numerous saints
Promoted frequent communion
Other People Born on June 2nd
Wallace 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 ReadingTex Schramm
NFL executive and Dallas Cowboys architect
Born
June 2nd, 1920 105 years ago
Died
2003 23 years ago — 83 years old
An influential NFL executive, shaped the Dallas Cowboys franchise. Served as the team's first general manager and president, instrumental in building the Cowboys into a prominent professional football franchise. Advocated for innovations in the sport, including the implementation of instant replay and the use of television as a tool for promotion. Played a significant role in the formation of the NFL and AFL merger, leading to the establishment of the Super Bowl as a premier event in American sports.
Continue ReadingGeorge Lohmann
English cricketer and bowler
Born
June 2nd, 1865 160 years ago
Died
1901 125 years ago — 36 years old
Debuted in first-class cricket in 1882, playing primarily for Surrey. Gained notable recognition for exceptional bowling skills, particularly in the late 19th century. Achieved a remarkable bowling average of 10.75 in Test matches, establishing a record that remains unmatched. Participated in several Test series against Australia, contributing significantly to England's performances during that era. Continued to play until retiring from active cricket in 1899, leaving a lasting legacy in English cricket history.
Continue ReadingAwkwafina
Comedian and Actress in Crazy Rich Asians
Born
June 2nd, 1988 37 years ago
An actress, rapper, and comedian from the United States. Gained recognition for a role in the film "Crazy Rich Asians" and starred in the television series "Nora from Queens." Released music including the album "In Tongues". Achieved accolades for contributions to entertainment and music.
Continue ReadingNikki Cox
American actress and comedian
Born
June 2nd, 1978 47 years ago
Born in 1978, this actress gained recognition for roles in television series and comedy. She starred in the sitcom 'Unhappily Ever After' and appeared in 'Las Vegas,' where a significant role showcased her comedic talent. Her career included multiple guest appearances on popular shows, demonstrating versatility across various genres.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on August 20th
Alexander Wassilko von Serecki
Austrian lawyer and politician
Born
December 17th, 1827 198 years ago
Died
August 20th, 1893 132 years ago — 65 years old
Born in 1827, studied law and pursued a political career in Austria. Held various positions in the legal field and engaged in legislative work. Contributed to the development of legal frameworks and policies during tenure. Worked to address political issues of the time, influencing contemporary discussions on governance and law.
Continue ReadingCharles Bannerman
Cricketer and umpire; Test cricket pioneer
Born
July 3rd, 1851 174 years ago
Died
August 20th, 1930 95 years ago — 79 years old
Born in England and later residing in Australia, this individual played a significant role in the early years of Test cricket. He was a member of the Australian team that participated in the first-ever Test match against England in 1877. Bannerman scored the first century in Test history, achieving 165 runs in that match. In addition to his playing career, he served as an umpire in various matches, contributing to the development and standardization of the sport during its formative years.
Continue ReadingDom Mintoff
Maltese politician and Prime Minister
Born
August 6th, 1916 109 years ago
Died
August 20th, 2012 13 years ago — 96 years old
Served as the 8th Prime Minister of Malta and was a prominent figure in the Maltese Labour Party. Played a significant role in Malta's independence from the UK. Mintoff advocated for a strong welfare state and pursued policies that aimed to enhance the social and economic wellbeing of Maltese citizens. Also served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Works, focusing on infrastructure development. His tenure was marked by efforts to transform Malta into a more self-sufficient nation.
Continue ReadingAgnes Giberne
Astronomer and author, wrote 'The Story of the Solar System'
Born
November 19th, 1845 180 years ago
Died
August 20th, 1939 86 years ago — 93 years old
Contributed to the field of astronomy through writings that aimed to make science accessible to the general public. Wrote 'The Story of the Solar System', which provided insights into astronomical phenomena. Actively participated in scientific discussions and published articles in various scientific magazines. Played a significant role in promoting the study of astronomy among women and children.
Continue ReadingPhyllis Diller
Comedian and voice artist in 'The Jetsons'
Born
July 17th, 1917 108 years ago
Died
August 20th, 2012 13 years ago — 95 years old
An American actress and comedian, gained recognition for a unique comedic style characterized by self-deprecating humor and eccentric persona. Started a career in the 1950s and made significant contributions to both stand-up comedy and television. Appeared in films such as 'The Pruitts of Southampton' and voiced the character of the hag in the animated series 'The Jetsons'. Diller also became a regular guest on various talk shows and entertained audiences with her distinctive laugh and energetic performances.
Continue ReadingUlla Jacobsson
Swedish-Austrian actress in 'The Seventh Seal'
Born
May 23rd, 1929 96 years ago
Died
August 20th, 1982 43 years ago — 53 years old
Born in 1929, a Swedish-Austrian actress gained prominence in the film industry through notable performances. Featured in the iconic film 'The Seventh Seal' directed by Ingmar Bergman, showcased remarkable talent. Throughout the career, appeared in various European films and television productions, achieving recognition for versatile roles and strong screen presence. Continued to act until the late 1990s, leaving a lasting legacy in European cinema.
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