Ray Harroun
Race car driver and engineer, Marmon Wasp
An American race car driver and engineer, contributed significantly to the evolution of motorsports. Achieved fame by winning the inaugural Indianapolis 500 in 1911 driving the Marmon Wasp. Pioneered the use of rearview mirrors in automobiles to enhance driver safety and visibility. Harroun's innovations and racing strategies played a crucial role in shaping early 20th-century auto racing.
Won the first Indianapolis 500 in 1911
Developed the rearview mirror in racing cars
Other People Born on January 12th
Mick Sullivan
Rugby player and coach; Rugby League
Born
January 12th, 1934 92 years ago
Died
2016 10 years ago — 82 years old
A rugby player and coach born in England in 1934. Made significant contributions to rugby league, both on and off the field. Played for Bradford Northern and represented Great Britain in international matches. Transitioned to coaching, where he led teams and contributed to the development of players and strategies within the sport.
Continue ReadingRichard Carwardine
Historian and academic in American history
Born
January 12th, 1947 79 years ago
An English historian and academic focused on American history, significant contributions included writings on the Civil War and American political development. Notable works featured comparative studies of Lincoln's leadership and the evolving nature of American democracy. Held positions at prestigious universities, enhancing historical scholarship through teaching and publications.
Continue ReadingFarrah Forke
Television actress from 'Wings'
Born
January 12th, 1968 58 years ago
Died
February 25th, 2022 4 years ago — 54 years old
An American actress gained recognition for portraying the character Alex Lambert on the television series 'Wings' during the 1990s. Forke also appeared in other television shows such as 'Dallas', where she played the role of Kendra Daye. In addition to her television work, she had a role in the film 'The Last Man Standing'. Her performances contributed to her popularity in the entertainment industry during her active years.
Continue ReadingTor Arne Hetland
Norwegian cross-country skier
Born
January 12th, 1974 52 years ago
Competed in cross-country skiing, with notable participation in World Cup events and World Championships. Achieved multiple victories, particularly excelling in sprint events. Represented Norway in various international competitions, contributing to the team's overall success. Won a gold medal at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City in the team sprint event, showcasing exceptional skill and stamina.
Continue ReadingRichard Kuremaa
Estonian football midfielder
Born
January 12th, 1912 114 years ago
Died
1991 35 years ago — 79 years old
A prominent football midfielder, played for the Estonia national football team and represented club teams in various competitions. Significant contributions were made during the 1930s, with participation in international matches. Kuremaa is noted for his skills and performance on the field, helping popularize the sport in Estonia during that era.
Continue ReadingSamuele Longo
Italian footballer with notable club play
Born
January 12th, 1992 34 years ago
Born in 1992, this Italian footballer began his career in youth systems and rose through the ranks of professional football. Starting at Inter Milan, he moved to various clubs throughout Italy, including a stint at FC Barcelona's B team. He played multiple seasons in Serie B and Serie C, showcasing talent as a forward. Various loans marked his career trajectory, contributing to teams such as Ascoli and Novara. His role in these clubs highlighted his skills in offensive play during competitive matches.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on January 19th
Anthony Franciosa
American Actor in The Long, Hot Summer
Born
October 25th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
January 19th, 2006 20 years ago — 77 years old
An actor with a significant career in film and television, gained recognition for performances in both mediums. Early roles included appearances in the television series 'The Claimant' and 'Surfside 6'. Gained prominence in the film 'The Long, Hot Summer', alongside other notable works such as 'A Face in the Crowd' and 'The Assault'. Received a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for portrayal in 'The Stranger'. Later starred in the television series 'The Name of the Game' and 'The City'.
Continue ReadingStan Musial
Baseball player; 3-time MVP
Born
November 21st, 1920 105 years ago
Died
January 19th, 2013 13 years ago — 92 years old
A prominent baseball player and manager, this individual played 22 seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals in Major League Baseball. Achievements included three Most Valuable Player awards and 24 All-Star selections. He was recognized as one of the greatest hitters in baseball history, finishing his career with a .331 batting average. After retiring as a player, he enjoyed a brief managerial stint and remained involved with the Cardinals as an ambassador.
Continue ReadingClement Smoot
American Golfer with notable championships
Born
April 7th, 1884 142 years ago
Died
January 19th, 1963 63 years ago — 78 years old
Clement Smoot was an American golfer active in the mid-20th century. He achieved significant success on the professional golf circuit. Smoot participated in several prestigious tournaments and was recognized for his skills on the course. In addition to competing regularly, he contributed to the golf community through coaching and mentoring younger players. His experiences and dedication helped shape the sport during that era.
Continue ReadingRudi van Dantzig
Ballet choreographer and dancer.
Born
1933 93 years ago
Died
January 19th, 2012 14 years ago — 79 years old
A prominent ballet dancer and choreographer, contributed significantly to the Dutch ballet scene. Worked extensively with the Dutch National Ballet, rising to the position of principal dancer. As a choreographer, created several original works that became central to the company's repertoire. Notably, choreographed adaptations of classic ballets and introduced innovative contemporary pieces. Received multiple awards for contributions to the art form, including the prestigious Theo d'Or.
Continue ReadingFrank P. Ramsey
Mathematician and economist; Ramsey's theorem
Born
February 22nd, 1903 123 years ago
Died
January 19th, 1930 96 years ago — 26 years old
Contributions spanned mathematics, philosophy, and economics. Developed Ramsey theory, essential in combinatorial mathematics. Published influential papers on subjective probability and decision theory. Served as a lecturer at the University of Cambridge, where work in mathematical logic and philosophy garnered attention. In economics, introduced ideas that would later influence modern economic theories.
Continue ReadingJózsef Dudás
Hungarian politician and activist
Born
1912 114 years ago
Died
January 19th, 1957 69 years ago — 45 years old
An activist and politician, worked towards the rights of ethnic Hungarians in Romania. Held significant roles in local political organizations and was involved in representing Hungarian interests during a complex period of interwar Romania. He engaged in various political activities aimed at advocating for autonomy and cultural rights for Hungarian communities within Romania. Contribution to Hungarian political movements during the early 20th century marked a crucial period of ethnic tensions and political representation.
Continue Reading