Reg Presley
Singer-songwriter of The Troggs
A prominent English singer-songwriter gained recognition as the lead vocalist of the rock band The Troggs. The band achieved commercial success in the 1960s with hits such as "Wild Thing" and "With a Girl Like You." As a key figure in the garage rock movement, The Troggs influenced numerous artists in later generations. Presley also ventured into songwriting and released solo material, showcasing his talents beyond the band. In addition to music, Presley had interests in paranormal phenomena, which he explored in later years. He continued to perform until declining health affected his activities, leading to his passing in 2013.
Lead singer of The Troggs
Hit song 'Wild Thing'
Other People Born on June 12th
Mauricio Isla
Chilean footballer and Copa América winner
Born
June 12th, 1988 37 years ago
A prominent figure in professional football, played as a right-back and also as a midfielder. Started his career at Universidad Católica before moving to Europe where he had notable stints with clubs such as Udinese, where he played in Serie A, and later joined Queens Park Rangers. Gained recognition for his performances in international tournaments, particularly with the Chile national team. Won the Copa América in 2015, contributing significantly to the team's success. Featured in multiple World Cup tournaments, displaying versatility and skill on the field.
Continue ReadingJrue Holiday
Professional basketball player, NBA champion
Born
June 12th, 1990 35 years ago
A professional basketball player participated in the NBA, primarily known for contributions to the New Orleans Pelicans and Milwaukee Bucks. Played as a point guard and earned recognition for defensive skills and leadership on the court. Achieved the pinnacle of success by winning the NBA Championship with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021. In addition to an NBA career, represented the United States in international competitions, contributing to a gold medal win at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
Continue ReadingMamo Wolde
Ethiopian long-distance runner, Olympic champion
Born
June 12th, 1932 93 years ago
Died
May 26th, 2002 23 years ago — 69 years old
An Ethiopian long-distance runner excelled in marathon events during the 1960s. Achieved significant recognition by winning the gold medal in the marathon at the 1968 Summer Olympics held in Mexico City. Set a world record in the marathon in 1969 with a time of 2:12:00, a benchmark that stood for several years. Contributed to the development of long-distance running in Ethiopia and inspired future generations of athletes in the region.
Continue ReadingAvisaíl García
Baseball outfielder, 2019 All-Star
Born
June 12th, 1991 34 years ago
A professional baseball outfielder played in Major League Baseball (MLB). Made professional debut in 2012 with the Detroit Tigers. Played for several teams, including the Chicago White Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays. Selected to the MLB All-Star Game in 2019 while with the White Sox. Also represented Venezuela in international competitions.
Continue ReadingEdmond Hébert
French geologist and academic
Born
June 12th, 1812 213 years ago
Died
April 4th, 1890 135 years ago — 77 years old
Contributed significantly to the field of geology during the 19th century. Focused on the study of mineralogy and paleontology. Held a position at the University of Nancy, where teachings shaped future geologists. Published several works that advanced geological understanding. Engaged in research that laid the groundwork for later geological studies.
Continue ReadingBryan Habana
Rugby player, 2007 Rugby World Cup winner
Born
June 12th, 1983 42 years ago
A prominent rugby union player hailed from South Africa, made significant contributions to the sport during a successful career. Played as a winger and became one of the highest try scorers in international rugby. Achieved notable success with the national team, winning the 2007 Rugby World Cup. Also played for club teams such as the Bulls and Toulon. After retiring, ventured into coaching and sports commentary.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on February 4th
Whipper Billy Watson
Professional wrestler and trainer
Born
June 25th, 1915 110 years ago
Died
February 4th, 1990 36 years ago — 74 years old
A prominent figure in professional wrestling, gained fame primarily in the 1950s and 1960s. Competed in various organizations including the National Wrestling Alliance and the World Wrestling Federation. Held the NWA World Heavyweight Championship and was a star attraction in wrestling venues across Canada and the United States. Transitioned to a training role, mentoring numerous aspiring wrestlers and contributing to the sport's development. His legacy includes a strong influence on wrestling techniques and promotion of the sport's popularity.
Continue ReadingPatricia Highsmith
American novelist and thriller writer
Born
January 19th, 1921 105 years ago
Died
February 4th, 1995 31 years ago — 74 years old
Born in 1921, a prominent figure in American literature, known for psychological thrillers that explore themes of morality and identity. Achieved recognition with the publication of "Strangers on a Train" in 1950, which established a new genre of suspense fiction. The creation of the character Tom Ripley in the novel "The Talented Mr. Ripley" (1955) further solidified a legacy in thriller writing. Highsmith's works often featured complex characters and moral ambiguity, influencing the genre significantly throughout her career. Her writing style and innovative plot techniques garnered critical acclaim, leading to several adaptations of her novels into films, thereby reaching wider audiences.
Continue ReadingBetty Friedan
Author and feminist activist
Born
February 4th, 1921 105 years ago
Died
February 4th, 2006 20 years ago — 85 years old
An influential feminist activist and author, she wrote 'The Feminine Mystique' in 1963, a work that challenged traditional gender roles and contributed to the second wave of feminism in the United States. This book sparked widespread discussions on women's rights and issues related to gender equality. In 1966, she co-founded the National Organization for Women (NOW), which aimed to advocate for equal rights for women in various sectors of society. Her writings and public speeches highlighted the need for women's liberation and examined the societal expectations placed on women, particularly in domestic roles. Throughout her career, she engaged with various social and political movements to promote gender equality.
Continue ReadingAga Khan IV
49th Imam of the Nizari Isma'ili community
Born
December 13th, 1936 89 years ago
Died
February 4th, 2025 1 years ago — 88 years old
Assumed leadership as the 49th Imam of the Nizari Isma'ili community in 1957. Focused on the development and education of the Isma'ili community worldwide. Established institutions such as the Aga Khan Development Network to improve health, education, and infrastructure in various countries. Engaged in philanthropic efforts across multiple sectors, including health care, education, and rural development. Advocated for pluralism and the importance of dialogue within various cultures and faiths.
Continue ReadingEdgar Mitchell
Apollo 14 astronaut and lunar pilot
Born
September 17th, 1930 95 years ago
Died
February 4th, 2016 10 years ago — 85 years old
Served as a NASA astronaut and participated in the Apollo 14 mission, which was the third successful manned mission to land on the Moon. Spent over nine hours on the lunar surface conducting scientific experiments and collecting samples. Prior to this, had a notable career in the U.S. Navy, achieving the rank of Captain and serving as a test pilot. After retirement from NASA, engaged in work focusing on consciousness research and co-founded the Institute of Noetic Sciences.
Continue ReadingÉtienne-Louis Boullée
Architect known for neoclassical designs
Born
February 12th, 1728 297 years ago
Died
February 4th, 1799 227 years ago — 70 years old
An influential French architect and educator, a key figure in the evolution of neoclassicism during the 18th century. Boullée proposed grand architectural concepts characterized by monumental simplicity and clarity of form. His designs often included vast interiors and symbolic architecture, meant to evoke strong emotions. Although many of his projects remained unbuilt, they significantly influenced architectural theory and practice. Boullée's work centered on the idea of architecture as a form of art rather than merely a functional craft. His writings, particularly 'Architecture, essai sur l'art', conveyed his vision of a new aesthetic in architecture that combined beauty and proportion. Several of his most notable projects included the Cenotaph for Isaac Newton, which exemplified his innovative approach to space and light.
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