Rob Blake
Ice hockey player and executive
Played as a defenseman in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Los Angeles Kings, Colorado Avalanche, and the San Jose Sharks. Won the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2001. Represented Canada internationally, earning a gold medal at the 2002 Winter Olympics and a gold medal at the 1994 World Championships. Later took on a leadership role in hockey operations with the Kings.
Won the Stanley Cup with Colorado Avalanche in 2001
Represented Canada in the 2002 Winter Olympics
Served as general manager for the Los Angeles Kings
Other People Born on December 10th
Jaromil Jireš
Czech director and screenwriter
Born
December 10th, 1935 90 years ago
Died
October 24th, 2001 24 years ago — 65 years old
A prominent Czech director and screenwriter, contributed significantly to the Czech New Wave cinema. Directed the film 'Valerie and Her Week of Wonders' in 1970, which became a hallmark of surrealist storytelling and is often cited in discussions of 20th-century cinema. Collaborated with various producers and artists to create a body of work that reflected the complexities of human experience and social issues during a turbulent period in Czechoslovakia's history. His works often blended fantasy and reality, offering unique storytelling techniques that have been analyzed and celebrated in film studies.
Continue ReadingAndris Bērziņš
Latvian politician and businessman
Born
December 10th, 1944 81 years ago
Served as the 8th President of Latvia from 2011 to 2015. Held positions in various businesses and political roles prior to presidency. Worked as a businessman in the banking sector and was involved in the privatization of state-owned enterprises. Was a member of the People's Party and participated in Latvian politics throughout the post-Soviet transition period.
Continue ReadingMukhtar Altynbayev
Kazakhstani General and Defence Minister
Born
December 10th, 1945 80 years ago
Born in 1945, a prominent military figure served as the 3rd Defence Minister of Kazakhstan from 1994 to 1999. Played significant roles in shaping Kazakhstan's defense policies post-independence. Oversaw developments in the military infrastructure and participated in strategic military partnerships with other nations. Contributed to the establishment of a modern armed forces framework aligning with NATO standards, and engaged in various international defense dialogues.
Continue ReadingHoward Martin Temin
Geneticist, Nobel Prize laureate in Physiology
Born
December 10th, 1934 91 years ago
Died
February 9th, 1994 32 years ago — 59 years old
A prominent geneticist and academic, contributed significantly to the understanding of the interplay between genetics and viral behavior. Conducted groundbreaking research that led to the discovery of reverse transcriptase, an enzyme that converts RNA to DNA, illuminating mechanisms behind certain viruses such as HIV. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1975 for co-discovery of reverse transcription. His work laid important groundwork for molecular biology and genetics research.
Continue ReadingBarbara Nichols
American actress in TV and film
Born
December 10th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
October 5th, 1976 49 years ago — 47 years old
An American actress achieved recognition for roles in television and film throughout the mid-20th century. Gained prominence for performances in the series 'The Jackie Gleason Show' and 'The Prowler'. Featured in films such as 'The Last Angry Man' and 'The Manchurian Candidate'. Also involved in stage productions, showcasing versatility in acting. Worked extensively in film and television from the 1950s through the 1970s.
Continue ReadingDick Bavetta
Basketball referee, officiated NBA games
Born
December 10th, 1939 86 years ago
A basketball referee who officiated in the NBA for over 39 seasons, primarily during the 1980s through 2010. Officiated over 2,600 regular-season games and numerous playoff games, including the NBA Finals. Known for a notable appearance in the 2007 NBA All-Star Game, where he tied a footrace against former player Bob Delaney, demonstrating his long-standing fitness and commitment to the profession. Retired in 2014 after a lengthy career in professional basketball officiating, contributing significantly to the sport's rules and regulations.
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