Rudy Gay
Basketball player for the San Antonio Spurs
A professional basketball player was born in 1986. Played college basketball at the University of Connecticut, leading the team to an NCAA championship in 2004. Entered the NBA in 2006, selected by the Houston Rockets and then traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. Established a reputation as a prolific scorer and versatile forward during tenure with the Grizzlies. Also played for the Toronto Raptors and Sacramento Kings. Contributed to the United States national basketball team, winning a gold medal at the 2010 FIBA World Championship.
NCAA Championship with UConn in 2004
NBA All-Star selection in 2016
Part of the USA Men's Basketball Team
Other People Born on August 17th
Richard of Shrewsbury
Duke of York, son of Edward IV
Born
August 17th, 1473 552 years ago
Died
1483 542 years ago — 10 years old
Born in 1473, Richard of Shrewsbury served as the Duke of York during the turbulent period of the Wars of the Roses. He was the second son of King Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville. Following the death of his father in 1483, Richard became a prominent figure in the struggle for the English throne. In 1484, Richard was captured and imprisoned in the Tower of London. He was declared illegitimate, and his status as a potential claimant to the throne effectively diminished. The fates of Richard and his brother, the Prince of Wales, remain uncertain, leading to historical intrigue regarding their disappearance. Richard's life and the mystery of his fate contributed to the enduring legacy of the Plantagenet dynasty.
Continue ReadingJosef Dobrovský
Czech philologist and historian
Born
August 17th, 1753 272 years ago
Died
January 6th, 1829 196 years ago — 75 years old
Contributed significantly to the study of the Czech language, history, and literature. Played a vital role in the formation of modern Czech philology. Authored essential works on Czech grammar and language structure, enhancing the understanding of Slavic languages. Engaged in historical research that set the groundwork for future scholarship in Czech studies.
Continue ReadingMoses Majekodunmi
Nigerian physician and politician
Born
August 17th, 1916 109 years ago
Died
2012 13 years ago — 96 years old
A prominent physician and politician in Nigeria, dedicated a significant part of his career to healthcare and public service. Contributed to the establishment of health policies and advanced the medical profession in the country. Actively engaged in the political landscape, promoting health initiatives and social welfare during his tenure. Made efforts towards improving healthcare access and quality in Nigeria, impacting the national health system.
Continue ReadingJorge Posada
Baseball catcher and five-time All-Star
Born
August 17th, 1971 54 years ago
A celebrated baseball catcher, played for the New York Yankees from 1995 to 2011. Contributed significantly to the team's success during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Won five Gold Glove Awards and was selected to the All-Star team five times. Helped the Yankees secure four World Series championships in 1996, 1998, 1999, and 2000. Recorded over 1,500 hits and ranked among the franchise's top catchers in several offensive categories.
Continue ReadingNicola Porpora
Italian composer and educator
Born
August 17th, 1686 339 years ago
Died
March 3rd, 1768 257 years ago — 81 years old
A prominent figure in 18th-century music, Porpora achieved significant recognition as a composer and vocal teacher. His work includes numerous operas, sacred music, and cantatas, which were influential in the development of Italian opera. Porpora was a key figure in the Neapolitan opera scene and contributed to the education of several renowned singers of the time, including Farinelli. His compositions were noted for their melodic beauty and complex vocal lines, showcasing the capabilities of the singers he trained.
Continue ReadingMark Salling
American actor and musician, Glee star
Born
August 17th, 1982 43 years ago
Died
January 30th, 2018 7 years ago — 35 years old
Salling rose to prominence as an actor and musician in the late 2000s. He gained widespread recognition for portraying Noah Puckerman in the television series 'Glee', which ran from 2009 to 2015 and focused on a high school glee club. In addition to acting, he released music, including an album titled 'Smoke Signals'. His career experienced significant challenges subsequent to personal controversies and legal issues that garnered media attention. After his passing in January 2018, his work continued to be discussed in the context of the show and its cultural impact.
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