Salma Hayek
Actress and producer of Frida
An actress and producer, recognized for contributions to film and television. Achieved widespread acclaim for the portrayal of Frida Kahlo in the film 'Frida', which garnered several award nominations. Founded the production company Ventanarosa, focusing on projects that highlight Latino stories. Directed the television series 'Ugly Betty' and produced the animated film 'The Prophet'. Actively involved in philanthropy, supporting causes such as women's rights and education.
Portrayed Frida Kahlo in 'Frida'
Produced 'Ugly Betty'
Founded Ventanarosa
Other People Born on September 2nd
Israel Gelfand
Mathematician and biologist, Gelfand Transform
Born
September 2nd, 1913 113 years ago
Died
2009 17 years ago — 96 years old
Contributions to mathematics included work in functional analysis, representation theory, and differential equations. Significant influence on the theory of distributions, known for developing tools like the Gelfand transform. In biology, contributions included the mathematical modeling of biological processes. Authored numerous seminal textbooks and papers, shaping future research in mathematics and its applications.
Continue ReadingWerner von Blomberg
German field marshal and military leader
Born
September 2nd, 1878 148 years ago
Died
March 13th, 1946 80 years ago — 67 years old
Served as a field marshal in the German Army. Held the position of Minister of War in the early years of Nazi Germany. Contributed to the rearmament of Germany and the expansion of the Wehrmacht. Played a significant role in the establishment of military policies in the lead up to World War II. Resigned from his position in 1938 amid political tensions and controversies regarding military leadership and Nazi ideology.
Continue ReadingAhmad Shah Massoud
Afghan commander and defense minister
Born
September 2nd, 1953 73 years ago
Died
September 9th, 2001 25 years ago — 48 years old
Served as a prominent military commander and politician in Afghanistan. Played a crucial role during the Soviet-Afghan War, leading the Mujahideen against Soviet forces. Appointed as the Minister of Defense in the Afghan government in the early 1990s. Advocated for a unified and democratic Afghanistan while resisting the Taliban's rise to power. Assassinated in 2001 by Al-Qaeda operatives just days before the September 11 attacks on the United States.
Continue ReadingJohn Zorn
Saxophonist & Composer of Film Music
Born
September 2nd, 1953 73 years ago
An American saxophonist, composer, and producer, prominent in the avant-garde and experimental music scene since the late 20th century. His work often blends genres including jazz, classical, and rock, leading to the creation of numerous recordings and collaborations. Established the record label Tzadik, which features many avant-garde musicians and composers. Composed soundtracks for films such as 'The Last Seduction' and 'The Brothers Bloom.' Known for improvisational performances and complex compositional techniques.
Continue ReadingBilly Preston
Singer-songwriter and musician
Born
September 2nd, 1946 80 years ago
Died
June 6th, 2006 20 years ago — 59 years old
A prominent figure in the music industry, recognized for contributions as a singer-songwriter, pianist, and actor. Gained acclaim for work with artists such as The Beatles and Sly and the Family Stone. Achieved commercial success with hit singles like "Nothing from Nothing" and "Will It Go Round in Circles," both reaching the top of the charts. Served as a session musician for various renowned acts and participated in significant live performances, including the famous concert at Madison Square Garden in 1971 with George Harrison.
Continue ReadingLiliʻuokalani
Last monarch of the Hawaiian Kingdom
Born
September 2nd, 1838 188 years ago
Died
1917 109 years ago — 79 years old
The last sovereign monarch of Hawaiʻi reigned from 1891 until the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1893. Born into the Hawaiian royal family, significant contributions include promoting the Hawaiian language and culture. After the overthrow, was imprisoned in the ʻIolani Palace and later expressed her views through writing, with works like the song 'Aloha ʻOe'. Advocated for the rights of the Hawaiian people and opposed annexation by the United States. In her later years, worked to restore the Hawaiian monarchy unsuccessfully.
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