Sammy Baugh
American football player and coach
Played as a quarterback for the Washington Redskins from 1937 to 1952. Achieved three NFL championships in 1937, 1942, and 1943. Also served as a coach after retirement from playing, influencing the game through his strategic insights and leadership. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1963.
Led Washington Redskins to three NFL titles
Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Other People Born on March 17th
Jacques Songo'o
Cameroonian footballer and coach
Born
March 17th, 1964 62 years ago
A Cameroonian footballer and coach, began professional career in the late 1980s. Played as a goalkeeper for several clubs, including Canon Yaoundé and the French club Nantes. Achieved significant recognition while part of the Cameroon national team, winning the Africa Cup of Nations in 1988 and participating in the 1994 FIFA World Cup. Transitioned into coaching after retirement, leading teams at various levels. Contributed to the development of football in Cameroon through coaching roles.
Continue ReadingBill Mueller
Baseball player and coach, World Series champion
Born
March 17th, 1971 55 years ago
Played professional baseball as a third baseman and designated hitter. Played for the San Francisco Giants, Chicago Cubs, and Boston Red Sox during a career spanning from 1996 to 2005. Achieved significant success with the Red Sox, contributing to the team's 2004 World Series championship. Transitioned into coaching after retirement from playing, sharing expertise with younger players and influencing their development in the sport.
Continue ReadingStephen Gately
Irish singer-songwriter and actor
Born
March 17th, 1976 50 years ago
Died
October 10th, 2009 16 years ago — 33 years old
Gately gained fame as a member of the pop group Boyzone, which formed in 1993. The group achieved significant success throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, with multiple chart-topping singles and albums in the UK and Ireland. Gately also pursued a solo career, releasing his debut album in 2000. In addition to music, he participated in stage productions, including a role in the Dublin production of 'The Pirates of Penzance'. His contributions to the entertainment industry lasted until his untimely death in 2009.
Continue ReadingScott Gorham
American guitarist and songwriter for Thin Lizzy
Born
March 17th, 1951 75 years ago
Born in 1951, this American musician gained prominence as a guitarist for the rock band Thin Lizzy. The band, formed in Dublin in 1969, became famous for its distinctive sound and energetic performances. Throughout the 1970s, this musician contributed to several of Thin Lizzy's most influential albums, including 'Jailbreak' and 'Live and Dangerous', which showcased the band's blend of rock and Celtic influences. The dual guitar harmonies developed by the band are often credited to him, establishing a signature style in rock music. After leaving Thin Lizzy, this guitarist pursued a solo career and collaborated with various artists, further solidifying a legacy in rock music.
Continue ReadingGene Ween
American singer-songwriter and guitarist
Born
March 17th, 1970 56 years ago
This artist co-founded the alternative rock band Ween in 1984. The band's eclectic style blended genres including rock, country, and funk. The group achieved significant success with albums like 'Chocolate and Cheese' and 'The Mollusk.' Prolific work in both studio recordings and live performances garnered a dedicated fan base. This musician also pursued solo projects and contributed to various collaborations, showcasing a range of musical influences.
Continue ReadingNicky Jam
Puerto Rican singer-songwriter, singer of 'X'
Born
March 17th, 1981 45 years ago
Born in 1981 in San Juan, a career in music began in the early 2000s. The artist gained prominence within the reggaeton genre, eventually achieving international fame. A notable work includes the hit single 'X' in collaboration with J Balvin. The artist's music incorporates elements of reggaeton, Latin pop, and trap, contributing to a broad appeal across diverse audiences. Numerous awards and nominations were received, including Latin Grammy Awards. A prominent figure in Latin music, the artist continues to influence and shape the reggaeton landscape.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on December 17th
Thomas Mitchell
Actor, singer, screenwriter; Stagecoach
Born
July 11th, 1892 133 years ago
Died
December 17th, 1962 63 years ago — 70 years old
An American actor, singer, and screenwriter, recognized for a prolific career in film, television, and theater. Appeared in the 1939 Western film 'Stagecoach,' playing the character Doc Boone, which became a significant part of cinematic history. Won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for the role in 'The Heirs of Rassendyll' in 1931. His work in multiple genres earned acclaim and led to enduring popularity.
Continue ReadingCharles Winckler
Danish tug of war competitor
Born
April 9th, 1867 159 years ago
Died
December 17th, 1932 93 years ago — 65 years old
Born in 1867, a prominent athlete in tug of war, discus, and shot put. Competed in the 1900 Summer Olympics, where achieved recognition for participation in the tug of war event. Contributed to Danish sports, particularly in strength athletics. Excelled in throwing events during a competitive career that spanned several years, representing Denmark in various competitions.
Continue ReadingJennifer Jones
American actress, Oscar winner for "The Song of Bernadette"
Born
March 2nd, 1919 107 years ago
Died
December 17th, 2009 16 years ago — 90 years old
An accomplished actress in American cinema, recognized for a career that spanned several decades. Featured in critically acclaimed films such as "The Song of Bernadette," which earned an Academy Award for Best Actress. Starred in major productions like "Duel in the Sun" and "Love is a Many-Splendored Thing." Established a prominent presence in Hollywood during the 1940s and 1950s, known for her exceptional acting ability and on-screen charisma. Received multiple nominations and awards throughout her career, solidifying her status as one of the leading actresses of her time.
Continue ReadingK. W. Devanayagam
Sri Lankan lawyer and Minister of Justice
Born
March 26th, 1910 116 years ago
Died
December 17th, 2002 23 years ago — 92 years old
A Sri Lankan lawyer and politician, served as the 10th Minister of Justice. Played a significant role in the political landscape of Sri Lanka during the mid-20th century. Engaged in legal practices and contributed to legislative reforms. Participated actively in parliamentary proceedings and discussions regarding justice and legal frameworks in the country.
Continue ReadingWilliam Shiels
Politician and 16th Premier of Victoria
Born
December 3rd, 1848 177 years ago
Died
December 17th, 1904 121 years ago — 56 years old
Born in Ireland and emigrated to Australia, Shiels became a prominent politician in Victoria. He served as the 16th Premier of Victoria from 1892 to 1893. His time in office was marked by efforts to improve social services and infrastructure in the region. Throughout a long political career, Shiels held various positions in the Victorian government, contributing to legislative developments in the late 19th century.
Continue ReadingEddie Acuff
American actor in 'Davy Crockett'
Born
June 3rd, 1903 122 years ago
Died
December 17th, 1956 69 years ago — 53 years old
Acuff was an American actor active in film and television during the mid-20th century. He appeared in numerous westerns and comedies, often taking on character roles. Notably, Acuff featured in Disney's miniseries 'Davy Crockett' as well as other films such as 'The Caddy' and 'Davy Crockett: King of the Wild Frontier'. His works were characterized by a blend of humor and adventure, contributing to the popular culture of the time.
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