Sarah Huckabee Sanders
Governor of Arkansas, press secretary
Served as the 47th governor of Arkansas, taking office in January 2023. Prior to this role, worked as the White House press secretary for President Donald Trump from July 2017 to June 2019, managing communications and serving as a spokesperson for the administration. Engaged in political consulting and has been involved in various capacities within the Republican Party.
Served as White House press secretary
Elected governor of Arkansas
Other People Born on August 13th
Kevin Plank
Businessman, founder of Under Armour
Born
August 13th, 1972 53 years ago
Founded Under Armour in 1996, turning it into a major sports apparel company. Served as the CEO and played a key role in branding and marketing innovative athletic gear. Expanded product lines and established partnerships with professional sports teams and athletes. Under Armour became a significant competitor in the global sportswear market.
Continue ReadingMakarios III
Cypriot archbishop and politician
Born
August 13th, 1913 112 years ago
Died
August 3rd, 1977 48 years ago — 63 years old
An influential archbishop and politician, served as the first President of Cyprus from 1960 until his death in 1977. Instrumental in the fight for independence from British colonial rule and played a major role in the formation of the Republic of Cyprus. Promoted reconciliation among the island's Greek and Turkish communities while navigating political tensions. Advocated for a non-aligned foreign policy and was active in international diplomacy. His leadership saw significant political challenges, including intercommunal conflicts and the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus, which resulted in the division of the island.
Continue ReadingPhilippe Petit
Tightrope walker; World Trade Center feat
Born
August 13th, 1949 76 years ago
A tightrope walker gained attention for walking between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center on August 7, 1974. This remarkable act involved a highwire strung between the two skyscrapers without any safety measures. The performance captured international media attention and has been documented in various forms, including the 2015 film 'The Walk'. Petit has also authored books detailing his experiences and philosophies about balancing and performing. Following this feat, he continued to perform across the globe, pursuing various artistic projects.
Continue ReadingRichard Willstätter
Nobel Prize-winning chemist
Born
August 13th, 1872 153 years ago
Died
August 3rd, 1942 83 years ago — 69 years old
A chemist and academic with significant contributions to the field of organic chemistry. Willstätter's research focused on the structure and function of chlorophyll and other plant pigments. In 1915, awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work in this area. Held a long-standing academic career, serving as a professor at the University of Munich. Published numerous papers that advanced the understanding of complex organic compounds, influencing future generations in the field of chemical research.
Continue ReadingAl-Hakim bi-Amr Allah
Fatimid Caliph and religious leader
Born
August 13th, 985 1040 years ago
Died
February 13th, 1021 1005 years ago — 35 years old
Serving as the sixth caliph of the Fatimid dynasty from 996 to 1021, held significant power in North Africa and the Levant. Under leadership, established a period of religious tolerance and supported various arts and sciences. Notably, the foundation of the city of Cairo contributed to the cultural and political prominence of the Fatimid Caliphate. Al-Hakim's reign was marked by a unique blend of authority and eccentricity.
Continue ReadingAnders Jonas Ångström
Physicist and astronomer, spectroscopy pioneer
Born
August 13th, 1814 211 years ago
Died
June 21st, 1874 152 years ago — 59 years old
Born in 1814, a physicist and astronomer contributed significantly to the understanding of light and spectroscopy. Ångström developed a method for measuring the wavelengths of spectral lines. He created the spectral classification system and was the first to accurately measure ultraviolet and infrared light. His work laid the foundation for modern spectroscopy, facilitating advancements in various scientific fields.
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