Sushil Koirala
Nepalese politician and Prime Minister
Served as the 37th Prime Minister of Nepal from February 2014 to August 2015. Led the Nepali Congress party and participated in the country's peace process after a decade-long civil war. Played a significant role in drafting the 2015 Constitution of Nepal, which aimed to establish democratic governance and rights for citizens. Held various positions within the Nepali Congress and was actively involved in the political landscape of Nepal for several decades.
Served as Prime Minister of Nepal from 2014 to 2015
Contributed to the drafting of the 2015 Constitution
Led the Nepali Congress party during key political events
Other People Born on August 12th
Idel Jakobson
Latvian-Estonian NKVD officer
Born
August 12th, 1904 121 years ago
Died
1997 29 years ago — 93 years old
Born in 1904, served in the NKVD, which was responsible for state security and law enforcement in the Soviet Union. Played a significant role in various operations during the 1930s and 1940s, particularly in Latvia and Estonia. Active during the Soviet regime, participating in efforts to consolidate power and suppress dissent, contributing to the enforcement of Soviet policies in the Baltic region.
Continue ReadingNorris McWhirter
Author and co-founder of Guinness World Records
Born
August 12th, 1925 100 years ago
Died
April 19th, 2004 21 years ago — 78 years old
An English author and activist co-founded Guinness World Records in 1955, a compilation of world records that became a widely recognized reference book. The initial idea stemmed from a discussion about the fastest game bird, which led to the belief that such data could be collected into a single volume. Served as the first editor of the record books, contributing to the establishment and popularization of the brand. Actively participated in various broadcasting efforts to promote the records and further engage the public with extraordinary achievements. Advocated for issues including animal welfare and was an influential figure behind the establishment of records related to charitable causes.
Continue ReadingGeorge Soros
Investor, philanthropist, and founder of Soros Fund
Born
August 12th, 1930 95 years ago
Born in Hungary, an investor and philanthropist established Soros Fund Management in 1970, achieving notable success in hedge fund management. In the late 20th century, built a reputation as a major financier of various political and social causes through Open Society Foundations. Played a significant role in the 1992 Black Wednesday event, where speculation against the British pound resulted in substantial profits. Contributed extensively to educational and humanitarian efforts globally, influencing policies in Eastern Europe and beyond. Resided in the United States for many years, continuing philanthropic endeavors focused on democracy and human rights.
Continue ReadingLouise de Marillac
co-founder of the Daughters of Charity
Born
August 12th, 1591 434 years ago
Died
1660 366 years ago — 69 years old
Co-founded the Daughters of Charity in 1633, an organization dedicated to serving the poor and sick. Established the community to provide education and healthcare to underserved populations. Contributed to the development of charitable work in France and influenced the Catholic Church's approach to social service. Played a significant role in promoting the Vincentian spirit of service and charity throughout Europe.
Continue ReadingLeung Chun-ying
Hong Kong Chief Executive and businessman
Born
August 12th, 1954 71 years ago
Served as the 3rd Chief Executive of Hong Kong from 2012 to 2017. Held the position of Deputy Secretary for Housing, Planning and Lands in the 2000s. Engaged in the real estate sector and business consulting prior to entering politics. Played a role in various governmental reforms and faced significant public protests during tenure.
Continue ReadingIoan Dicezare
Romanian general and pilot
Born
August 12th, 1916 109 years ago
Died
August 10th, 2012 13 years ago — 95 years old
Born in Romania, one individual served as a notable general and pilot during significant military conflicts. This individual rose to prominence in the Romanian Air Force and played a vital role in aerial operations. Through strategic command and piloting skills, various missions were undertaken successfully, contributing to the military efforts of the time. The military career spanned several decades, marked by participation in critical events that shaped the region's aviation history. After retirement from active service, contributions to aviation continued through training and mentorship of new generations of pilots.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on February 9th
Miklós Horthy
Hungarian admiral and Regent of Hungary
Born
June 18th, 1868 157 years ago
Died
February 9th, 1957 68 years ago — 88 years old
Served as the Regent of Hungary from 1920 to 1944. Horthy was an admiral in the Austro-Hungarian Navy during World War I and played a significant role in the establishment of the interwar period in Hungary. His leadership was marked by the restoration of the monarchy without a king, as well as economic and political instability. Horthy aligned Hungary with the Axis Powers during World War II, which included the implementation of anti-Jewish laws. Following the war, he was captured by the Allies and exiled, living in Portugal until his death in 1957.
Continue ReadingRobert Kearns
Engineer, inventor of windscreen wiper
Born
1927 99 years ago
Died
February 9th, 2005 20 years ago — 78 years old
An American engineer invented the intermittent windscreen wiper, a device that allows windshield wipers to pause between wipes. This invention made driving in rain safer and more convenient. Kearns demonstrated the prototype in the early 1960s and patented the invention in 1964. His prolonged legal battles against major automotive companies for patent infringement garnered national attention and highlighted issues of intellectual property rights. Kearns's story was later depicted in the 2008 film 'Flash of Genius.'
Continue ReadingClaude Ryan
Canadian journalist and politician
Born
January 26th, 1925 101 years ago
Died
February 9th, 2004 21 years ago — 79 years old
A prominent figure in Canadian journalism and politics. Served as the editor of the Montreal daily newspaper Le Devoir, focusing on issues of social justice and political integrity. As a politician, represented the Liberal Party as a member of the House of Commons and served as the leader of the Quebec Liberal Party. His tenure in politics emphasized the importance of federalism and the need for constitutional reform in Canada.
Continue ReadingFreddie Laker
Aviation entrepreneur, founded Laker Airways
Born
August 6th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
February 9th, 2006 19 years ago — 83 years old
A pilot and businessman founded Laker Airways, pioneering low-cost transatlantic air travel. Launched the first no-frills airline service between the UK and the US in 1977. The airline became popular for its budget fares and innovative approaches to air travel. Despite facing significant competition and regulatory challenges, Laker Airways became a significant player in the aviation industry.
Continue ReadingFyodor Dostoyevsky
Russian novelist, 'Crime and Punishment'
Born
1821 205 years ago
Died
February 9th, 1881 144 years ago — 60 years old
A prominent Russian novelist, short story writer, essayist, and philosopher, this individual explored themes of morality, free will, and the nature of evil through complex characters and intricate plots. Major works include 'Crime and Punishment', which examines the psychological torment of a young man contemplating murder, and 'The Brothers Karamazov', a philosophical exploration of faith and doubt. His narrative style melded realism with deep psychological insight, leaving a lasting legacy in literature.
Continue ReadingReg E. Cathey
Actor with role in 'The Wire' and 'House of Cards'
Born
1958 68 years ago
Died
February 9th, 2018 7 years ago — 60 years old
An American actor recognized for stage, film, and television work. Notable theatrical performances included roles in 'The Green Mile' and 'That Championship Season'. Gained acclaim for roles in television shows, especially as Norman Wilson in 'The Wire' and as Freddy Hayes in 'House of Cards'. Also appeared in films such as 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2' and 'The Last Fall'. His performances showcased strong character portrayals that contributed to his reputation in the industry. Received accolades for work, including an Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series in 2015. Regarded as a talented figure in performance arts until passing in 2018.
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