Takijirō Ōnishi
Japanese admiral and pilot
Served as a naval officer in the Imperial Japanese Navy. Participated in significant operations during World War II, including the attack on Pearl Harbor. Played a key role in the development of naval aviation in Japan and was a proponent of carrier-based operations. Served as commander of the aircraft carrier Shōkaku and later commanded the Carrier Division 1 during the Battle of Midway. Also contributed to the establishment of the Japanese kamikaze tactics later in the war.
Commanded aircraft carrier Shōkaku
Involved in planning the Pearl Harbor attack
Led Carrier Division 1 at the Battle of Midway
Other People Born on June 2nd
Peter Sutcliffe
English serial killer
Born
June 2nd, 1946 79 years ago
Died
November 13th, 2020 5 years ago — 74 years old
Born in 1946, this individual became notorious for a series of violent crimes committed in Northern England during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Targeting women, the individual evaded capture for several years, leading to a significant police investigation and widespread media coverage. In 1981, law enforcement apprehended the individual, resulting in a life sentence for multiple murders. The crimes generated considerable public fear and media scrutiny, with many elements of the case prompting discussions about policing, gender violence, and societal safety. The individual passed away in 2020 while in prison.
Continue ReadingDuchess Alexandra Petrovna of Oldenburg
Duchess, wife of Grand Duke Michael
Born
June 2nd, 1838 187 years ago
Died
1900 125 years ago — 62 years old
Born into the House of Oldenburg, held the title of Duchess. Married Grand Duke Michael of Russia in 1863, establishing ties between the Russian Imperial family and the House of Oldenburg. Actively participated in social engagements and charity work throughout her life, supporting various causes. Lived through significant historical periods including the decline of the Russian Empire, and experienced major social changes leading up to the Russian Revolution.
Continue ReadingGary Bettman
NHL Commissioner during expansion era
Born
June 2nd, 1952 73 years ago
Served as the 14th Commissioner of the National Hockey League since 1993. Played a significant role in the growth of the NHL, overseeing multiple expansions and the introduction of new franchises. Implemented various changes and strategies to increase the popularity and visibility of ice hockey, including media deals and global outreach programs. Played a crucial part in the creation of the NHL salary cap and the implementation of rule changes aimed at improving the pace and scoring of games.
Continue ReadingBobby Simmons
Basketball player and NBA champion
Born
June 2nd, 1980 45 years ago
Played professional basketball primarily as a shooting guard. Entered the NBA in 2001 and played for teams including the Chicago Bulls, Seattle SuperSonics, and the Milwaukee Bucks. Achieved significant recognition during a standout season with the Bucks in 2005, earning the NBA's Most Improved Player Award. Played collegiate basketball at DePaul University before entering the NBA Draft.
Continue ReadingVolodymyr Holubnychy
Ukrainian race walker and Olympian
Born
June 2nd, 1936 89 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 85 years old
The athlete specialized in race walking, competing at the international level. Achievements include participation in the 1960 Rome Olympics, where an Olympic performance was showcased. Multiple national championships were won, contributing to the advancement of race walking in Ukraine.
Continue ReadingToni Livers
Swiss skier with Olympic participation
Born
June 2nd, 1983 42 years ago
Participated in alpine skiing events and competed in prestigious competitions such as the Winter Olympics. Achieved notable rankings in various World Cup events, contributing to the visibility of Swiss alpine skiing on an international scale.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on August 16th
Amanda Blake
American actress in 'Gunsmoke'
Born
February 20th, 1929 96 years ago
Died
August 16th, 1989 36 years ago — 60 years old
An actress with a prominent career in television and film, gained recognition for playing the role of Miss Kitty Russell on the series 'Gunsmoke'. The character was a bar owner in Dodge City, contributing to the show's success over its 20-year run. Blake also appeared in several films during her early career and made guest appearances in various television shows. After 'Gunsmoke', continued to work in television and maintain a public presence, including advocacy for animal rights.
Continue ReadingStewart Granger
English-American film actor
Born
May 6th, 1913 112 years ago
Died
August 16th, 1993 32 years ago — 80 years old
Achieved prominence in the 1940s and 1950s as a leading man in adventure films. Played significant roles in productions such as 'King Solomon's Mines' alongside Deborah Kerr and 'Scaramouche'. Transitioned to stage and television later in career, appearing in series like 'The Prisoner' and 'The Royal Family'.
Continue ReadingAlfredo Stroessner
Paraguayan General and President
Born
November 3rd, 1912 113 years ago
Died
August 16th, 2006 19 years ago — 93 years old
Served as the 46th President of Paraguay from 1954 to 1989. Took power through a military coup and established a regime characterized by authoritarianism, political repression, and a strong alliance with the United States during the Cold War. Implemented significant infrastructure projects and economic policies that favored large landowners and foreign investments. His rule was marked by numerous human rights violations, with thousands of political opponents imprisoned or exiled. Maintained control through a combination of political patronage and military power, culminating in a long tenure in office before being overthrown.
Continue ReadingJeff Corey
American actor and director
Born
August 10th, 1914 111 years ago
Died
August 16th, 2002 23 years ago — 88 years old
Born in 1914, an American actor and director made significant contributions to film and television. Career in acting began in the late 1930s, gaining prominence in productions during the 1940s. Accused of being a communist during the Red Scare led to a blacklisting in Hollywood. During this period, directed stage productions and taught acting at various institutions. Returned to film and television in the 1960s, appearing in notable roles in various series and movies. Gained recognition for performances in television series such as 'The Twilight Zone' and 'The Fugitive'. Also directed several television episodes and stage plays, showcasing a range of talent within the industry.
Continue ReadingAzzone Visconti
Italian nobleman and ruler of Milan
Born
December 7th, 1302 723 years ago
Died
August 16th, 1339 686 years ago — 36 years old
Born into the Visconti family, Azzone became the Duke of Milan in the early 14th century. His rule was marked by efforts to solidify the power of the Visconti dynasty in Lombardy. Managed to expand the territories under his control and strengthen urban governance. Acted as a key player in the political landscape of Northern Italy, consolidating power through marriage alliances and military might. Oversaw significant infrastructure projects that enhanced the city of Milan.
Continue ReadingDorothy West
Journalist and author of 'The Living is Easy'
Born
June 2nd, 1907 118 years ago
Died
August 16th, 1998 27 years ago — 91 years old
Contributed to the Harlem Renaissance through literature and journalism. Worked as a writer for several publications, including The Chicago Defender and The New York Age. Published the novel 'The Living is Easy' in 1948, which explored African American life and identity. Involved in various literary societies and advocated for the rights and recognition of African American authors. Edited 'Challenge' magazine, providing a platform for Black writers during the 1930s.
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