Tenby Davies
Welsh runner and Olympic athlete
Competed in middle-distance running events, specializing in the 1500 meters. Represented Great Britain at the 1908 London Olympics, securing a silver medal in the 1500 meters final. Achieved multiple victories in national championships and contributed to the development of athletics in Wales. Continued to participate in various athletic meets throughout the early 20th century.
Won silver medal at the 1908 London Olympics
Specialized in 1500 meters
Other People Born on April 12th
Germinal Pierre Dandelin
Mathematician; Dandelin Spheres in Geometry
Born
April 12th, 1794 231 years ago
Died
February 15th, 1847 178 years ago — 52 years old
Contributed significantly to mathematics and engineering, particularly in the field of geometry. Developed the Dandelin spheres, which provide a geometrical proof of the relationship between conic sections and ellipses. Engaged in research involving the properties of geometric figures and their applications in engineering. Published works that influenced the understanding of conic sections and their properties.
Continue ReadingAlexander Ostrovsky
Russian playwright and translator
Born
April 12th, 1823 202 years ago
Died
June 14th, 1886 139 years ago — 63 years old
A noted playwright and translator, he played a pivotal role in the development of Russian drama. His works often focused on the lives of the Russian middle class and societal issues of the time. He wrote more than 40 plays that include significant works such as 'The Storm' and 'The Forest'. In addition to his contributions to theatre, he translated several foreign works into Russian, thereby enhancing the accessibility of international literature for Russian audiences.
Continue ReadingLee Jong-wook
Physician and Director-General of WHO
Born
April 12th, 1945 80 years ago
Died
May 22nd, 2006 19 years ago — 61 years old
A physician and diplomat served as the Director-General of the World Health Organization from 2006 until 2006. Lee played a pivotal role in the global response to health crises, particularly during the outbreak of avian influenza. Under leadership, WHO focused on strengthening health systems across various nations, promoting vaccines, and emphasizing disease control strategies. Lee advocated for universal access to essential medicines and made significant contributions to public health initiatives worldwide.
Continue ReadingFelix de Weldon
Sculptor of the Marine Corps War Memorial
Born
April 12th, 1907 118 years ago
Died
June 3rd, 2003 22 years ago — 96 years old
An Austrian-American sculptor, created the Marine Corps War Memorial, which commemorates the Marines who fought in World War II during the Battle of Iwo Jima. Received multiple awards for work in sculpture and design. Contributed to various memorial projects across the United States, expressing themes of patriotism and sacrifice. His sculptures are displayed in significant locations, showcasing artistry and historical recognition.
Continue ReadingWilliam Cookworthy
Pharmacist and porcelain manufacturer
Born
April 12th, 1705 320 years ago
Died
October 17th, 1780 245 years ago — 75 years old
Service as a minister preceded a significant career in pharmacy and porcelain manufacturing. After studying pharmacy, established a successful business in Plymouth, providing remedies and medicines. Founded the first factory in England to successfully produce true porcelain, utilizing kaolin clay sourced from Cornwall. Contributed to the introduction of porcelain to England and enhanced the local economy through this innovative industry.
Continue ReadingDavid Letterman
Television host and late-night comedian
Born
April 12th, 1947 78 years ago
A comedian and television host became a prominent figure in late-night television through the creation and hosting of 'The Late Show with David Letterman' on CBS. Beginning his career in the 1970s, he initially gained recognition with 'Late Night with David Letterman' on NBC. The show featured a mix of comedy sketches, celebrity interviews, and musical performances. Over the years, the unique style included unconventional stunts and a distinctive presence, contributing to the evolution of late-night formats.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on July 23rd
John Kundla
Basketball coach and Hall of Famer
Born
July 3rd, 1916 109 years ago
Died
July 23rd, 2017 8 years ago — 101 years old
A prominent basketball coach, held the position of head coach for the Minneapolis Lakers in the National Basketball Association (NBA) during the 1940s and 1950s. Under leadership, the Lakers won five NBA championships from 1949 to 1954. Kundla's coaching style emphasized teamwork and defense, contributing to the team's success and reputation. After coaching, became a respected figure in basketball, with contributions to the sport through various programs and initiatives.
Continue ReadingDora Bryan
English actress and restaurateur
Born
February 7th, 1923 103 years ago
Died
July 23rd, 2014 11 years ago — 91 years old
Acquired recognition as a distinctive actress in film and television. Gained significant acclaim for performances in 'The Last of Mrs. Cheyney' and 'A Taste of Honey'. Transitioned into a successful career as a restaurateur, operating establishments in London and other locations. Continued to appear in various television productions throughout her career, demonstrating versatility and dedication to the craft.
Continue ReadingDomenico Scarlatti
Italian composer and harpsichord player
Born
1685 341 years ago
Died
July 23rd, 1757 268 years ago — 72 years old
A prominent composer of the Baroque period, contributed significantly to keyboard music. Created over 500 keyboard sonatas, which explored varied styles and techniques. Served as a musician in the courts of Portugal and Spain, influencing the development of the harpsichord repertoire.
Continue ReadingWilliam Ramsay
Scottish chemist, Nobel Prize winner
Born
October 2nd, 1852 173 years ago
Died
July 23rd, 1916 109 years ago — 63 years old
A Scottish chemist and academic, contributed significantly to the field of chemistry, particularly in the study of noble gases. Conducted groundbreaking work on the identification and isolation of argon, neon, krypton, and xenon. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1904 for discoveries in the chemistry of rare gases. Served as a professor at University College London and held various academic positions throughout an extensive career.
Continue ReadingEmile Griffith
Boxer and trainer with a championship title
Born
February 3rd, 1938 88 years ago
Died
July 23rd, 2013 12 years ago — 75 years old
Born in 1938, a professional boxer during the 1960s and 1970s. Competed in the welterweight and middleweight divisions. Achieved significant success with three victories over Benny Paret, including the infamous 1962 match that resulted in Paret's death. Also won the World Welterweight title in 1961 and the World Middleweight title in 1966. Transitioned to a career in training after retirement, coaching future boxers.
Continue ReadingRobert J. Flaherty
Documentary filmmaker and director
Born
February 16th, 1884 141 years ago
Died
July 23rd, 1951 74 years ago — 67 years old
Flaherty was a documentary filmmaker recognized for pioneering the genre. In 1922, he released the film 'Nanook of the North,' which is considered one of the first feature-length documentaries. The film depicted the life of an Inuk man and his family as they navigated the challenges of living in the Arctic. Flaherty's approach emphasized visual storytelling and authenticity, influencing the future of documentary filmmaking.
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