Thomas Telford
Scottish engineer, designed Menai Bridge
An engineer and architect, specialized in civil engineering. Worked on numerous infrastructure projects in the early 19th century. Designed the Menai Suspension Bridge, which connected Anglesey to mainland Wales and remains an engineering marvel. Contributed to the development of roads, canals, and railways across Britain. Served as the surveyor of public works for the county of Herefordshire, impacting transportation in the region.
Designed the Menai Suspension Bridge
Developed the Ellesmere Canal
Surveyed roads and bridges in Scotland
Other People Born on August 9th
Chuck Essegian
Baseball player and lawyer
Born
August 9th, 1931 95 years ago
Played Major League Baseball as an outfielder primarily with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs. Also played for the St. Louis Cardinals and had a brief stint with the Kansas City Athletics. Notably, participated in the 1959 World Series while with the Dodgers. Transitioned to a successful career in law after retiring from professional baseball.
Continue ReadingJoel Anthony
American basketball player, Miami Heat center
Born
August 9th, 1982 44 years ago
Born in 1982, played college basketball at UNLV. Entered the NBA in 2007, signed by the Miami Heat. Contributed to the team's success during the 2011 and 2012 seasons, winning back-to-back championships. Known for defensive skills and shot-blocking ability. Played for several other teams, including the Detroit Pistons and San Antonio Spurs, before retiring from professional play.
Continue ReadingWhitney Houston
Singer-songwriter and actress
Born
August 9th, 1963 63 years ago
Died
February 11th, 2012 14 years ago — 48 years old
A prominent American singer and actress, gained recognition in the music industry with a powerful voice and emotional delivery. Released several chart-topping albums including 'The Bodyguard' soundtrack, which featured the iconic hit 'I Will Always Love You'. Starred in successful films such as 'The Bodyguard' and 'Waiting to Exhale', both of which showcased her musical talent and acting proficiency. Received numerous awards throughout a celebrated career, including multiple Grammy Awards and an Emmy Award.
Continue ReadingAbdi İpekçi
Turkish journalist and activist
Born
August 9th, 1929 97 years ago
Died
February 1st, 1979 47 years ago — 49 years old
A prominent Turkish journalist, recognized for advocacy on human rights, democracy, and peace. İpekçi served as the editor-in-chief of the newspaper Milliyet, where editorial policies promoted constructive dialogue amidst political turmoil. He engaged in tireless efforts for social justice, contributing to public discourse through columns and journalism. His dedication led to significant recognition in the media landscape, reflecting a commitment to ethical journalism and free expression. İpekçi's life was tragically cut short when he was assassinated in 1979, an event that underscored the risks faced by journalists in politically charged environments.
Continue ReadingPanteleimon Ponomarenko
Belarusian general and politician
Born
August 9th, 1902 124 years ago
Died
January 18th, 1984 42 years ago — 81 years old
Served as a significant military leader and politician in Belarus; played key roles during World War II. Held the position of First Secretary of the Communist Party of Belarus from 1945 to 1952, influencing the political landscape of the region. Was an important figure in the Belarusian SSR, overseeing post-war reconstruction efforts and the establishment of numerous industrial enterprises. Participated in various strategic military operations, contributing to the Soviet war effort.
Continue ReadingAmanda Bearse
Actress and director of 'Married... with Children'
Born
August 9th, 1958 68 years ago
Born in 1958, an American actress and director gained recognition for a prominent role as Marcy D'Arcy on the television series 'Married... with Children.' Additionally, directed several episodes of popular television shows, including 'The Jamie Foxx Show' and 'Ellen.' Pursued a career in comedy and has appeared in various films and television programs, showcasing a range of talents in acting and directing.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on September 2nd
Frank Drake
Radio astronomer and astrophysicist
Born
1930 96 years ago
Died
September 2nd, 2022 4 years ago — 92 years old
A radio astronomer and astrophysicist contributed extensively to the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. Developed the Drake Equation, a formula estimating the number of active, communicative extraterrestrial civilizations in the Milky Way galaxy. Initiated the SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) program, which employed radio telescopes to search for signals from potentially habitable planets. Worked on the Mariner 2 spacecraft mission to Venus, providing valuable data on solar radiation.
Continue ReadingElvera Sanchez
American dancer with The Joffrey Ballet
Born
1905 121 years ago
Died
September 2nd, 2000 26 years ago — 95 years old
A prominent dancer and choreographer, contributed significantly to the art of ballet. Joined The Joffrey Ballet and showcased extraordinary talent on stage, becoming an integral part of its evolution. Participated in numerous performances, earning recognition in the dance community. Established a legacy within the ballet world through dedication and artistry.
Continue ReadingSiddharth Shukla
Indian television and film actor
Born
1980 46 years ago
Died
September 2nd, 2021 5 years ago — 41 years old
Acclaimed television and film actor, active in the Indian entertainment industry. Gained widespread recognition through performances in television series and films. Prominently featured in the daily soap opera 'Balika Vadhu' and gained further fame in 'Bigg Boss 13', where victory solidified a significant fan following. Additionally, starred in the romantic drama series 'Dil Se Dil Tak', showcasing range in acting across different genres. Shukla's career encompassed multiple facets of performance art, highlighting skill in engaging storytelling through acting.
Continue ReadingManos Katrakis
Greek actor in theater and film
Born
1908 118 years ago
Died
September 2nd, 1984 42 years ago — 76 years old
Primarily active in the mid-20th century, this actor contributed significantly to Greek theater and film. The performer became a prominent figure in the dramatic arts, showcasing talent in various productions. Work included notable roles in classic plays and films, contributing to the cultural landscape of Greece during the 1950s and 1960s. His ability to portray complex characters resonated with audiences, elevating his status in the performing arts.
Continue ReadingFranz-Benno Delonge
Game Designer, created TransAmerica
Born
1957 69 years ago
Died
September 2nd, 2007 19 years ago — 50 years old
Contributed to the board game industry through the design of innovative games. Created the game TransAmerica, which received acclaim for its engaging gameplay. Worked in various capacities within the gaming community, influencing game mechanics and design approaches. Participated in events and contributed to discussions focused on game design and development.
Continue ReadingHelena Rakoczy
Polish gymnast and Olympic competitor
Born
1921 105 years ago
Died
September 2nd, 2014 12 years ago — 93 years old
Competed for Poland in artistic gymnastics at the 1960 Rome Olympics. Achieved significant success in national and international competitions, contributing to the prominence of Polish gymnastics during the 1960s. Participated in several European championships, showcasing gymnastics talent and earning medals.
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