Tom Wills

Australian cricketer and football co-creator

Tom Wills - Australian cricketer and football co-creator
Born

August 19th, 1835
190 years ago

Died

May 2nd, 1880
145 years ago — 44 years old

Category

Athletes & Sports Figures

Country

Australia

Links & References

An Australian cricketer and a key figure in the formation of Australian rules football contributed significantly to the sport's early development. Played as a bowler and batsman for the Melbourne Cricket Club and participated in the first-ever intercolonial match in 1851. In 1858, played a pivotal role in creating Australian rules football while serving as a cricketer. Involved in the establishment of the first set of rules for the new game, which later evolved into a distinct sport.

Co-created Australian rules football

Played for the Melbourne Cricket Club

Other People Born on August 19th

Kevin Rans

Belgian pole vaulter with notable records
Born
August 19th, 1982 43 years ago

A pole vaulter, achieved significant success in athletics, particularly in pole vault competitions. Competed in various European championships and earned a reputation within the sport through consistent performances. Participated in major events, representing Belgium and contributing to the country's presence in athletics on international stages.

Continue Reading

Melissa Fumero

American actress and Brooklyn Nine-Nine star
Born
August 19th, 1982 43 years ago

Born in 1982, this American actress gained prominence through roles in television and film. The character Amy Santiago in the comedy series 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine' became a significant part of her career, showcasing her comedic talent alongside a strong ensemble cast. Additional work includes her role as Adriana Cramer on 'One Life to Live'. Besides acting, she has participated in various events and projects, further solidifying her presence in the entertainment industry.

Continue Reading

Fernando Gaviria

Colombian professional cyclist; Tour victories
Born
August 19th, 1994 31 years ago

Born in 1994, a professional cyclist specialized in sprinting disciplines. Competed in numerous international cycling events, achieving significant success. Gained recognition for winning multiple stages in the Giro d'Italia and Tour de France. Notable for contributions to the Colombian national cycling team in international competitions.

Continue Reading

Ogden Nash

American poet and whimsical humorist
Born
August 19th, 1902 123 years ago
Died
May 19th, 1971 54 years ago — 68 years old

A prominent figure in American poetry, contributed to the literary landscape with light verse characterized by playful language and inventive rhymes. Published more than 500 pieces, often featured in magazines such as The New Yorker. Works include "The Cow" and "The Tale of Custard the Dragon." Developed a unique style that made poetry accessible to a wider audience. Held a reputation for sharp wit and insightful observations on human nature and society. In addition to poetry, engaged in writing for musicals and adaptations, broadening influence beyond traditional poetry.

Continue Reading

Edward Boscawen

English admiral and politician
Born
August 19th, 1711 314 years ago
Died
January 10th, 1761 264 years ago — 49 years old

An English admiral and politician, significant contributions to naval warfare during the Seven Years' War occurred. Led naval operations that secured British dominance at sea. Served as a Member of Parliament for several constituencies. Commanded ships in crucial battles, including the Battle of Louisbourg, which played a pivotal role in the war. His career spanned significant military and political developments in 18th-century Britain.

Continue Reading

Harriette Newell Woods Baker

Children's book writer and editor
Born
August 19th, 1815 210 years ago
Died
1893 132 years ago — 78 years old

An American editor and children's book writer contributed significantly to children's literature in the 19th century. She edited various publications, including the 'Youth's Companion,' which was instrumental in promoting educational content for young readers. Her own writings focused on moral and educational themes, with the goal of fostering a love for reading among children. Through these efforts, she played a role in shaping the content and direction of literature aimed at young audiences during her time.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on May 2nd

Michael Blake

American author and screenwriter, Dances with Wolves
Born
July 5th, 1945 80 years ago
Died
May 2nd, 2015 10 years ago — 69 years old

Born in 1945, this American author and screenwriter gained prominence through his work in literature and film. The most notable accomplishment is the screenplay for 'Dances with Wolves', which earned an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. The film, directed by Kevin Costner, received critical acclaim and several Oscars, including Best Picture. In addition to the screenplay, the author wrote the original novel upon which the film is based. Other contributions include screenwriting for projects like 'The Mystery of Edwin Drood' and 'The Last of the Dogmen'. His content often explored themes of Native American culture and the human experience.

Continue Reading

Athanasius of Alexandria

Egyptian bishop and Christian theologian
Died
May 2nd, 373 1652 years ago — None years old

A prominent early Christian bishop and theologian served as the 20th bishop of Alexandria. Major proponent of Nicene Christianity and key figure in the fight against Arianism. Contributed to the formulation of Christian doctrine, particularly in relation to the nature of the Trinity. Authored several theological works including 'On the Incarnation' which elaborated on the concept of the divine nature of Christ. Exiled multiple times due to political and theological conflicts.

Continue Reading

Maya Plisetskaya

Ballet dancer and choreographer, 'The Dying Swan'
Born
November 20th, 1925 99 years ago
Died
May 2nd, 2015 10 years ago — 89 years old

A prominent ballerina and choreographer, this individual became a significant figure in ballet during the 20th century. Received extensive training at the Moscow Choreographic Institute, debuting with the Bolshoi Ballet in 1943. Contributed to the world of dance as both a performer and a creator of original ballets. Acclaimed for roles in classical pieces such as 'Swan Lake' and 'The Dying Swan'. Established a legacy through innovative choreography and captivating performances that blended classical ballet with personal expression. Directed and choreographed numerous productions, influencing ballet both in Russia and internationally.

Continue Reading

John Eccles

Neurophysiologist, Nobel Prize winner
Born
January 27th, 1903 122 years ago
Died
May 2nd, 1997 28 years ago — 94 years old

A prominent neurophysiologist and academic whose research significantly advanced the understanding of synaptic transmission. Authored numerous influential papers and textbooks in the field of neurobiology. Received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1963 for discoveries concerning the ionic mechanisms involved in excitation and inhibition in the peripheral and central portions of the nervous system.

Continue Reading

Osama bin Laden

Saudi Arabian terrorist leader, Al-Qaeda founder
Born
March 10th, 1957 68 years ago
Died
May 2nd, 2011 14 years ago — 54 years old

Founded Al-Qaeda, a militant organization, in 1988. Led multiple terrorist attacks, most notably the September 11 attacks in 2001, which targeted the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Established a network of affiliates and operatives around the world, promoting extremist ideology and engaging in global jihad. Evaded capture for nearly a decade after the attacks, ultimately located and killed by U.S. Navy SEALs in Pakistan in 2011.

Continue Reading

Endang Rahayu Sedyaningsih

Indonesian Minister of Health
Born
1955 70 years ago
Died
May 2nd, 2012 13 years ago — 57 years old

Served as the Indonesian Minister of Health from 2009 until passing in 2012, focusing on health policy and public health initiatives. Contributed to various health programs and reforms aimed at improving health care accessibility and quality in Indonesia. Previously worked in academia, holding positions at various universities and engaging in research related to public health and medicine. Helped oversee health responses during medical crises in Indonesia.

Continue Reading