Valerian Wellesley
British Duke, politician, and soldier
Born
Died
Category
Leaders & Politicians
Country
United Kingdom
Links & References
Served as the 8th Duke of Wellington, holding a prominent role in the House of Lords. Participated in military service during World War II, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Engaged in politics, advocating for various causes and contributing to legislative discussions. Inherited the title of Duke in 1943, representing a historic lineage linked to the Battle of Waterloo. Maintained a lifelong connection to the family estate at Stratfield Saye, preserving the legacy of the Wellington family.
Held the title of 8th Duke of Wellington
Served in World War II as Lieutenant Colonel
Participated in the House of Lords
Other People Born on July 2nd
Henrik Kristoffersen
Norwegian Alpine ski racer, slalom champion
Born
July 2nd, 1994 31 years ago
Competed professionally in Alpine skiing, primarily in slalom and giant slalom events. Achieved numerous victories on the World Cup circuit. Won the gold medal in slalom at the 2017 World Championships held in St. Moritz. Earned multiple World Cup season titles in slalom, establishing a prominent position in the sport. Represented Norway in several Olympic Games.
Continue ReadingDerrick White
Basketball player for Boston Celtics
Born
July 2nd, 1994 31 years ago
A professional basketball player born in 1994. Played college basketball at the University of Colorado. Selected 29th overall in the 2017 NBA Draft by the San Antonio Spurs. Contributed to the Spurs' playoff appearances and helped the team in various roles. Traded to the Boston Celtics in 2022, participating in significant playoff runs. Known for defensive skills and versatility on the court.
Continue ReadingVince Staples
Rapper and actor; known for 'Big Fish Theory'
Born
July 2nd, 1993 32 years ago
Born in 1993, this rapper and actor emerged from Long Beach, California. The music career began with the release of debut EP 'Hell Can Wait' in 2014, showcasing a distinctive style and lyrical depth. Gained significant attention and acclaim with the release of 'Summertime '06' in 2015, reflecting personal experiences and societal issues. 'Big Fish Theory' followed in 2017, further establishing artistic innovation within the hip-hop genre. In addition to music, involvement in television projects included appearances in the series 'The Eric Andre Show' and the Netflix film 'The After Party.'
Continue ReadingMargot Robbie
Australian actress and producer
Born
July 2nd, 1990 35 years ago
Achieved recognition in Hollywood through roles in films such as 'The Wolf of Wall Street' and 'I, Tonya'. Established a production company, LuckyChap Entertainment, focusing on female-driven narratives. Contributed to the success of 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood' and portrayed Harley Quinn in the DC Extended Universe films.
Continue ReadingMadison Chock
Ice Dancer; 2015 U.S. National Champion
Born
July 2nd, 1992 33 years ago
An ice dancer participated in competitive events alongside a partner. The duo achieved significant success on the international stage, including multiple appearances at the Winter Olympics. A highlight of the career came in 2015, clinching the title at the U.S. National Championships. The pair also earned medals at various international competitions, including the Grand Prix series and World Championships. Their performances received acclaim for innovative choreography and technical precision.
Continue ReadingAlex Morgan
Professional soccer player and Olympic gold medalist
Born
July 2nd, 1989 36 years ago
A prominent soccer player, this athlete gained recognition through stellar performances on the field. Represented the United States women's national soccer team, contributing significantly to the team's success. Played for Orlando Pride in the National Women's Soccer League. Achieved Olympic gold at the 2012 London Games and secured the FIFA Women's World Cup title in 2015. Known for scoring crucial goals in major tournaments.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on December 31st
Billie Dove
American actress in silent films
Born
May 14th, 1903 122 years ago
Died
December 31st, 1997 27 years ago — 94 years old
Achieved prominence as a silent film actress in the early 20th century, starring in a number of successful films. Gained fame for performances in 'The Eternal City' (1923) and 'New Toys' (1925). Transitioned to sound films but largely retired from acting in the 1930s. Additionally, pursued a career in singing and appeared in several stage productions.
Continue ReadingJohn Flamsteed
English astronomer and the first Astronomer Royal
Born
August 19th, 1646 379 years ago
Died
December 31st, 1719 305 years ago — 73 years old
Contributed significantly to astronomy in England during the late 17th century. Held the position of the first Astronomer Royal, a title established by King Charles II in 1675. Created meticulously detailed star catalogs that included the positions of over 3,000 stars. Published the influential work 'Historia Coelestis Britannica', detailing precise observations of celestial bodies. His observations enhanced navigation and understanding of the solar system.
Continue ReadingThomas Erastus
Swiss physician and theologian
Born
September 7th, 1524 501 years ago
Died
December 31st, 1583 441 years ago — 59 years old
Contributed significantly to the fields of medicine and theology during the Reformation. Practiced as a physician in Basel, emphasizing the importance of empirical observation in medical practice. Engaged in theological debates, particularly in relation to the authority of the church and the role of civil government in ecclesiastical matters. Authored works that sought to bridge the gap between Protestant doctrine and civil authority, advocating for the separation of church and state functions. Influence extended into discussions on the intersection of faith and reason, shaping early thoughts on the integration of scientific inquiry within Christian contexts.
Continue ReadingBarry Lane
Professional Golfer with numerous titles
Born
1960 65 years ago
Died
December 31st, 2022 2 years ago — 62 years old
A professional golfer who enjoyed a successful career primarily in the European Tour and Champions Tour. Achieved notable success in the 1990s and 2000s, securing multiple tournament victories. Lane had a reputation for consistency on the course and represented England internationally, including participation in the World Cup of Golf. His career spanned over three decades, during which he competed against many top players in the sport.
Continue ReadingArnold Rüütel
Estonian politician and President
Born
May 10th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
December 31st, 2024 0 years ago — 96 years old
An agronomist and politician, served as the President of Estonia from 2001 to 2006. Elected to the Riigikogu, the Estonian parliament, in 1990, played a significant role in Estonia's transition to independence from the Soviet Union. During presidency, focused on strengthening national identity and international relations. Prior to presidency, held various positions in the agricultural sector, contributing to the country's development in post-Soviet times.
Continue ReadingDonald E. Westlake
Author and screenwriter of crime novels
Born
July 12th, 1933 92 years ago
Died
December 31st, 2008 16 years ago — 75 years old
An American author and screenwriter contributed significantly to the literary world through over 100 published works. Primarily recognized for writing crime and mystery novels, influenced the genre with clever plots and sharp wit. His most notable work includes the Parker series, featuring the character Parker, a professional thief. Westlake also achieved acclaim in screenwriting, particularly for writing the screenplay for the film adaptation of Richard Stark's novel. He received the Edgar Award multiple times, solidifying his reputation in crime fiction. His writing style combined humor and suspense, appealing to a broad audience.
Continue Reading