Vincent Massey
Governor General of Canada
Served as the 18th Governor General of Canada from 1952 to 1959. Massey had a background in law and was a notable member of the Liberal Party. He played a key role in promoting Canadian culture and education. Prior to his appointment, he held various positions including the presidency of the University of Toronto and was influential in shaping Canadian art and literature. His term as Governor General was marked by a focus on national unity and the strengthening of Canada's international standing.
Served as the first Canadian-born Governor General of Canada
Promoted arts and culture through the Massey Report
Other People Born on February 20th
Julio Borbón
American baseball player
Born
February 20th, 1986 39 years ago
Debuted in Major League Baseball with the Texas Rangers in 2010. Played primarily as an outfielder. Also played for the Chicago Cubs. Contributed to teams during his tenure in the MLB.
Continue ReadingPhil Neal
Footballer and manager with Liverpool
Born
February 20th, 1951 74 years ago
Played as a right-back and later managed teams in English football. Achieved significant success during a playing career primarily with Liverpool, where he won numerous domestic and European titles. Transitioned to management after retiring, overseeing various clubs and contributing to the development of players and teams.
Continue ReadingClarke Schmidt
Professional baseball player, pitcher
Born
February 20th, 1996 29 years ago
A professional baseball player, active as a pitcher. Played for the New York Yankees in Major League Baseball (MLB). Made MLB debut in 2020 after being drafted in the first round of the 2017 MLB Draft. Demonstrated skills through collegiate play at the University of South Carolina before transitioning to professional baseball.
Continue ReadingEmam Ashour
Egyptian footballer with Al Ahly SC
Born
February 20th, 1998 27 years ago
A professional footballer with a career starting at Al Ahly SC. Developed through the youth ranks and made a significant impact in the senior team. Positioned primarily as a midfielder, exhibited skill in both defense and attack. Contributed to Al Ahly's successes in domestic leagues and continental competitions. Represented the Egyptian national team at various youth levels and earned caps at the senior level.
Continue ReadingOlivia Rodrigo
Singer-songwriter and actress with hits
Born
February 20th, 2003 22 years ago
Gained recognition as an actress in the Disney+ series High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. Transitioned to music and released the debut album Sour in 2021, which included chart-topping singles. Achieved critical acclaim and commercial success, solidifying a place in the pop music scene.
Continue ReadingLuis Severino
Dominican Major League Baseball pitcher
Born
February 20th, 1994 31 years ago
This athlete plays as a pitcher in Major League Baseball, primarily for the New York Yankees. Severino made his MLB debut in 2015 and quickly established himself as a key member of the Yankees' starting rotation. Recognized for fastball velocity and slider effectiveness, he received an All-Star selection in 2017. Severino contributed to the Yankees' postseason efforts, notably participating in the American League Wild Card Game.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on December 30th
Archduke Eugen of Austria
Austrian Archduke and field marshal
Born
May 21st, 1863 162 years ago
Died
December 30th, 1954 70 years ago — 91 years old
Served in the Austro-Hungarian Army and participated in World War I. Commanded the 3rd Army during the war, particularly noted for military leadership on the Italian front. Contributed to the modernization of military tactics and strategy. Also recognized for significant involvement in various cultural and scientific endeavors in Austria.
Continue ReadingRomain Rolland
French author and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
January 29th, 1866 159 years ago
Died
December 30th, 1944 80 years ago — 78 years old
A prominent literary figure, contributed significantly to literature through works that encompass plays, novels, and essays. Achieved widespread recognition for the novel 'Jean-Christophe', which depicted the life of a composer in a tumultuous era. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1915 for writings that expressed humanism and a belief in the goodness of humanity amid the backdrop of World War I. Engaged in political and social issues through literature and supported various causes including peace.
Continue ReadingRona Jaffe
American novelist with The Best of Everything
Born
June 12th, 1931 94 years ago
Died
December 30th, 2005 19 years ago — 74 years old
An American novelist achieved recognition through numerous literary works throughout the 20th century. 'The Best of Everything', published in 1958, explored the lives of young women in the workforce and became a cultural touchstone. Jaffe published several novels, many of which were adapted into films and television series. In addition to her novels, Jaffe wrote for magazines and worked as a screenwriter. The themes in her works often featured strong female characters and societal issues relevant to women. She continued to write well into her later years, contributing to the genre of women's fiction.
Continue ReadingViolette Cordery
English racing driver and trailblazer
Born
January 10th, 1900 125 years ago
Died
December 30th, 1983 41 years ago — 83 years old
An early 20th-century racing driver, excelled in the sport during the 1920s and 1930s. Achieved significant recognition by competing in prestigious events such as the Monte Carlo Rally. Held the women's world record for long-distance driving, completing a remarkable 12-hour endurance race. Also participated in various competitive trials, showcasing skill and determination in a predominantly male sport. Recognized for contributions to automotive racing, emphasizing both speed and safety during her career.
Continue ReadingJohnny Orr
Basketball coach, Iowa State Cyclones
Born
June 10th, 1927 98 years ago
Died
December 30th, 2013 11 years ago — 86 years old
Began coaching career in the 1950s at Michigan, leading the Wolverines to multiple NCAA tournament appearances. Transitioned to Iowa State, resurrecting the program and achieving significant success in the 1980s. Under tenure, the team reached notable postseason tournaments, including the NCAA tournament. Renowned for developing talent and his coaching philosophy, contributing to the future success of numerous players.
Continue ReadingFrancis Lewis
Welsh-American politician and merchant
Born
March 21st, 1713 312 years ago
Died
December 30th, 1803 221 years ago — 90 years old
Born in Wales and later relocating to America, a merchant became involved in American politics. Represented New York in the Continental Congress from 1775 to 1776. Played a significant role in supporting the American Revolution and was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. After the war, served as a member of the New York State Assembly. Engaged in business ventures throughout his life, contributing to commerce in the New York area.
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