Whitaker Wright
English businessman and financier
Involved in the mining and finance sectors, played a key role in the establishment and promotion of various companies. Managed the London-based enterprise, the United Mines of Wicklow, which engaged in mining operations in Ireland. Contributed to the establishment of theatrical productions and financial ventures in the early 20th century. Faced significant legal issues due to fraudulent practices in financial dealings, and these ultimately led to a trial for conspiracy to defraud shareholders.
Founded several mining companies
Convicted of fraud in financial dealings
Other People Born on February 9th
Dan Shulman
Canadian sportscaster with ESPN
Born
February 9th, 1967 58 years ago
A prominent sportscaster, this individual gained recognition primarily for work with ESPN, covering Major League Baseball and NCAA basketball. Long-standing association with the Toronto Blue Jays as a play-by-play announcer established a significant presence in Canadian sports broadcasting. In addition to live game commentary, contributed to various sports-related shows and discussions, enhancing sports media coverage. The individual also participated in international sports events, such as the World Baseball Classic.
Continue ReadingJameer Nelson
American basketball player and All-Star
Born
February 9th, 1982 43 years ago
Played college basketball at Saint Joseph's University, leading the team to an incredible 27-0 record during the 2003-2004 season. Also earned the Naismith College Player of the Year award that year. Drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2004 and later played for teams including the Orlando Magic, with whom he reached the NBA Finals in 2009. Participated in the NBA All-Star Game in 2009, reinforcing his status in the league. Concluded a successful career with contributions to the Denver Nuggets and the New Orleans Pelicans.
Continue ReadingPeggy Whitson
NASA astronaut and biochemist
Born
February 9th, 1960 65 years ago
An American biochemist and astronaut, made significant contributions to space exploration and scientific research. Completed three long-duration missions aboard the International Space Station (ISS), accumulating a total of 665 days in space, which was a record at the time. Conducted research in various fields, including human biology, materials science, and biotechnology during missions. Served as the first female commander of the ISS, leading an international crew and overseeing numerous scientific experiments. Held leadership positions at NASA, influencing spaceflight operations and advancing human space exploration.
Continue ReadingHara Takashi
Japanese Prime Minister and politician
Born
February 9th, 1856 169 years ago
Died
November 4th, 1921 104 years ago — 65 years old
Held the position of the 10th Prime Minister of Japan from 1918 until assassination in 1921. Advocated for political reform and modernization of Japan's governance. Played a significant role in the expansion of Japan's political party system, promoting the greater involvement of the populace in politics. His policies aimed to address social issues and responded to the growing pressure for democratic reforms within the country.
Continue ReadingShōhōzan Yūya
Sumo wrestler and top division competitor
Born
February 9th, 1984 41 years ago
A sumo wrestler born in 1984, ranked in the top division of the sport. Competing under the shikona Shōhōzan, achieved success in multiple tournaments. Known for strength and agility, contributed significantly to the popularity of sumo wrestling in Japan. Retired from active competition in 2020 and transitioned to a coaching role in the sport, promoting traditional sumo techniques and mentoring younger wrestlers.
Continue ReadingAlejandra Guzmán
Singer-songwriter and actress with hit albums
Born
February 9th, 1968 57 years ago
Born in 1968, a prominent Mexican singer-songwriter and actress, crafting a successful career in the Latin music scene. Gained recognition through a blend of rock and pop influences, with hits in the 1990s and 2000s. Released multiple albums, with several achieving gold and platinum certifications. Additionally, starred in the telenovela 'Siempre te amaré'. Built a reputation for powerful performances and emotional depth in music, contributing to the evolution of Latin pop and rock.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on January 26th
Athanase David
Lawyer and politician from Canada
Born
June 24th, 1882 143 years ago
Died
January 26th, 1953 72 years ago — 70 years old
Practiced law in Canada before entering politics. Served as a member of the House of Commons and held various positions within the government. Contributed to the development of legal frameworks and public policy during tenure. Engaged in discussions on national governance and local issues representing constituents' interests. Active in political circles until retirement.
Continue ReadingJohn Altobelli
College baseball coach at Orange Coast College
Born
1963 62 years ago
Died
January 26th, 2020 5 years ago — 57 years old
Coached the baseball team at Orange Coast College for over 27 years. Led the team to four state championships during his tenure. Developed numerous players who advanced to professional baseball, contributing significantly to the sport at the collegiate level.
Continue ReadingEdward G. Robinson
Actor in classic films like 'Double Indemnity'
Born
December 12th, 1893 132 years ago
Died
January 26th, 1973 52 years ago — 79 years old
Born in Romania, significant work in American cinema spanned several decades. Achieved prominence in the 1930s and 1940s as part of the film noir movement. Gained acclaim for a distinctive portrayal of tough-guy characters, particularly in 'Little Caesar' and 'Key Largo'. Demonstrated versatility with performances in various genres, including drama and comedy. Received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for the film 'The Yearling'. Continued performing in film and television until death in 1973.
Continue ReadingKobe Bryant
Basketball player, 5-time NBA champion
Born
August 23rd, 1978 47 years ago
Died
January 26th, 2020 5 years ago — 41 years old
An American basketball player, played 20 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA. Achieved five NBA championships and earned two NBA Finals MVP awards. Scored 81 points in a single game against the Toronto Raptors, the second-highest in NBA history. Represented the United States in international competitions, winning two Olympic gold medals in basketball. Transitioned to various ventures post-retirement, including a successful film project.
Continue ReadingDietrich von Hildebrand
German Catholic philosopher and author
Born
October 12th, 1889 136 years ago
Died
January 26th, 1977 48 years ago — 87 years old
A prominent philosopher and author engaged in the fields of metaphysics, ethics, and aesthetics. Contributed to the Catholic philosophical tradition through works on personalism, love, and the nature of beauty. Served as a professor at the University of Munich, influencing generations of students. Emigrated to the United States during World War II, where continued to teach and write on key philosophical issues, particularly relating to faith and reason.
Continue ReadingThéodore Géricault
French painter of The Raft of the Medusa
Born
September 26th, 1791 234 years ago
Died
January 26th, 1824 201 years ago — 32 years old
A pivotal figure in the Romantic movement, contributed significantly to the art world with dramatic and emotional works. Géricault is celebrated for mastering the technique of oil painting and for his intense study of human anatomy. His most iconic work, The Raft of the Medusa, depicted the tragic aftermath of a contemporary shipwreck and showcased themes of human suffering and survival. In addition to painting, he worked as a lithographer, producing notable prints that expanded the reach of his artistic vision. His explorations into psychology and the human condition inspired future artists.
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