William Guarnere
American sergeant and WWII veteran
Served as a staff sergeant in the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division during World War II. Participated in major campaigns such as D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge. Gained recognition through his experiences depicted in the HBO miniseries 'Band of Brothers'. After the war, contributed to veteran organizations and shared stories of service and camaraderie.
Served in the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment
Participated in D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge
Featured in HBO's 'Band of Brothers'
Other People Born on April 28th
Simin Daneshvar
Iranian author and academic with 'Savushun'
Born
April 28th, 1921 104 years ago
Died
March 8th, 2012 13 years ago — 90 years old
An Iranian author and academic, contributed significantly to Persian literature and cultural discourse. Authored 'Savushun', a celebrated novel depicting the struggles of a woman during the political upheaval in Iran. Engaged in various literary and academic activities, focusing on the representation of women in literature. Also served as an editor for various literary journals, enhancing the visibility of contemporary Iranian literature on both national and international stages.
Continue ReadingJay Leno
Comedian and former talk show host
Born
April 28th, 1950 75 years ago
Started stand-up comedy career in the 1970s and became a prominent figure in American television. Served as the host of 'The Tonight Show with Jay Leno' from 1992 to 2009 and again in 2010 until 2014. Known for a monologue format and celebrity interviews, the show maintained high ratings during his tenure. Leno produced and hosted 'Jay Leno's Garage', showcasing classic cars and automotive culture, further establishing a connection with car enthusiasts.
Continue ReadingEva Samková
Czech snowboarder, Olympic gold medalist
Born
April 28th, 1993 32 years ago
This athlete achieved significant success in snowboarding, specializing in snowboard cross. Competed in multiple Winter Olympic Games, securing a gold medal at the Sochi 2014 Olympics. Also earned medals at FIS World Championships and contributed to the growth of the sport in the Czech Republic through both performance and presence in various competitions.
Continue ReadingFerruccio Lamborghini
Italian businessman, founded Lamborghini
Born
April 28th, 1916 109 years ago
Died
February 20th, 1993 32 years ago — 76 years old
Established a luxury sports car manufacturer, Lamborghini, after initially producing tractors from surplus military materials. Following World War II, transitioned to manufacturing high-performance automobiles to compete with existing luxury brands. The Miura, released in 1966, is regarded as one of the first supercars and set a new benchmark in automotive design and performance. The company became well-known for combining advanced engineering and distinctive styling, which attracted a dedicated following among car enthusiasts.
Continue ReadingMargo Dydek
Basketball player and coach
Born
April 28th, 1974 51 years ago
Died
May 27th, 2011 14 years ago — 37 years old
A Polish basketball player and coach played professionally for several teams in Europe and the WNBA. Spent a significant part of her career with the Utah Starzz and Miami Sol in the WNBA. Her height of 7 feet 2 inches made her one of the tallest female basketball players in history. Transitioned to coaching roles after retirement, contributing to the development of young players in her home country.
Continue ReadingYves Klein
French painter of monochrome works
Born
April 28th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
June 6th, 1962 63 years ago — 34 years old
An influential figure in the post-war art movement, this painter developed a distinctive style characterized by bold colors and innovative techniques. In 1956, he created the International Klein Blue, a deep shade of ultramarine that became signature to his work. The artist’s practice included performance art as well as the use of fire and water in his creative processes, establishing a connection between visual art and physical experience. His work challenged traditional perceptions of art and materiality, solidifying a legacy that would influence generations of artists.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on March 8th
Henry Ward Beecher
American minister and social reformer
Born
June 24th, 1813 212 years ago
Died
March 8th, 1887 138 years ago — 73 years old
A prominent American minister, this individual played a significant role in various social reform movements during the 19th century. Known for eloquent preaching and engaging public lectures, emphasized issues such as abolition, women's rights, and education. Served as the pastor of Plymouth Congregational Church in Brooklyn, New York, where he built a large congregation. Authored numerous works including 'Life of Jesus' and contributed to influential publications. Actively campaigned for the abolition of slavery and was associated with the famous Beecher-Tilton scandal, which gained much media attention in the 1870s. Continued to engage in public discourse until death in 1887.
Continue ReadingSherwood Anderson
American novelist and short story writer
Born
September 13th, 1876 149 years ago
Died
March 8th, 1941 84 years ago — 64 years old
A prominent figure in American literature during the early 20th century, this writer gained recognition primarily for creating a new form of short story and presenting the life of small-town America. The work 'Winesburg, Ohio' is considered a landmark in modernist literature, exploring the complex lives of its residents through interconnected stories. The author's writing style emphasized a colloquial approach and often delved into themes of isolation and a quest for meaning. This writer's influence extended to numerous subsequent authors who drew inspiration from the narrative style and emotional depth present in his works.
Continue ReadingEdward Terry Sanford
United States Assistant Attorney General
Born
1865 161 years ago
Died
March 8th, 1930 95 years ago — 65 years old
Served as the United States Assistant Attorney General and as a jurist. Appointed to the United States Supreme Court, authored substantial opinions that shaped jurisprudence. His tenure on the court included significant cases that impacted civil rights and federal authority.
Continue ReadingCipto Mangunkusumo
Indonesian independence leader
Born
1886 140 years ago
Died
March 8th, 1943 82 years ago — 57 years old
A prominent figure in Indonesia's struggle for independence, contributed to the movement against Dutch colonial rule. Influenced political thought and organized various efforts towards achieving self-governance. Actively participated in the establishment of the Indonesian National Party and worked to unite different factions for a common cause. Engaged in journalism, writing articles advocating for national rights and independence. His leadership role emphasized the importance of education and social awareness in mobilizing the masses for independence.
Continue ReadingHank Locklin
country music singer-songwriter
Born
February 15th, 1918 107 years ago
Died
March 8th, 2009 16 years ago — 91 years old
Active primarily in the mid-20th century, this American singer-songwriter and guitarist became a prominent figure in the country music genre. The career included a string of chart-topping hits within the Billboard country charts. The most significant achievement was the 1965 hit song 'Please Help Me, I'm Falling', which reached number one. This artist also contributed to the genre through a distinctive blend of traditional country styles and a smooth vocal delivery.
Continue ReadingGeorge Stevens
Director of 'Shane' and 'Gigi'
Born
December 18th, 1904 121 years ago
Died
March 8th, 1975 50 years ago — 70 years old
An American director, producer, and screenwriter contributed significantly to film during the mid-20th century. Stevens directed several influential films, including 'Shane', a classic Western that gained critical acclaim, and 'Gigi', which won multiple Academy Awards. His work spanned various genres, showcasing a unique ability to capture complex narratives and emotions on screen. Stevens also received two Academy Awards for Best Director, recognizing his artistic contributions and technical proficiency in filmmaking. Later in life, he undertook projects that reflected themes of social awareness.
Continue Reading