What Happened This Year 1959
Born in 1959
Chris Hadfield
An accomplished astronaut, pilot, and retired colonel in the Canadian Armed Forces. Graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada and became a test pilot before joining the Canadian Space Agency. Commanded the International Space Station during Expedition 35, becoming the first Canadian to do so. Gained recognition for social media engagement during space missions, particularly for sharing photographs and videos of Earth. Authored books on space and human experience in orbit.
Continue ReadingRamón Díaz
A football manager and former player, notably served as the head coach of River Plate. Played as a forward for several clubs, including River Plate and Monaco, achieving success in domestic and international competitions. Transitioned to management after retiring from playing, leading teams in Argentina, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia, with a focus on developing winning strategies and player performance.
Continue ReadingRebecca De Mornay
Born in 1959, an American actress gained recognition for performances in film and television. Breakout role occurred in the 1983 film 'Risky Business' alongside Tom Cruise. Featured in the 1992 thriller 'The Hand That Rocks the Cradle', which became a significant box office success. Played memorable roles in various other films and television series during the 1980s and 1990s. Continued to work in both independent films and mainstream media, demonstrating versatility in acting.
Continue ReadingStephen Wolfram
A physicist and mathematician contributed to the development of computational science and technology. Developed the software system Mathematica, which integrates computation into educational and professional environments. Founded Wolfram Research, which created the Wolfram Alpha computational knowledge engine. Authored 'A New Kind of Science', proposing new approaches to scientific inquiry based on cellular automata.
Continue ReadingEddi Reader
A Scottish singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer, this artist achieved fame in the 1980s as the lead vocalist of the band Fairground Attraction. The group's debut single, 'Perfect', topped the UK charts and won the Brit Award for Best Single in 1989. Following the band's dissolution, a successful solo career ensued, characterized by a blend of folk, pop, and rock influences. With numerous solo albums, collaboration with various artists, and live performances, this musician has maintained a significant presence in the music industry. Recognition has included multiple nominations and awards, enhancing the credibility and popularity of her work.
Continue ReadingTimothy Shriver
A businessman and activist with a focus on disability rights and education. Shriver served as the chairman of Special Olympics International, establishing the organization as a prominent global entity dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities through sports. Under his leadership, Special Olympics expanded to include more than 200 programs in various countries, fostering inclusion and acceptance. Additionally, Shriver co-founded the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), promoting social-emotional learning in schools. His work emphasizes the importance of understanding, inclusion, and advocacy for marginalized communities.
Continue ReadingNagarjuna
An Indian film actor, producer, and businessman, contributed significantly to Telugu cinema. Debuted in 1986 with the film 'Vikram', and gained wide recognition for roles in 'Shiva', 'Annamayya', and 'Manam'. Worked across multiple genres, showcasing versatility in performances. Also directed and produced films through his production house, Annapurna Studios. Engaged in various philanthropic efforts and actively participated in business ventures related to cinema and hospitality.
Continue ReadingRalph Krueger
Played professional ice hockey and later transitioned into coaching. Coached the Edmonton Oilers in the NHL and served as the head coach for the Germany national ice hockey team. Led Germany to a silver medal in men's ice hockey at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. Developed a successful coaching career across several leagues, including stints in Europe and the NHL.
Continue ReadingJessica Upshaw
Practiced law in Mississippi and served in the state legislature. Elected to the Mississippi House of Representatives in 2002, representing District 94. Served on various committees and worked on legislation regarding education, healthcare, and public safety. Ran for re-election multiple times and held office until 2016.
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