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Notable Achievements at Age 47
Died by suicide in Salt Lake City
Found dead by an apparent suicide by gunshot on May 9, 2023, in her Salt Lake City home; partner Pete Ashdown reported relapse in alcohol after 18 months of sobriety.
Died by suicide at home in Fairbanks, Alaska
On March 16, 2009 Nicholas Hughes died by suicide at his home in Fairbanks; death attributed to long-term depression by family and colleagues.
Suspended 2020 presidential campaign
Announced suspension of presidential campaign citing lack of traction and fundraising challenges.
Named one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People
Included on Time's annual Time 100 list of the most influential people in the world (2017).
Won Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay (The Big Short)
Won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay (shared with Charles Randolph) for The Big Short; also nominated for Best Director and Best Picture.
Elected 44th President of the United States
Defeated Republican John McCain to become the first African American president (won popular and electoral vote margin).
Launched Real Time with Bill Maher (HBO)
Became host, co-producer and co-writer of Real Time with Bill Maher, a weekly HBO political talk show that continues to present.
First 'Hole in the Wall' experiment (Kalkaji, Delhi)
Placed a public-access computer in a wall in a Delhi slum (Kalkaji) and observed children teaching themselves — birth of the 'Hole in the Wall' experiment and Minimally Invasive Education (MIE).
Inducted into National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame
Another major industry recognition for Limbaugh.
Elected President of Poland (9 Dec 1990)
Won the presidential election on 9 December 1990 to become Poland's first freely elected head of state since 1926 and first president elected by popular vote.
'Ernie' single reaches UK No.1 Christmas spot
Comedy single 'Ernie (The Fastest Milkman in the West)' became the UK Christmas number one single in 1971.
Performed first human heart transplant in the United States
On May 3, 1968 Cooley performed the first U.S. heart transplant, transplanting a heart from a 15-year-old donor into a 47-year-old recipient (patient survived 204 days).
Anchored breaking coverage of JFK assassination
Broke bulletins live, returned to anchor desk, and at 2:38 pm EST made the official announcement of President Kennedy's death; continued days of uninterrupted coverage.
European cluster of birth defects linked to thalidomide
In November 1961 clusters of infants with phocomelia and other malformations were linked to maternal thalidomide ingestion, vindicating her caution.
Co-founded Guideposts magazine
With his wife Ruth Stafford Peale and Raymond Thornburg, founded Guideposts, a non-denominational inspirational magazine (began as a small newsletter).
Franklin elected President
Franklin D. Roosevelt elected President of the United States (defeating Hoover); Eleanor prepares to assume role of First Lady.
Death in Ilfracombe from tuberculosis
James Allen died on 24 January 1912 in Ilfracombe, Devon, aged 47. Cause recorded as tuberculosis.
Signed Treaty of Paris (U.S. independence recognized)
As part of the American negotiating team (with Franklin, Jay, Laurens), secured peace and recognition from Britain.
Sentenced to 4 months in U.S. prison
Zhao was sentenced to a four-month prison term after pleading guilty to money laundering-related charges (April 30, 2024).
Tested positive for COVID-19
Announced on Jan 4, 2022 that he tested positive for COVID-19 and had mild symptoms after vaccination.
💡 What this means for you
At age 47, you're at a pivotal point where many successful entrepreneurs made their breakthrough. Whether you're building your first company or scaling an existing one, these examples show what's possible with focus and execution.
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