Christopher Plummer
Canadian actor of 'The Sound of Music'
Career spanned seven decades featuring a wide range of roles in film, television, and theater. Achievements included multiple prestigious awards. Gained prominence in the 1965 musical 'The Sound of Music' as Captain Georg von Trapp. Received Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for the 2010 film 'Beginners'. Played in various productions including Shakespearean plays and acclaimed films.
Featured in 'The Sound of Music' as Captain von Trapp
Won Academy Award for 'Beginners'
Other People Born on December 13th
Maximilien de Béthune
Duke of Sully and Prime Minister of France
Born
December 13th, 1560 465 years ago
Died
December 22nd, 1641 384 years ago — 81 years old
Born into nobility, held significant political influence in France. Served as the Duke of Sully and as the second Prime Minister under King Henry IV. Implemented financial reforms that improved the economy and established a centralized administration. Guided policies that aimed to promote peace and stabilize the kingdom after years of civil war. Strengthened the infrastructure, enhancing trade and agricultural production. Influenced the shaping of French policies during the early 17th century.
Continue ReadingKenneth Patchen
American poet and painter
Born
December 13th, 1911 114 years ago
Died
1972 54 years ago — 61 years old
Born in 1911, a significant figure in American literature and art, worked as both a poet and a painter. Developed a unique style that blended personal emotions with social commentary. Published numerous poetry collections including 'The Journal of Albion Moonlight' and 'The Teeth of the Lion'. Engaged with the Beats and influenced the counterculture of the 1960s. Innovated in mixed media, creating visual poetry that combined text and art.
Continue ReadingPrincess Marina of Greece and Denmark
Greek and Danish Princess, Philanthropist
Born
December 13th, 1906 119 years ago
Died
August 27th, 1968 57 years ago — 61 years old
Born into Greek and Danish royalty, significant contributions occurred in charity and public service. Married to Prince George, Duke of Kent. Heavily involved in wartime relief efforts during World War II. Led various initiatives supporting veterans and children in need. Actively participated in numerous charitable organizations throughout her life, promoting health and education. Died on August 27, 1968.
Continue ReadingTalcott Parsons
Sociologist and author of The Structure of Social Action
Born
December 13th, 1902 123 years ago
Died
1979 47 years ago — 77 years old
Contributed significantly to the field of sociology, particularly through the development of social action theory. Emphasized the importance of understanding social structures and their functions. Advocated for a systems perspective to analyze the relationship between society and individual behavior. Parsons' work influenced the study of modern sociology and shaped theoretical frameworks used in subsequent research.
Continue ReadingHenry IV of France
King of France and Edict of Nantes
Born
December 13th, 1553 472 years ago
Died
May 14th, 1610 415 years ago — 56 years old
Ruled as King of France from 1589 until his assassination in 1610. First monarch of the House of Bourbon, significantly strengthened the central authority of the French state. Promoted religious tolerance with the Edict of Nantes in 1598, granting substantial rights to Huguenots after decades of civil war over religious disputes. Implemented economic reforms that led to recovery and improvement in agriculture and trade. His reign marked the transition from the Wars of Religion to a period of relative peace.
Continue ReadingEric XIV of Sweden
King of Sweden, claimed throne in 1560
Born
December 13th, 1533 492 years ago
Died
February 26th, 1577 449 years ago — 43 years old
Became King of Sweden in 1560, ruling until 1577. His reign was marked by various military conflicts and attempts to solidify power in the Baltic region. Eric XIV engaged in wars against Denmark and Russia, aimed at expanding the kingdom's influence. His marriage to Karin Månsdotter, a commoner, caused friction with the nobility and led to political instability. In 1570, he faced a coup that resulted in his imprisonment and eventual forced abdication. Died in captivity in 1577.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on February 5th
Rudy York
Baseball player and manager with the Tigers
Born
August 17th, 1913 112 years ago
Died
February 5th, 1970 56 years ago — 56 years old
Played professional baseball primarily as a first baseman in Major League Baseball from 1934 to 1946. Played for the Detroit Tigers, Boston Red Sox, and Philadelphia Athletics. Achieved significant success, earning All-Star selections in multiple years. Transitioned to coaching and managing in the minor leagues after retirement, contributing to the development of future players.
Continue ReadingRobert Dahl
Political scientist and democratic theorist
Born
1915 111 years ago
Died
February 5th, 2014 12 years ago — 99 years old
Contributed significantly to political science, particularly in the study of democracy and pluralism. Served as a professor at Yale University, influencing generations of students and scholars. Authored several influential works, including 'Who Governs?' and 'On Democracy'. Developed key concepts such as polyarchy to describe democratic systems. Focused on the analysis of power dynamics in political systems and the role of citizen participation in governance.
Continue ReadingMarianne Moore
Poet and translator; 'Observations'
Born
November 15th, 1887 138 years ago
Died
February 5th, 1972 54 years ago — 84 years old
An influential poet and translator contributed significantly to American literature. Authored several collections of poetry, with 'Observations' being one of the most acclaimed. Critiqued contemporary literature and art through essays and articles. Worked as an editor for various publications and translated French and Spanish poetry into English, expanding the reach of international literary works. Served as a literary critic and received recognition for the originality and precision of her language. Engaged in various literary communities and influenced countless writers and poets through her innovative style and exploration of modern themes.
Continue ReadingKirk Douglas
American actor and producer
Born
December 9th, 1916 109 years ago
Died
February 5th, 2020 6 years ago — 103 years old
An iconic American actor achieved recognition for performances in film and television. Gained prominence with the 1951 film "Ace in the Hole" and delivered a memorable performance in "Spartacus" in 1960, which also marked his role as a producer. Douglas's career spanned over seven decades, and he established a reputation for portraying strong characters. Received the Academy Award for Lifetime Achievement in 1996. Authored several books detailing his life and experiences, showcasing a multifaceted career in the entertainment industry.
Continue ReadingBrian Jacques
Author of the Redwall series
Born
1939 87 years ago
Died
February 5th, 2011 15 years ago — 72 years old
An English author and radio host, recognized for creating the Redwall series, a collection of children's fantasy novels that feature anthropomorphic animals and rich storytelling. The first book in the series, 'Redwall', was published in 1986, and it became immensely popular, leading to multiple sequels. The series explores themes of bravery, friendship, and adventure. Jacques also hosted a radio program, 'Jakestown', on BBC Radio Merseyside, where he shared stories and insights about literature and storytelling. His contributions to children's literature earned him a dedicated readership and several awards throughout his career.
Continue ReadingLeo T. McCarthy
New Zealand-American politician, lawyer
Born
1930 96 years ago
Died
February 5th, 2007 19 years ago — 77 years old
Served as the 43rd Lieutenant Governor of California from 1983 to 1995. Worked as a prominent lawyer and state legislator. Contributed to various legislative initiatives during time in office, focusing on education and public safety. After leaving office, continued involvement in public service and community advocacy until death in 2007.
Continue Reading