Cosimo II de' Medici
Grand Duke of Tuscany
Grand Duke of Tuscany from 1609 until death in 1621. Played a significant role in the cultural and scientific advancements of the Italian Renaissance, supporting artists and scholars. Established the Accademia del Cimento, promoting experimental science. Oversaw the completion of the Pitti Palace and the expansion of the Boboli Gardens.
Founded the Accademia del Cimento
Supported Galileo Galilei
Oversaw construction of the Pitti Palace
Other People Born on May 12th
Jesús Franco
Filmmaker and horror genre pioneer
Born
May 12th, 1930 95 years ago
Died
April 2nd, 2013 12 years ago — 82 years old
A Spanish director, screenwriter, producer, and actor, recognized for contributions to the horror genre. Directed over 200 films, spanning various styles and themes. Developed a unique style characterized by low budgets and provocative content. Collaborated with notable actors, including Christopher Lee and Soledad Miranda. Gained a cult following through films that often blended eroticism with horror. His works included titles such as 'Count Dracula', 'The Awful Dr. Orlof', and 'Vampyros Lesbos', which have garnered attention in film studies and retrospectives.
Continue ReadingFrenkie de Jong
Dutch footballer and Barcelona midfielder
Born
May 12th, 1997 28 years ago
Born in 1997, this Dutch footballer rose through the ranks of youth football, eventually joining the senior team of Ajax. During time at Ajax, contributed significantly to the team's success in winning the Eredivisie and the KNVB Cup in 2019. His performances at Ajax caught the attention of European clubs, leading to a transfer to FC Barcelona in 2019. At Barcelona, continued to showcase exceptional skills as a midfielder, playing a key role in the team’s strategies and successes.
Continue ReadingClemens von Pirquet
Immunologist and creator of allergy testing
Born
May 12th, 1874 151 years ago
Died
February 28th, 1929 96 years ago — 54 years old
Contributed significantly to immunology, particularly through the development of the skin test for allergies. Introduced the concept of 'allergy' as a medical term and formulated the von Pirquet test, which assessed hypersensitivity reactions. Published research on the immune response and strengthened the understanding of vaccines and infectious diseases, laying groundwork for future advancements in immunology.
Continue ReadingLance Lynn
Baseball pitcher, 2015 All-Star
Born
May 12th, 1987 38 years ago
A prominent participant in Major League Baseball, played primarily as a pitcher. Played for teams including the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago White Sox, and Texas Rangers. Achieved significant success during tenure with the Cardinals, including winning the World Series in 2011. Selected as an All-Star in 2015, showcasing impressive skills on the mound. Known for resilience and durability, contributing to team performances across multiple seasons.
Continue ReadingOrélie-Antoine de Tounens
French lawyer and explorer of Patagonia
Born
May 12th, 1825 200 years ago
Died
September 17th, 1878 147 years ago — 53 years old
An individual embarked on an expedition to Patagonia in the mid-19th century. This journey led to the proclamation of a short-lived kingdom, the Kingdom of Araucania and Patagonia, in 1860. His ambitions included establishing a constitutional monarchy in the region, with himself as king. Despite facing significant challenges and resistance from Chile and Argentina, efforts to gain international recognition continued. The exploration involved territorial claims and interactions with indigenous groups, aiming to advocate for their rights and develop the region. The kingdom's existence was largely symbolic and did not achieve official recognition from foreign powers, but the venture remains a unique chapter in the history of exploration in South America.
Continue ReadingRami Malek
American actor; starred in 'Bohemian Rhapsody'
Born
May 12th, 1981 44 years ago
Born in 1981, a prominent actor emerged in the entertainment industry with significant roles in television and film. Gained initial recognition for portraying Elliot Alderson in the series 'Mr. Robot', a performance that earned critical acclaim and several awards. Achieved widespread fame for his portrayal of Freddie Mercury in the biographical film 'Bohemian Rhapsody', receiving an Academy Award for Best Actor. Contributed to various productions, showcasing versatility in performances across different genres.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on February 28th
Neville Cardus
Cricket and music writer, author of 'Autobiography'
Born
April 2nd, 1888 137 years ago
Died
February 28th, 1975 50 years ago — 86 years old
A notable cricket and music writer, contributed extensively to journalism throughout the 20th century. Worked for Manchester Guardian and wrote many articles on cricket and classical music. Authored several books, with 'Autobiography' considered a significant work in sports literature. His writings often blended analysis with personal reflections on the game and its players.
Continue ReadingArkady Shevchenko
Ukrainian diplomat and defector
Born
1930 96 years ago
Died
February 28th, 1998 27 years ago — 68 years old
Served as a high-ranking diplomat in the Soviet Union, specializing in international relations. Defected to the West in 1978, seeking asylum in the United States during the Cold War. Worked at the United Nations, advocating for Soviet policies while secretly reporting to Western intelligence agencies. Authored the book "Breaking with Moscow," providing insights into the inner workings of Soviet diplomacy and politics. Contributed to discussions on Eastern European affairs and served as a lecturer in diplomacy.
Continue ReadingHugo Brandt Corstius
Linguist and author of 'Het slimme zweet'
Born
August 29th, 1935 90 years ago
Died
February 28th, 2014 11 years ago — 78 years old
A prominent linguist and author, contributed significantly to the study of linguistics and language philosophy. Worked at the University of Amsterdam, focusing on the syntax and semantics of natural languages. Published several influential works, including 'Het slimme zweet', which explores the intricacies of language and communication. Played a crucial role in advancing linguistic theory in the Netherlands.
Continue ReadingSir Lenox Hewitt
Australian public servant and administrator
Born
1917 109 years ago
Died
February 28th, 2020 5 years ago — 103 years old
Served as a significant public servant in Australia, holding various high-profile positions in government. Played a crucial role in the administration and development of policies that shaped the public sector. Contributed to numerous reforms aimed at improving government functionality and public service delivery. Held the position of Secretary of the Department of Defence, influencing key decisions during critical periods of Australia's history. His tenure included extensive involvement with strategic defence reviews and international relations.
Continue ReadingIsak Penttala
Finnish politician, Member of Parliament
Born
February 8th, 1883 142 years ago
Died
February 28th, 1955 70 years ago — 72 years old
Served as a member of the Finnish Parliament, representing the Finnish People's Party. Engaged in political activities during a pivotal time in Finland's history, contributing to legislative discussions and national policy making. Played a role in the development of local governance and policies that shaped the region. His tenure highlighted the importance of representation for minority communities within the parliament.
Continue ReadingYaşar Kemal
Turkish journalist and author
Born
October 6th, 1923 102 years ago
Died
February 28th, 2015 10 years ago — 91 years old
This individual was a prominent Turkish writer and journalist whose works often focused on the struggles of the rural poor and issues of social justice. The most celebrated literary work is the novel 'İnce Memed', which portrays the life of a bandit fighting against oppression in the Anatolian region. Contributions to literature included essays and journalistic works that provided insights into Turkish society and politics. The writing style combined realism with lyrical prose, which garnered attention both domestically and internationally. Throughout a prolific career, this writer received numerous accolades acknowledging literary achievements and commitment to human rights.
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