Dante Gabriel Rossetti
Poet and Painter of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood
A prominent figure in the Pre-Raphaelite movement, this individual contributed significantly to poetry and visual art during the 19th century. Renowned for an emphasis on medieval themes, the individual created vivid works that incorporated lush color and intricate detail. Poetry often reflected personal experiences and emotional depth, with major collections including 'The Early Poems' and 'The Ballad and the Rose'. In addition to poetry, the individual produced many notable paintings, often featuring themes of love and desire, and was involved in art criticism, influencing contemporaries. The contributions to both art and literature were integral to establishing a distinct aesthetic movement that sought to challenge the artistic conventions of the time.
Co-founded the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood
Published 'The Early Poems' and 'The Ballad and the Rose'
Created significant paintings such as 'The Blessed Damozel'
Other People Born on May 12th
William Giauque
Chemist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
May 12th, 1895 130 years ago
Died
March 28th, 1982 43 years ago — 86 years old
A prominent chemist and academic, engaged in significant research in thermodynamics, particularly at low temperatures. Contributed to the understanding of the physical behavior of substances. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1949 for pioneering work in the field of chemical thermodynamics. Served as a professor and influenced numerous students and researchers in the discipline.
Continue ReadingMo Bamba
Basketball player for Orlando Magic
Born
May 12th, 1998 27 years ago
A professional basketball player, played for the Orlando Magic in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Hailed from New York City, excelled in high school basketball at Harlem's Westtown School. Committed to the University of Texas, played one season of college basketball before declaring for the NBA Draft. Selected as the sixth overall pick in the 2018 Draft by the Magic, primarily recognized for shot-blocking skills and versatile defense. Developed a reputation for three-point shooting, contributing to the team's performance throughout multiple seasons.
Continue ReadingBilly Squier
Singer-songwriter and guitarist
Born
May 12th, 1950 75 years ago
An American musician, multi-instrumentalist, and producer. Achievements include releasing several successful albums during the 1980s, such as 'Don't Say No' and 'Emotions in Motion'. Also recognized for a string of hit singles that received significant airplay, including 'The Stroke' and 'Lonely Is the Night'. Squier's music features a blend of rock and pop elements, contributing to his reputation as a prominent figure in the genre. Influenced many artists with a distinctive guitar style and songwriting.
Continue ReadingJesús 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 ReadingEleftheria Eleftheriou
Singer and musician, represented Cyprus
Born
May 12th, 1989 36 years ago
Born in 1989, a Greek Cypriot singer and musician, gained recognition after representing Cyprus in the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 with the song 'Aphrodisiac'. She began her music career at a young age and has released several singles and albums reflecting her musical versatility. In addition to her singing career, Eleftheriou has also appeared in theatre productions, showcasing her talents as an actress. Her contribution to the music scene in Cyprus and participation in international competitions highlights her artistic endeavors.
Continue ReadingYogi Berra
Baseball player and coach with 10 titles
Born
May 12th, 1925 100 years ago
Died
September 22nd, 2015 10 years ago — 90 years old
Played as a catcher for the New York Yankees from 1946 to 1963. Contributed to 10 World Series championships, establishing a record for the most titles by a player. Served as a coach and manager in Major League Baseball after retirement. Additionally, became a cultural icon with famous quotations and a distinct personality, making appearances in various media throughout his life.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on April 9th
Yevgeniya Rudneva
Ukrainian lieutenant and pilot
Born
December 24th, 1920 105 years ago
Died
April 9th, 1944 81 years ago — 23 years old
Served as a lieutenant in the Soviet Air Force during World War II. Rudneva flew combat missions and contributed to the defense of her country. She achieved significant success as a pilot, leading to her recognition within the military. Her service ended when she was killed in action in 1944.
Continue ReadingGeorge Carpenter
Australian General of The Salvation Army
Born
June 20th, 1872 153 years ago
Died
April 9th, 1948 77 years ago — 75 years old
Served as the 5th General of The Salvation Army from 1939 until 1946. Provided leadership during the turbulent years of World War II and worked to expand the organization's reach and influence. Focused on social work initiatives and international outreach, underlining a commitment to service while navigating the challenges of global conflict. Influenced the Army's theological direction and administrative structure, enhancing operational effectiveness.
Continue ReadingMalcolm Thomas
Welsh rugby player and cricketer
Born
November 8th, 1988 37 years ago
Died
April 9th, 2012 13 years ago — 23 years old
A Welsh athlete excelled in both rugby and cricket. Played rugby union for Cardiff RFC and represented Wales at the international level in the 1950s. Had a successful cricket career, participating in first-class matches for Glamorgan County Cricket Club. Demonstrated versatility across both sports, contributing to teams in significant competitions.
Continue ReadingSidney Lumet
Film director with multiple acclaimed movies
Born
June 25th, 1924 101 years ago
Died
April 9th, 2011 14 years ago — 86 years old
This director gained prominence for work in film, directing several critically acclaimed movies from the 1950s onwards. Notable for directing '12 Angry Men,' which was nominated for several Academy Awards, and 'Network,' which won four Academy Awards, including Best Screenplay. Other significant films include 'Dog Day Afternoon,' which received multiple nominations, and 'The Verdict,' showcasing strong performances and incisive storytelling. Lumet's filmography reflects a commitment to exploring complex social issues and character-driven narratives, earning recognition as a key figure in American cinema.
Continue ReadingMargaret Rule
Marine Archaeologist and Titanic Researcher
Born
September 27th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
April 9th, 2015 10 years ago — 86 years old
A British marine archaeologist specialized in underwater archaeology. Conducted significant research on the wreck of the Titanic and led the exploration of various shipwrecks around the British coastline. Contributed to the understanding of historical maritime activities through innovative methods in surveying and excavation. Played a crucial role in promoting the preservation of underwater cultural heritage, influencing policies and practices in marine archaeology.
Continue ReadingJohn Clarke
Comedian and satirist from New Zealand
Born
July 29th, 1948 77 years ago
Died
April 9th, 2017 8 years ago — 68 years old
A prominent comedian and writer, this individual gained recognition for sharp political satire and humor. In Australia, collaborations included work with the ABC network, notably in the series 'Clarke & Dawe', which featured satirical interviews reflecting current events. A proficient writer, contributions to television and radio showcased wit and insight into political and social issues. Also, authored books that further exemplified comedic narrative. This comedian's style combined clever language with astute observations, resonating with audiences across both New Zealand and Australia until 2017.
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