Darren Aronofsky
Film director of 'Black Swan'
A prominent filmmaker, work includes feature films and documentaries. Gained significant attention with the psychological thriller 'Black Swan', which received five Academy Award nominations. Other notable projects include 'Requiem for a Dream', a harrowing look at addiction, and 'The Wrestler', which explores the life of a fading professional wrestler. 'Mother!' pushed narrative boundaries, drawing mixed reactions for its abstract themes. Emphasizes intense character studies and visual storytelling.
Directed 'Black Swan', winning an Oscar
Directed 'The Wrestler', gaining acclaim
Directed 'Requiem for a Dream', cult status
Other People Born on February 12th
Lorne Greene
Actor in Bonanza and Battlestar Galactica
Born
February 12th, 1915 110 years ago
Died
September 11th, 1987 38 years ago — 72 years old
Born in 1915, a Canadian-American actor gained prominence through roles in television and film. Best remembered for portraying Ben Cartwright in the long-running western television series Bonanza, which aired from 1959 to 1973. Later starred as Commander Adama in the science fiction series Battlestar Galactica, which debuted in 1978. The deep, resonant voice became an iconic feature, leading to additional narration work in various documentaries and programs. Contributed to the entertainment industry as a producer and director over a career spanning more than five decades.
Continue ReadingAbraham Lincoln
16th President of the United States
Born
February 12th, 1809 216 years ago
Died
April 15th, 1865 160 years ago — 56 years old
Served as the 16th President of the United States from 1861 to 1865. Guided the nation through its Civil War, leading to the preservation of the Union. Issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, which began the process of freedom for America's slaves. Delivered the Gettysburg Address in 1863, emphasizing national unity and the principles of liberty and equality. Assassinated in 1865, leaving a legacy as one of the most significant leaders in American history.
Continue ReadingDom DiMaggio
Baseball player and All-Star center fielder
Born
February 12th, 1917 108 years ago
Died
May 8th, 2009 16 years ago — 92 years old
Played professional baseball as a center fielder from 1939 to 1953. Spent the majority of his career with the Boston Red Sox. Achieved All-Star status three times and was a key contributor to the team's success during his tenure. After retirement, contributed to baseball as a coach and front office executive.
Continue ReadingFranco Zeffirelli
Italian director and producer of film
Born
February 12th, 1923 102 years ago
Died
June 15th, 2019 6 years ago — 96 years old
Directed and produced films and operas, focusing on Shakespearean adaptations and classic literature. Notable works include the film adaptation of 'Romeo and Juliet' (1968) and 'Hamlet' (1990). Founded a production company, Zeffirelli Productions, to oversee his projects. Served as a member of the Italian Parliament and held a significant role in the cultural scene of Italy. Created various acclaimed operatic productions, notably for La Scala in Milan.
Continue ReadingJulius Streicher
German publisher of Der Stürmer
Born
February 12th, 1885 140 years ago
Died
1946 80 years ago — 61 years old
A prominent German publisher, founded and edited the anti-Semitic newspaper Der Stürmer. Actively participated in the Nazi Party, promoting its ideology through print media. Streicher was a key figure in disseminating propaganda that fostered anti-Semitic sentiments in Germany during the 1930s and 1940s. The newspaper played a significant role in shaping public perception and attitudes towards Jews leading up to and during World War II.
Continue ReadingCharles Pinot Duclos
French author and playwright
Born
February 12th, 1704 321 years ago
Died
March 26th, 1772 253 years ago — 68 years old
Famed for contributions to literary criticism and narrative prose, this author published works that reflected on society in the 18th century. Some writings offered keen observations of the cultural and philosophical trends of the time. His essays and commentaries often engaged with the ideas of the Enlightenment, addressing themes of morality and human behavior. The text "The History of the French Literature" became a significant publication that influenced understanding of literary criticism during that period.
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