Douglas Fairbanks

Actor, producer, director, and screenwriter

Douglas Fairbanks - Actor, producer, director, and screenwriter
Born

May 23rd, 1883
141 years ago

Died

December 12th, 1939
85 years ago — 56 years old

Category

Performers & Entertainers

Country

United States

Links & References

An American actor, director, producer, and screenwriter significantly influenced the early film industry. Starred in silent films and became a major box office draw during the 1910s and 1920s. Co-founded United Artists, which allowed creators to maintain control over their work. Pioneered the swashbuckler genre, capturing audiences with iconic roles in films such as 'The Mark of Zorro' and 'The Three Musketeers'.

Starred in 'The Mark of Zorro'

Co-founded United Artists

Starred in 'The Three Musketeers'

Other People Born on May 23rd

Theofanis Gekas

Footballer and Greece national team striker
Born
May 23rd, 1980 44 years ago

Played primarily as a forward throughout a career that spanned many clubs. Gekas began professional play with Ionikos and later moved to other teams like AEK Athens, Panathinaikos, and Bayer Leverkusen. Achieved notable success with the Greece national team, contributing to their victory in the UEFA Euro 2004. Gekas was known for his goal-scoring ability and won the Super League Greece Golden Boot. Retired from international football after earning over 60 caps.

Continue Reading

Sam Timmins

New Zealand Basketball Player
Born
May 23rd, 1997 27 years ago

Participated in the National Basketball League, playing for the Canterbury Rams. Contributed to the team's performance during the 2018 NBL season. Represented New Zealand in international competitions, including the Under-19 World Championship. Played college basketball at the University of Washington, where he developed skills that enhanced his professional career.

Continue Reading

Ruth Fernández

Puerto Rican contralto and senator
Born
May 23rd, 1919 105 years ago
Died
2012 13 years ago — 93 years old

A prominent contralto and political figure, contributions spanned the arts and governance in Puerto Rico. Achieved recognition as a leading performer in the 1940s and 1950s, showcasing talent in significant operatic roles. Engaged in politics, serving in the Puerto Rican Senate, advancing cultural and social causes. Advocated for education and the arts during legislative tenure, influencing policies that supported artistic development in the region.

Continue Reading

John Payne

Actor known for 'Miracle on 34th Street'
Born
May 23rd, 1912 112 years ago
Died
December 6th, 1989 35 years ago — 77 years old

An American actor achieved prominence in film during the 1940s and 1950s. Gained recognition for performances in various genres, including musicals and dramas. Starred in the classic holiday film 'Miracle on 34th Street' as Fred Gailey. Also led in the film 'Section 8' and appeared in numerous television series throughout the 1960s.

Continue Reading

Ruth Metzler

Swiss lawyer and politician
Born
May 23rd, 1964 60 years ago

Born in 1964, a prominent figure in Swiss politics and law, this individual served as a member of the Federal Council from 1999 to 2003, representing the Christian Democratic People's Party. Responsibilities included overseeing the Federal Department of Justice and Police. During tenure, focused on reforming asylum policy and enhancing legal frameworks for security and crime prevention. Advocated for women's rights and family policies within the political landscape of Switzerland.

Continue Reading

Myriam Boyer

French actress and film director
Born
May 23rd, 1948 76 years ago

An accomplished actress and director, contributions to French cinema have spanned several decades. Started acting in the late 1960s and gained recognition for performances in films such as 'La Femme de ma vie' and 'L'École de la sexualité'. Directed projects showcasing a range of themes and genres, establishing a notable presence in the film industry. Also recognized for work in television, appearing in series that highlighted her versatility.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on December 12th

Johann Christoph Gottsched

German author and literary critic
Born
February 2nd, 1700 325 years ago
Died
December 12th, 1766 258 years ago — 66 years old

A prominent figure in 18th-century German literature, engaged in literary criticism and drama. Played a significant role in the development of German theatrical forms and the promotion of Enlightenment ideals. Contributed to the establishment of a literary language that emphasized clarity and reason. His advocacy for the integration of French classical drama into German literature influenced the direction of theatrical writing in the region. Served as a professor and established a literary society that helped cultivate new literary talents.

Continue Reading

Menelik II

Ethiopian emperor during the Battle of Adwa
Born
1844 181 years ago
Died
December 12th, 1913 111 years ago — 69 years old

Ascended to the throne in 1889, held the title of Emperor of Ethiopia and played a pivotal role in modernizing the country. Fought against Italian colonization, leading Ethiopian forces to a decisive victory at the Battle of Adwa in 1896, which secured Ethiopian sovereignty. Focused on expanding Ethiopian territory and implementing reforms in governance and infrastructure, including the construction of roads and railways. His reign marked a significant period in Ethiopian history, characterized by territorial consolidation and diplomatic engagement with European powers.

Continue Reading

Ardito Desio

Geologist and cartographer of Italy
Born
April 18th, 1897 127 years ago
Died
December 12th, 2001 23 years ago — 104 years old

An Italian geologist and cartographer contributed extensively to the mapping and geological study of various regions. Worked on the Italian Geological Survey and participated in agricultural and geological research projects. Developed a significant interest in Alpine geology. Conducted field work in the Himalayas and Karakoram, contributing to the understanding of mountain ranges. Published numerous scientific papers and maps, including notable work on the geology of Mount Everest and the Karakoram. Participated in the Italian expedition to Everest in 1954, conducting geological and topographical research.

Continue Reading

César Basa

Filipino lieutenant and pilot
Born
1915 110 years ago
Died
December 12th, 1941 83 years ago — 26 years old

Served as a lieutenant and pilot in the Philippine Army Air Corps. Played a key role during the early stages of World War II in the Philippines. Assigned to the 3rd Pursuit Squadron and participated in defense efforts against Japanese forces. Demonstrated leadership and skill in aerial operations until death in combat in December 1941.

Continue Reading

Viktor Bunyakovsky

Mathematician and academic figure
Born
December 16th, 1804 220 years ago
Died
December 12th, 1889 135 years ago — 84 years old

Contributions included significant advancements in the field of mathematical analysis. Developed the Bunyakovsky inequality, which plays a crucial role in various branches of mathematics. Held a position at the University of Saint Petersburg. Published works that explored number theory and inequalities, influencing future research and education in mathematics.

Continue Reading

Annette Stroyberg

Danish actress in 'La Religieuse'
Born
1936 89 years ago
Died
December 12th, 2005 19 years ago — 69 years old

An accomplished actress, starred in several films throughout the mid-20th century. Gained recognition for roles in movies including 'La Religieuse' and 'Les Biches'. Collaborated with noted filmmakers and appeared in productions that contributed to the cinematic landscape of the period. Her work encompassed a range of genres, showcasing a skillful portrayal of complex characters. This actress remained active in the film industry until later in life.

Continue Reading