Douglas Fairbanks

Actor, producer, director, and screenwriter

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

May 23rd, 1883
142 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

Ricardinho

Brazilian footballer and manager
Born
May 23rd, 1976 49 years ago

A Brazilian footballer and manager, played primarily as a midfielder. Started professional career with Portuguesa in 1994. Later played for various teams including Corinthians and São Paulo FC. Transitioned to management after retirement, taking roles at teams in Brazil and overseas. Known for strategic thinking and leadership on the field and in coaching roles.

Continue Reading

Marcella Mesker

Tennis player and sports commentator
Born
May 23rd, 1959 66 years ago

A professional tennis player achieved significant success in the 1980s. Competed on the WTA Tour and secured two singles titles, reaching a career-high ranking of World No. 17. Participated in all four Grand Slam tournaments, with a best performance at the French Open, reaching the quarterfinals in 1984. Transitioned into sports broadcasting after retirement, providing insights and commentary on tennis events.

Continue Reading

Alicia de Larrocha

Catalan pianist, concerto performer
Born
May 23rd, 1923 102 years ago
Died
September 25th, 2009 15 years ago — 86 years old

Born in Barcelona, a noted pianist gained international recognition for performances of Spanish classical music and interpretations of composers such as Granados and Albéniz. Debuted at the age of five and performed with major orchestras worldwide including the London Symphony Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic. Collaborated with prominent conductors and musicians, receiving accolades for exceptional artistry and technique. Active in teaching and inspiring future generations of pianists.

Continue Reading

Bryan Herta

Race car driver and team co-founder
Born
May 23rd, 1970 55 years ago

An American race car driver and businessman co-founded Bryan Herta Autosport. Competed in various racing series including IndyCar and American Le Mans Series. Achieved significant successes as both a driver and team owner, with a focus on developing young talent in motorsports. Transitioned into managing a racing team after retirement from driving. Contributed to the advancement of racing technology and strategy within the sport.

Continue Reading

Władysław Horodecki

Polish architect famous for buildings
Born
May 23rd, 1863 162 years ago
Died
1930 95 years ago — 67 years old

Born in 1863, this architect significantly influenced Polish architecture during the early 20th century. He designed several prominent buildings in Warsaw, most notably the famous Barbican and the unique tenement houses which showcase Art Nouveau and Modernist styles. His architectural work often featured elaborate decorations and innovatively utilized new materials and technologies of the time. The architect's legacy is reflected in the continued appreciation of his works in contemporary Poland.

Continue Reading

József Rippl-Rónai

Hungarian painter known for modernist works
Born
May 23rd, 1861 164 years ago
Died
1927 98 years ago — 66 years old

A prominent figure in the early 20th-century Hungarian art scene, this painter played a significant role in introducing modernist ideas to Hungary. Traveling to Paris in the 1880s, he immersed in the vibrant art community, developing a unique style that combined impressionism with traditional Hungarian elements. The artist was also a key member of the Nagybánya colony, where he promoted the plein-air painting technique. His works are characterized by bold colors and innovative compositions, often reflecting the influences of both European movements and Hungarian folk art.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on December 12th

Mildred Bailey

American jazz singer and bandleader
Born
February 27th, 1907 118 years ago
Died
December 12th, 1951 73 years ago — 44 years old

Born in 1907, a significant figure in American jazz, achieved acclaim during the 1930s and 1940s. Collaborated with prominent musicians and bands, including the Paul Whiteman Orchestra. Best recognized for a unique voice that blended pop and jazz styles, influencing future generations. Recorded classic songs such as 'Cry Baby' and 'I Can't Give You Anything But Love.' Her contributions helped shape the sound of big band and jazz during a pivotal era in music history.

Continue Reading

Alan Shugart

Engineer and entrepreneur, co-founded Seagate
Born
1930 95 years ago
Died
December 12th, 2006 18 years ago — 76 years old

An engineer and businessman co-founded Seagate Technology, a major company in data storage solutions. Under leadership, Seagate developed technologies significant in the hard disk drive market. Contributions included driving innovation in storage capacity and performance, establishing the company as a leader in the field. Helped in the transition from floppy disks to hard drives, playing a key role in the evolution of personal computing.

Continue Reading

Van Johnson

American film and television actor
Born
August 25th, 1916 108 years ago
Died
December 12th, 2008 16 years ago — 92 years old

This individual was an American actor whose career spanned several decades, particularly during the 1940s and 1950s. Starred in films like 'A Guy Named Joe' and 'The Daring Young Man on the Flying Trapeze', and became a popular figure in the film industry. Transitioned successfully to television, appearing in shows such as 'The Name of the Game' and 'Airport'. His charming on-screen presence and strong performances earned significant recognition during his lifetime.

Continue Reading

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

Audrey Totter

American actress of film noir
Born
December 20th, 1917 107 years ago
Died
December 12th, 2013 11 years ago — 95 years old

Debuted in films in the late 1930s, earning recognition in the film noir genre. Gained popularity for roles in various productions throughout the 1940s and 1950s. Achieved significant success in the films 'The Set-Up' and 'Lady in the Lake'. Transitioned to television in the 1960s, appearing in several series and shows. Continued acting into the late 20th century, maintaining a presence in the entertainment industry until retirement.

Continue Reading

Morris Udall

American politician and congressman
Born
1922 103 years ago
Died
December 12th, 1998 26 years ago — 76 years old

Served as a congressman for Arizona from 1961 to 1991. Played a key role in environmental legislation and was a prominent advocate for the preservation of national parks. Ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1976, gaining national attention for campaign strategies and his political acumen.

Continue Reading