Douglas Fairbanks Jr.

Actor and producer; The Great Ziegfeld

Douglas Fairbanks Jr. - Performers & Entertainers born December 9th, 1909
Born
Died
Category

Performers & Entertainers

Country

United States

Links & References

An American actor and producer who emerged in the film industry during the early 20th century. Gained recognition for performances in silent films and transitioned successfully into talkies. Notable roles included titles in 'The Great Ziegfeld' and 'The Prisoner of Zenda'. Served in the United States Navy during World War II. Later worked as a producer, contributing to various theatrical productions and films.

Starred in 'The Great Ziegfeld' (1936)

Portrayed key roles in 'The Prisoner of Zenda' (1937)

Produced various films and theater productions

Other People Born on December 9th

John Cassavetes

Actor, director, and screenwriter
Born
December 9th, 1929 96 years ago
Died
February 3rd, 1989 37 years ago — 59 years old

An American actor, director, and screenwriter contributed significantly to independent cinema. Directed several influential films, including 'Shadows', 'Faces', and 'A Woman Under the Influence'. Established a distinctive style that emphasized character-driven narratives and naturalistic performances. Claimed several accolades, including the Independent Spirit Award for Best Director. Worked with prominent actors such as Gena Rowlands, his wife, in many key projects. Helped shape the New Hollywood movement, influencing a generation of filmmakers.

Continue Reading

John Dobson

Astronomer and author of telescope design
Born
December 9th, 1787 238 years ago
Died
January 15th, 2014 12 years ago — 226 years old

A Chinese-American astronomer focused on promoting amateur astronomy and public outreach. Developed the Dobsonian telescope, which simplified telescope design and construction for amateur astronomers. Founded the San Francisco Sidewalk Astronomers, making stargazing accessible to the public, and encouraged the use of telescopes for recreational astronomy. Authored several books on the subject of astronomy, contributing to the education of many enthusiasts in the field.

Continue Reading

Émile Waldteufel

French composer of waltzes and operettas
Born
December 9th, 1837 188 years ago
Died
February 12th, 1915 111 years ago — 77 years old

A pianist and conductor from France, celebrated for composing a variety of waltzes and operettas during the late 19th century. Waldteufel gained prominence with works that blended catchy melodies and light orchestration. His most famous piece, "Les Patineurs," made a significant mark in the world of light classical music and continues to be widely performed today. He served as the conductor for several prominent orchestras and became a respected figure in the Paris musical scene, collaborating with various notable artists and organizations. His contributions to the waltz genre cemented his place in music history.

Continue Reading

Kirsten Gillibrand

American politician and U.S. senator
Born
December 9th, 1966 59 years ago

Elected to the United States Senate in 2009, served as a representative for New York. Advocated for women's rights, military reform, and health care issues. Played a significant role in the Senate committees on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, and Armed Services. Previously served in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing New York's 20th congressional district. Appointed to fill the vacancy left by Hillary Clinton, completed the full term and was re-elected multiple times.

Continue Reading

Donald Byrd

Trumpet player and jazz bandleader
Born
December 9th, 1932 93 years ago
Died
February 4th, 2013 13 years ago — 80 years old

A prominent figure in jazz music, this trumpet player emerged in the 1950s and contributed significantly to the genre. Active from the bebop era, collaborated with numerous artists and bands, showcasing a unique style that blended hard bop with elements of funk and soul. Recorded numerous albums throughout a prolific career, with 'A New Perspective' being one of the notable works. Served as a professor at various institutions, influencing future generations of musicians. Continued to perform until the later years of life, maintaining a presence in the jazz community until passing in 2013.

Continue Reading

James Rainwater

Physicist, Nobel Prize laureate
Born
December 9th, 1917 108 years ago
Died
May 31st, 1986 40 years ago — 68 years old

A prominent physicist and academic, contributions included advancements in nuclear physics. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1975 for research on the structure of nuclei. Worked at Columbia University, influencing generations of students and furthering the field of physics through both teaching and research.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on May 7th

Richard Carleton

Australian journalist and news presenter
Born
July 11th, 1943 83 years ago
Died
May 7th, 2006 20 years ago — 62 years old

A distinguished journalist, primarily involved in Australian television journalism. Carleton served as a prominent news presenter for the Nine Network, contributing to the reputation of the network in the 1970s and 1980s. He conducted notable interviews and reported on significant events across Australia and internationally. Carleton was also recognized for his work with the current affairs program '60 Minutes', where investigative journalism played a central role in his reports. His career spanned over three decades, during which he earned various awards for journalistic excellence.

Continue Reading

Ray McKinley

American singer and bandleader
Born
June 18th, 1910 116 years ago
Died
May 7th, 1995 31 years ago — 84 years old

Born in 1910, a prominent singer, drummer, and bandleader, gained recognition in the big band era. Worked with several notable orchestras, including the Benny Goodman Orchestra, where contributions as a drummer and vocalist were significant. Formed own band, leading to success in the 1940s and 1950s. Transitioned into television and radio, hosting programs that showcased musical talent. Received acclaim for musical talents and arrangements, particularly during the swing era.

Continue Reading

Colin Blakely

Northern Irish actor in film and theater
Born
September 23rd, 1930 95 years ago
Died
May 7th, 1987 39 years ago — 56 years old

An accomplished actor, this individual gained recognition for work in both film and theater. Significant performances included roles in 'The Lion in Winter,' 'The Omen,' and the television series 'The Avengers.' Through theater performances, they showcased talent in productions such as 'Waiting for Godot' and various Shakespearean plays. Career spanned several decades, contributing to the arts in various capacities.

Continue Reading

Bajo Pivljanin

Military leader and commander in battles
Born
1630 396 years ago
Died
May 7th, 1685 341 years ago — 55 years old

Served as a prominent military leader in the late 17th century. Pivljanin was involved in the defense of the Habsburg Monarchy against Ottoman incursions. Commanded troops during various campaigns in the Balkans, gaining recognition for strategic military engagements and leadership. His efforts contributed to the regional power struggles of the time, particularly in the context of the Great Turkish War.

Continue Reading

Caspar David Friedrich

German Romantic landscape painter
Born
September 5th, 1774 251 years ago
Died
May 7th, 1840 186 years ago — 65 years old

A prominent German painter, primarily associated with the Romantic movement, became renowned for his evocative and melancholic landscapes. His works often depicted the interplay between nature and human emotion, emphasizing themes of solitude and transcendence. Major paintings include 'The Wanderer above the Sea of Fog,' 'The Abbey in the Oakwood,' and 'Moonrise over the Sea.' Friedrich also worked as an etcher, creating detailed prints that complemented his painting practice, further advancing his artistic career.

Continue Reading

William Buell Sprague

American minister and historian
Born
October 16th, 1795 230 years ago
Died
May 7th, 1876 150 years ago — 80 years old

A prominent American minister and historian, contributed significantly to religious literature and historical understanding of the Presbyterian Church. Authored several influential works, including 'Annals of the American Pulpit', which documented the lives and contributions of notable preachers in America. Held the position of pastor in various congregations and served as a landmark figure in forming historical narratives within a religious context. Engaged in the promotion of social issues relevant to the church during his era.

Continue Reading