Émile Waldteufel
French composer of waltzes and operettas
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.
Composed the waltz 'Les Patineurs'
Conducted for prominent orchestras in Paris
Published over 200 compositions
Other People Born on December 9th
Hikaru Nakamura
Chess Grandmaster and Twitch streamer
Born
December 9th, 1987 38 years ago
A chess Grandmaster, this individual achieved significant success in rapid and blitz chess formats. Victory in the 2015 U.S. Championship earned third title, followed by numerous appearances in international tournaments. Transitioned to online platforms, gaining popularity as a Twitch streamer and promoting chess through engaging content. Contributed to the growth of chess among younger audiences through innovative online play and educational streams.
Continue ReadingMat Latos
Baseball pitcher with All-Star selection
Born
December 9th, 1987 38 years ago
Drafted in 2006, played professionally in Major League Baseball. Teams included the San Diego Padres, Cincinnati Reds, and Miami Marlins. Achieved an All-Star selection in 2010 while with the Padres, recognized for his pitching skills. Contributed to the Reds’ postseason in 2012, showcasing a strong performance during the playoffs. Had a notable career with several victories and a respectable earned run average.
Continue ReadingEric Bledsoe
Professional basketball player, NBA
Born
December 9th, 1989 36 years ago
A professional basketball player, primarily played as a point guard. Spent significant time in the NBA with the Los Angeles Clippers, Phoenix Suns, and Milwaukee Bucks. Contributed to the Bucks' victory in the 2021 NBA Championship. Known for strong defensive skills and solid scoring ability. Played college basketball at the University of Kentucky.
Continue ReadingLangston Galloway
Professional basketball player; NBA career
Born
December 9th, 1991 34 years ago
Born in 1991, a professional basketball player played in the NBA, primarily as a shooting guard. Played college basketball at Saint Joseph's University, where contributed to a successful team, achieving a notable performance during the NCAA tournament. Transitioned to professional basketball, signing with the NBA's New York Knicks after being undrafted in 2014. Eventually played for several teams, including the Detroit Pistons and Sacramento Kings, showcasing consistent skills in shooting and scoring. In addition to NBA play, also participated in international leagues to further his career.
Continue ReadingKyle Connor
Ice hockey player, Winnipeg Jets forward
Born
December 9th, 1996 29 years ago
An American ice hockey player spent significant time as a forward for the Winnipeg Jets in the National Hockey League (NHL). After being drafted 17th overall in the 2015 NHL Draft, achieved notable success in his rookie season. Contributed to the Jets' playoff runs, making a strong impact in postseason competitions. Achieved career milestones, including multiple 30-goal seasons and showcasing exceptional scoring ability.
Continue ReadingElmer Booth
American actor in silent films
Born
December 9th, 1882 143 years ago
Died
1915 110 years ago — 33 years old
Active during the silent film era, a notable actor appeared in numerous productions that showcased his talent. Best recognized for performances in films such as 'The Sea Beast' and 'The Silent Lover'. Gained prominence through work in the early 20th century, contributing to the evolution of cinematic storytelling at that time.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on February 12th
Jodocus Hondius
Flemish cartographer and globe maker
Born
October 14th, 1563 462 years ago
Died
February 12th, 1612 413 years ago — 48 years old
Born in the late 16th century, a Flemish cartographer contributed significantly to mapmaking. Established a printing office in Amsterdam, specializing in geometrical maps. Produced several world maps and atlases, most notably the 'Atlas Minor,' which enjoyed widespread distribution. Employed innovative engraving techniques, leading to detailed and accurate representations of geography. His work facilitated navigation and knowledge of the world during the European Age of Exploration, influencing cartography for future generations.
Continue ReadingCharles M. Schulz
American cartoonist, created Peanuts
Born
November 26th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
February 12th, 2000 25 years ago — 77 years old
An American cartoonist developed the beloved comic strip Peanuts, which featured characters such as Charlie Brown and Snoopy. This strip, running from 1950 to 2000, became a cultural phenomenon, influencing generations and contributing to the popularity of comic strips in newspapers. The characters portrayed relatable human emotions and experiences, resonating with readers worldwide. Schulz's unique style and storytelling earned him widespread recognition in the comics industry and beyond. His work has been adapted into numerous animated specials and feature-length films, ensuring the legacy of Peanuts continued well after the strip's conclusion. The comic strip's impact on popular culture and the comic art form remains significant, with various remakes and merchandise showcasing its enduring appeal.
Continue ReadingSal Mineo
American actor and Oscar nominee
Born
January 10th, 1939 86 years ago
Died
February 12th, 1976 49 years ago — 37 years old
An actor emerged as a prominent figure in the 1950s, gaining recognition for performances in film and theater. Achieved wide acclaim for the role of John 'Plato' Cooper in the iconic film 'Rebel Without a Cause' opposite James Dean. Received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in 'Porgy and Bess'. Also starred in various television shows, showcasing versatility in performances. Continued to work in theater and film throughout the 1960s.
Continue ReadingSattam bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
Saudi prince and government official
Born
January 21st, 1941 84 years ago
Died
February 12th, 2013 12 years ago — 72 years old
Held various positions within the Saudi Arabian government, Sattam bin Abdulaziz Al Saud served as the governor of the Riyadh Province for several years. Contributed to the development and modernization of the region. Engaged in numerous initiatives aimed at improving public services and infrastructure during his tenure. Participated in regional politics and governance as part of the Saudi royal family.
Continue ReadingAdolf Frederick
King of Sweden
Born
May 14th, 1710 315 years ago
Died
February 12th, 1771 254 years ago — 60 years old
Ruled as King of Sweden from 1751 until death in 1771. The reign included efforts to balance power among the monarchy, nobility, and bourgeoisie. Aimed for a neutral foreign policy to preserve Sweden’s autonomy. Celebrated for a focus on domestic stability and economic reforms, which contributed to a stronger central government. Notable for abolishing certain taxes and introducing state-controlled monopolies for trade.
Continue ReadingSteve Strange
Welsh singer and band frontman
Born
1959 66 years ago
Died
February 12th, 2015 10 years ago — 56 years old
This singer gained prominence as the frontman of the synth-pop band Visage, which formed in the early 1980s. The band achieved commercial success with the iconic single 'Fade to Grey', released in 1980, which became a significant hit in several countries. In addition to his work with Visage, he was influential in the New Romantic movement and contributed to the music scene through various collaborations and performances. After the initial success of Visage, he also worked on solo projects and collaborated with other artists throughout his career. He continued to be active in the music industry until his later years.
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