F. W. Murnau

Silent Film Director and 'Nosferatu' Creator

F. W. Murnau - Silent Film Director and 'Nosferatu' Creator
Born

December 28th, 1888
136 years ago

Died

March 11th, 1931
94 years ago — 42 years old

Category

Artists & Creatives

Country

Germany

Links & References

Born in Germany and later became a naturalized American, the individual was a groundbreaking filmmaker during the silent film era. Renowned for innovative techniques in cinematography and storytelling, this director significantly influenced the horror genre with the film 'Nosferatu' in 1922. Other notable works include 'Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans', which received critical acclaim and won an Academy Award for Best Unique and Artistic Picture. Murnau's collaboration with prominent actors and his unique visual style left a lasting legacy in film history. His career, although cut short by an untimely death, established a foundation for future filmmakers in both Germany and Hollywood.

Directed 'Nosferatu', the first vampire film

Won an Academy Award for 'Sunrise'

Other People Born on December 28th

Patrick Rafter

Tennis player and US Open champion
Born
December 28th, 1972 52 years ago

Achieved recognition as a professional tennis player with a career-high singles ranking of World No. 1. Excelled in Grand Slam tournaments, winning the US Open twice in 1997 and 1998. Known for an effective serve-and-volley style and competitive spirit on the court. Transitioned into a modeling career and made appearances in various promotional events after retiring from tennis.

Continue Reading

Liu Xiaobo

Chinese author and Nobel Peace Prize laureate
Born
December 28th, 1955 69 years ago
Died
July 13th, 2017 8 years ago — 61 years old

An author, academic, and activist, contributed to debates on democracy and human rights in China. Played a significant role in the pro-democracy movement during the Tiananmen Square protests. Authored numerous essays advocating for political reform and freedom of expression. Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2010 while imprisoned for his activism. His writings focused on the need for reform and respect for human rights in China, garnering international attention.

Continue Reading

Philip Anschutz

Businessman and entertainment mogul
Born
December 28th, 1939 85 years ago

Founded Anschutz Entertainment Group, a prominent sports and entertainment company. The group operates major venues including the Staples Center in Los Angeles and owns sports teams such as the LA Kings in the NHL and the Denver Nuggets in the NBA. Pursued various investment opportunities across different sectors including telecommunications and real estate. Engaged in philanthropy, particularly in the areas of education, and has supported numerous cultural efforts through the Anschutz Foundation.

Continue Reading

John Legend

Singer-songwriter and actor from 'La La Land'
Born
December 28th, 1978 46 years ago

A singer-songwriter, pianist, and actor achieved widespread recognition through a blend of musical talent and charismatic stage presence. His work includes contributions to various genres, notably R&B and pop. Won multiple Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year for 'Get Lifted'. Gained prominence for collaborations with other artists and his role in the film 'La La Land', which received critical acclaim. In addition to music, became involved in philanthropic initiatives, particularly focusing on education reform.

Continue Reading

Johnny Otis

American singer-songwriter and producer
Born
December 28th, 1921 103 years ago
Died
January 17th, 2012 13 years ago — 90 years old

A significant figure in the rhythm and blues genre, this individual also played a major role in the development of the music scene in Los Angeles. He hosted 'The Johnny Otis Show,' a popular television program that spotlighted various artists. As a musician, he blended different styles and was influential in introducing new talent. His production work helped shape the careers of several prominent artists in the R&B and rock genres during the mid-20th century.

Continue Reading

Rob Niedermayer

Ice hockey player and Stanley Cup champion
Born
December 28th, 1974 50 years ago

A Canadian ice hockey player played as a center in the National Hockey League (NHL) from 1993 to 2012. Drafted in 1993 by the New Jersey Devils, achieved considerable success with the team, winning the Stanley Cup in 2000. Also played for the Anaheim Ducks, where reached the Stanley Cup Finals in 2003. Other teams included the Florida Panthers, and the Calgary Flames, contributing to a career that spanned two decades in professional hockey. Retired having accumulated over 100 goals and 200 assists in the NHL, showcasing a steady presence in the league.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on March 11th

Philo Farnsworth

Television inventor and pioneer
Born
August 19th, 1906 119 years ago
Died
March 11th, 1971 54 years ago — 64 years old

An inventor and television pioneer, significantly contributed to the development of electronic television. Developed the first working television system, which included the fully electronic method of scanning and transmitting images. Conducted several important experiments that led to the invention of the cathode ray tube technology used in early television sets. Established a significant patent battle over television against RCA.

Continue Reading

Karl Lehmann

German cardinal and theologian
Born
May 16th, 1936 89 years ago
Died
March 11th, 2018 7 years ago — 81 years old

Served as a cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church and held the position of Bishop of Mainz from 1983 to 2016. Actively engaged in ecumenical dialogue and was involved in various church councils, including the Synod of Bishops. Contributed to theological discussions and addressed social issues within the church. Participated in the papal conclave that elected Pope Francis in 2013.

Continue Reading

James Tobin

Economist and Nobel Prize winner
Born
March 5th, 1918 107 years ago
Died
March 11th, 2002 23 years ago — 84 years old

An American economist and academic who contributed significantly to the field of economics, particularly in the areas of investment theory and monetary policy. Tobin developed the Tobin Tax, a proposed tax on financial transactions aimed at reducing speculation. He served on the faculty at Yale University and held various prestigious positions, including President of the American Economic Association. His scholarly work led to the formulation of the Tobin's Q theory, which describes the relationship between market value and replacement costs of assets. Tobin received the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 1981 for his analysis of financial markets and their relations to real investment.

Continue Reading

Pierre Renoir

French actor and director with notable films
Born
March 21st, 1885 140 years ago
Died
March 11th, 1952 73 years ago — 66 years old

An actor and director, contributed significantly to French cinema. Directed several films during the early to mid-20th century. Acted in notable works such as 'La Fille de l'eau' and 'Les Déracinés'. His filmography showcased a range of genres and narratives, reflecting the cinematic trends of the time. Involved in the cinematographic society and collaborated with various filmmakers, adding depth to the art of film in France.

Continue Reading

Whitney Young

American civil rights activist
Born
July 31st, 1921 104 years ago
Died
March 11th, 1971 54 years ago — 49 years old

A prominent civil rights leader, played a crucial role in advancing social justice and equality through the Urban League. Focused on expanding economic opportunities for African Americans, emphasized the importance of economic empowerment as a means to achieve civil rights. Worked closely with various organizations and governmental entities to influence policy. Made significant efforts in desegregating schools and workplaces, advocating for fair housing and employment practices. His leadership in the civil rights movement contributed to legislative advancements.

Continue Reading

Giovanni Maria Nanino

Italian composer of sacred music
Born
1543 482 years ago
Died
March 11th, 1607 418 years ago — 64 years old

This individual served as a prominent composer of sacred music during the late Renaissance. Active primarily in Rome, he contributed significantly to the development of the Roman school of music. His compositions include a variety of motets and masses. Educating many future composers, he influenced the sacred music tradition. His work is characterized by its intricate counterpoint and melodic lines, showcasing the stylistic transitions occurring in the era.

Continue Reading