F. W. Murnau
Silent Film Director and 'Nosferatu' Creator
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
Tomáš Jurčo
Slovak ice hockey player, Stanley Cup champion
Born
December 28th, 1992 32 years ago
Played as a right winger and contributed to the NHL with the Detroit Red Wings and the Chicago Blackhawks. Achieved significant milestones during the career, including participation in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Competed internationally for Slovakia in several tournaments, showcasing skills on the global stage.
Continue ReadingThomas Henderson
Scottish astronomer and mathematician
Born
December 28th, 1798 226 years ago
Died
November 23rd, 1844 181 years ago — 45 years old
Contributions to astronomy included the measurement of stellar parallax. First to determine the distance to a star through this method, leading to advancements in astrophysics. Published significant works on celestial mechanics and contributed to the understanding of star positions. Held the position of Astronomer Royal for Scotland, where major observations took place.
Continue ReadingLinus Torvalds
Computer Programmer, Developer of Linux
Born
December 28th, 1969 55 years ago
Born in Finland, a computer programmer developed the Linux kernel, an open-source operating system that has become foundational in the computing world. In 1991, released the first version of the Linux kernel, initiating a significant evolution in software development. The project has attracted contributions from thousands of developers worldwide and has been widely adopted by organizations, corporations, and individual users alike. In addition to the Linux kernel, involvement in the Git version control system further established a reputation as a key figure in software engineering.
Continue ReadingAndré Holland
Actor in 'Moonlight' and 'The Knick'
Born
December 28th, 1979 45 years ago
Born in 1979, an American actor gained recognition for roles in film and television. Achievements include starring in the Academy Award-winning film 'Moonlight' as Kevin, and playing Dr. Algernon Edwards in the acclaimed series 'The Knick'. Training in theatre led to a successful career on stage as well. Holland's performances encompass a range of genres, illustrating versatility and dedication to the craft.
Continue ReadingDuane Solomon
American middle-distance runner
Born
December 28th, 1984 40 years ago
Specialized in middle-distance running events, particularly the 800 meters. Competed at the international level, including representing the United States at the World Championships. Achieved notable recognition for performances in various championship events and set personal records that highlighted skill and dedication to the sport.
Continue ReadingMartin Milner
American actor in 'Route 66'
Born
December 28th, 1931 93 years ago
Died
September 6th, 2015 10 years ago — 83 years old
An actor became recognized through a prominent role in the television series 'Route 66', which aired from 1960 to 1964. The series followed two young men traveling across the United States in a convertible, exploring various parts of the country. Another significant role was in the police drama 'Adam-12', which depicted the daily activities of two police officers in Los Angeles. This series ran from 1968 to 1975 and contributed to the portrayal of law enforcement on television. Milner's career spanned several decades, encompassing film, television, and stage performances, showcasing a range of character roles throughout his work.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on March 11th
Sir James Outram
English general and military leader
Born
1803 222 years ago
Died
March 11th, 1863 162 years ago — 60 years old
Served as a British general during the 19th century. Participated in several military campaigns including the First Anglo-Afghan War, where significant actions took place in Afghanistan. Played key roles in the Second Sikh War and particularly noted for leadership at the Battle of Gujrat. Received the title of Baronet for military services.
Continue ReadingDoreen Massey
Geographer and political activist
Born
January 3rd, 1944 81 years ago
Died
March 11th, 2016 9 years ago — 72 years old
Significant contributions to human geography included work on space, place, and power dynamics. Advocated for a relational understanding of how social and spatial processes interact. Engaged in political activism, focusing on social justice and community issues. Served as a professor at the Open University and published several influential books.
Continue ReadingErle Stanley Gardner
American lawyer and author of Perry Mason
Born
July 17th, 1889 136 years ago
Died
March 11th, 1970 55 years ago — 80 years old
Practiced law while writing pulp fiction. Created the character Perry Mason, a defense attorney appearing in a series of detective novels. The character became the basis for a successful television series. Also wrote under various pseudonyms and produced numerous other works, including thrillers and mysteries. Garnered popularity for courtroom drama and intricate plots.
Continue ReadingWhitney 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 ReadingJames 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 ReadingJames B. Morehead
American Colonel and Pilot
Born
1916 109 years ago
Died
March 11th, 2012 13 years ago — 96 years old
Served as a colonel in the United States military, contributing to various aviation missions. Engaged in military operations during significant conflicts. Actively participated in the development and execution of air strategies while maintaining a prominent presence in aviation circles.
Continue Reading