George Roy Hill
American director of 'Butch Cassidy'
Acclaimed director, producer, and screenwriter contributed significantly to American cinema during the 20th century. Major works include classics such as 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid' and 'The Sting', both of which received critical and commercial success. 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid' became a cultural phenomenon, blending humor with action in a Western setting. 'The Sting' showcased an intricate plot with memorable performances and won seven Academy Awards. Hill's work often involved collaboration with notable actors, enhancing the storytelling through engaging character development and direction.
Directed 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid'
Directed 'The Sting'
Other People Born on December 20th
Jorginho
Footballer; UEFA Euro 2020 Champion
Born
December 20th, 1991 34 years ago
A Brazilian footballer, celebrated for playing as a midfielder. Made a significant impact in top leagues in Europe, prominently featuring for Chelsea FC in the Premier League. Contributed to the team's success in securing the UEFA Champions League title in 2021. Played an essential role in Italy's victory at UEFA Euro 2020, showcasing exceptional skills and tactical awareness. Maintained a reputation for precise passing and effective ball control throughout a distinguished career.
Continue ReadingChristian Wilkins
American football player, Pro Bowl selection
Born
December 20th, 1995 30 years ago
A professional American football player, played as a defensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL). Drafted in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins. Contributed to the Dolphins' defense and received recognition for performance on the field. Achieved a Pro Bowl selection, showcasing talent at the position during multiple seasons.
Continue ReadingRobeisy Ramírez
Cuban boxer, Olympic gold medalist
Born
December 20th, 1993 32 years ago
A boxer recognized for achievements in amateur boxing. Competed in the featherweight division, winning a gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics and again at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Transitioned to professional boxing, maintaining an impressive record. Gained further acclaim for victories in major boxing competitions.
Continue ReadingDe'Aaron Fox
Professional basketball player, NBA star
Born
December 20th, 1997 28 years ago
A professional basketball player, played as a point guard in the NBA. Drafted 5th overall by the Sacramento Kings in the 2017 NBA Draft. Achieved All-Rookie First Team honors in 2018. Participated in the NBA All-Star Weekend events, showcasing talent and skill. Played college basketball at the University of Kentucky before entering the NBA.
Continue ReadingJaroslav Heyrovský
Chemist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
December 20th, 1890 135 years ago
Died
March 27th, 1967 58 years ago — 76 years old
A prominent Czech chemist and academic contributed significantly to the field of electrochemistry. Developed the polarography technique, which revolutionized chemical analysis by allowing the measurement of minute quantities of substances. Received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1959 for this work, establishing a foundation for many modern electrochemical applications. In addition to research, held various academic positions and influenced the study of chemistry in Czech universities.
Continue ReadingCalvin Ridley
American Football Wide Receiver, Pro Bowler
Born
December 20th, 1994 31 years ago
Professional American football wide receiver played for the Atlanta Falcons. Demonstrated exceptional receiving skills and speed. Achieved a breakout season in 2020, finishing with over 1,300 receiving yards and led the team in receptions. Suffered a foot injury in 2021 but returned for the 2022 season after serving a suspension. Contributed significantly to the team's offensive strategies during his tenure.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on December 27th
Carrie Fisher
Actress and screenwriter (Star Wars)
Born
October 21st, 1956 69 years ago
Died
December 27th, 2016 8 years ago — 60 years old
An American actress and screenwriter gained widespread recognition for portraying Princess Leia in the Star Wars film series. The role debuted in 1977 with the original Star Wars, later known as Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope. Fisher also worked as a script doctor for several film projects and authored several books, including a memoir detailing her personal experiences and struggles, which provided insight into her life in the spotlight and her battles with mental health. Fisher's contributions to film and literature left a lasting legacy that resonated with fans around the world.
Continue ReadingDave Henderson
Baseball player and sportscaster
Born
July 21st, 1958 67 years ago
Died
December 27th, 2015 9 years ago — 57 years old
A professional baseball player debuted in Major League Baseball in 1981. Played as an outfielder for several teams, including the California Angels, Seattle Mariners, and Boston Red Sox. Contributed significantly to the 1986 Red Sox team that reached the World Series. Transitioned to a career in sports broadcasting after retirement, providing analysis and commentary for various networks.
Continue ReadingAnts Kurvits
Estonian general and Minister of War
Born
May 14th, 1887 138 years ago
Died
December 27th, 1943 81 years ago — 56 years old
Born in 1887, this individual served as a general and was appointed as the 10th Minister of War in Estonia. His military career spanned significant events during the Estonian War of Independence, where he played a key role in shaping the defense strategies. His contributions to the Estonian military structure were pivotal in establishing a competent national defense force.
Continue ReadingHenri Pitot
Engineer, inventor of the Pitot tube
Born
May 3rd, 1695 330 years ago
Died
December 27th, 1771 253 years ago — 76 years old
An engineer from France, contributed significantly to fluid mechanics. Invented the Pitot tube, an instrument used to measure fluid flow velocity. This invention has been utilized in various fields, including aerodynamics and hydrodynamics. The design and principles established by the invention are foundational in modern fluid measurement techniques.
Continue ReadingEllsworth Kelly
American painter and sculptor of color fields
Born
May 31st, 1923 102 years ago
Died
December 27th, 2015 9 years ago — 92 years old
An influential figure in the contemporary art movement, created works that emphasize color and form. Developed a distinctive style that contributed to the Color Field painting genre. Established a significant career through innovative approaches to painting and sculpture. Explored the intersection of abstraction and representation, often using vibrant colors and geometric shapes. His large-scale installations and canvases have been exhibited in major galleries and museums, enhancing the dialogue surrounding modern art.
Continue ReadingPatrick Joseph Hartigan
Australian priest and author
Born
October 13th, 1878 147 years ago
Died
December 27th, 1952 72 years ago — 74 years old
A priest in the Australian Catholic Church, contributed significantly to literature and poetry. Hartigan is well regarded for writing under the pen name 'John O'Brien', producing works that reflect Australian life and experiences. The poetry collections often depicted themes of faith, culture, and landscape. His most notable work, 'Around the Boree Log', includes poems that resonate with rural and pastoral settings of Australia. The collection remains celebrated for its authenticity and lyrical quality.
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