Jerry Zucker
Director of 'Airplane!' and 'The Naked Gun'
Born
Died
Category
Artists & Creatives
Country
United States
Links & References
A director, producer, and screenwriter, significant contributions include co-directing the comedy 'Airplane!' and directing 'The Naked Gun' series. Collaborated with David Zucker and Jim Abrahams to create a brand of absurdist humor. Founded Zucker Productions and produced various works in television and film. Later projects included directing the romantic comedy 'Ghost,' which received critical acclaim and box office success.
Co-directed 'Airplane!'
Directed 'Ghost'
Directed 'The Naked Gun' series
Other People Born on March 11th
Urbain Le Verrier
Mathematician & astronomer; Neptune discovery
Born
March 11th, 1811 214 years ago
Died
September 23rd, 1877 148 years ago — 66 years old
A mathematician and astronomer contributed significantly to the study of celestial mechanics. Developed the mathematical predictions that led to the discovery of the planet Neptune in 1846. His calculations on the orbit of Uranus, based on perturbation from other celestial bodies, provided critical insights into the structure of the solar system. Served as a professor at the Paris-Sorbonne and was later appointed to the Bureau des Longitudes. Published several papers and theories, expanding knowledge in astronomy and mathematics.
Continue ReadingDouglas Adams
English author of The Hitchhiker's Guide
Born
March 11th, 1952 73 years ago
Died
May 11th, 2001 24 years ago — 49 years old
An English author and playwright contributed significantly to science fiction literature. The most notable work is 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy,' originally a radio series and later adapted into books, television, and film. The series gained a large following and is recognized for its wit and satirical take on science fiction and modern society. Adams also wrote 'Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency,' which showcased his humor and inventive storytelling. In addition to writing, he worked as a script editor and contributed to several projects, including the television series 'Doctor Who.' Adams passed away in 2001.
Continue ReadingTorquato Tasso
Italian poet known for 'Jerusalem Delivered'
Born
March 11th, 1544 481 years ago
Died
April 25th, 1595 430 years ago — 51 years old
A prominent Italian poet and educator, contributed significantly to the literary scene during the late Renaissance. Best recognized for the epic poem 'Jerusalem Delivered', which explores themes of religious conflict and heroism. Tasso also engaged in various correspondences with notable intellectuals of his time and participated in the literary circles of Italy. His work not only reflected the cultural atmosphere of the period but influenced future generations of poets and writers. Additionally, he faced personal struggles including periods of imprisonment and mental health issues that affected his career and output.
Continue ReadingTimothy Carey
Actor and director, known for 'Paths of Glory'
Born
March 11th, 1929 96 years ago
Died
May 11th, 1994 31 years ago — 65 years old
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Continue ReadingFreda Meissner-Blau
Austrian activist and politician
Born
March 11th, 1927 98 years ago
Died
December 22nd, 2015 10 years ago — 88 years old
Born in 1927, an Austrian activist and politician committed to environmentalism and social justice. Co-founded the Austrian Green Party in 1986, advocating for ecological responsibility and sustainability. Served as a member of the Austrian Parliament from 1990 to 1994, representing the interests of green politics. Known for active participation in campaigns addressing nuclear safety, climate change, and civil rights.
Continue ReadingCornelius Castoriadis
Economist and philosopher, author of 'The Imaginary Institution of Society'
Born
March 11th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
December 26th, 1997 28 years ago — 75 years old
Born in Greece, an economist and philosopher contributed significantly to social theory and philosophy. Focused on the concept of autonomy and the role of imagination in society. Founded the political group Socialisme ou Barbarie, which engaged in ideas about workers' self-management. Written works dissected and critiqued various aspects of modern capitalism and socio-political structures. Engaged with the dynamics of creativity and how they shape human experience, leading to a distinct philosophical viewpoint blending economics and existential thought.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on April 12th
William Crowther
Dutch-Australian politician, Tasmania Premier
Born
April 15th, 1817 208 years ago
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April 12th, 1885 140 years ago — 67 years old
Born in 1817, a politician served as the 14th Premier of Tasmania. His tenure was marked by significant political activity and the promotion of infrastructure development. Instrumental in the establishment of various public services, he contributed to shaping the region's governance. After serving as Premier, continued to have a presence in Tasmanian politics, influencing local governance through subsequent roles and initiatives.
Continue ReadingWilliam M. Tweed
Political leader and Tammany Hall head
Born
April 3rd, 1823 202 years ago
Died
April 12th, 1878 147 years ago — 55 years old
Born in 1823, a prominent political figure in New York City, affiliated with the Democratic Party. Led Tammany Hall, a powerful political organization, during the mid-19th century. Served as a member of the New York City Board of Supervisors and later as a state senator. His tenure was marked by significant political control over the city's government. Instrumental in various public works projects that facilitated the city's growth.
Continue ReadingKarim Fakhrawi
Bahraini journalist, co-founder of Al-Wasat
Born
1962 64 years ago
Died
April 12th, 2011 14 years ago — 49 years old
Co-founded Al-Wasat, a prominent Bahraini newspaper, in 2002, providing a platform for independent journalism. Fakhrawi played a crucial role in promoting press freedom in Bahrain. His career as a journalist was marked by a commitment to uncovering stories and presenting unbiased news. While facing challenges, he continued to advocate for journalistic integrity and transparency in the media landscape. Fakhrawi's contributions to journalism were significant during a time of political change in Bahrain. His dedication to his craft persisted until his untimely death in 2011.
Continue ReadingRobert MacNeil
Journalist and author of 'The MacNeil/Lehrer Report'
Born
January 19th, 1931 95 years ago
Died
April 12th, 2024 1 years ago — 93 years old
A Canadian-American journalist and author, contributed significantly to television journalism. Co-founded PBS’s 'The MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour', which set a standard for news broadcasting with its in-depth analysis. Also worked with the CBC before moving to the U.S. and has authored several books, including a historical narrative about the Vietnam War. His career spanned several decades, earning numerous accolades for journalistic excellence.
Continue ReadingAbbie Hoffman
American activist, Youth International Party co-founder
Born
November 30th, 1936 89 years ago
Died
April 12th, 1989 36 years ago — 52 years old
An influential activist co-founded the Youth International Party, also known as the Yippies, during the 1960s, aiming to promote anti-establishment views and social change. Engaged in protests against the Vietnam War and advocated for various causes, including civil rights and environmentalism. Became a prominent figure in the counterculture movement, using theatrical methods to attract media attention to social issues. The organization organized the 1968 Democratic National Convention protests, which drew significant national attention to political dissent and youth activism. Authored books outlining views on social justice, anti-capitalism, and direct action.
Continue ReadingMohit Chattopadhyay
Indian poet and playwright
Born
1934 92 years ago
Died
April 12th, 2012 13 years ago — 78 years old
A poet and playwright contributed significantly to Indian literature. Known primarily for crafting plays that incorporate themes of social issues and human emotions. Wrote in Bengali and focused on the interplay between art and society. Engaged with the literary community through various festivals and events, promoting the Bengali language and its literary heritage.
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