Joe D'Amato
Italian director and cinematographer
A director and cinematographer focused on the genre of horror and adult films. Worked extensively in the Italian film industry, producing and directing a large body of work throughout the 1970s and 1980s. D'Amato gained notoriety for his unique style and often controversial subject matter. His films often included elements of eroticism and violent themes, contributing to the rise of the giallo film genre. Achieved a cult following for works that combined artful cinematography with provocative storytelling.
Directed 'Beyond the Darkness'
Directed 'Emanuelle and the Last Cannibals'
Produced numerous adult films
Other People Born on December 15th
Tim Gaines
Bass player for Stryper band
Born
December 15th, 1962 63 years ago
Bass player gained recognition as a member of the Christian metal band Stryper, which gained prominence in the 1980s. The band combined heavy metal music with Christian themes and reached commercial success. Stryper's unique approach led to multiple gold albums and a devoted fanbase. The band was notable for advocating Christian beliefs through music during a time when heavy metal was often associated with secular themes. Contributions to the band's signature sound and style helped solidify its place in music history.
Continue ReadingDavid Howells
Footballer and coach
Born
December 15th, 1967 58 years ago
Played as a midfielder, primarily for Tottenham Hotspur. Debuted for Tottenham in 1986 and contributed to the club's success during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Transitioned into coaching after retiring from professional play. Also served as a youth coach at various clubs, focusing on developing young talent in football.
Continue ReadingJosef Imbach
Swiss sprinter, Olympic competitor
Born
December 15th, 1894 131 years ago
Died
1964 62 years ago — 70 years old
Competed in athletics specializing in sprinting events. Participated in the men's 4x100 meters relay at the 1920 Summer Olympics. Achieved recognition in national championships and contributed to the development of sprinting in Switzerland.
Continue ReadingTodd Tichenor
Baseball umpire and former player
Born
December 15th, 1976 49 years ago
Played professional baseball as a pitcher in the minor leagues and later transitioned to becoming an umpire. Officiated games in Major League Baseball starting in 2010. Tichenor has worked in various postseason games, contributing to the officiating standards in baseball.
Continue ReadingPaul Kaye
Actor in 'Game of Thrones' and 'Dead Set'
Born
December 15th, 1964 61 years ago
An English actor, recognized for roles in television and film. Gained prominence through portrayal of characters in popular series. Achieved significant recognition for performance as Thoros of Myr in HBO's 'Game of Thrones'. Also starred in the horror comedy series 'Dead Set', which garnered a cult following. Diverse acting career includes both comedic and dramatic roles across various media.
Continue ReadingFriedensreich Hundertwasser
Artist and architect of colorful buildings
Born
December 15th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
2000 26 years ago — 72 years old
Austrian-New Zealand painter and architect contributed significantly to the art and architectural landscape with unique, colorful designs that emphasized harmony with nature. Challenged conventional architectural practices, focusing on individuality and organic forms. Developed a distinct style incorporating bright colors, spirals, and an eclectic mix of materials. Also engaged in environmental activism, advocating for ecological principles in urban development and sustaining natural landscapes. Established several notable works in Vienna and other locations.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on January 23rd
Charles Glen King
Biochemist and academic researcher
Born
October 22nd, 1896 129 years ago
Died
January 23rd, 1988 38 years ago — 91 years old
Contributions to the field of biochemistry included research on vitamins and cholesterol. Developed methods to investigate the biosynthesis of vitamin C in plants. Worked at the University of Pittsburgh, where significant studies on the nutritional aspects of human health were conducted. Published numerous scientific papers and helped advance the understanding of metabolic processes. Served as a mentor to students and researchers in the field of biochemistry.
Continue ReadingBob Keeshan
Television presenter of 'Captain Kangaroo'
Born
June 27th, 1927 98 years ago
Died
January 23rd, 2004 22 years ago — 76 years old
A prominent television personality and producer, Keeshan created and starred in the educational children's program 'Captain Kangaroo', which aired for nearly 30 years. The show provided entertainment along with educational content for young audiences, fostering an environment of learning through fun characters and stories. Keeshan's work in television began at a young age, and over the decades, he became a trusted figure for generations of children and parents alike. In addition to 'Captain Kangaroo', Keeshan was involved in various philanthropic efforts that focused on children's education and well-being.
Continue ReadingRyszard Kapuściński
Polish journalist and author of 'Imperium'
Born
March 4th, 1932 93 years ago
Died
January 23rd, 2007 19 years ago — 74 years old
A significant figure in journalism and literature, focused on foreign affairs and culture. Worked for the Polish Press Agency and reported extensively from Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. Authored several books offering deep insights into the political landscape of the regions covered. 'Imperium' stands as a prominent work, chronicling the collapse of the Soviet Union and the dynamics of post-Soviet states. The writing style combined reportage with literary techniques, blending fiction and non-fiction elements.
Continue ReadingNell Carter
American actress and singer
Born
September 13th, 1948 77 years ago
Died
January 23rd, 2003 23 years ago — 54 years old
An accomplished actress and singer, celebrated for a prominent role in the musical 'Ain't Misbehavin''. Achievements in television included starring in the sitcom 'Gimme a Break!', which aired from 1981 to 1987. Received a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her performance in 'Ain't Misbehavin'', which showcased her powerful vocal talent and acting skills. Worked on various stages, earning acclaim for both dramatic and musical performances.
Continue ReadingBobby Freeman
American singer and songwriter of 'Do You Wanna Dance'
Born
June 13th, 1940 85 years ago
Died
January 23rd, 2017 9 years ago — 76 years old
A singer and songwriter, this individual gained popularity in the 1960s with the hit single 'Do You Wanna Dance', which achieved success on various music charts. His career included performances that blended rock and roll and rhythm and blues styles. Beginning in the late 1950s, he recorded several tracks that contributed to the genre's evolution. Later in his career, he continued to perform and produced music that reflected changing trends within the industry. The influence of early recordings extended into subsequent decades, impacting many artists who followed.
Continue ReadingMax Nordau
Austrian physician and author of 'Degeneration'
Born
July 29th, 1849 176 years ago
Died
January 23rd, 1923 103 years ago — 73 years old
Austrian physician and author contributed significantly to discussions on social and psychological issues of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Best remembered for the book 'Degeneration', which critiqued contemporary society, art, and culture, exploring the impact of modernity on mental health. Nordau also engaged with Zionist ideas and was active in the early Zionist movement, advocating for Jewish nationalism and the establishment of a Jewish homeland. His writings merged his interests in medicine and philosophy, influencing debates around social issues and identity during a transformative period in Europe.
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