John G. Avildsen
Film Director of Rocky and The Karate Kid

Born
December 21st, 1935
89 years ago
Died
2017
8 years ago — 82 years old
Category
Artists & Creatives
Country
United States
Links & References
Achieved prominence as a film director, producer, and cinematographer. Directed the iconic sports drama 'Rocky', which won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1977. Also directed 'The Karate Kid', a popular coming-of-age martial arts film that gained a significant following in the 1980s. Established a reputation for storytelling that combined underdog triumphs with emotional depth.
Directed Rocky, winning the Academy Award for Best Picture
Directed The Karate Kid, which became a cultural phenomenon
Other People Born on December 21st
Thomas Graham
Contributed significantly to the field of chemistry, particularly in the study of gas diffusion. Developed Graham's Law of Effusion, which describes the rates at which gases diffuse through different mediums. Conducted important experiments on the diffusion of gases, leading to a deeper understanding of molecular movement. Also served as a professor at University College London, influencing future generations of chemists through academic leadership.
Continue ReadingPrimo Colón
Debuted in professional wrestling in 2006, participated in various wrestling promotions. Competed in WWE, primarily as a tag team wrestler. Formed a successful tag team with Epico, capturing the WWE Tag Team Championship. Involved in storyline arcs that included international themes related to Puerto Rican heritage.
Continue ReadingHu Jintao
Served as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China and was the President of the People's Republic of China. Held the position of Paramount Leader from 2002 to 2012. During leadership, pursued policies aimed at economic reform and development. Emphasized the need for modernizing China's economy and expanding its global influence. Worked towards improving China's relationship with other nations and focused on maintaining political stability within the country.
Continue ReadingJane Fonda
An American actress and activist, received acclaim for work in film and social issues. Achieved fame in the 1960s and 1970s starring in films such as 'Barbarella,' 'Klute,' and 'Coming Home.' Won two Academy Awards for Best Actress for roles in 'Klute' and 'Coming Home.' Actively participated in anti-Vietnam War protests and advocated for various social causes, including women's rights and climate change. Continues to engage in activism while pursuing a successful acting career.
Continue ReadingThomas Chipman McRae
Served as the 26th Governor of Arkansas from 1913 to 1917. Focused on progressive reforms, including improvements in education, public health, and infrastructure. Played a significant role in state politics and advocated for better labor laws. Prior to governorship, held positions in the Arkansas House of Representatives and the Arkansas Senate.
Continue ReadingMasaccio
A significant figure in early Renaissance painting, this artist pioneered the use of linear perspective and naturalistic representation. The work exemplified dramatic use of light and shadow, contributing to the development of the art form. The frescoes in the Brancacci Chapel in Florence displayed mastery of anatomy and compositional arrangement. The artist's innovative techniques influenced many subsequent generations of painters, establishing a foundation for future developments in Western art.
Continue Reading