John G. Avildsen

Film Director of Rocky and The Karate Kid

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

Robert Worcester

Businessman and academic, founded MORI
Born
December 21st, 1933 91 years ago

An American businessman and academic, contributed significantly to the field of market research. Founded the Market & Opinion Research International (MORI), which became a leading research company in the UK. Played a pivotal role in advancing the understanding of public opinion and market trends through innovative research methods. Served as a professor and contributed to academic literature in the area of social research. Advocated for ethical standards in research and played a part in shaping professional bodies in the field.

Continue Reading

Dave Laut

Shot Putter, Olympic Competitor
Born
December 21st, 1956 68 years ago
Died
2009 16 years ago — 53 years old

A shot putter, achieved significant success in the 1980s. Competed in the 1984 Summer Olympics, finishing seventh in the shot put event. Set a personal best throw of 21.74 meters in 1983, which was one of the top performances of the year. Dominated the shot put in national competitions, becoming a consistent presence on the podium in various championships. His athletic career included representing the United States at international competitions.

Continue Reading

Ray Romano

Actor and creator of 'Everybody Loves Raymond'
Born
December 21st, 1957 67 years ago

An American actor, producer, and screenwriter achieved prominence as the star of the television series 'Everybody Loves Raymond', which aired from 1996 to 2005. The show, based on personal experiences, received critical acclaim and won multiple awards, including 15 Primetime Emmy Awards. Romano also lent his voice to the character Manny in the 'Ice Age' animated film series, further contributing to his acclaim in both television and film. In addition to acting, Romano worked as a stand-up comedian, often incorporating family and everyday life into his routines.

Continue Reading

Michael Tilson Thomas

Conductor with notable orchestral works
Born
December 21st, 1944 80 years ago

An accomplished pianist, composer, and conductor who led the San Francisco Symphony for over 25 years. Established the New World Symphony, an orchestral academy that focuses on training young musicians. Conducted a wide variety of performances, including works by Mahler, Stravinsky, and other prominent composers. Received multiple Grammy Awards throughout his career for recordings and contributions to classical music, reflecting a deep commitment to the genre.

Continue Reading

Luigi d'Este

Catholic cardinal and diplomat
Born
December 21st, 1538 486 years ago
Died
1586 439 years ago — 48 years old

Born into a noble family in 1538, served as a cardinal in the Catholic Church and held various diplomatic roles. Played a significant part in the political and ecclesiastical affairs of his time. Engaged in several influential councils and helped shape the Church's response during the Counter-Reformation. Contributed to the governance of church territories, demonstrating clerical leadership amid the complexities of Renaissance politics.

Continue Reading

Arnošt Lustig

Czech author and Holocaust survivor
Born
December 21st, 1926 98 years ago
Died
February 26th, 2011 14 years ago — 84 years old

An influential Czech author and playwright, this individual gained recognition for literary works that centered around the Holocaust and experiences of Jewish identity. Born in Prague, the person survived various concentration camps during World War II, which deeply shaped the narratives penned in novels and screenplays. The body of work includes notable titles such as 'Dita Saxová' and 'Night and Hope', which explore themes of suffering, survival, and resilience. In addition to fiction, contributions to screenwriting included themes from Jewish history and culture, which garnered significant attention both domestically and internationally. The individual also spent time in the U.S., where involvement in educational and cultural exchange programs promoted awareness of Holocaust history through literature.

Continue Reading