Leon Ames
American actor in 'Meet Me in St. Louis'
Born in 1902, an American actor gained recognition for performances in film and television. Starred in the classic film 'Meet Me in St. Louis' alongside Judy Garland. Appeared in numerous television series and films throughout the mid-20th century. Known for portraying characters with warmth and charm.
Starred in 'Meet Me in St. Louis'
Appeared in 'Hitchcock's Suspicion'
Featured in 'The Manchurian Candidate'
Regular on the TV series 'The Streets of San Francisco'
Other People Born on January 20th
Polona Hercog
Tennis player with WTA titles
Born
January 20th, 1991 34 years ago
A professional tennis player competed on the WTA Tour. Achieved a career-high singles ranking of No. 35 in 2012. Notable performances include winning two WTA singles titles and reaching the third round of the French Open in 2012. Contributed to the Slovenia national team in the Fed Cup. Active in both singles and doubles with several titles across both formats.
Continue ReadingGretha Smit
Speed skater, Olympic medalist
Born
January 20th, 1976 49 years ago
A Dutch speed skater specialized in long track events. Competed in multiple Olympic Games and secured two medals at the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics, contributing to the nation's strength in speed skating. Excelled in World Championships, showcasing exceptional talent on the ice. Retired from competitive skating after a successful career that highlighted significant achievements.
Continue ReadingOwen Hargreaves
Footballer and UEFA Champions League winner
Born
January 20th, 1981 44 years ago
This English footballer played as a midfielder. He began his career at Bayern Munich, winning multiple Bundesliga titles and the UEFA Champions League. After moving to England, he played for Manchester United and contributed to the team's victory in the Premier League and the Champions League. A notable aspect of his career was his representation of the English national team in international competitions.
Continue ReadingAntonia Ružić
Croatian tennis player
Born
January 20th, 2003 22 years ago
A professional tennis player from Croatia, born in 2003. Achieved prominence on the ITF Women’s Circuit, earning several titles. Gained recognition for strong performances in junior tournaments, particularly during 2019 and 2020. Competed in WTA events and represented Croatia in international competitions.
Continue ReadingPaul Coverdell
American politician and senator
Born
January 20th, 1939 86 years ago
Died
2000 25 years ago — 61 years old
Served as a U.S. Senator representing Georgia from 1993 until his death in 2000. Previously held the position of Director of the Peace Corps from 1989 to 1991 under President George H.W. Bush. Engaged in local politics as a member of the Georgia State Senate and also served as the Republican Party chairman in Georgia. Advocated for education reforms and various legislative initiatives during his time in office.
Continue ReadingCharles III of Spain
King of Spain and influential monarch
Born
January 20th, 1716 309 years ago
Died
December 14th, 1788 237 years ago — 72 years old
Ruled as King of Spain from 1759 until death in 1788. Charles III implemented extensive reforms to modernize Spain, enhancing the economy and administrative efficiency. His reign is marked by significant cultural developments, including patronage of the arts and architecture. Established the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando and promoted science, education, and public works. Efforts towards secularization and a focus on the Enlightenment ideals defined his leadership.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on October 12th
Bill Shoemaker
Jockey and author with multiple wins
Born
August 19th, 1931 94 years ago
Died
October 12th, 2003 22 years ago — 72 years old
Achieved prominent success in horse racing, becoming one of the most celebrated jockeys in history. Won a record 8,833 races during a career spanning over four decades. Victories included the Kentucky Derby four times and the Preakness Stakes twice. Besides racing, authored works reflecting on experiences in the sport. Inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1958.
Continue ReadingGillo Pontecorvo
Italian film director and screenwriter
Born
November 19th, 1919 106 years ago
Died
October 12th, 2006 19 years ago — 86 years old
Acclaimed for significant contributions to cinema, especially in the realm of political and social themes. Directed the highly influential film 'The Battle of Algiers', which depicted the Algerian struggle for independence. Gained recognition for blending documentary-style filmmaking with dramatic storytelling. Worked on various projects that highlighted themes of conflict and resistance, and received widespread critical acclaim for his cinematic techniques and narrative style.
Continue ReadingKanō Eitoku
Japanese painter and educator, famous for screen
Born
February 16th, 1543 482 years ago
Died
October 12th, 1590 435 years ago — 47 years old
A prominent 16th-century Japanese painter and educator active during the Azuchi-Momoyama period. Eitoku contributed significantly to the development of the Kanō school of painting. He focused on creating large-scale paintings for the interiors of castles and temples. His artworks often featured themes from Chinese literature and nature, characterized by bold colors and dynamic compositions. Eitoku also played a vital role in training numerous students who later became renowned artists in their own right, thus influencing the direction of Japanese painting. His oeuvre includes masterpieces housed in significant cultural institutions.
Continue ReadingAnatole France
French novelist and Nobel Prize winner
Born
April 16th, 1844 181 years ago
Died
October 12th, 1924 101 years ago — 80 years old
Born on April 16, 1844, a French journalist, novelist, and poet contributed significantly to literature. The writer gained recognition for works that explored themes of education, political corruption, and social issues. Notable works include 'Le Crime de Sylvestre Bonnard' and 'Les Dieux ont soif'. In 1921, received the Nobel Prize in Literature for literary achievements, which reflected a mastery of style and an intellectual approach to storytelling. France's writings had a lasting impact on the literary world and often engaged with philosophical inquiries.
Continue ReadingWilt Chamberlain
Basketball player and coach with 100-point game
Born
August 21st, 1936 89 years ago
Died
October 12th, 1999 26 years ago — 63 years old
Outstanding basketball player and coach recognized for exceptional performance on the court. Played for teams such as the Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, and Los Angeles Lakers. Accumulated numerous accolades during a prolific career including two NBA championships and four NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards. Scored 100 points in a single NBA game on March 2, 1962, a record that remains unmatched. Transitioned to a coaching role after retirement, contributing to the sport in different capacities.
Continue ReadingRobert E. Lee
Confederate general during Civil War
Born
January 19th, 1807 218 years ago
Died
October 12th, 1870 155 years ago — 63 years old
A military leader served as a general in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. Graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, displayed strategic military prowess during several key battles. Commanded the Army of Northern Virginia, achieving notable victories at the Second Battle of Bull Run and the Battle of Chancellorsville. After the war, focused on rebuilding the South and served as president of Washington College, now known as Washington and Lee University.
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