Mako Iwamatsu
Japanese actor in 'The Sand Pebbles'
Born in 1933, this actor had a prominent career in film and television. Early work included performances in Japanese cinema before moving to the United States. Notably starred in the film 'The Sand Pebbles' alongside Steve McQueen, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Also appeared in popular TV series such as 'Hawaii Five-O' and 'M*A*S*H'. His contribution to the arts extended to voice work in animated features, lending his voice to characters in 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' and 'The Last Unicorn'.
Academy Award nomination for 'The Sand Pebbles'
Voice work in 'Avatar: The Last Airbender'
Role in 'M*A*S*H'
Other People Born on December 10th
Hermes Pan
Dancer and choreographer of musicals
Born
December 10th, 1909 116 years ago
Died
September 19th, 1990 36 years ago — 80 years old
A prominent dancer and choreographer in American musical theater and film, worked extensively with Fred Astaire. Contributed choreography to several classic musicals during the mid-20th century. Collaborated on films such as 'Top Hat' and 'Swing Time', shaping the dance styles that defined the genre. Served as the dance director for the Academy Awards, influencing the presentation of dance in entertainment.
Continue ReadingSusan Dey
Television actress on The Partridge Family
Born
December 10th, 1952 73 years ago
An actress gained recognition for her role as Laurie Partridge on the television series The Partridge Family, which aired from 1970 to 1974. Later starred in the legal drama series L.A. Law from 1986 to 1992, earning critical acclaim. Achieved multiple nominations for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for the role on L.A. Law. Also appeared in various television films and has maintained a presence in the industry through select projects.
Continue ReadingSimon Owen
Golfer with significant tournament wins
Born
December 10th, 1950 75 years ago
Born in New Zealand on December 10, 1950, a professional golfer made significant contributions to the sport during the 1970s and 1980s. Competed on the PGA Tour and the European Tour, participating in numerous championships. Achieved a notable victory at the New Zealand Open, showcasing exceptional skill and dedication to the game. Participated in various international events, representing New Zealand in prestigious golf competitions.
Continue ReadingNia Peeples
American singer and actress known for roles in 'Fame'
Born
December 10th, 1961 64 years ago
Singer and actress rose to prominence in the 1980s. Gained recognition for a role in the television series 'Fame', which explored the lives of students at a performing arts high school. Appeared in other television series including 'Walker, Texas Ranger' and 'The Young and the Restless'. Released multiple albums, showcasing a blend of pop and R&B music. In addition to acting and singing, worked as a spokesperson and motivational speaker.
Continue ReadingStef Blok
Dutch politician and Minister of the Interior
Born
December 10th, 1964 61 years ago
Served as a prominent figure in Dutch politics, contributing significantly as a Minister of the Interior. Held various positions within the Dutch government, including responsibility for internal affairs. Engaged in policies that related to governance and civic issues within the Netherlands. Played an essential role in shaping domestic policy and legislative processes.
Continue ReadingEric Reid
American football player and activist
Born
December 10th, 1991 34 years ago
An American football player played as a safety in the National Football League (NFL). Selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Contributed to the team's run to Super Bowl XLVII during the 2012 season. Later played for the Carolina Panthers. Engaged in activism, focusing on social justice issues and supported kneeling during the national anthem to protest racial inequality and police brutality.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on July 21st
Ralph Houk
Baseball manager and player, Yankees
Born
August 9th, 1919 107 years ago
Died
July 21st, 2010 16 years ago — 90 years old
Played as a catcher in Major League Baseball and managed the New York Yankees. Played from 1947 to 1953. Managed the Yankees from 1961 to 1963, leading the team to a World Series championship in 1961. Also managed the Detroit Tigers and the Boston Red Sox during a career spanning several decades.
Continue ReadingRalph Craig
American sprinter and Olympic sailor
Born
June 21st, 1889 137 years ago
Died
July 21st, 1972 54 years ago — 83 years old
Born in 1889, this individual excelled as a sprinter and sailor. Competing in the 1912 Stockholm Olympics, secured two gold medals in the 100 meters and 200 meters. Achieved significant success in sailing as well, competing in various national and international events. Contributed to the growth of athletics and sailing during the early 20th century.
Continue ReadingE. L. Doctorow
American novelist and playwright
Born
January 6th, 1931 95 years ago
Died
July 21st, 2015 11 years ago — 84 years old
A prominent American writer, this individual crafted compelling works throughout a career spanning several decades. The writing style often blended historical events with fiction, creating rich narratives. Notable works include 'Ragtime', which depicts early 20th-century America, and 'Billy Bathgate', a novel exploring the life of a young man involved with gangster Dutch Schultz. The author also wrote plays that were well-received in theatrical circles. Contributions to American literature garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated readership.
Continue ReadingRobert G. Ingersoll
American soldier and politician
Born
August 11th, 1833 193 years ago
Died
July 21st, 1899 127 years ago — 65 years old
Born on August 11, 1833, one served as a Union Army officer during the American Civil War. Later transitioned into a legal career, establishing a reputation as a prominent lawyer. Engaged in politics, one was elected to the Illinois legislature as a Republican. Advocated for secularism and free thought, earning recognition for speeches supporting civil liberties and religious freedom. Involved in the development of the modern agnostic movement, one emphasized reason and skepticism in public discourse.
Continue ReadingDave Garroway
Television journalist and host of Today
Born
July 13th, 1913 113 years ago
Died
July 21st, 1982 44 years ago — 69 years old
This individual was a pioneering television journalist and the original host of the NBC morning show 'Today'. Beginning in 1952, the program introduced audiences to news, weather, and entertainment segments, setting a standard for morning television. Garroway's charismatic and laid-back style resonated with viewers and contributed to the show's early success. He also hosted 'Meet the Press' and made guest appearances on various programs. His career in journalism included work on radio before transitioning to television, where he became a significant figure in the industry until retiring in the early 1970s.
Continue ReadingEdward B. Lewis
American biologist and Nobel Laureate
Born
May 20th, 1918 108 years ago
Died
July 21st, 2004 22 years ago — 86 years old
An American biologist and geneticist contributed significantly to the understanding of genetic mechanisms through research on the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. Received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1995 for discovering genes controlling the development of body plan in organisms. His academic career included teaching at the California Institute of Technology, influencing generations of scientists. Conducted groundbreaking studies elucidating the role of homeotic genes in regulating the development of body segments.
Continue Reading