Maurice Chevalier
French actor and singer in musicals
Born in France, a prominent actor and singer became a leading figure in musical films during the early to mid-20th century. The career began in vaudeville, eventually transitioning to films in the 1920s. Achieved high recognition for performances in movies such as "The Love Parade" and "Gigi." Received an Academy Award nomination for his role in "The Road to Rio." Renowned for trademark style and wide-ranging repertoire which brought charm and sophistication to performances. Continued to perform into his later years, bridging the gap between traditional entertainment and the modern era.
Starred in "The Love Parade"
Performed in "Gigi"
Nominated for an Academy Award
Other People Born on September 12th
Colin Ford
American actor in 'Under the Dome'
Born
September 12th, 1996 29 years ago
Born in 1996, this actor gained prominence through performances in various television series and films. A significant role occurred in the series 'Under the Dome', based on Stephen King's novel. Additional roles included appearances in 'Supernatural' and 'The Christmas Spirit'. Voice work also featured prominently, with contributions to animated productions such as 'Jake and the Never Land Pirates'. Achievements include receiving praise for versatility across different genres.
Continue ReadingIstván Horthy
Hungarian fighter pilot and deputy regent
Born
September 12th, 1904 121 years ago
Died
August 20th, 1942 83 years ago — 37 years old
Served as a fighter pilot during World War II, participating in various missions in the Eastern Front. Held the position of deputy regent of Hungary under Miklós Horthy from 1944 until the end of the war. Involved in political and military affairs during a tumultuous period in Hungarian history. Post-war, faced challenges as Hungary transitioned away from a monarchy.
Continue ReadingCarl Eytel
Painter and illustrator of the American West
Born
September 12th, 1862 163 years ago
Died
September 17th, 1925 100 years ago — 63 years old
Born in Germany and later emigrated to the United States, specialized in landscape painting and illustrations depicting the American West. Pursued artistic studies and honed skills in Europe before relocating. Captured the beauty of Western landscapes, Native American subjects, and regional wildlife. Worked both as a plein air painter and a studio artist. Contributions spanned various mediums, including watercolor and oil painting. Held exhibitions and gained recognition for artworks that depicted the rich cultural heritage of the American frontier.
Continue ReadingSteven Gardiner
Bahamian sprinter and Olympic champion
Born
September 12th, 1995 30 years ago
Competed in athletics, specializing in the 400 meters. Won a gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Achieved significant success on the Diamond League circuit. Obtained a personal best of 43.48 seconds in 2021, placing among the fastest times in history. Represented the Bahamas in various international competitions, contributing to the nation's presence in track and field.
Continue ReadingVernon Maxwell
Basketball player; two-time NBA champion
Born
September 12th, 1965 60 years ago
Played for the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs in the NBA. Contributed to the Rockets' championship victories in 1994 and 1995. Recognized for scoring ability and defensive skills. Had a career average of 14.3 points per game over 13 seasons. His time with the Rockets included key moments in playoff performances that led to the team's success in the mid-1990s.
Continue ReadingPaul Walker
Actor in the Fast & Furious franchise
Born
September 12th, 1973 52 years ago
Died
November 30th, 2013 12 years ago — 40 years old
An American actor became widely recognized for roles in the Fast & Furious film series, portraying the character Brian O'Conner. Walker's acting career began in the early 1990s, with appearances in television and film. He gained significant fame for his performance in the Fast & Furious franchise, which began in 2001 and evolved into a global phenomenon over multiple sequels. Beyond acting, he founded Reach Out Worldwide, a non-profit organization providing aid to disaster-stricken areas. Walker's life was tragically cut short in a car accident in 2013, but his legacy continues through both his film work and philanthropic efforts.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on January 1st
Loie Fuller
Dancer and lighting innovator from America
Born
1862 164 years ago
Died
January 1st, 1928 98 years ago — 66 years old
A pioneering figure in modern dance, contributions included the development of the 'Serpentine Dance' and the innovative use of stage lighting. Utilized fabric as a major element of performance, creating dynamic visual effects that enhanced the dance experience. Worked closely with lighting designer Thomas Edison, experimenting with incandescent light and colored gels. Found success in Europe, where performances captivated audiences and influenced future dance and theater productions.
Continue ReadingDavid Stern
NBA Commissioner overseeing growth
Born
September 22nd, 1942 83 years ago
Died
January 1st, 2020 6 years ago — 77 years old
Served as the Commissioner of the National Basketball Association from 1984 to 2014. During tenure, expanded league to 30 teams and significantly increased television rights and revenue. Played a key role in the establishment of the WNBA in 1996. Oversaw the implementation of the salary cap and revenue-sharing systems, transforming the financial landscape of professional basketball. Was involved in the global promotion of basketball, which led to international players joining the league.
Continue ReadingFletcher Norton
British lawyer, politician, and Speaker
Born
June 23rd, 1716 309 years ago
Died
January 1st, 1789 237 years ago — 72 years old
Fletcher Norton served as the Speaker of the House of Commons in Great Britain. His legal career included significant contributions to British law, and he held the title of 1st Baron Grantley. Norton played a role in several critical parliamentary debates and was known for his legal expertise, which shaped legislative processes during his tenure. Active in politics during the 18th century, he represented various constituencies, influencing discussions on governance and public policy.
Continue ReadingClaiborne Pell
American politician and senator
Born
November 22nd, 1918 107 years ago
Died
January 1st, 2009 17 years ago — 90 years old
Served as a U.S. Senator from Rhode Island from 1961 to 1997. Contributed to education and foreign affairs, particularly in the areas of federal education funding and international exchanges. Played a significant role in the establishment of the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Advocated for the Pell Grant program, which provides federal funding for low-income college students.
Continue ReadingCharles Turner
Australian cricketer with Test success
Born
November 16th, 1862 163 years ago
Died
January 1st, 1944 82 years ago — 81 years old
This cricketer represented Australia in Test matches during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He played primarily as a right-arm fast bowler and contributed significantly to the Australian cricket team. His Test career spanned from 1887 to 1902, during which he took 101 wickets in 17 matches. Turner was part of the team that participated in the famous Ashes series, which established the rivalry with England. In domestic cricket, he played for New South Wales. He was regarded as one of the leading bowlers of his era, with a reputation for exceptional skill and accuracy.
Continue ReadingWilliam Wycherley
English playwright and poet
Born
1641 385 years ago
Died
January 1st, 1716 310 years ago — 75 years old
A prominent figure in Restoration comedy, this individual produced influential works that exemplified the genre's wit and social commentary. Active during the late 17th century, contributions include plays such as 'The Country Wife' and 'The Plain Dealer'. Through these works, exploration of themes like love, marriage, and societal norms emerged, making significant marks on English theatre. The style emphasized clever dialogue, intricate plots, and satirical depictions of contemporary society.
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