Max Born
Physicist, Nobel Prize winner in Physics
A prominent physicist and mathematician, contributed significantly to the development of quantum mechanics. Worked on the statistical interpretation of quantum mechanics and introduced the concept of wave functions. Played a crucial role in the formulation of the Born rule, which describes the probability distribution of finding a particle in a given state. Served as a professor at universities including Göttingen and Edinburgh, influencing future generations of scientists.
Received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1954
Contributed to the foundation of quantum mechanics
Introduced the Born rule in quantum theory
Other People Born on December 11th
Tim Southee
New Zealand cricketer, Test match captain
Born
December 11th, 1988 37 years ago
A prominent figure in cricket, played for the New Zealand national team since 2008. Achieved success as a right-arm fast bowler and a lower-order batsman. Served as captain for the Test team and was part of the 2015 and 2019 Cricket World Cup squads. Notable for taking 10 wickets in a Test match against England in 2015. Contributed to various domestic teams including Northern Districts in New Zealand's domestic circuit.
Continue ReadingHector Berlioz
Composer of Symphonie fantastique
Born
December 11th, 1803 222 years ago
Died
March 8th, 1869 157 years ago — 65 years old
A French composer, conductor, and music critic, this individual played a significant role in the development of orchestral and operatic music. His seminal work, 'Symphonie fantastique,' debuted in 1830 and showcased his innovative use of orchestral colors and bold storytelling through music. Active in the 19th century, this composer also contributed to the field of music criticism and published several influential essays on music. His operas, including 'Benvenuto Cellini' and 'The Damnation of Faust,' highlighted his advanced harmonic language and imaginative orchestration, further establishing his legacy in the world of classical music.
Continue ReadingKarla Souza
Mexican actress in 'How to Get Away with Murder'
Born
December 11th, 1985 40 years ago
Born in 1985, this actress gained recognition for her role in the television series 'How to Get Away with Murder.' Originating from Mexico City, she studied acting in both Mexico and the United States. In addition to her work in television, she appeared in films such as 'Nosotros los Nobles' and 'Everybody Loves Somebody.' Her performances have earned her accolades within the industry, contributing to her prominence in both Mexican and American cinema.
Continue ReadingYalitza Aparicio
Mexican actress from 'Roma'
Born
December 11th, 1993 32 years ago
Aparicio gained international recognition through a leading role in the film 'Roma', directed by Alfonso Cuarón. The film was critically acclaimed and won several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Prior to this role, she worked as a teacher and had no formal training in acting. Her performance earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, marking her as one of the first Indigenous women to receive such recognition in this category. Her impactful portrayal resonated with audiences and highlighted the importance of Indigenous voices in cinema.
Continue ReadingAlexa Demie
Actress known for 'Euphoria'
Born
December 11th, 1990 35 years ago
An actress and singer, gained attention for portraying Maddy Perez in the HBO series 'Euphoria'. Born in 1990, began her career in music before transitioning to acting. Appeared in films such as 'Mid90s' and 'Waves', showcasing talent in both television and cinema. In addition to acting, engaged in music projects, contributing to her artistic profile.
Continue ReadingAlex Russell
Australian actor, starred in 'Chronicle'
Born
December 11th, 1987 38 years ago
An Australian actor gained recognition for work in film and television. Starred in the supernatural thriller 'Chronicle', released in 2012, which achieved commercial success. Appeared in the television series 'L.A. Rangers' and participated in other notable projects. Established a reputation in the industry through a combination of talent and a range of roles, demonstrating versatility in performances.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on January 5th
Roy Jenkins
Chancellor of the Exchequer, politician
Born
November 11th, 1920 105 years ago
Died
January 5th, 2003 23 years ago — 82 years old
A prominent Welsh politician served as the Chancellor of the Exchequer from 1967 to 1970. Played a key role in the establishment of the Open University. Actively participated in the formation of the Social Democratic Party in the early 1980s. Contributed to various cultural and historical works, including writing biographies of notable figures. Engaged in significant public service throughout a substantial political career.
Continue ReadingFrederica Sagor Maas
American author and screenwriter
Born
July 6th, 1900 126 years ago
Died
January 5th, 2012 14 years ago — 111 years old
An influential author and screenwriter, contributions include works for both stage and screen. Wrote for silent films and transitioned into sound films, demonstrating versatility throughout a long career. Authored multiple novels and memoirs, reflecting on experiences in Hollywood's earlier years. The career spanned several decades, capturing the evolution of the entertainment industry.
Continue ReadingKarin von Aroldingen
Ballerina and choreographer
Born
1941 85 years ago
Died
January 5th, 2018 8 years ago — 77 years old
A prominent ballerina and choreographer emerged from Germany, dedicated a significant portion of her career to the New York City Ballet. She was a principal dancer and worked under the direction of George Balanchine, becoming known for her performances in Balanchine's works. Later in her career, she transitioned into choreography and made contributions to the art through various works. After retiring from the stage, she took on teaching roles, sharing expertise with upcoming generations of dancers.
Continue ReadingRobert L. Surtees
Cinematographer for 'The Bridge on the River Kwai'
Born
1906 120 years ago
Died
January 5th, 1985 41 years ago — 79 years old
A prominent American cinematographer, recognized for work on several acclaimed films during the mid-20th century. Started career photographing documentaries before transitioning to feature films. Contributed to the visual style of major productions with a focus on lighting and composition. Collaborated with noted directors and earned critical praise for cinematic techniques. The reputation solidified through multiple Academy Award nominations.
Continue ReadingMarko Marulić
Croatian poet and founder of literature
Born
August 18th, 1450 576 years ago
Died
January 5th, 1524 502 years ago — 73 years old
Renowned as the father of Croatian literature, made significant contributions through poetry and prose. Achieved prominence with the epic poem 'Judita,' which showcased the themes of heroism and faith. His works laid the foundations for the Croatian literary tradition and influenced subsequent generations of writers. Engaged in civic life as well, promoting cultural and religious values through literary expression.
Continue ReadingAndré Franquin
Comic artist and illustrator of Gaston
Born
January 3rd, 1924 102 years ago
Died
January 5th, 1997 29 years ago — 73 years old
A Belgian author and illustrator, this individual specialized in comic art and was a significant figure in the Franco-Belgian comic scene. Franquin created the comic series 'Gaston Lagaffe,' which introduced the character Gaston, a bumbling office worker known for his mischief. Additionally, Franquin contributed to the 'Spirou et Fantasio' series, where he developed iconic characters such as Marsupilami. His work is characterized by dynamic visuals and humorous storytelling, making a notable impact on the medium of comics.
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