Mel Stuart

Director and producer of documentaries

Mel Stuart - Director and producer of documentaries
Born

September 2nd, 1928
97 years ago

Died

August 9th, 2012
13 years ago — 83 years old

Category

Artists & Creatives

Country

United States

Links & References

Directed and produced numerous documentaries and television programs. The most recognized work includes the documentary ‘Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory’, which he directed in 1971. His filmography also features impactful pieces that explore social issues and cultural themes. Stuart's documentaries often aimed to educate and provide insight into various subjects, contributing to the genre's development during his career.

Directed 'Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory'

Produced documentaries on social issues

Other People Born on September 2nd

Francis I

French King and Patron of the Arts
Born
September 2nd, 1516 509 years ago
Died
March 31st, 1547 478 years ago — 30 years old

Served as the King of France from 1515 until 1547. Oversaw the Renaissance development in France, fostering the arts, architecture, and education. Engaged in significant military campaigns against Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor. Strengthened central authority and promoted humanist ideals in French culture. Initiated relationships with other European powers, expanding France's influence.

Continue Reading

Chris Tremlett

Cricketer with England Test team contributions
Born
September 2nd, 1981 44 years ago

A former English cricketer who played as a fast bowler. Debuted for the England Test team in 2007. Contributed to England's victory in the 2010-2011 Ashes series in Australia. Played for various county teams, including Hampshire and Surrey. Retired from professional cricket in 2014.

Continue Reading

D. Wayne Lukas

Horse trainer with Triple Crown success
Born
September 2nd, 1935 90 years ago

American horse trainer achieved significant success in thoroughbred racing. Began a career in the 1980s and trained multiple horses that won prestigious races. Developed a training style that emphasized a combination of traditional techniques and innovative methods. Played a pivotal role in elevating the status of thoroughbred racing and mentoring future trainers. Contributed to the sport's popularity through extensive media engagement and television appearances.

Continue Reading

Esteban Echeverría

Argentinian poet and author of "El matadero"
Born
September 2nd, 1805 220 years ago
Died
January 19th, 1851 174 years ago — 45 years old

A prominent figure in Argentine literature, focused on themes of social justice and freedom. Echeverría contributed significantly to the literary and cultural landscape of Argentina during the 19th century. His most notable work, "El matadero" (The Slaughterhouse), critiqued the oppressive political regime of his time and became a cornerstone of Argentine literature. Echeverría was associated with the Romantic movement and played a crucial role in the establishment of a national literary identity. Despite limited recognition during his lifetime, later generations celebrated his contributions to poetry and prose as pivotal in shaping Argentine cultural thought.

Continue Reading

Eugenio Derbez

Mexican Actor and Filmmaker
Born
September 2nd, 1961 64 years ago

An actor, director, producer, and screenwriter from Mexico, gained prominence through various television and film projects. Created and starred in the hit television series "La Familia P. Luche". Directed and produced the successful film "Instructions Not Included," which became the highest-grossing Spanish-language film in the U.S. at the time. Contributed significantly to the comedy genre in Latin America and beyond.

Continue Reading

Rosalind Ashford

American singer with The Marvelettes
Born
September 2nd, 1943 82 years ago

A prominent American singer, recognized for being a member of the legendary Motown girl group The Marvelettes. The group gained fame in the 1960s with hits that defined the Motown sound. Their song 'Please Mr. Postman' achieved immense success, becoming the first song by a Motown act to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The Marvelettes' harmonious blend of pop and soul music contributed significantly to the Motown legacy, influencing future generations of artists. Over the years, the group saw various line-up changes but remained a significant part of the musical landscape.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on August 9th

Mahmoud Darwish

Palestinian poet and author
Born
March 13th, 1942 83 years ago
Died
August 9th, 2008 17 years ago — 66 years old

Born in 1942, a prominent Palestinian poet and author, often regarded as the voice of the Palestinian experience. His poetry reflects themes of loss, exile, and identity. Darwish's work includes over thirty collections of poetry and several volumes of prose, which gained international recognition. Long-lasting influence can be seen in the Arab literary world and beyond, shaping cultural discourse around Palestinian identity and resilience.

Continue Reading

Dmitri Shostakovich

Composer of Symphony No. 7
Born
September 25th, 1906 118 years ago
Died
August 9th, 1975 50 years ago — 68 years old

A prominent Russian composer and pianist, acclaimed for innovative and powerful compositions. Shostakovich gained international recognition during the Soviet era, particularly for his symphonies and string quartets. He navigated a complicated relationship with the Soviet government, which influenced his work. Major compositions include the Symphony No. 5, which was a response to government criticism, and Symphony No. 7, also known as the Leningrad Symphony, written during World War II to commemorate the Siege of Leningrad. Shostakovich’s music often reflected the turbulence of his time, combining elements of tradition and modernism while conveying deep emotional and political themes.

Continue Reading

Helen Rollason

Sports journalist and sportscaster
Born
March 11th, 1956 69 years ago
Died
August 9th, 1999 26 years ago — 43 years old

Born in 1956, this individual worked as a sports journalist and sportscaster who gained prominence in sports broadcasting. Covering major sporting events, emphasis was placed on presenting sports news to a wide audience. Contributions included commentary and analysis in various sports, earning recognition in the field of journalism. Significant involvement with major sporting events helped shape the landscape of sports media in the UK.

Continue Reading

C. F. Powell

Physicist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
December 5th, 1903 121 years ago
Died
August 9th, 1969 56 years ago — 65 years old

This physicist contributed significantly to the field of particle physics. Developed the photographic emulsion technique that enabled the discovery of many subatomic particles. Served as a professor and held various academic positions, influencing the education of future physicists. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1950 for contributions to the development of the photographic method for studying nuclear processes and the meson theory.

Continue Reading

Bernie Mac

Comedian and actor from The Bernie Mac Show
Born
October 5th, 1957 67 years ago
Died
August 9th, 2008 17 years ago — 50 years old

Born in 1957, a comedian, actor, producer, and screenwriter. Gained fame through stand-up comedy performances, including appearances on HBO's Def Comedy Jam. Starred in The Bernie Mac Show, which aired from 2001 to 2006 and earned critical acclaim. Appeared in films such as Ocean's Eleven, Ocean's Twelve, and Guess Who. Advocated for eugenics research and was involved in several philanthropic efforts. Passed away in 2008.

Continue Reading

Joe O'Donnell

Photographer and journalist
Born
1922 103 years ago
Died
August 9th, 2007 18 years ago — 85 years old

An American photographer and journalist specialized in capturing pivotal moments of the 20th century, primarily focusing on World War II. O'Donnell served as a combat photographer in the Pacific theater during the war, documenting significant events and the daily lives of soldiers. After the war, he worked as a staff photographer for major publications, contributing to numerous prestigious projects. His work provided a vivid and personal perspective on historical events, combining artistry with journalism to evoke emotional responses.

Continue Reading