Muriel Rukeyser

Poet and activist advocating for justice

Muriel Rukeyser - Poet and activist advocating for justice
Born

December 15th, 1913
111 years ago

Died

February 12th, 1980
45 years ago — 66 years old

Category

Activists & Humanitarians

Country

United States

Links & References

This individual was an American poet and activist whose work often addressed social justice issues, including feminism and civil rights. Rukeyser published several poetry collections, with 'The Life of Poetry' being one of the most noted. She utilized her writing as a means to highlight injustices and encourage activism, participating in various political causes and movements throughout her life. Rukeyser also served as a professor, sharing her literary knowledge and passion for poetry with students. Her contributions extended beyond poetry, engaging in journalism and lecturing on issues affecting marginalized communities.

Published the poetry collection 'The Life of Poetry'

Advocated for social justice and civil rights

Served as a professor of literature

Other People Born on December 15th

Aaron Miles

Baseball player and coach
Born
December 15th, 1976 48 years ago

Played Major League Baseball as an infielder for several teams, including the Kansas City Royals, Chicago Cubs, and St. Louis Cardinals. Served as a coach after retiring from professional play, contributing to team development and player performance.

Continue Reading

Sattar Bahlulzade

Azerbaijani-Russian painter
Born
December 15th, 1909 115 years ago
Died
1974 51 years ago — 65 years old

Born in 1909, this painter became a significant figure in Azerbaijani art. Studied at various institutions, including the Azerbaijani State Art School and in Leningrad, developed a unique style that combined traditional Azerbaijani themes with modern techniques. His work often showcased the beauty of nature and the cultural heritage of Azerbaijan. Active in the Soviet art scene, he participated in numerous exhibitions and contributed to the development of artistic education in the country.

Continue Reading

Geoff Stults

American actor and producer
Born
December 15th, 1977 47 years ago

An actor and producer originally from America, known for roles in television series and films. Played major roles in the series 'The Finder' and '7th Heaven'. Also appeared in films such as 'The Mary Frances Takeover'. Stults has contributed both in front of and behind the camera, participating in productions that showcase his talent in acting and producing.

Continue Reading

Joe D'Amato

Italian director and cinematographer
Born
December 15th, 1936 88 years ago
Died
January 23rd, 1999 26 years ago — 62 years old

A director and cinematographer focused on the genre of horror and adult films. Worked extensively in the Italian film industry, producing and directing a large body of work throughout the 1970s and 1980s. D'Amato gained notoriety for his unique style and often controversial subject matter. His films often included elements of eroticism and violent themes, contributing to the rise of the giallo film genre. Achieved a cult following for works that combined artful cinematography with provocative storytelling.

Continue Reading

Freeman Dyson

Physicist and mathematician, wrote 'Disturbing the Universe'
Born
December 15th, 1923 101 years ago
Died
February 28th, 2020 5 years ago — 96 years old

Born in England, renounced British citizenship and became a naturalized American citizen. Contributed significantly to quantum mechanics, nuclear engineering, and space propulsion concepts. Worked at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey, for several decades. Authored many influential papers and books, including 'Disturbing the Universe,' discussing the implications of science and technology on society. Developed strategies for space travel and theorized about extraterrestrial life and civilizations. Proposed the Dyson Sphere, a hypothetical megastructure that could encompass a star to capture its energy. Involved in various controversial discussions around climate change and technological advancements.

Continue Reading

Harry Babcock

American pole vaulter, Olympic medalist
Born
December 15th, 1890 134 years ago
Died
1965 60 years ago — 75 years old

Competed in pole vaulting during the early 20th century. Achieved significant success in national and international competitions, including the 1912 Summer Olympics held in Stockholm, Sweden. During these games, secured a bronze medal in pole vault. Babcock also set several American records in pole vaulting. His contributions to the sport were notable during its formative years.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on February 12th

Nodar Kumaritashvili

Georgian luger and Olympic athlete
Born
November 25th, 1988 36 years ago
Died
February 12th, 2010 15 years ago — 21 years old

A Georgian luger competed in the 2010 Winter Olympics held in Vancouver. Training primarily in the sport of luge, participation in international competitions included the Luge World Championships. Tragically, an accident occurred during a practice run leading to death just days before Olympic events began.

Continue Reading

Avraham Stern

Militant leader of the Lehi group
Born
1907 118 years ago
Died
February 12th, 1942 83 years ago — 35 years old

Founded the Lehi group, a militant organization in British Mandate Palestine, aiming for the establishment of a Jewish state. Engaged in guerrilla warfare against British authorities and contributed to the Jewish resistance during World War II. Led operations that targeted British officials and sought to gain international attention for the Zionist cause. Died in a confrontation with British police, cementing his status as a symbol of Jewish nationalism.

Continue Reading

John Severin

Illustrator of 'Mad Magazine'
Born
December 26th, 1921 103 years ago
Died
February 12th, 2012 13 years ago — 90 years old

An illustrator contributed significantly to American comics, particularly noted for work in 'Mad Magazine'. Severin began his career in the 1940s and applied his talent to various comic book titles, including war comics and humor magazines. Collaborating with prominent comic organizations, he established a reputation for intricate line work and detailed storytelling. His artistry influenced many and garnered recognition within the comic book industry until retirement.

Continue Reading

George Heriot

Scottish goldsmith and founder of Heriot's
Born
June 4th, 1563 461 years ago
Died
February 12th, 1624 401 years ago — 60 years old

Born in Edinburgh, a successful goldsmith established a prominent business in the city. Instrumental in designing and creating intricate gold and silver work, notable pieces contributed to the wealth and status of clients. Recognized for philanthropy, founded Heriot's School in 1628 to provide education for fatherless boys. This institution has served as a significant educational establishment through the centuries.

Continue Reading

Nicholas Throckmorton

English politician and diplomat
Born
1515 510 years ago
Died
February 12th, 1571 454 years ago — 56 years old

Served as a prominent diplomat and politician during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. Acted as ambassador to France and participated in various negotiations regarding English interests. Played a key role in the political landscape of the Elizabethan era, particularly in matters of foreign policy. Engaged in the defense of English interests against rival powers and was involved in the complex court intrigues of the time.

Continue Reading

Nicholas Colasanto

Actor and director of Cheers
Born
January 19th, 1924 101 years ago
Died
February 12th, 1985 40 years ago — 61 years old

An American actor and director, contributed significantly to television and film, most notably as 'Ernie Pantusso' on the television series 'Cheers'. Directed several episodes during the show's run. Pursued an acting career in theater before transitioning to television, where appearances in various series paved the way for a successful role on 'Cheers'. His performance earned acclaim from audiences, establishing a long-lasting legacy in entertainment.

Continue Reading