Richard Brooks
American director and screenwriter
A prominent director, producer, and screenwriter, contributed significantly to American cinema from the 1950s to the 1980s. Directed notable films such as 'Elmer Gantry', which garnered critical acclaim and earned Academy Awards. Worked on various genres, including drama and crime, and created influential television series. Demonstrated skill in adapting literary works to film, evident in successful adaptations like 'In Cold Blood'.
Directed 'Elmer Gantry', winning an Oscar
Adapted 'In Cold Blood' for film
Other People Born on May 18th
Jay Wells
Ice Hockey Player and Coach
Born
May 18th, 1959 67 years ago
Played as a defenseman in the National Hockey League (NHL) for multiple teams including the New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings, and Buffalo Sabres. Transitioned to coaching after retirement from professional play, contributing to various junior and minor league teams. Participated in a total of over 700 NHL games during a career spanning more than a decade.
Continue ReadingJacques Santer
Luxembourgish politician and jurist
Born
May 18th, 1937 89 years ago
Born in 1937 in Luxembourg, served as the 22nd Prime Minister of Luxembourg from 1995 to 1999. His administration focused on economic reforms and European integration. Santer was also a member of the European Commission and held the position of President from 1995 until 1999. As Prime Minister, he worked to strengthen Luxembourg's role in the European Union. He contributed to various initiatives aimed at enhancing cooperation among member states.
Continue ReadingAngela Voigt
German long jumper Olympic medalist
Born
May 18th, 1951 75 years ago
Died
April 10th, 2013 13 years ago — 61 years old
Competed in long jump, representing Germany. Secured a silver medal at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Achieved success in European competition, winning gold medals at the European Athletics Championships in 1982 and 1986. Established herself as one of the top long jumpers of her time through consistent performances and technical skill.
Continue ReadingMark Mothersbaugh
Singer-songwriter and composer, Devo
Born
May 18th, 1950 76 years ago
A prominent figure in American music and art, contributions span various fields including music, visual arts, and film scoring. Co-founded the band Devo, which gained notoriety in the late 1970s for its unique blend of new wave and punk rock, coupled with its intellectual themes. Mothersbaugh's work with Devo includes classic hits such as 'Whip It'. In addition to music, engaging in visual art practices, he has exhibited his artwork in numerous galleries. Composed scores for films including 'The Lego Movie' and 'Rushmore', establishing a reputation in film music.
Continue ReadingBertrand Russell
Philosopher and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
May 18th, 1872 154 years ago
Died
February 2nd, 1970 56 years ago — 97 years old
A prominent British mathematician and philosopher, contributed significantly to a variety of fields including logic, philosophy, and social criticism. Authored numerous influential works, including 'Principia Mathematica' co-written with Alfred North Whitehead, which laid the groundwork for much of modern mathematics. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1950 for varied and significant writings, advocating for humanitarian ideals and nuclear disarmament. Engaged actively in political discourse throughout his career, participating in various anti-war movements and promoting social reform.
Continue ReadingMalcolm Longair
Astronomer and physicist, studied black holes
Born
May 18th, 1941 85 years ago
An astronomer and physicist focused on high-energy astrophysics. Contributed to the understanding of black holes and cosmic radio sources. Served as a professor at the University of Cambridge and as a director of the Institute of Astronomy. Authored several significant publications and texts on astrophysics, particularly emphasizing the role of black holes in the universe.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on March 11th
Walter Burkert
German philologist and scholar of antiquity
Born
1931 95 years ago
Died
March 11th, 2015 11 years ago — 84 years old
A prominent philologist and scholar concentrated on ancient Greek culture and philosophy. Specialized in the study of Greek religion and mythology, contributed significantly to the understanding of early Greek thought. Authored several influential works, including "Homo Necans" which examined the intertwining of religion and violence in ancient cultures. His research emphasized the empirical and historical analysis of ancient texts and practices, helping to shape contemporary understanding of Greek civilization.
Continue ReadingF. W. Murnau
Silent Film Director and 'Nosferatu' Creator
Born
December 28th, 1888 137 years ago
Died
March 11th, 1931 95 years ago — 42 years old
Born in Germany and later became a naturalized American, the individual was a groundbreaking filmmaker during the silent film era. Renowned for innovative techniques in cinematography and storytelling, this director significantly influenced the horror genre with the film 'Nosferatu' in 1922. Other notable works include 'Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans', which received critical acclaim and won an Academy Award for Best Unique and Artistic Picture. Murnau's collaboration with prominent actors and his unique visual style left a lasting legacy in film history. His career, although cut short by an untimely death, established a foundation for future filmmakers in both Germany and Hollywood.
Continue ReadingPierre Renoir
French actor and director with notable films
Born
March 21st, 1885 141 years ago
Died
March 11th, 1952 74 years ago — 66 years old
An actor and director, contributed significantly to French cinema. Directed several films during the early to mid-20th century. Acted in notable works such as 'La Fille de l'eau' and 'Les Déracinés'. His filmography showcased a range of genres and narratives, reflecting the cinematic trends of the time. Involved in the cinematographic society and collaborated with various filmmakers, adding depth to the art of film in France.
Continue ReadingSophronius of Jerusalem
Christian Patriarch and theologian
Died
March 11th, 638 1388 years ago — None years old
Served as Patriarch of Jerusalem from 634 until death in 638. Played a significant role in the early Christian church during a time of considerable turmoil. Contributed to theological discourse, particularly regarding Christology and the relationship between God and Jesus. Authored numerous works, including biblical commentaries and hymns. Engaged with various ecclesiastical and political issues, including the spread of Islam in the region and the defense of Christian orthodoxy. His leadership was marked by the challenges posed by external threats and the internal complexities of the church.
Continue ReadingIolanda Balaș
Romanian high jumper Olympic champion
Born
December 12th, 1936 89 years ago
Died
March 11th, 2016 10 years ago — 79 years old
Achieved significant success in high jump during the 1950s. Competed in international events representing Romania. Won a gold medal at the 1960 Rome Olympics. Set multiple world records throughout her career, including a remarkable jump of 1.85 meters in 1961. Retired in 1965, leaving a legacy in the sport.
Continue ReadingJames Tobin
Economist and Nobel Prize winner
Born
March 5th, 1918 108 years ago
Died
March 11th, 2002 24 years ago — 84 years old
An American economist and academic who contributed significantly to the field of economics, particularly in the areas of investment theory and monetary policy. Tobin developed the Tobin Tax, a proposed tax on financial transactions aimed at reducing speculation. He served on the faculty at Yale University and held various prestigious positions, including President of the American Economic Association. His scholarly work led to the formulation of the Tobin's Q theory, which describes the relationship between market value and replacement costs of assets. Tobin received the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 1981 for his analysis of financial markets and their relations to real investment.
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