Robert Altman
American filmmaker with M*A*S*H
A prominent director and screenwriter in American cinema, this individual contributed significantly to film art with a unique storytelling style. Debuting in the 1950s, created a series of innovative films that often employed ensemble casts and overlapping dialogue. The 1970 film M*A*S*H, a black comedy about a mobile army surgical hospital during the Korean War, achieved both commercial success and critical acclaim, earning multiple Academy Award nominations. Other notable works include Nashville, a musical drama that provided a critique of American culture, and The Player, a satirical look at Hollywood. Established a reputation for challenging traditional narratives and influential cinematic techniques throughout a remarkable career.
Directed M*A*S*H, nominated for 5 Oscars
Created Nashville, nominated for Best Picture
Produced The Player, acclaimed for its satire
Other People Born on February 20th
Ciro Immobile
Italian Footballer and Lazio Goal Scorer
Born
February 20th, 1990 35 years ago
Professionally engaged in football, played primarily as a striker. Became a key player for S.S. Lazio, achieving significant success in Serie A. Gained recognition for outstanding scoring ability and leadership on the field, contributing to Lazio's Coppa Italia victories. Competed in international tournaments representing Italy, including the UEFA European Championship.
Continue ReadingKi Bo-bae
South Korean archer with Olympic golds
Born
February 20th, 1988 37 years ago
This archer competed successfully in multiple international championships, including the Olympics. Dominated the 2012 London Olympics, earning a gold medal in women's individual archery and contributing to a team gold in the women's team event. Also participated in the 2016 Rio Olympics, securing a silver medal in the individual category. Influenced the sport positively through remarkable performances and consistency throughout the competitive archery circuit.
Continue ReadingJarrett Culver
Basketball player for Minnesota Timberwolves
Born
February 20th, 1999 26 years ago
Basketball player, drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2019 as the sixth overall pick in the NBA Draft. Played college basketball at Texas Tech University, leading the team to the NCAA Championship game in 2019. Received the Big 12 Player of the Year award in 2019.
Continue ReadingJurickson Profar
Baseball player and infielder
Born
February 20th, 1993 32 years ago
Born in Curaçao, an infielder showcased talent in Major League Baseball. Made debut with the Texas Rangers in 2012. Played a significant role in the team's operations, contributing both defensively and offensively. Achieved a successful stint with the San Diego Padres, displaying versatility in various infield positions. Contributed to the 2020 World Series Championship team, the Los Angeles Dodgers, enhancing his reputation within the league.
Continue ReadingLuke Burgess
Rugby league player, England
Born
February 20th, 1987 38 years ago
Started professional rugby league career in 2006 with the Leeds Rhinos, winning the Super League championship in 2007. Played for the England national team in international competitions, participating in the 2013 Rugby League World Cup. Later joined the Bradford Bulls and contributed to the team's efforts in the Championship. Retired from professional play but remains involved in rugby through coaching and mentoring.
Continue ReadingMiles Teller
Actor known for Whiplash
Born
February 20th, 1987 38 years ago
An American actor gained prominence through significant roles in film and television. Starred in the critically acclaimed film 'Whiplash', portraying a passionate drummer under an intense music instructor. Featured in 'The Spectacular Now' as a high school senior navigating love and life challenges. Appeared in the 'Divergent' series as the character Peter, showcasing versatility in a dystopian setting. Also performed in 'Top Gun: Maverick', a sequel to the iconic 'Top Gun', playing the role of Rooster, further establishing his presence in Hollywood.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on November 20th
Kristian Djurhuus
Faroese politician, 2nd Prime Minister
Born
February 12th, 1895 130 years ago
Died
November 20th, 1984 41 years ago — 89 years old
Served as the 2nd Prime Minister of the Faroe Islands. Contributed to the political landscape during a significant period in the islands' history. Held various prominent roles in the Faroese government. Engaged in shaping the policies and governance of the autonomous region.
Continue ReadingChalmers Johnson
Scholar and author of 'Blowback'
Born
August 6th, 1931 94 years ago
Died
November 20th, 2010 15 years ago — 79 years old
An American scholar and author contributed to the fields of political science and international relations. Focused on critique of U.S. foreign policy and military expansion, particularly through the lens of the consequences borne by covert operations. Concept of 'blowback', as articulated in the book of the same name, addressed unforeseen repercussions of American actions abroad. Made notable contributions to discussions regarding the implications of globalization and empire.
Continue ReadingJames H. Billington
Librarian of Congress and academic leader
Born
June 1st, 1929 96 years ago
Died
November 20th, 2018 7 years ago — 89 years old
Served as the Thirteenth Librarian of Congress from 1987 to 2015. Played a significant role in modernizing the Library of Congress and advocating for digital access to American history and culture. Oversaw the establishment of various digital initiatives and projects, including the American Memory project, which made historical documents available online. Contributed extensively to academic discourse on American literature and culture through numerous publications.
Continue ReadingFrancis William Aston
Nobel Prize-winning chemist and physicist
Born
September 1st, 1877 148 years ago
Died
November 20th, 1945 80 years ago — 68 years old
Contributed significantly to the field of chemistry and physics through the development of the mass spectrograph. This innovation allowed for precise measurements of atomic masses and the identification of isotopes, which advanced the understanding of chemical elements. Received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1922 for the invention of the mass spectrograph and the discovery of isotopes. Held various academic positions throughout his career and published numerous scientific papers, which furthered research in atomic structure and behavior.
Continue ReadingArturo Bocchini
Chief of Police under Mussolini
Born
1880 145 years ago
Died
November 20th, 1940 85 years ago — 60 years old
Served as Chief of Police during the Fascist regime in Italy. Oversaw police operations and maintained order within the state during a time of political turmoil. Played a significant role in implementing Mussolini's authoritarian policies and suppression of dissent. Managed the secret police, ensuring loyalty to the regime and increasing control over the population.
Continue ReadingFrancisco Franco
Spanish General and Dictator
Born
December 4th, 1892 133 years ago
Died
November 20th, 1975 50 years ago — 82 years old
Born in 1892, a Spanish military leader rose through the ranks during the Spanish Civil War. He led Nationalist forces to victory, becoming head of state and implementing a totalitarian regime. Franco ruled Spain for nearly four decades, establishing policies centered on conservative Catholic values and nationalism. His government faced significant opposition, resulting in various political repression and censorship. Following World War II, the regime gradually transitioned toward more moderate policies but maintained an authoritarian structure until Franco's death in 1975. The legacy of his rule continues to influence Spanish society and politics.
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