Sidney Poitier

Actor and director, Oscar-winning role

Sidney Poitier - Actor and director, Oscar-winning role
Born

February 20th, 1927
98 years ago

Died

January 6th, 2022
3 years ago — 94 years old

Category

Performers & Entertainers

Country

United States

Links & References

Born in the Bahamas, an impactful figure in American cinema. Starred in films such as 'Lilies of the Field', earning an Academy Award for Best Actor. Other notable works include 'Guess Who's Coming to Dinner', 'To Sir, with Love', and 'The Defiant Ones'. Poitier also directed films including 'Buck and the Preacher' and 'Stir Crazy'. Later served as the Bahamian ambassador to Japan, contributing to diplomatic relations. His career spanned decades, influencing representation in film and culture.

Won the Academy Award for Best Actor for 'Lilies of the Field'

Starred in 'Guess Who's Coming to Dinner'

Directed 'Buck and the Preacher' and 'Stir Crazy'

Received the Presidential Medal of Freedom

Other People Born on February 20th

Hubert de Givenchy

French fashion designer and couturier
Born
February 20th, 1927 98 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 91 years old

A celebrated French fashion designer, contributed significantly to haute couture. Founded the House of Givenchy in 1952, establishing a reputation for elegant and sophisticated designs. Created iconic looks for several notable figures, including Audrey Hepburn, who wore his creations in films such as 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' and 'Roman Holiday'. Givenchy's style combined classic aesthetics with modern simplicity, influencing fashion globally. The designer was also recognized for his ready-to-wear collections, further solidifying his legacy in the fashion industry.

Continue Reading

Johann Christian Reil

Physician and founder of psychological medicine
Born
February 20th, 1759 266 years ago
Died
November 22nd, 1813 211 years ago — 54 years old

A German physician, physiologist, and anatomist contributed significantly to the understanding of psychological processes. Developed the concept of psychological medicine emphasizing the connection between mind and body. Worked at the University of Berlin, where research focused on the nervous system. Founded the first psychiatric clinic in Germany. Authored several important texts in medicine, particularly in neurology and psychiatry, influencing later developments in these fields.

Continue Reading

Jarrett 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 Reading

Alfred Escher

Swiss businessman and politician
Born
February 20th, 1819 206 years ago
Died
December 6th, 1882 142 years ago — 63 years old

Established the Swiss railway system and significantly influenced the development of Swiss industry in the 19th century. Served as a member of the Federal Council of Switzerland and played a key role in the founding of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich. Advocated for infrastructure improvements and modernization in Switzerland.

Continue Reading

Arthur Capell

1st Baron Capell of Hadham
Born
February 20th, 1608 417 years ago
Died
July 13th, 1683 341 years ago — 75 years old

An English peer and courtier who served in the royal court during the 17th century. Held the title of 1st Baron Capell of Hadham after his elevation to the peerage in 1641. Played a significant role in the political landscape leading up to and during the English Civil War, aligning with the Royalist cause. Engaged in various military campaigns to support King Charles I, ultimately being captured during the conflict. Conducted negotiations and maintained communications among royalist factions throughout his political endeavors.

Continue Reading

Willie Garson

Actor, notable for Sex and the City
Born
February 20th, 1964 61 years ago
Died
September 21st, 2021 3 years ago — 57 years old

An actor and director active in film and television, contributed significantly to the industry with a career spanning several decades. Best recognized for the role of Stanford Blatch in the television series 'Sex and the City,' portrayed a loyal friend in the lives of the main characters. Also featured in the series 'White Collar' as Mozzie, showcasing versatility across both comedic and dramatic roles. Garson took part in various film projects alongside television, leaving a lasting legacy through performances that resonated with audiences.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on January 6th

Elias Holl

German architect, designed Augsburg Town Hall
Born
1573 452 years ago
Died
January 6th, 1646 379 years ago — 73 years old

An architect from Germany, focused on Renaissance architecture. Designed the Augsburg Town Hall, a significant example of the architectural style of the period. Contributed to the development of urban structures in Augsburg, influencing city planning and design. Worked on various projects that showcased Baroque and Renaissance elements.

Continue Reading

Florence King

American journalist and memoirist
Born
January 5th, 1936 89 years ago
Died
January 6th, 2016 9 years ago — 80 years old

A journalist and memoirist authored several works reflecting on Southern life and culture. Gained recognition for sharp wit and insightful commentary. Contributed to various publications and achieved acclaim for personal essays and critiques. Explored themes of identity, class, and social norms in written works, establishing a distinctive voice in American literature.

Continue Reading

Spike Pola

Australian footballer and soldier
Born
1914 111 years ago
Died
January 6th, 2012 13 years ago — 98 years old

An Australian footballer played for the North Melbourne Football Club in the Victorian Football League (VFL) during the 1940s. His skills on the field contributed to the team's performance during his tenure. After his football career, served in the military, participating in World War II. Returned to football post-war and continued to be involved in the sport.

Continue Reading

Charley O'Leary

Baseball player and coach
Born
October 15th, 1882 142 years ago
Died
January 6th, 1941 84 years ago — 58 years old

Played professional baseball as a shortstop in Major League Baseball from 1908 to 1919. Was a member of the St. Louis Cardinals, Detroit Tigers, and Philadelphia Athletics. After retiring as a player, transitioned to coaching and managed various teams in the minor leagues. His career in baseball lasted over a decade, contributing to several teams in significant roles.

Continue Reading

Mehmed IV

Ottoman Sultan during the 17th century
Born
January 2nd, 1642 383 years ago
Died
January 6th, 1693 332 years ago — 51 years old

Ascended to the throne at the age of six, ruling the Ottoman Empire from 1648 until 1687. His reign witnessed the expansion and consolidation of empire territories, significant military campaigns, and a flourishing of arts and architecture. The period was marked by the Great Turkish War, during which the Ottoman Empire faced various European powers. The sultan's government sought to adapt to internal and external challenges through reform while dealing with the pressures of modernization. His reign is distinguished by the construction of numerous monuments, displaying the architectural prowess of the era.

Continue Reading

Theodore Roosevelt

26th President of the United States
Born
October 27th, 1858 166 years ago
Died
January 6th, 1919 106 years ago — 60 years old

Served as the 26th President from 1901 to 1909. Oversaw the completion of the Panama Canal and implemented progressive policies addressing labor rights and conservation. Played a key role in negotiating the end of the Russo-Japanese War, earning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1906. Advocated for the 'Square Deal' to support the average citizen through regulation of corporations and consumer protections. His presidency marked significant expansion of executive power and the federal government's role in economic affairs.

Continue Reading