Sitaram Yechury
Indian politician and CPI(M) leader
A prominent Indian politician actively engaged in leftist politics. Served as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) from 2015 until 2024. Played a significant role in shaping the political landscape in India, advocating for workers' rights and social justice. Contributed to several debates and discussions on national policies and socio-economic issues. Participated in various elections, emphasizing the importance of leftist ideology and unity among opposition parties.
Served as General Secretary of CPI(M)
Led CPI(M) during significant elections
Other People Born on August 12th
Pete Sampras
Tennis player, 14-time Grand Slam champion
Born
August 12th, 1971 54 years ago
A professional tennis player achieved significant success during the 1990s and early 2000s. Sampras dominated the sport with a powerful serve and aggressive style of play. He secured 14 Grand Slam singles titles, a record that stood for several years. His most notable achievements include winning Wimbledon seven times and the US Open five times. After retiring in 2002, he remained an influential figure in tennis, known for his sportsmanship.
Continue ReadingCecil B. DeMille
Film director and producer of epics
Born
August 12th, 1881 144 years ago
Died
January 21st, 1959 67 years ago — 77 years old
An American director, producer, and screenwriter contributed significantly to the film industry, particularly in the genre of epic films. Directed classics such as 'The Ten Commandments' (1956) and 'Ben-Hur' (1925), which showcased grand scale productions and elaborate storytelling. Helped establish the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, overseeing the first Academy Awards in 1929. Renowned for pioneering techniques in cinematography and special effects within the early days of Hollywood. Worked extensively with both silent films and talkies, adapting to the evolving landscape of the motion picture industry.
Continue ReadingMikko Lindström
Finnish guitarist, member of HIM
Born
August 12th, 1976 49 years ago
Born in 1976, played as the lead guitarist for the rock band HIM, which formed in 1991. The band gained significant popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s, particularly in Europe and North America, known for their gothic rock sound and passionate fanbase. The group released multiple successful albums, with their 2003 work 'Love Metal' achieving critical and commercial success. Lindström contributed to the band's distinctive style, blending heavy metal and goth influences. HIM disbanded in 2017, capping an influential career in the rock music scene.
Continue ReadingMichael J. McGivney
Priest, founder of Knights of Columbus
Born
August 12th, 1852 173 years ago
Died
August 14th, 1890 135 years ago — 38 years old
A Catholic priest founded the Knights of Columbus in 1882 to provide financial aid and support to Catholic families. The organization aimed to respond to pressures faced by Catholic immigrants in the United States. McGivney's efforts included establishing social and fraternal benefits for members. He also sought to advocate for workers' rights and provide community support in times of need. McGivney's leadership and vision contributed to the Knights of Columbus becoming one of the largest Catholic fraternal organizations in the world.
Continue ReadingSid Bernstein
American record producer and promoter
Born
August 12th, 1918 107 years ago
Died
August 21st, 2013 12 years ago — 95 years old
A prominent record producer and concert promoter, played a vital role in shaping the careers of several iconic artists. In the 1960s, organized concerts for The Beatles in the United States, including their historic Shea Stadium performance in 1965. Additionally, worked with artists like The Rolling Stones and The Dave Clark Five. Contributed significantly to the music industry through innovative marketing strategies and by introducing rock music to larger audiences on American soil.
Continue ReadingCharles Mesure
English-Australian actor and screenwriter
Born
August 12th, 1970 55 years ago
An actor and screenwriter active in film and television. Played the role of Eric Delko in the series 'Hercules: The Legendary Journeys'. Appeared in the TV series 'The Originals' as the character Josh. Contributed to various Australian and English productions throughout a career spanning several decades.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on September 12th
Aronda Nyakairima
Ugandan general and politician
Born
1959 67 years ago
Died
September 12th, 2015 10 years ago — 56 years old
Served as a general in the Uganda People's Defence Force and held the position of Minister of Internal Affairs. Played a significant role in military operations during the LRA conflict and served as Commander of the Land Forces. Contributed to national security strategies and reforms within the military. His tenure included involvement in peacekeeping missions and internal security matters in Uganda.
Continue ReadingJudith Merril
Science fiction writer and editor
Born
1923 103 years ago
Died
September 12th, 1997 28 years ago — 74 years old
A significant figure in science fiction, played a crucial role in shaping the genre through writing and editing. Contributed to anthologies and magazines, including The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction. Engaged in political activism and supported various social causes. Co-founded the feminist speculative fiction organization, the Speculative Literature Foundation.
Continue ReadingAnthony Perkins
American actor known for Psycho
Born
April 4th, 1932 94 years ago
Died
September 12th, 1992 33 years ago — 60 years old
An actor gained prominence for performances in film and theater, particularly recognized for the role of Norman Bates in Alfred Hitchcock's horror classic 'Psycho'. Strongly associated with the psychological thriller genre, involved in various productions throughout the 1960s and 70s. Pursued acting on stage, including notable roles in Broadway plays, and transitioned to television with appearances in series and made-for-TV movies. Perkins also ventured into directing, showcasing talents both in front of and behind the camera.
Continue ReadingStanley Turrentine
Saxophonist and composer of jazz classics
Born
April 5th, 1934 92 years ago
Died
September 12th, 2000 25 years ago — 66 years old
An American saxophonist and composer, contributed significantly to the jazz genre, particularly known for the soulful and blues-inflected sound. Began his career in the late 1950s and gained recognition for his distinctive tone and improvisational skills. Collaborated with major figures in jazz, including musicians like Max Roach, Horace Silver, and McCoy Tyner. Recorded numerous albums throughout a career that spanned several decades, with hallmark works like 'Sugar' and 'The Look of Love' achieving critical acclaim. Turrentine's influence extended into the popular music realm, with his work crossing over into rhythm and blues and soul.
Continue ReadingArkadii Dragomoshchenko
Russian poet and author
Born
1946 80 years ago
Died
September 12th, 2012 13 years ago — 66 years old
An influential voice in contemporary Russian literature emerged from Leningrad. This figure contributed significantly to the poetic landscape with a unique style that blended imagery and philosophical depth. Works often explored themes of language and perception, reflecting a profound engagement with the human experience. Participation in the 1970s Leningrad underground poetry movement marked an important period, challenging the artistic constraints of the time. Later, the figure became an important representative of the postmodern Russian poetic tradition. The international community recognized the contributions through translations of the work into multiple languages, increasing accessibility and fostering cross-cultural dialogue.
Continue ReadingNefingus
Bishop of Angers, Church leader
Died
September 12th, 973 1052 years ago — None years old
Served as the bishop of Angers, contributing to the ecclesiastical governance of the region during the 10th century. Nefingus was pivotal in the administration of church affairs and the promotion of Christian teachings in Angers. After a life dedicated to the church, passed away on September 12, 973.
Continue Reading