Vladimir Vernadsky
Mineralogist and chemist, biogeochemistry pioneer
Contributions to mineralogy and geochemistry included the establishment of the science of biogeochemistry. Developed the concept of the biosphere, emphasizing the impact of living organisms on the Earth's geology and atmosphere. Worked with the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences and contributed to the development of scientific institutions in Russia. Authored several influential works, including 'The Biosphere' which explored the relationship between life and the planet's physical processes.
Established the concept of the biosphere
Pioneered biogeochemistry
Contributed to the understanding of mineral deposits
Other People Born on March 12th
Masayoshi Ōhira
Japanese politician, Prime Minister
Born
March 12th, 1910 115 years ago
Died
June 12th, 1980 45 years ago — 70 years old
Served as the 68th Prime Minister of Japan from 1978 to 1979. Ōhira was a member of the Liberal Democratic Party and held various government positions prior to becoming Prime Minister, including Minister of Foreign Affairs. The tenure focused on economic issues and foreign relations during a period of economic growth in Japan. Ōhira passed away while in office, making his term notable for its brevity and the challenges faced during that time.
Continue ReadingJane Pierce
15th First Lady of the United States
Born
March 12th, 1806 219 years ago
Died
1863 162 years ago — 57 years old
Served as First Lady of the United States from 1853 to 1857 during the presidency of Franklin Pierce. Her tenure was marked by personal tragedy and political challenges. The loss of her son in a train accident influenced her public life. Focused on her family's well-being and often engaged in social issues of the time, she played a supportive role in her husband's political career. Her involvement in the role of First Lady included hosting events and being an example of 19th-century domesticity.
Continue ReadingWally Schirra
Astronaut and Apollo 7 commander
Born
March 12th, 1923 102 years ago
Died
May 3rd, 2007 18 years ago — 84 years old
A captain, pilot, and astronaut, this individual became a prominent figure in the early years of human spaceflight. Selected as one of the original seven astronauts for NASA's Project Mercury, he flew on Mercury-Atlas 8, performing six orbits of Earth in 1962. Later, he commanded the Apollo 7 mission in 1968, the first manned flight of the Apollo program, which tested crucial systems for future lunar missions. Throughout a distinguished career with NASA, he also contributed to the Gemini program and helped develop space shuttle technology.
Continue ReadingMilorad Dodik
Bosnian Serb politician and president
Born
March 12th, 1959 66 years ago
Born in 1959, a prominent Bosnian Serb politician served as the president of Republika Srpska. Affiliated with the Alliance of Independent Social Democrats party, he has held various political positions since the 1990s. His political career has been marked by efforts to promote the interests of the Serb population within Bosnia and Herzegovina. He played a significant role during the Bosnian War and has been involved in numerous political events shaping the region's landscape. His leadership has sparked discussions and controversies surrounding independence and the governance of Republika Srpska, facing criticism and support alike throughout his tenure.
Continue ReadingDanny Jones
Singer-songwriter and actor
Born
March 12th, 1986 39 years ago
Died
May 3rd, 2015 10 years ago — 29 years old
Singer-songwriter and actor, associated with the band McFly, which gained prominence in the early 2000s. The band's debut album, 'Room on the 3rd Floor', topped the UK Albums Chart. Contributed to the band's success with multiple hit singles and albums. Expanded career to acting, appearing in television series and various productions.
Continue ReadingGeorge Forbes
New Zealand Prime Minister
Born
March 12th, 1869 156 years ago
Died
May 17th, 1947 78 years ago — 78 years old
Served as the 22nd Prime Minister of New Zealand from 1930 to 1935. As a member of the Reform Party, held various ministerial positions prior to becoming Prime Minister, including Minister of Finance. Implemented key policies during the Great Depression to stabilize the economy. After leaving office, remained active in politics and served in various capacities, including the role of a prominent public figure in New Zealand.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on January 6th
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
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.
Continue ReadingFlorence 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 ReadingVictor Fleming
American director of 'Gone with the Wind'
Born
February 23rd, 1889 136 years ago
Died
January 6th, 1949 76 years ago — 59 years old
A prominent American director, producer, and cinematographer, became notable in the film industry during the early to mid-20th century. Directed the iconic film 'Gone with the Wind' in 1939, which won multiple Academy Awards and remains a landmark in cinematic history. Also directed 'The Wizard of Oz' in the same year, another film that achieved significant acclaim and cultural impact. Worked with several major studios and contributed to the advancement of film as a medium. His technical skills as a cinematographer helped shape the visual aesthetics of classic films.
Continue ReadingPeter Bogdanovich
Film director and screenwriter 'The Last Picture Show'
Born
July 30th, 1939 86 years ago
Died
January 6th, 2022 3 years ago — 82 years old
Award-winning film director, producer, writer, and actor contributed significantly to American cinema. Best known for directing 'The Last Picture Show', which received eight Academy Award nominations, winning two. Additionally directed films such as 'Paper Moon', which garnered Academy Award recognition for Tatum O'Neal, and 'What's Up, Doc?'. Worked with notable actors including Orson Welles and Bette Davis, and was a prominent figure during the New Hollywood era of the 1970s.
Continue ReadingJoe Slovo
Politician and anti-apartheid activist
Born
May 23rd, 1926 99 years ago
Died
January 6th, 1995 30 years ago — 68 years old
A lawyer and politician, contributed to the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa. Co-founded the South African Communist Party and served as the Chief of Staff of Umkhonto we Sizwe, the armed wing of the African National Congress. Participated in the negotiations to end apartheid and served as a minister in the post-apartheid government.
Continue ReadingChikamatsu Monzaemon
Japanese playwright and kabuki author
Born
1653 372 years ago
Died
January 6th, 1725 300 years ago — 72 years old
A significant figure in early modern Japanese theater, a playwright who contributed greatly to the development of kabuki and bunraku. Active during the Edo period, created works that explored themes of love and betrayal, often drawing from historical events and tales. Some of the most notable plays include 'The Love Suicides at Sonezaki' and 'The Battles of Coxinga.' Served as a key figure in the popularization of these theatrical forms, blending poetry and drama in unique ways.
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