William A. Wellman

American film director and producer

William A. Wellman - American film director and producer
Born

February 29th, 1896
129 years ago

Died

December 9th, 1975
49 years ago — 79 years old

Category

Performers & Entertainers

Country

United States

Links & References

Esteemed film director and producer contributed significantly to early American cinema. Directed the classic film 'Wings,' which won the first Academy Award for Best Picture in 1929. Also known for the western 'The Ox-Bow Incident' and the drama 'A Star Is Born.' His career spanned several decades, during which he worked with numerous stars and explored various genres, including war films and musicals.

Directed 'Wings,' the first Best Picture Oscar winner

Produced 'A Star Is Born' (1937 version)

Directed 'The Ox-Bow Incident'

Other People Born on February 29th

Joss Ackland

Actor in 'The Hunt for Red October'
Born
February 29th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
2023 2 years ago — 95 years old

An English actor, with a career spanning several decades. Significant appearances include roles in 'The Hunt for Red October' and 'The Last of the Mohicans'. Renowned for work in both feature films and television, involving a variety of genres such as drama and thriller. Also involved in theatrical productions and voice acting. Received critical acclaim for versatility across different formats.

Continue Reading

Antonio Sabàto Jr.

Model and actor, starred in 'General Hospital'
Born
February 29th, 1972 53 years ago

Born in Italy and raised in the United States, this individual began a successful career in modeling before transitioning into acting. The portrayal of Jagger Cates in the soap opera 'General Hospital' garnered significant attention. Additional appearances in film and television include roles in 'Splendor' and 'The Big Lebowski'. In later years, engagement in reality television also occurred. Alongside his entertainment career, participation in political activities was evident, showcasing a multifaceted public presence throughout the years.

Continue Reading

Jesper Lindstrøm

Danish footballer with Eintracht Frankfurt
Born
February 29th, 2000 25 years ago

A professional footballer, played as a winger. Began career at Brøndby IF before moving to Eintracht Frankfurt in 2021. Helped Eintracht Frankfurt win the UEFA Europa League in the 2021-2022 season. Known for speed and technical skills on the field.

Continue Reading

Katalin Kovács

Hungarian sprint kayaker Olympic champion
Born
February 29th, 1976 49 years ago

Accomplished in sprint kayaking, secured significant victories at international competitions. Competed in multiple Olympic Games, winning gold medals. Excelled at the World Championships, contributing to Hungary's reputation in the sport. Transitioned into coaching after retirement, helping to develop future generations of kayakers.

Continue Reading

Çağdaş Atan

Turkish footballer and coach
Born
February 29th, 1980 45 years ago

A footballer and coach with extensive experience in Turkish football. Played as a defender, primarily for clubs such as Gençlerbirliği and Akhisarspor. Transitioned to coaching after retiring as a player, taking on roles that included managerial positions at various clubs in Turkey. His career in football spanned significant achievements at both club and national levels.

Continue Reading

Cullen Jones

American Olympic swimmer and world champion
Born
February 29th, 1984 41 years ago

Born in 1984, this swimmer represented the United States in international competitions. Achieved success in freestyle and relay events. Competed in the 2004 and 2008 Summer Olympics, winning a total of four medals. Secured multiple gold medals at the World Championships, contributing to the United States' dominance in the sport. Known for setting records in individual and team events throughout his career.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on December 9th

Dmitry Merezhkovsky

Russian author and philosopher
Born
1865 160 years ago
Died
December 9th, 1941 83 years ago — 76 years old

An influential Russian author, poet, and philosopher, contributed significantly to Russian literature in the early 20th century. Explored themes of spirituality, love, and the tension between materialism and idealism. Worked extensively in literary criticism and contributed to the Symbolist movement. Authored several notable works, including 'The Resurrection of the Gods' and 'Andrei Bely: A Study of his Works'. His writings reflected the complexity of pre-revolutionary Russian society and questioned the meaning of existence.

Continue Reading

Feroz Khan Noon

Pakistani Prime Minister in the 1960s
Born
1893 132 years ago
Died
December 9th, 1970 54 years ago — 77 years old

Served as the 7th Prime Minister of Pakistan from 1958 to 1960. Held various ministerial positions before and after the premiership, including Minister of Information and Broadcasting. Participated in the establishment of Pakistan's first state-owned television and radio services. His tenure focused on economic development and infrastructure projects. Involved in fostering relations with other countries and was part of Pakistan's political landscape during a significant period.

Continue Reading

Gene Barry

American actor from "Bat Masterson"
Born
June 14th, 1919 106 years ago
Died
December 9th, 2009 15 years ago — 90 years old

An American actor, recognized primarily for work on stage and screen. Gained prominence in the television series "Bat Masterson" portraying the titular character. Achieved notable success in the 1960s with performances in several musical theater productions, including "Show Boat" and "Fanny." Appeared in films such as "The War of the Worlds" and "The Black Sleep." Also recognized for roles in various television movies and mini-series throughout the 1980s and 1990s, maintaining a long-lasting presence in the entertainment industry until retirement.

Continue Reading

Yolande de Polastron

French educator and writer
Born
September 8th, 1749 276 years ago
Died
December 9th, 1793 231 years ago — 44 years old

Born in 1749, this individual contributed significantly to the field of education in France. Active during the Enlightenment, this educator focused on improving education for girls and emphasized the importance of literature and the arts. In addition to writing educational materials, this individual founded a school that provided a comprehensive curriculum for female students. The influence of this work resonated throughout France and laid groundwork for future educational reforms.

Continue Reading

Anthony van Dyck

Flemish-English painter of portraits
Born
March 22nd, 1599 426 years ago
Died
December 9th, 1641 383 years ago — 42 years old

Active primarily in the 17th century, this painter emerged as a prominent portrait artist, recognized for his contributions to Baroque art. Initially trained in Antwerp, he later moved to England, where he became the principal court painter to King Charles I. His style is characterized by a blend of dramatic lighting and rich color that conveyed the personality of his subjects. The painter's ability to capture the likeness of his sitters set a new standard for portraiture in Europe. He produced a significant body of work that includes numerous royal portraits and depictions of the English aristocracy.

Continue Reading

Li Congrong

Prince of Later Tang Dynasty
Died
December 9th, 933 1091 years ago — None years old

Born into the Later Tang Dynasty, one of the Five Dynasties of China, a significant historical figure played a central role in the political landscape of his time. As a prince, served under the rule of his father, Li Cunxu, the founding emperor of the Later Tang. Advocated for military campaigns and governance that aimed to stabilize the region during a period of fragmentation. Contributed to the development of policies that impacted the ruling structure of the dynasty until his death in 933.

Continue Reading