February 12: What Happened on This Day in History

Abraham Lincoln (1809)

Abraham Lincoln was an American lawyer, politician, and the 16th President of the United States. Serving from 1861 to 1865, he led the country during the Civil War, preserved the Union, abolished slavery, strengthened the federal government, and modernized the U.S. economy. Lincoln is widely regarded as one of America's greatest presidents. [bio]

Charles Darwin (1809)

Charles Darwin was an English naturalist, geologist, and biologist, renowned for his contributions to the science of evolution. His theory of natural selection, as presented in his seminal work 'On the Origin of Species,' profoundly influenced the understanding of how species evolve over time. [bio]

Judy Blume (1938)

Judy Blume is a renowned American author best known for her influential and candid children's, young adult, and adult fiction. Her books have sold over 85 million copies worldwide, addressing themes such as adolescence, family, and self-discovery. [bio]

Josh Brolin (1968)

Josh Brolin is an acclaimed American actor known for his versatile roles in both film and television. He has gained recognition for his performances in a variety of genres, including drama, action, and comic book adaptations, making him one of Hollywood's most respected actors. [bio]

Lorne Greene (1915)

Lorne Greene was a Canadian actor, radio personality, and singer, best known for his roles as Ben Cartwright on the television series 'Bonanza' and Commander Adama on 'Battlestar Galactica.' He was a prominent figure in television Westerns during the mid-20th century and later achieved recognition in science fiction. [bio]

Christina Ricci (1980)

Christina Ricci is an American actress renowned for her work in both film and television, especially for her portrayals of dark, quirky characters. Rising to fame as a child star in the early 1990s, she has built a reputation for her versatility and distinctive screen presence. [bio]

Darren Aronofsky (1969)

Darren Aronofsky is an acclaimed American film director, screenwriter, and producer known for his psychologically intense and visually distinctive films. He has garnered international recognition for his unique storytelling style and exploration of complex human emotions. [bio]

Arsenio Hall (1956)

Arsenio Hall is an American comedian, actor, and talk show host best known for hosting "The Arsenio Hall Show," a groundbreaking late-night talk show in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He is also recognized for his roles in films such as "Coming to America." [bio]

Franco Zeffirelli (1923)

Franco Zeffirelli was an acclaimed Italian director and producer of film, opera, and television. He was best known for his visually stunning adaptations of classic works, especially Shakespearean plays and operas, and had a significant impact on both European and international performing arts. [bio]

Jesse Spencer (1979)

Jesse Spencer is an Australian actor and musician, internationally recognized for his roles as Dr. Robert Chase on the medical drama 'House' and as Lieutenant Matthew Casey on the television drama 'Chicago Fire'. [bio]

Robert Wagner (1991)

Robert Wagner is an American actor best known for his roles in television series such as 'Hart to Hart,' 'It Takes a Thief,' and 'Switch,' as well as films including 'A Kiss Before Dying' and the 'Austin Powers' series. With a career spanning more than seven decades, Wagner became a television star in the 1970s and has maintained a presence … [bio]

Jean Renoir (1979)

Jean Renoir was a renowned French film director, screenwriter, actor, producer, and author, considered one of the most influential filmmakers in cinema history. He is best known for directing classics such as 'La Grande Illusion' and 'The Rules of the Game,' which have had a lasting impact on world cinema. [bio]

Sid Caesar (2014)

Sid Caesar was an influential American comic actor and writer, best known for his work on pioneering 1950s television sketch comedy shows such as 'Your Show of Shows' and 'Caesar's Hour.' Renowned for his sharp wit, impeccable timing, and ability to portray a variety of characters and accents, Caesar is widely regarded as one of the most significant figures in … [bio]

Betty Garrett (2011)

Betty Garrett was an American actress, singer, and dancer best known for her roles in Hollywood musicals of the 1940s and 1950s, as well as her work in television series such as 'All in the Family' and 'Laverne & Shirley.' [bio]

Sal Mineo (1976)

Sal Mineo was an American actor, director, and singer, best known for his roles in the films 'Rebel Without a Cause' and 'Exodus.' He was a prominent teen idol in the 1950s and is remembered for his sensitive and complex performances. [bio]

Screamin' Jay Hawkins (2000)

Screamin' Jay Hawkins was an American singer, songwriter, musician, and actor, best known for pioneering theatrical shock rock with his powerful, operatic voice and flamboyant stage persona. He rose to fame with the 1956 hit 'I Put a Spell on You,' a song that cemented his place in music history. [bio]

Gary Owens (2015)

Gary Owens was an American disc jockey, voice actor, radio announcer, and television personality best known for his announcer role on the hit television show 'Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In.' His distinctive booming voice and deadpan comedic delivery made him a recognizable figure in entertainment throughout the 1960s and 1970s. [bio]

Kenneth Mars (2011)

Kenneth Mars was an American actor known for his comedic character roles in film, television, and voice acting. He is best remembered for his performances in Mel Brooks films and his work in animation voiceovers. [bio]

Jean Dixon (1981)

Actress (joy of livng, you only get one life).

Dorothy Tree (1992)

Actress (abe lincoln, illinois, nazi agent).