Famous people born on August 12th
August 12 brings together a strikingly varied roster of creators, thinkers, and public figures. The date spans centuries, linking Romantic-era poetry and modern bestsellers to foundational science, film spectacle, and championship sport. From page to stage to laboratory, these birthdays show how influence can travel through many different kinds of work.
Notable highlights
- Erwin Schrodinger (1887) - A key architect of quantum mechanics, he introduced the wave equation that helped reshape modern physics.
- William Goldman (1931) - An Oscar-winning screenwriter and novelist, he wrote both sharp Hollywood craft manuals and enduring popular stories.
- Cecil B. DeMille (1881) - A defining showman of early Hollywood, he helped set the template for the epic historical blockbuster.
- George Soros (1930) - Financier and philanthropist known for founding the Open Society Foundations and supporting civic initiatives worldwide.
- Mark Knopfler (1949) - The Dire Straits guitarist is celebrated for a clean, narrative playing style that made songs like "Sultans of Swing" iconic.
- Buck Owens (1929) - A cornerstone of the Bakersfield sound, he helped steer country music toward a brighter, punchier edge.
- Pete Sampras (1971) - One of tennis' greats, he dominated the 1990s with a ruthless serve-and-volley game and multiple major titles.
- Mary Roberts Rinehart (1876) - A trailblazing bestselling author who shaped early 20th-century mystery and suspense with fast, readable plotting.
- Robert Southey (1774) - Poet Laureate and major Romantic-era voice, also known for prolific prose and literary criticism.
- Casey Affleck (1975) - Actor recognized for understated intensity, earning major awards for psychologically detailed performances.
On this day
- 1898 - The Hawaiian Islands are formally annexed by the United States, marking a major shift in Pacific geopolitics.
- 1944 - Paris begins a major uprising against German occupation as World War II nears its final year in Europe.
- 1981 - IBM introduces its first Personal Computer (IBM PC), accelerating the standardization of consumer computing.
- 1985 - Japan Airlines Flight 123 crashes, becoming one of the deadliest single-aircraft disasters in history.