Famous people born on September 12th
September 12 has produced an unusually wide-ranging lineup of influential figures, spanning Renaissance royalty, pioneering journalists, iconic athletes, and modern screen stars. The date pairs cultural tastemakers with public-service leaders, and it also features artists and musicians whose work shaped distinct eras. From the court of France to the Olympic track to contemporary film and television, these birthdays reflect enduring global impact.
Notable highlights
- H. L. Mencken (1880) - A sharp-tongued American critic whose essays and editing helped define early 20th-century public debate.
- Jesse Owens (1913) - The sprinter and long jumper who became an Olympic symbol of athletic excellence and resilience under global scrutiny.
- Francis I of France (1494) - A Renaissance monarch celebrated for patronage of the arts and for shaping France's cultural and political identity.
- Jason Statham (1972) - An action-film mainstay known for his deadpan persona and high-intensity stunt-driven roles.
- Neil Peart (1952) - Rush's drummer and principal lyricist, revered for technical precision and conceptual storytelling in rock.
- Barry White (1944) - The velvet-voiced singer and producer whose lush arrangements became a signature of 1970s soul.
- Ben Shahn (1898) - A socially conscious artist whose paintings and graphic work brought labor and justice themes into American modernism.
- Florence Kelley (1859) - A reformer who fought for child labor laws and workplace protections, helping professionalize social advocacy.
- Paul Walker (1973) - An actor closely associated with a blockbuster racing franchise and remembered for his on-screen warmth.
- Michael Ondaatje (1943) - A novelist and poet known for lyrical, research-rich storytelling, including the internationally acclaimed "The English Patient".
On this day
- 490 BCE - The Battle of Marathon is traditionally dated to this day, a pivotal Greek victory over Persian forces.
- 1847 - U.S. forces capture Mexico City during the Mexican-American War after key battles around the capital.
- 1958 - Jack Kilby demonstrates an early integrated circuit, a foundational step toward modern microelectronics.
- 1992 - NASA launches STS-47, the first Space Shuttle mission with a Japanese astronaut on board.