January 12 in History: Famous Births, Events, and Deaths

January 12th has been a day of remarkable historical events and the birth of influential personalities across the world. From scientific achievements to cultural milestones, this date holds significance in global history. Many famous individuals who shaped art, politics, and science were born on this day, leaving lasting legacies. It also marks key events that have influenced nations and societies throughout the centuries.

Famous People Born on January 12th

1628 Charles Perrault: French author known for classic fairy tales like “Cinderella” and “Sleeping Beauty”

1876 Jack London: American novelist and adventurer, author of “The Call of the Wild”

1893 Hermann Göring: German political and military leader during World War II

1910 Patsy Kelly: American stage and film actress

1926 Ray Price: American country music singer and songwriter

1944 Joe Frazier: American heavyweight boxing champion

1951 Kirstie Alley: American actress known for the TV series “Cheers”

1954 Howard Stern: American radio and TV personality

1959 Per Gessle: Swedish pop singer, songwriter and co-founder of Roxette

1964 Jeff Bezos: Founder of Amazon and one of the world’s richest entrepreneurs

1968 Heather Mills: English media personality and activist

1974 Melanie Chisholm (Mel C): British singer and member of the Spice Girls

1986 Gemma Arterton: English actress known for “Prince of Persia” and “Quantum of Solace”

1993 Zayn Malik: British singer and former member of One Direction

Famous Events That Happened on January 12th

1528: Gustav I of Sweden is crowned King of Sweden, marking the end of the Kalmar Union.

1773: The first public museum in the United States, the Charleston Museum, is established in South Carolina.

1896: The first X-ray photograph in the U.S. is taken by Dr. Henry Louis Smith in North Carolina.

1915: The U.S. House of Representatives rejects a proposal to give women the right to vote.

1932: Hattie Caraway becomes the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate.

1964: The Zanzibar Revolution begins, ending more than 200 years of Arab rule in Zanzibar.

1966: Batman, starring Adam West and Burt Ward, premieres on ABC television.

1971: The sitcom “All in the Family” premieres on CBS, changing the landscape of American TV comedy.

2004: The ocean liner RMS Queen Mary 2, the world’s largest passenger ship at the time, makes her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York.

2010: A devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake strikes Haiti, killing over 200,000 people and causing massive destruction.

Famous People Who Died on January 12th

1519 Maximilian I: Holy Roman Emperor who expanded the influence of the Habsburg dynasty in Europe.

1665 Pierre de Fermat: French mathematician known for Fermat’s Last Theorem.

1709 George Rapp: German religious leader and founder of the Harmony Society.

1875 Matthew Fontaine Maury: American oceanographer and naval officer known as the “Pathfinder of the Seas.”

1899 Karl Ludwig Hencke: German astronomer who discovered two asteroids, 5 Astraea and 6 Hebe.

1976 Agatha Christie: Famous British novelist, creator of Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple.

2003 Leopold Barschandt: Austrian football player who represented Austria in the 1954 World Cup.

2009 Claude Berri: French film director, producer, and actor known for “Jean de Florette.”

2013 Rajesh Khanna: Legendary Indian film actor and politician, often called “The First Superstar of Bollywood.”

2020 Roger Scruton: British philosopher and writer known for his work in aesthetics and conservatism.

January 12th stands as a day filled with historical depth and cultural significance. From groundbreaking discoveries and revolutions to the birth and passing of influential figures, this date has witnessed moments that have shaped art, science, politics, and society across the world. It serves as a reminder of how each day in history carries stories of progress, creativity, and human resilience that continue to inspire future generations.