July 12 has given birth to famous people like rugby legend and arguably the greatest rugby player of all time, Gareth Edwards, celebrated comedian and actor Bill Cosby, and pioneering businessman and philanthropist George Eastman, who revolutionized photography. The list of famous people born today, July 12, includes Louis B. Meyer, BC Julius Caesar, Oscar Hammerstein II, Kathy Staff, Roy Barraclough, Christine McVie, and more.
These famous people and others born today have enriched our world with their talents, innovations, and enduring contributions.
Who Are The Famous People’s Born Today: July 12?
July 12 is a day that celebrates the birthdays of several famous people who have made significant impacts in their fields. Scroll down to discover and explore the famous people born on this day, July 12:
Bill Cosby is 87 years old today.
Bill Cosby is a celebrated American comedian, actor, spokesman, and media personality who retired in 2014 after a career of over five decades in the entertainment industry. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, on July 12, 1937. He is the son of Anna Pearl Hite, a maid, and William Henry Cosby Sr., who served as a mess steward in the U.S. Navy.
Growing up in a working-class family, Cosby developed a strong work ethic and a keen sense of humor, which would later become his trademarks. He attended Central High School in Philadelphia before transferring to Germantown High School but left after failing in the 10th grade. Bill joined the U.S. Navy and served until 1960 as a petty officer in the 3rd class.
Cosby eventually earned his high school equivalency diploma in 1961 and attended Temple University on a track and field scholarship. He later enrolled at the University of Massachusetts Amherst for h his Master of Arts (MA) degree.
Bill Cosby’s career in entertainment began in 1961 as a stand-up comedian at the Hungry I nightclub in San Francisco. His clean, relatable humor and storytelling ability quickly made him popular in comedy clubs and on television. In 1965, Cosby became the first African American to co-star in a dramatic television series, “I Spy.”
Cosby’s most iconic work came in the 1980s with “The Cosby Show,” which he created, produced, and starred in. The show aired from 1984 to 1992, depicted an affluent African American family, and became one of the most successful sitcoms in television history. It was praised for its positive portrayal of African American life and significantly impacted American culture.
Bill has become the subject of several sexual assault allegations, including drug-facilitated sexual assault, over 60 women of rape, sexual battery, child sexual abuse, and sexual harassment. In 2018, Cosby was convicted of aggravated sexual assault against Andrea Constand. Bill was imprisoned until the conviction was vacated in June 2021. In 2022, Cosby was found civilly liable for sexually assaulting Judy Huth.
In addition to his work on television, Cosby has authored several books and biographies, including “Fatherhood” and “Time Flies,” both of which were bestsellers. He has also released numerous comedy albums and won several Grammy Awards.
Bill Cosby’s net worth has fluctuated significantly over the years, especially due to legal battles and settlements. At the peak of his career, it was $400 million. However, recent legal issues have significantly impacted his financial status.
Bill Cosby married Camille Hanks on January 25, 1964. The couple has five children: Erika, Erinn, Ensa (who passed away in 2018), Evin, and Ennis (who was tragically murdered in 1997). Despite the challenges and controversies, Camille has steadfastly supported her husband.
Throughout his career, Bill Cosby received numerous awards and honors. He won five Grammy Awards for Best Comedy Album and three Primetime Emmy Awards for his role in “I Spy.” Cosby was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2002 for his contributions to entertainment and the promotion of social justice.
Quick Fact About Bill Cosby
- Bill Cosby’s name given at birth is William Henry Cosby Jr.
- His net worth was $400 million.
- He served in the U.S. Navy
- Bill is married to Camille Hanks and has five children.
George Eastman will have been 170 years old today.
George Eastman is a pioneering American entrepreneur and businessman renowned for founding the Eastman Kodak Company. He was born in Waterville, New York, United States, on July 12, 1854, to George Washington Eastman and Maria Eastman Kilbourn. His businessman and entrepreneur father founded Eastman Commercial College in Rochester, New York. Unfortunately, his father passed away when George was just eight years old, which led to financial difficulties for the family. Maria Eastman, a strong and determined woman, supported her children by taking in boarders and working various jobs.
George Eastman’s journey into photography began in 1877 when he became interested in the field while working as a clerk. After receiving training from George Selden and George Monroe, he patented a machine for coating photographic plates, and in 1881, he started the Eastman Dry Plate Company.
Eastman’s most significant contribution came in 1888 when he introduced the Kodak camera, which revolutionized photography by making it accessible to the general public. The Kodak camera was simple to use, featuring the slogan, “You press the button, we do the rest.” This innovation allowed anyone to take photographs without needing specialized knowledge or equipment. The company later introduced film rolls, further enhancing the ease of photography.
In 1892, the company was renamed Eastman Kodak Company and continued innovating under Eastman’s leadership. He developed color photography techniques and established Kodak as a dominant force in the industry.
At the height of his success, George Eastman’s net worth was estimated to be around $95 million, equivalent to billions in today’s currency. Thanks to the widespread success of Kodak products, he was one of the wealthiest men of his time.
George Eastman never married and had no children. He was a private individual, deeply devoted to his work and philanthropic efforts. Eastman was known for his generosity and commitment to improving society.
Eastman was a notable philanthropist, donating more than $100 million to various causes during his lifetime. He supported education, health, and the arts, with major contributions to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the University of Rochester, and the establishment of the Eastman School of Music.
Eastman received numerous honors and awards for his contributions to photography and his philanthropic work. He was posthumously inducted into the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum in 1968. He died at the age of 77 on March 14, 1932.
Quick Fact About George Eastman
- George Eastman donated more than $100 million in philanthropic work.
- He founded the Eastman Kodak Company.
- His net worth is estimated at around $95 million, equivalent to billions in today’s currency.
- He was never married or had children.
Frank Windsor will have been 97 years old today.
Frank Windsor was born Frank Windsor Higgins on July 12, 1927, in Walsall, Staffordshire, England. He was a renowned actor.
Windsor attended Queen Mary’s Grammar School and later enrolled at the Central School of Speech and Drama, where he studied speech training and drama.
Frank Windsor’s acting career began in the theater before he transitioned to television in the late 1950s. He made his mark with his talent for playing complex, authoritative characters. Windsor gained widespread recognition as Detective Sergeant John Watt in the groundbreaking British police procedural series “Z-Cars,” aired from 1962 to 1965. His portrayal of Detective Sergeant John Watt made him famous, and he became a household name in the UK.
Windsor reprised his role as John Watt in the spin-off series “Softly, Softly” and its subsequent iterations, “Softly, Softly: Task Force” and “Task Force.” These series further cemented his status as a versatile and dependable actor. Over the years, Windsor appeared in numerous other television shows, including “Casualty,” “Judge John Deed,” and “EastEnders.”
In addition to television, Windsor also appeared in films and stage productions including “Spring and Port Wine,” “Barry McKenzie Holds His Own,” and “Between Two Women”. His career spanned over four decades, making him one of British television’s most famous and respected figures.
At the time of his passing, Frank Windsor’s net worth was estimated to be around $2 million in 2020.
Frank Windsor married Mary Corbett in 1959. The couple had two children and remained together until his death.
While Frank Windsor did not receive any mainstream awards, his contributions to British television were widely recognized and appreciated. His role in “Z-Cars” and its spin-offs left a lasting impact on police procedurals and influenced countless other shows. He died at the age of 92 on September 30, 2020.
Quick Fact About Frank Windsor
- Frank Windsor studied Speech and Drama at at the Central School.
- He is famous for his role as Detective Sergeant John Watt in the police procedural series “Z-Cars,”
- He was married to Mary Corbett and had two children.
- His net worth was $2 million at the time of his death.
- He retired in 2004.
Gareth Edwards is 77 years old today.
Gareth Edwards is a celebrated former rugby union player revered as the greatest rugby player of all time. He was born on July 12, 1947, in Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen, Swansea, Glamorgan, Wales. He was the son of a coal miner and a school teacher, which gave him a grounded and hardworking upbringing. From a young age, Edwards showed a keen interest in sports, particularly rugby, which was deeply ingrained in Welsh culture. He attended Pontardawe Technical School, where his athletic talent began to shine. He was a talented footballer, represented Wales at the youth level, and signed up for Swansea Town at 16.
Gareth Edwards made his international rugby debut for the Welsh national team at the age of 19 against France in Paris in 1967. His exceptional talent quickly became apparent, and he signed for Cardiff RFC. He played 195 games and scored 426 in 12 seasons from 1966.
He played as a scrum-half for the Welsh national team from 1966 to 1978, earning 53 caps and scoring 88 points. His playing style was characterized by his speed, agility, and tactical intelligence, which set him apart from his peers. Edwards was a key player during Wales’ dominance in the Five Nations Championship during the 1970s, helping the team win seven titles.
In addition to his national team success, Edwards played for the British Lions, touring with the team in 1968, 1971, and 1974. His performances on these tours further cemented his reputation as a rugby legend.
After retiring from professional rugby, Edwards transitioned to a successful sports broadcasting and media career. He provided expert commentary and analysis for various rugby matches and became a respected voice in the sport.
As of 2024, Gareth Edwards’ net worth is $3 million. His rugby career, broadcasting work, and various endorsements and business ventures have accumulated this fortune.
Gareth Edwards married Maureen in 1972. They have two sons, Owen and Rhys.
Throughout his illustrious career, Gareth Edwards received numerous awards and honors. He was named BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 1974 and was inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame in 1997. In 2007, he was awarded a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to rugby and charity. Edwards is also celebrated in the Welsh Sports Hall of Fame and the World Rugby Hall of Fame.
Quick Fact About Gareth Edwards
- Gareth Edwards’s full name is Gareth Owen Edwards.
- He represents the Wales football national team at the youth level.
- Edwards is 77 years old now.
- His net worth is $3 million.
More Famous People’s Birthday: July 12.
Louis B. Meyer will have been 139 years old today.
BirthYear: 1885
Place Of Birth: Russian Empire
Profession: Film producer
BC Julius Caesar died at the age of 56 years.
BirthYear: 100
Place Of Birth: Suburra, Rome
Profession: Roman general and statesman
Oscar Hammerstein II will have been 129 years old today.
BirthYear: 1895
Place Of Birth: New York, New York, United States
Professon: Lyricist and librettist
Kathy Staff will have been 96 years old today.
BirthYear: 1928
Place Of Birth: Dukinfield, United Kingdom
Profession: Actress
Roy Barraclough will have been 89 years old today.
BirthYear: 1935
Place Of Birth: City of Preston, United Kingdom
Profession: Comic actor
Christine McVie will have been 81 years old today.
BirthYear: 1943
Place Of Birth: Bouth, United Kingdom
Profession: Musician and singer
Adriana Lima is 43 years old today.
BirthYear: 1981
Place Of Birth: Salvador, State of Bahia, Brazil
Profession: Model
Vinícius Júnior is 24 years old today.
BirthYear: 2000
Place Of Birth: São Gonçalo, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Profession: Professional footballer
Dave Franco is 39 years old today.
BirthYear: 1985
Place Of Birth: Palo Alto, California, United States
Profession: Actor and filmmaker
Philippe Coutinho is 32 years old today.
BirthYear: 1992
Place Of Birth: Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Profession: Professional footballer
George H. W. Bush will have been 100 years old today.
BirthYear: 1924
Age: 94
Place Of Birth: Milton, Massachusetts, United States
Profession: 41st U.S. President
Jrue Holiday is 34 years old today.
BirthYear: 1990
Place Of Birth: Chatsworth, Los Angeles, California, United States
Profession: Professional basketball player
Mark Henry is 53 years old today.
BirthYear: 1971
Place Of Birth: Silsbee, Texas, United States
Profession: Former powerlifter and wrestler
