Cynthia Nixon was born on this day in 1966
Actor, activist and director Cynthia Nixon was born on this day in 1966.
Best known for her role as Miranda Hobbes on the television series Sex and the City and its spin‑off And Just Like That, Nixon has enjoyed a successful career on stage and screen and has also ventured into the political arena.
Nixon’s career began as a teenager, when she appeared in television, film and theatre productions. She made her feature film debut in Little Darlings (1980), alongside Kristy McNichol and Tatum O’Neal. That same year, she made her Broadway debut in a revival of The Philadelphia Story.
Outside of acting, Nixon has long been an advocate for public education. In 2018, she entered the world of politics and ran for Governor of New York. She ultimately failed to secure the Democratic Party’s endorsement and later returned to acting.
Most recently, Nixon has appeared in the television series The Gilded Age alongside Christine Baranski, who plays her sister.
The two actors previously worked together in the 1984 Broadway production of Tom Stoppard’s play The Real Thing, in which Nixon played Baranski’s character’s daughter. During that period, Nixon made theatre history by appearing simultaneously in The Real Thing and Hurlyburly. As both of her roles were relatively small and the theatres were located near one another, she was able to perform in both productions by moving between venues.
In 2017, Nixon appeared in another challenging work. In the Broadway production of The Little Foxes alongside Laura Linney. Throughout the run, the two actors alternated performances, switching between the production’s two lead roles each night.
Nixon was first married to schoolteacher Danny Moses, with whom she has two children. In 2012, she married her longtime partner, Christine Marinoni, a fellow education activist. In 2018, Nixon shared that her oldest child is transgender.
Sir Robert Helpmann was born on this day in 1909
Sir Robert Helpmann was a renowned Australian ballet dancer, actor, choreographer and director who made significant contributions to the performing arts.
Born in Mount Gambier, South Australia, in 1909, Helpmann began his career as a ballet dancer with the Vic-Wells Ballet in London. He quickly rose to prominence and was soon appointed a principal dancer with the Sadler’s Wells Ballet, which later became The Royal Ballet.
Helpmann was celebrated for his versatility as a dancer and his ability to portray a wide range of characters on stage, from romantic leads to dark and menacing villains.
In addition to his success in ballet, Helpmann also made a name for himself in the film industry. He appeared in several notable films, including The Red Shoes, Around the World in 80 Days, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, in which he portrayed the villainous Child Catcher. His acting skills were widely praised, and he received numerous accolades for his work on both stage and screen.
Helpmann also had a strong passion for choreography and directing. He created and choreographed several ballets, including Hamlet, which became his most famous work. He also directed major productions for The Royal Ballet, including Giselle and Swan Lake. His work was considered highly innovative and played a key role in shaping the direction of twentieth-century ballet.
In 1965, Helpmann became co-director of The Australian Ballet, for which he created several new ballets. He later became sole director in 1975, though disagreements with the company’s board led to his dismissal the following year.
In recognition of his contributions to the arts, Helpmann was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1964 and was knighted in 1968. He continued to work in the performing arts until his death in 1986, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and creativity. Sir Robert Helpmann remains a celebrated figure in Australia and internationally.
Helpmann died in 1986 and was honoured with a state funeral. Tributes were paid in both houses of Parliament, with Prime Minister Bob Hawke leading the words of praise.
“No one should underestimate Sir Robert Helpmann’s role in the development of the growing maturity of Australia’s art and culture. … He demonstrated to the world the diversity of this nation’s talents and capabilities,” the Prime Minister said.
Lil Nas X celebrates his birthday today
Despite his young age, Lil Nas X has already made a significant mark on the music industry and secured his place in pop culture history.
Born Montero Lamar Hill on this day in 1999, he scored a massive hit in 2019 with Old Town Road, which went on to achieve the longest run at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart since its inception in 1958. The song spent 19 weeks at the top of the chart. Its success was fuelled in part by several remixes, including one featuring country singer Billy Ray Cyrus.
Lil Nas X continued his success with his debut album Montero, which included the hit singles Montero (Call Me By Your Name), Industry Baby and That’s What I Want. Some controversy accompanied the release, largely due to the provocative nature of his music videos and live performances.
The artist publicly came out as gay on the final day of Pride Month in 2019, and his identity has since played a central role in his artistic expression.
Last year the musician found himself in some legal trouble after he was found walking down Sunset Boulevard in his underwear. After a run in with police he was faxing some serious felony charges and looking at jail time, thankfully he’s recently sorted out the issue and the case was dismissed.
