December 4: what happened on this day in history

Events on December 4 include:

Six black teenagers assaulted a white student in Jena, Louisiana; the subsequent court cases became a cause célèbre for perceived racial injustice in the United States (2006)
U.S. president George H. W. Bush ordered American troops into Somalia to help provide humanitarian aid and restore order during the ongoing Somali Civil War (1992)
Terry A. Anderson is released after seven years in captivity as a hostage in Beirut; he is the last and longest-held American hostage in Lebanon (1991)

This page gathers 77 events, 194 births and 102 deaths recorded on this day, from the year 771 to 2025.

‹ December 3 December 5 ›

Events · United States

2006
Six black teenagers assaulted a white student in Jena, Louisiana; the subsequent court cases became a cause célèbre for perceived racial injustice in the United States. Wikipedia: Jena Six
1992
U.S. president George H. W. Bush ordered American troops into Somalia to help provide humanitarian aid and restore order during the ongoing Somali Civil War. Wikipedia: George H. W. Bush Archive: Fotografie: Besuch von Vizepräsident George H. W. Bush in West-Berlin — Allied Museum, 1983 · Europeana
1991
Terry A. Anderson is released after seven years in captivity as a hostage in Beirut; he is the last and longest-held American hostage in Lebanon. Wikipedia: Terry A. Anderson
1991
Pan American World Airways ceases its operations after 64 years. Wikipedia: Pan Am Archive: Pan-Am-Düsenmaschine — Badisches Landesmuseum Karlsruhe · Europeana
1983
US Navy aircraft from USS John F. Kennedy and USS Independence attack Syrian missile sites in Lebanon in response to an F-14 being fired on by an SA-7. One A-6 Intruder and A-7 Corsair are shot down. One American pilot is killed, one is rescued, and one is captured. Wikipedia: United States Navy Archive: United States Navy — Forum Marinum Maritime Centre · Europeana
1950
Korean War: Jesse L. Brown (the 1st African-American Naval aviator) is killed in action during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. Wikipedia: Korean War Archive: The Korean War — Finnish Heritage Agency · Europeana
1945
By a vote of 65–7, the United States Senate approves United States participation in the United Nations. (The UN had been established on October 24, 1945.) Wikipedia: United States Senate
1943
World War II: U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt closes down the Works Progress Administration, because of the high levels of wartime employment in the United States. Wikipedia: Franklin D. Roosevelt
1918
U.S. President Woodrow Wilson sails for the World War I peace talks in Versailles, becoming the first US president to travel to Europe while in office. Wikipedia: Woodrow Wilson
1906
Alpha Phi Alpha, the first intercollegiate Greek lettered fraternity for African-Americans, was founded at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Wikipedia: Alpha Phi Alpha
1872
The American brigantine Mary Celeste was found apparently abandoned under circumstances that remain unknown. Wikipedia: Brigantine
1865
North Carolina ratifies 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, followed two days later by Georgia, and U.S. slaves were legally free within two weeks. Wikipedia: North Carolina
1864
American Civil War: Sherman's March to the Sea: Union cavalry forces defeat Confederate cavalry in the Battle of Waynesboro, Georgia, opening the way for General William T. Sherman's army to approach the coast. Wikipedia: Sherman's March to the Sea
1863
American Civil War: Confederate General James Longstreet lifts his unsuccessful siege of Knoxville, Tennessee after failing to capture the city. Wikipedia: James Longstreet
1861
American Civil War: The 109 electors of the several states of the Confederate States of America unanimously elect Jefferson Davis as President and Alexander H. Stephens as Vice President. Wikipedia: American Civil War
1804
The United States House of Representatives adopts articles of impeachment against Supreme Court Justice Samuel Chase. Wikipedia: United States House of Representatives
1783
At Fraunces Tavern in New York City, U.S. General George Washington bids farewell to his officers. Wikipedia: Fraunces Tavern

Around the world

2025
Yasser Abu Shabab is assassinated near Rafah, Gaza Strip. Wikipedia: Killing of Yasser Abu Shabab
2024
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson is shot and killed in Manhattan, New York City near the entrance of the New York Hilton Midtown. Wikipedia: UnitedHealth Group
2021
Semeru on the Indonesian island of Java erupts, killing at least 68 people. Wikipedia: Semeru
2017
The Thomas Fire starts near Santa Paula in California. It eventually became the largest wildfire in modern California history to date after burning 1,140 square kilometers (440 sq mi) in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. Wikipedia: Thomas Fire
2015
A firebomb is thrown into a restaurant in the Egyptian capital of Cairo, killing 17 people. Wikipedia: 2015 Cairo restaurant fire
2014
Islamic insurgents kill three state police at a traffic circle before taking an empty school and a "press house" in Grozny. Ten state forces die with 28 injured in gun battles ending with ten insurgents killed. Wikipedia: Caucasus Emirate
2012
"Il Canto degli Italiani" officially became the national anthem of Italy, 66 years after it was provisionally chosen following the birth of the Italian Republic. Wikipedia: Canto degli italiani
2005
Tens of thousands of people in Hong Kong protest for democracy and call on the government to allow universal and equal suffrage. Wikipedia: December 2005 protest for democracy in Hong Kong
1998
The Unity Module, the second module of the International Space Station, is launched. Wikipedia: Unity (ISS module)
1996
Journalists Fernando Balderas Sánchez and Yolanda Figueroa and their three children are murdered in a case that initially prompted speculation about links to organized crime, corruption, or their journalistic work. Wikipedia: Murder of Fernando Balderas Sánchez and Yolanda Figueroa
1986
The MV Amazon Venture oil tanker starts leaking while at the port of Savannah, resulting in an oil spill of approximately 500,000 US gallons (1,900,000 L). Wikipedia: Port of Savannah
1984
Sri Lankan Civil War: Sri Lankan Army soldiers kill 107–150 civilians in Mannar. Wikipedia: Sri Lankan civil war
1982
The China adopts its current constitution. Wikipedia: China
1981
South Africa grants independence to the Ciskei "homeland" (not recognized by any government outside South Africa). Wikipedia: Ciskei
1980
The English rock group Led Zeppelin officially disbanded. Wikipedia: Led Zeppelin
1979
The Hastie fire in Hull kills three schoolboys and eventually leads police to arrest Bruce George Peter Lee. Wikipedia: Kingston upon Hull
1978
Following the murder of Mayor George Moscone, Dianne Feinstein became San Francisco's first female mayor. Wikipedia: Assassinations of George Moscone and Harvey Milk
1977
Jean-Bédel Bokassa, president of the Central African Republic, crowns himself Emperor Bokassa I of the Central African Empire. Wikipedia: Jean-Bédel Bokassa
1977
Malaysian Airline System Flight 653 is hijacked and crashes in Tanjong Kupang, Johor, killing 100. Wikipedia: Malaysian Airline System Flight 653
1974
Martinair Flight 138 crashes into the Saptha Kanya mountain range in Maskeliya, Sri Lanka, killing 191. Wikipedia: Martinair Flight 138
1971
The Troubles: The Ulster Volunteer Force, an Ulster-loyalist paramilitary group, detonated a bomb at a Catholic-owned pub in Belfast, Northern Ireland, killing 15 people. Wikipedia: The Troubles
1971
Indo-Pakistani War: The Indian Navy launched a successful attack against the Pakistan Navy at Karachi, sinking three ships with no Indian casualties. Wikipedia: India–Pakistan war of 1971
1971
The PNS Ghazi, a Pakistan Navy submarine, sinks during the course of the Indo-Pakistani Naval War of 1971. Wikipedia: PNS Ghazi
1971
During a concert by Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Invention at the Montreux Casino, an audience member fires a flare gun into the ceiling, causing a fire that destroys the venue. The incident served as the inspiration for Deep Purple's 1973 song Smoke on the Water. Wikipedia: Frank Zappa
1969
Fred Hampton, the leader of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party, and Mark Clark were killed in a raid by Chicago police officers in what many scholars consider an illegal assassination. Wikipedia: Fred Hampton
1965
Launch of Gemini 7 with crew members Frank Borman and Jim Lovell. The Gemini 7 spacecraft was the passive target for the first crewed space rendezvous performed by the crew of Gemini 6A. Wikipedia: Gemini 7
1964
Free Speech Movement: Police arrest over 800 students at the University of California, Berkeley, following their takeover and sit-in at the administration building in protest of the UC Regents' decision to forbid protests on UC property. Wikipedia: Free Speech Movement
1956
The Million Dollar Quartet (Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash) get together at Sun Studio for the first and last time. Wikipedia: Million Dollar Quartet
1950
Korean War: Associated Press photographer Max Desfor photographs hundreds of Korean refugees crossing a downed bridge in the Taedong River: 1951 Pulitzer Prize winner Flight of Refugees Across Wrecked Bridge in Korea. Wikipedia: Associated Press
1949
Sir Duncan George Stewart, governor of the Crown Colony of Sarawak, was fatally stabbed by a member of the Rukun 13. Wikipedia: Duncan Stewart (colonial administrator)
1948
Chinese Civil War: The SS Kiangya, carrying Nationalist refugees from Shanghai, explodes in the Huangpu River. Wikipedia: Chinese Civil War
1943
World War II: In Yugoslavia, resistance leader Marshal Josip Broz Tito proclaims a provisional democratic Yugoslav government in-exile. Wikipedia: Kingdom of Yugoslavia
1942
World War II: Carlson's patrol during the Guadalcanal campaign ends. Wikipedia: Carlson's patrol
1939
World War II: HMS Nelson is struck by a mine (laid by U-31) off the Scottish coast and is laid up for repairs until August 1940. Wikipedia: World War II
1928
Cosmo Gordon Lang was enthroned as the Archbishop of Canterbury, the first bachelor to be appointed in 150 years. Wikipedia: Cosmo Gordon Lang
1919
Ukrainian War of Independence: The Polonsky conspiracy is initiated, with an attempt to assassinate the high command of the Revolutionary Insurgent Army of Ukraine. Wikipedia: Ukrainian War of Independence
1917
The Finnish Senate submits to the Parliament of Finland a proposal for the form of government of the Republic of Finland and issues a communication to Parliament declaring the independence of Finland. Wikipedia: Senate of Finland
1915
World War I: Senior British and French figures, including prime ministers H. H. Asquith and Aristide Briand, met at Calais to discuss the future of the Salonika Front. Wikipedia: World War I
1909
The Montreal Canadiens, the oldest professional ice hockey club in the world, were founded as a charter member of the National Hockey Association. Wikipedia: Montreal Canadiens
1909
The first Grey Cup, the championship game of the Canadian Football League, was held in Toronto. Wikipedia: 1st Grey Cup
1905
The Great Seimas of Vilnius met to discuss national concerns within Lithuania: they decided to demand wide political autonomy within the Russian Empire. Wikipedia: Great Seimas of Vilnius
1893
First Matabele War: A patrol of 34 British South Africa Company soldiers was ambushed and annihilated by more than 3,000 Matabele warriors. Wikipedia: First Matabele War
1881
The first edition of the Los Angeles Times is published. Wikipedia: Los Angeles Times
1875
Notorious New York City politician Boss Tweed escapes from prison; he is later recaptured in Spain. Wikipedia: William M. Tweed
1867
Former Minnesota farmer Oliver Hudson Kelley founds the Order of the Patrons of Husbandry (better known today as the Grange). Wikipedia: Minnesota
1829
Sati, the Hindu funeral custom of a widow's self-immolation on her husband's pyre, was prohibited by Lord William Bentinck in parts of British India after years of campaigning by Ram Mohan Roy (pictured). Wikipedia: Sati (practice)
1808
Napoleonic Wars: Under the orders by commander Tomás de Morla, the city of Madrid surrenders to French Emperor Napoleon I after a 4 day long siege. Wikipedia: Peninsular War
1791
The first edition of The Observer, the world's first Sunday newspaper, is published. Wikipedia: The Observer
1786
Mission Santa Barbara is dedicated (on the feast day of Saint Barbara). Wikipedia: Mission Santa Barbara
1745
Charles Edward Stuart's army reaches Derby, its furthest point during the Second Jacobite Rising. Wikipedia: Charles Edward Stuart
1676
The Battle of Lund occurs, and is the bloodiest battle in Scandinavian history. Wikipedia: Battle of Lund
1639
Jeremiah Horrocks and William Crabtree made the first successful observation of a transit of Venus (example pictured) from Earth. Wikipedia: Jeremiah Horrocks
1623
50 Christians are executed in Edo, Japan, during the Great Martyrdom of Edo. Wikipedia: Edo
1619
Thirty-eight colonists arrive at Berkeley Hundred, Virginia. The group's charter proclaims that the day "be yearly and perpetually kept holy as a day of thanksgiving to Almighty God." Wikipedia: Colony
1563
The final session of the Council of Trent is held nearly 18 years after the body held its first session on December 13, 1545. Wikipedia: Council of Trent
1370
Hundred Years' War: In two separate engagements in the Battle of Pontvallain (depicted), French forces wiped out an English army which had split up because of a dispute between the commanders. Wikipedia: Hundred Years' War
1259
Kings Louis IX of France and Henry III of England agree to the Treaty of Paris, in which Henry renounces his claims to French-controlled territory on continental Europe (including Normandy) in exchange for Louis withdrawing his support for English rebels. Wikipedia: Louis IX of France
1110
An army led by Baldwin I of Jerusalem and Sigurd the Crusader of Norway captures Sidon at the end of the First Crusade. Wikipedia: Baldwin I of Jerusalem
963
The lay papal protonotary is elected pope and takes the name Leo VIII, being consecrated on 6 December after ordination. Wikipedia: Protonotary apostolic
771
Austrasian king Carloman I dies, leaving his brother Charlemagne as sole king of the Frankish Kingdom. Wikipedia: Austrasia

World days

No entries.

Technology

No entries.

Today's news: Technology ›

Science

1998
The Unity Module, the second module of the International Space Station, is launched. Wikipedia: Unity (ISS module)
1965
Launch of Gemini 7 with crew members Frank Borman and Jim Lovell. The Gemini 7 spacecraft was the passive target for the first crewed space rendezvous performed by the crew of Gemini 6A. Wikipedia: Gemini 7

Today's news: Science ›

Business

1956
The Million Dollar Quartet (Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash) get together at Sun Studio for the first and last time. Wikipedia: Million Dollar Quartet
1893
First Matabele War: A patrol of 34 British South Africa Company soldiers was ambushed and annihilated by more than 3,000 Matabele warriors. Wikipedia: First Matabele War

Today's news: Business ›

Sport

1909
The first Grey Cup, the championship game of the Canadian Football League, was held in Toronto. Wikipedia: 1st Grey Cup

Today's news: Sport ›

Culture

No entries.

Today's news: Culture ›

Births

2003
Jackson Holliday, American baseball player Wikipedia: Jackson Holliday
2003
Kim Do-ah, South Korean singer and actress Wikipedia: Kim Do-ah
2002
María Dueñas, Spanish violinist and composer Wikipedia: María Dueñas (violinist)
1999
Kim Do-yeon, South Korean singer and actress Wikipedia: Kim Do-yeon (singer)
1999
Kang Mi-na, South Korean actress and singer Wikipedia: Kang Mi-na
1996
Diogo Jota, Portuguese footballer (died 2025) Wikipedia: Diogo Jota
1996
Sebastián Vegas, Chilean footballer Wikipedia: Sebastián Vegas
1994
Gabriel Lundberg, Danish basketball player Wikipedia: Gabriel Lundberg
1992
Robin Bruyère, Belgian politician Wikipedia: Robin Bruyère
1992
Peta Hiku, New Zealand rugby league player Wikipedia: Peta Hiku
1992
Jean-Claude Iranzi, Rwandan footballer Wikipedia: Jean-Claude Iranzi
1992
Jin, South Korean singer, songwriter and actor Wikipedia: Jin (singer)
1992
Joe Musgrove, American baseball player Wikipedia: Joe Musgrove
1992
Blake Snell, American baseball player Wikipedia: Blake Snell
1991
Duje Dukan, Croatian basketball player Wikipedia: Duje Dukan
1991
André Roberson, American basketball player Wikipedia: André Roberson
1991
Max Holloway, American mixed martial artist Wikipedia: Max Holloway
1991
Reality Winner, American intelligence specialist convicted of espionage Wikipedia: Reality Winner
1990
Lukman Haruna, Nigerian footballer Wikipedia: Lukman Haruna
1990
Blake Leary, Australian rugby league player Wikipedia: Blake Leary
1988
Yeng Constantino, Filipina singer and songwriter Wikipedia: Yeng Constantino
1987
Orlando Brown, American actor and rapper Wikipedia: Orlando Brown (actor)
1986
Kaija Udras, Estonian skier Wikipedia: Kaija Vahtra
1986
Martell Webster, American basketball player Wikipedia: Martell Webster
1985
Andrew Brackman, American baseball player Wikipedia: Andrew Brackman
1985
Carlos Gómez, Dominican baseball player Wikipedia: Carlos Gómez (baseball)
1984
Lindsay Felton, American actress Wikipedia: Lindsay Felton
1984
Anna Petrakova, Russian basketball player Wikipedia: Anna Petrakova
1984
Jelly Roll, American singer and rapper Wikipedia: Jelly Roll (singer)
1984
Joe Thomas, American football player Wikipedia: Joe Thomas (offensive tackle)
1983
Jimmy Bartel, Australian footballer Wikipedia: Jimmy Bartel
1983
Chinx, American rapper (died 2015) Wikipedia: Chinx
1982
Nathan Douglas, English triple jumper Wikipedia: Nathan Douglas
1982
Waldo Ponce, Chilean footballer Wikipedia: Waldo Ponce
1982
Ho-Pin Tung, Dutch-Chinese race car driver Wikipedia: Ho-Pin Tung
1982
Nick Vujicic, Australian evangelist Wikipedia: Nick Vujicic
1981
Brian Vandborg, Danish cyclist Wikipedia: Brian Vandborg
1980
Brian Cook, American basketball player Wikipedia: Brian Cook (basketball)
1980
Viktor, Canadian wrestler and manager Wikipedia: Viktor (wrestler)
1979
Ysabella Brave, American singer-songwriter Wikipedia: Ysabella Brave
1979
Jay DeMerit, American soccer player Wikipedia: Jay DeMerit
1978
Jaclyn Victor, Malaysian singer and actress Wikipedia: Jaclyn Victor
1977
Ajit Agarkar, Indian cricketer Wikipedia: Ajit Agarkar
1977
Darvis Patton, American sprinter Wikipedia: Darvis Patton
1977
Morten Veland, Norwegian guitarist and songwriter Wikipedia: Morten Veland
1976
Kristina Groves, Canadian speed skater Wikipedia: Kristina Groves
1976
Betty Lennox, American basketball player Wikipedia: Betty Lennox
1974
Tadahito Iguchi, Japanese baseball player Wikipedia: Tadahito Iguchi
1973
Tyra Banks, American model, actress, and producer Wikipedia: Tyra Banks
1973
Mina Caputo, American singer-songwriter and keyboard player Wikipedia: Keith Caputo
1973
Michael Jackson, English footballer and manager Wikipedia: Mike Jackson (footballer, born 1973)
1973
Steven Menzies, Australian rugby league player Wikipedia: Steve Menzies
1973
Kate Rusby, English singer-songwriter and guitarist Wikipedia: Kate Rusby
1973
Corliss Williamson, American basketball player and coach Wikipedia: Corliss Williamson
1972
Jassen Cullimore, Canadian ice hockey player Wikipedia: Jassen Cullimore
1972
Yūko Miyamura, Japanese voice actress and singer Wikipedia: Yūko Miyamura
1971
Shannon Briggs, American boxer and actor Wikipedia: Shannon Briggs
1970
Kevin Sussman, American actor and comedian Wikipedia: Kevin Sussman
1969
Dionne Farris, American singer-songwriter, producer and actress Wikipedia: Dionne Farris
1969
Jay-Z, American rapper, producer, actor, and co-founder of Roc-A-Fella Records Wikipedia: Jay-Z
1969
Plum Sykes, English journalist and author Wikipedia: Plum Sykes
1968
Tahir Dawar, Pakistani police officer and Pashto poet (died 2018) Wikipedia: Tahir Dawar
1967
Guillermo Amor, Spanish footballer and manager Wikipedia: Guillermo Amor
1966
Fred Armisen, American actor and musician Wikipedia: Fred Armisen
1966
Andy Hess, American bass player Wikipedia: Andy Hess
1966
Suzanne Malveaux, American journalist Wikipedia: Suzanne Malveaux
1966
Suzette M. Malveaux, American lawyer and academic Wikipedia: Suzette M. Malveaux
1965
Álex de la Iglesia, Spanish director, producer, and screenwriter Wikipedia: Álex de la Iglesia
1965
Shaun Hollamby, English race car driver and businessman Wikipedia: Shaun Hollamby
1965
Ulf Kirsten, German footballer and manager Wikipedia: Ulf Kirsten
1964
Scott Hastings, Scottish rugby player and sportscaster (died 2026) Wikipedia: Scott Hastings (rugby union)
1964
Chelsea Noble, American actress Wikipedia: Chelsea Noble Cameron
1964
Marisa Tomei, American actress Wikipedia: Marisa Tomei
1963
Sergey Bubka, Ukrainian pole vaulter Wikipedia: Sergey Bubka
1963
Nigel Heslop, English rugby player Wikipedia: Nigel Heslop
1962
Vinnie Dombroski, American singer-songwriter and musician Wikipedia: Vinnie Dombroski
1962
Gary Freeman, New Zealand rugby league player, coach, and sportscaster Wikipedia: Gary Freeman (rugby league)
1962
Nixon Kiprotich, Kenyan runner Wikipedia: Nixon Kiprotich
1962
Kevin Richardson, English footballer and manager Wikipedia: Kevin Richardson (footballer)
1961
Frank Reich, American football player and coach Wikipedia: Frank Reich
1961
Naomi Robson, American-Australian television host[better source needed] Wikipedia: Naomi Robson
1960
David Green, Nicaraguan-American baseball player Wikipedia: David Green (baseball)
1960
Glynis Nunn, Australian heptathlete and hurler Wikipedia: Glynis Nunn
1958
Sergei Starikov, Russian ice hockey player and coach Wikipedia: Sergei Starikov
1957
Raul Boesel, Brazilian race car driver and radio host Wikipedia: Raul Boesel
1957
Eric S. Raymond, American computer programmer and author Wikipedia: Eric S. Raymond
1957
Lee Smith, American baseball player Wikipedia: Lee Smith (baseball)
1956
Nia Griffith, Welsh educator and politician, former Shadow Secretary of State for Wales Wikipedia: Nia Griffith
1956
Bernard King, American basketball player and sportscaster Wikipedia: Bernard King
1955
Philip Hammond, English businessman and politician, former Chancellor of the Exchequer Wikipedia: Philip Hammond
1955
Dave Taylor, Canadian-American ice hockey player and manager Wikipedia: Dave Taylor (ice hockey)
1955
Cassandra Wilson, American singer-songwriter and producer (died 2026) Wikipedia: Cassandra Wilson
1954
Tony Todd, American actor (died 2024) Wikipedia: Tony Todd
1953
Rick Middleton, Canadian ice hockey player and sportscaster Wikipedia: Rick Middleton
1953
Jean-Marie Pfaff, Belgian footballer and manager Wikipedia: Jean-Marie Pfaff
1951
Gary Rossington, American guitarist (died 2023) Wikipedia: Gary Rossington
1951
Patricia Wettig, American actress and playwright Wikipedia: Patricia Wettig
1950
Bjørn Kjellemyr, Norwegian bassist and composer (died 2025) Wikipedia: Bjørn Kjellemyr
1949
Jeff Bridges, American actor Wikipedia: Jeff Bridges
1949
Jock Stirrup, Baron Stirrup, English air marshal and politician Wikipedia: Jock Stirrup
1948
Southside Johnny, American singer-songwriter Wikipedia: Southside Johnny
1947
Jane Lubchenco, American ecologist, academic, and diplomat Wikipedia: Jane Lubchenco
1946
Karina, Spanish singer/actress Wikipedia: Karina (Spanish singer)
1945
Roberta Bondar, Canadian neurologist, academic, and astronaut Wikipedia: Roberta Bondar
1944
Chris Hillman, American singer-songwriter and guitarist Wikipedia: Chris Hillman
1944
Anna McGarrigle, Canadian musician and singer-songwriter Wikipedia: Anna McGarrigle
1944
François Migault, French race car driver (died 2012) Wikipedia: François Migault
1944
Dennis Wilson, American singer-songwriter, producer, and drummer (died 1983) Wikipedia: Dennis Wilson
1942
Bob Mosley, American singer-songwriter and bass player Wikipedia: Bob Mosley
1941
Marty Riessen, American tennis player and coach Wikipedia: Marty Riessen
1940
Gerd Achterberg, German footballer and manager Wikipedia: Gerd Achterberg
1940
Gary Gilmore, American murderer (died 1977) Wikipedia: Gary Gilmore
1939
Stephen W. Bosworth, American academic and diplomat, United States Ambassador to South Korea (died 2016) Wikipedia: Stephen W. Bosworth
1939
Joan Brady, American-British author (died 2024) Wikipedia: Joan Brady (American-British writer)
1938
Andre Marrou, American lawyer and politician Wikipedia: Andre Marrou
1938
Yvonne Minton, Australian-English soprano and actress Wikipedia: Yvonne Minton
1937
Max Baer Jr., American actor, director, and producer Wikipedia: Max Baer Jr.
1936
Freddy Cannon, American singer and guitarist Wikipedia: Freddy Cannon
1936
John Giorno, American poet and performance artist (died 2019) Wikipedia: John Giorno
1935
Paul O'Neill, American businessman and politician, 72nd United States Secretary of the Treasury (died 2020) Wikipedia: Paul H. O'Neill
1934
Bill Collins, Australian film critic and author (died 2019) Wikipedia: Bill Collins (television presenter)
1934
Victor French, American actor and director (died 1989) Wikipedia: Victor French
1933
Horst Buchholz, German actor (died 2003) Wikipedia: Horst Buchholz
1933
Wink Martindale, American game show host and producer (died 2025) Wikipedia: Wink Martindale
1933
Dick Ricketts, American baseball and basketball player (died 1988) Wikipedia: Dick Ricketts
1932
Roh Tae-woo, South Korean general and politician, 6th President of South Korea (died 2021) Wikipedia: Roh Tae-woo
1931
Alex Delvecchio, Canadian ice hockey player, coach, and manager (died 2025) Wikipedia: Alex Delvecchio
1931
Wally George, American radio and television host (died 2003) Wikipedia: Wally George
1930
Ronnie Corbett, Scottish actor and comedian (died 2016) Wikipedia: Ronnie Corbett
1930
Jim Hall, American guitarist and composer (died 2013) Wikipedia: Jim Hall (musician)
1929
Şakir Eczacıbaşı, Turkish pharmacist, photographer, and businessman (died 2010) Wikipedia: Şakir Eczacıbaşı
1926
Ned Romero, American actor and opera singer (died 2017) Wikipedia: Ned Romero
1925
Albert Bandura, Canadian-American psychologist and academic (died 2021) Wikipedia: Albert Bandura
1924
John C. Portman Jr., American architect, designed the Renaissance Center and Tomorrow Square (died 2017) Wikipedia: John C. Portman Jr.
1923
Charles Keating, American lawyer and financier (died 2014) Wikipedia: Charles Keating
1923
Eagle Keys, American-Canadian football player and coach (died 2012) Wikipedia: Eagle Keys
1923
John Krish, English director and screenwriter (died 2016) Wikipedia: John Krish
1921
Deanna Durbin, Canadian actress and singer (died 2013) Wikipedia: Deanna Durbin
1920
Nadir Afonso, Portuguese painter and architect (died 2013) Wikipedia: Nadir Afonso
1920
Michael Bates, English actor (died 1978) Wikipedia: Michael Bates (actor)
1920
Jeanne Manford, American educator and activist, co-founded PFLAG (died 2013) Wikipedia: Jeanne Manford
1919
I. K. Gujral, Indian poet and politician, 12th Prime Minister of India (died 2012) Wikipedia: Inder Kumar Gujral
1916
Ely Jacques Kahn Jr., American journalist and author (died 1994) Wikipedia: Ely Jacques Kahn Jr.
1915
Eddie Heywood, American pianist and composer (died 1989) Wikipedia: Eddie Heywood
1914
Rudolf Hausner, Austrian painter and sculptor (died 1995) Wikipedia: Rudolf Hausner
1914
Claude Renoir, French cinematographer (died 1993) Wikipedia: Claude Renoir
1913
Mark Robson, Canadian-American director and producer (died 1978) Wikipedia: Mark Robson (film director)
1912
Pappy Boyington, American colonel and pilot, Medal of Honor recipient (died 1988) Wikipedia: Pappy Boyington
1910
Alex North, American composer and conductor (died 1991) Wikipedia: Alex North
1910
R. Venkataraman, Indian lawyer and politician, 6th President of India (died 2009) Wikipedia: Ramaswamy Venkataraman
1908
Alfred Hershey, American bacteriologist and geneticist, Nobel Prize laureate (died 1997) Wikipedia: Alfred Hershey
1904
Albert Norden, German journalist and politician (died 1982) Wikipedia: Albert Norden
1903
Cornell Woolrich, American author (died 1968) Wikipedia: Cornell Woolrich
1899
Karl-Günther Heimsoth, German physician and politician (died 1934) Wikipedia: Karl-Günther Heimsoth
1899
Charlie Spencer, English footballer and manager (died 1953) Wikipedia: Charlie Spencer
1897
Robert Redfield, American anthropologist of Mexico (died 1958) Wikipedia: Robert Redfield
1895
Feng Youlan, Chinese philosopher and academic (died 1990) Wikipedia: Feng Youlan
1893
Herbert Read, English poet and critic (died 1968) Wikipedia: Herbert Read
1892
Francisco Franco, Spanish general and dictator, Prime Minister of Spain (died 1975) Wikipedia: Francisco Franco
1892
Liu Bocheng, Chinese commander and politician (died 1986) Wikipedia: Liu Bocheng
1887
Winifred Carney, Irish suffragist, trade unionist, and Irish republican (died 1943) Wikipedia: Winifred Carney
1884
R. C. Majumdar, Indian historian (died 1980) Wikipedia: R. C. Majumdar
1883
Katharine Susannah Prichard, Australian author and playwright (died 1969) Wikipedia: Katharine Susannah Prichard
1882
Constance Davey, Australian psychologist (died 1963) Wikipedia: Constance Davey
1881
Erwin von Witzleben, Polish-German field marshal (died 1944) Wikipedia: Erwin von Witzleben
1877
Morris Alexander, South African politician (died 1946) Wikipedia: Morris Alexander
1875
Agnes Forbes Blackadder, Scottish medical doctor (died 1964) Wikipedia: Agnes Forbes Blackadder
1875
Joe Corbett, American baseball player and coach (died 1945) Wikipedia: Joe Corbett
1875
Rainer Maria Rilke, Austrian-Swiss poet and author (died 1926) Wikipedia: Rainer Maria Rilke
1868
Jesse Burkett, American baseball player, coach, and manager (died 1953) Wikipedia: Jesse Burkett
1867
Stanley Argyle, Australian politician, 32nd Premier of Victoria (died 1940) Wikipedia: Stanley Argyle
1865
Edith Cavell, English nurse, humanitarian, and saint (Anglicanism) (died 1915) Wikipedia: Edith Cavell
1861
Hannes Hafstein, Icelandic poet and politician, 1st Prime Minister of Iceland (died 1922) Wikipedia: Hannes Hafstein
1844
Franz Xavier Wernz, German religious leader, 25th Superior General of the Society of Jesus (died 1914) Wikipedia: Franz Xavier Wernz
1835
Samuel Butler, English author and critic (died 1902) Wikipedia: Samuel Butler (novelist)
1817
Nikoloz Baratashvili, Georgian poet and author (died 1845) Wikipedia: Nikoloz Baratashvili
1798
Jules Armand Dufaure, French lawyer and politician, 33rd Prime Minister of France (died 1881) Wikipedia: Jules Armand Dufaure
1795
Thomas Carlyle, Scottish-English historian, philosopher, and academic (died 1881) Wikipedia: Thomas Carlyle
1777
Juliette Récamier, French businesswoman (died 1849) Wikipedia: Juliette Récamier
1727
Johann Gottfried Zinn, German anatomist and botanist (died 1759) Wikipedia: Johann Gottfried Zinn
1713
Gasparo Gozzi, Italian playwright and critic (died 1786) Wikipedia: Gasparo Gozzi
1670
John Aislabie, English politician, Chancellor of the Exchequer (died 1742) Wikipedia: John Aislabie
1667
Michel Pignolet de Montéclair, French composer and educator (died 1737) Wikipedia: Michel Pignolet de Montéclair
1660
André Campra, French composer and conductor (died 1744) Wikipedia: André Campra
1647
Daniel Eberlin, German composer (died 1715) Wikipedia: Daniel Eberlin
1595
Jean Chapelain, French poet and critic (died 1674) Wikipedia: Jean Chapelain
1585
John Cotton, English-American minister and theologian (died 1652) Wikipedia: John Cotton (minister)
1580
Samuel Argall, English adventurer and naval officer (died 1626) Wikipedia: Samuel Argall
1575
Sister Virginia Maria, Italian nun (died 1650) Wikipedia: The Nun of Monza
1555
Heinrich Meibom, German poet and historian (died 1625) Wikipedia: Heinrich Meibom (poet)
1506
Thomas Darcy, 1st Baron Darcy of Chiche (died 1558) Wikipedia: Thomas Darcy, 1st Baron Darcy of Chiche
1428
Bernard VII, Lord of Lippe (died 1511) Wikipedia: Bernard VII of Lippe
846
Hasan al-Askari 11th Imam of Twelver Shia Islam (died 874) Wikipedia: Hasan al-Askari
34
Persius, Roman poet (died 62) Wikipedia: 30s

Deaths

2024
Princess Birgitta of Sweden, Swedish royal (born 1937) Wikipedia: Princess Birgitta of Sweden
2024
Brian Thompson, businessman (born 1974) Wikipedia: Killing of Brian Thompson
2022
Bob McGrath, American singer and actor (born 1932) Wikipedia: Bob McGrath
2022
Patrick Tambay, French race car driver (born 1949) Wikipedia: Patrick Tambay
2017
Shashi Kapoor, Indian actor (born 1938) Wikipedia: Shashi Kapoor
2016
Patricia Robins, British writer and WAAF officer (born 1921) Wikipedia: Patricia Robins
2015
Bill Bennett, Canadian lawyer and politician, 27th Premier of British Columbia (born 1932) Wikipedia: Bill Bennett
2015
Robert Loggia, American actor and director (born 1930) Wikipedia: Robert Loggia
2015
Yossi Sarid, Israeli journalist and politician, 15th Israeli Minister of Education (born 1940) Wikipedia: Yossi Sarid
2014
Claudia Emerson, American poet and academic (born 1957) Wikipedia: Claudia Emerson
2014
V. R. Krishna Iyer, Indian lawyer and judge (born 1914) Wikipedia: V. R. Krishna Iyer
2014
Vincent L. McKusick, American lawyer and judge (born 1921) Wikipedia: Vincent L. McKusick
2014
Jeremy Thorpe, English lawyer and politician (born 1929) Wikipedia: Jeremy Thorpe
2013
Joana Raspall i Juanola, Spanish author and poet (born 1913) Wikipedia: Joana Raspall i Juanola
2012
Vasily Belov, Russian author, poet, and playwright (born 1932) Wikipedia: Vasily Belov
2012
Jack Brooks, American colonel, lawyer, and politician (born 1922) Wikipedia: Jack Brooks (American politician)
2012
Miguel Calero, Colombian footballer and manager (born 1971) Wikipedia: Miguel Calero
2012
Anthony Deane-Drummond, English general (born 1917) Wikipedia: Tony Deane-Drummond
2011
Sonia Pierre, Haitian-Dominican activist (born 1965) Wikipedia: Sonia Pierre
2011
Sócrates, Brazilian footballer and manager (born 1954) Wikipedia: Sócrates
2011
Hubert Sumlin, American singer and guitarist (born 1931) Wikipedia: Hubert Sumlin
2010
King Curtis Iaukea, American wrestler (born 1937) Wikipedia: King Curtis Iaukea
2009
Liam Clancy, Irish singer, actor, and guitarist (born 1935) Wikipedia: Liam Clancy
2007
Pimp C, American rapper (born 1973) Wikipedia: Pimp C
2006
K. Ganeshalingam, Sri Lankan accountant and politician, Mayor of Colombo (born 1938) Wikipedia: K. Ganeshalingam
2006
Ross A. McGinnis, American soldier, Medal of Honor recipient (born 1987) Wikipedia: Ross A. McGinnis
2005
Errol Brathwaite, New Zealand soldier and author (born 1924) Wikipedia: Errol Brathwaite
2005
Gregg Hoffman, American film producer (born 1963) Wikipedia: Gregg Hoffman
2004
Elena Souliotis, Greek soprano and actress (born 1943) Wikipedia: Elena Souliotis
2003
Iggy Katona, American race car driver (born 1916) Wikipedia: Iggy Katona
2000
Henck Arron, Surinamese banker and politician, 1st Prime Minister of the Republic of Suriname (born 1936) Wikipedia: Henck Arron
1999
Rose Bird, American academic and judge, 25th Chief Justice of California (born 1936) Wikipedia: Rose Bird
1993
Margaret Landon, American missionary and author (born 1903) Wikipedia: Margaret Landon
1993
Frank Zappa, American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer (born 1940) Wikipedia: Frank Zappa
1992
Henry Clausen, American lawyer and author (born 1905) Wikipedia: Henry Clausen
1988
Osman Achmatowicz, Polish chemist and academic (born 1899) Wikipedia: Osman Achmatowicz
1987
Arnold Lobel, American author and illustrator (born 1933) Wikipedia: Arnold Lobel
1987
Rouben Mamoulian, Armenian-American director and screenwriter (born 1897) Wikipedia: Rouben Mamoulian
1984
Jack Mercer, American animator, screenwriter, voice actor, and singer (born 1910) Wikipedia: Jack Mercer
1981
Jeanne Block, American psychologist (born 1923) Wikipedia: Jeanne Block
1980
Francisco de Sá Carneiro, Portuguese lawyer and politician, 111th Prime Minister of Portugal (born 1934) Wikipedia: Francisco Sá Carneiro
1980
Stanisława Walasiewicz, Polish-American runner (born 1911) Wikipedia: Stanisława Walasiewicz
1980
Don Warrington, Canadian football player (born 1948) Wikipedia: Don Warrington (Canadian football)
1976
Tommy Bolin, American guitarist and songwriter (born 1951) Wikipedia: Tommy Bolin
1976
Benjamin Britten, English pianist, composer, and conductor (born 1913) Wikipedia: Benjamin Britten
1976
W. F. McCoy, Irish soldier, lawyer, and politician (born 1886) Wikipedia: W. F. McCoy
1975
Hannah Arendt, German-American historian, theorist, and academic (born 1906) Wikipedia: Hannah Arendt
1971
Shunryū Suzuki, Japanese-American monk and educator, founded the San Francisco Zen Center (born 1904) Wikipedia: Shunryū Suzuki
1969
Fred Hampton, American Black Panthers activist (born 1948) Wikipedia: Fred Hampton
1967
Bert Lahr, American actor (born 1895) Wikipedia: Bert Lahr
1963
Constance Davey, Australian psychologist (born 1882) Wikipedia: Constance Davey
1955
József Galamb, Hungarian-American engineer (born 1881) Wikipedia: József Galamb
1954
George Shepherd, 1st Baron Shepherd (born 1881) Wikipedia: George Shepherd, 1st Baron Shepherd
1950
Jesse L. Brown, 1st African-American Naval aviator (born 1926) Wikipedia: Jesse L. Brown
1948
Frank Benford, American physicist and engineer (born 1883) Wikipedia: Frank Benford
1945
Thomas Hunt Morgan, American geneticist and biologist, Nobel Prize laureate (born 1866) Wikipedia: Thomas Hunt Morgan
1945
Richárd Weisz, Hungarian Olympic champion wrestler (born 1879) Wikipedia: Richárd Weisz
1944
Roger Bresnahan, American baseball player and manager (born 1879) Wikipedia: Roger Bresnahan
1942
Juhan Kukk, Estonian politician, 3rd Head of State of Estonia (born 1885) Wikipedia: Juhan Kukk
1942
Fritz Löhner-Beda, Jewish Austrian librettist, lyricist and writer (born 1883) Wikipedia: Fritz Löhner-Beda
1938
Borghild Holmsen, Norwegian pianist, composer and music critic (born 1865) Wikipedia: Borghild Holmsen
1938
Tamanishiki San'emon, Japanese sumo wrestler, the 32nd Yokozuna (born 1903) Wikipedia: Tamanishiki San'emon
1935
Johan Halvorsen, Norwegian violinist, composer, and conductor (born 1864) Wikipedia: Johan Halvorsen
1935
Charles Richet, French physiologist and academic, Nobel Prize laureate (born 1850) Wikipedia: Charles Richet
1933
Stefan George, German-Swiss poet and translator (born 1868) Wikipedia: Stefan George
1932
Edmund Wojtyła, Polish doctor (born 1906) Wikipedia: Edmund Wojtyła
1926
Ivana Kobilca, Slovenian painter (born 1861) Wikipedia: Ivana Kobilca
1902
Charles Dow, American journalist and publisher, co-founded the Dow Jones & Company (born 1851) Wikipedia: Charles Dow
1897
Griffith Rhys Jones, Welsh conductor (born 1834) Wikipedia: Caradog (Griffith Rhys Jones)
1893
John Tyndall, Irish-English physicist and chemist (born 1820) Wikipedia: John Tyndall
1850
William Sturgeon, English physicist, invented the electric motor (born 1783) Wikipedia: William Sturgeon
1845
Gregor MacGregor, Scottish soldier and explorer (born 1786) Wikipedia: Gregor MacGregor
1841
David Daniel Davis, Welsh-English physician and academic (born 1777) Wikipedia: David Daniel Davis
1839
John Leamy, Irish–American merchant (born 1757) Wikipedia: John Leamy (merchant)
1828
Robert Jenkinson, 2nd Earl of Liverpool, English politician, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (born 1770) Wikipedia: Robert Jenkinson, 2nd Earl of Liverpool
1798
Luigi Galvani, Italian physician, physicist, and philosopher (born 1737) Wikipedia: Luigi Galvani
1732
John Gay, English poet and playwright (born 1685) Wikipedia: John Gay
1728
Richard Ferrier, English politician (born c. 1671) Wikipedia: Richard Ferrier
1696
Empress Meishō of Japan (born 1624) Wikipedia: Empress Meishō
1680
Thomas Bartholin, Danish physician, mathematician, and theologian (born 1616) Wikipedia: Thomas Bartholin
1679
Thomas Hobbes, English philosopher and theorist (born 1588) Wikipedia: Thomas Hobbes
1649
William Drummond of Hawthornden, Scottish poet (born 1585) Wikipedia: William Drummond of Hawthornden
1642
Cardinal Richelieu, French cardinal and politician, Chief Minister to the French Monarch (born 1585) Wikipedia: Cardinal Richelieu
1637
Nicholas Ferrar, English trader (born 1592) Wikipedia: Nicholas Ferrar
1609
Alexander Hume, Scottish poet (born 1560) Wikipedia: Alexander Hume
1603
Maerten de Vos, Flemish painter and draughtsman (born 1532) Wikipedia: Maerten de Vos
1585
John Willock, Scottish minister and reformer (born 1515) Wikipedia: John Willock
1576
Georg Joachim Rheticus, Austrian-Slovak mathematician and cartographer (born 1514) Wikipedia: Georg Joachim Rheticus
1459
Adolphus VIII, Count of Holstein (born 1401) Wikipedia: Adolph VIII of Holstein
1456
Charles I, Duke of Bourbon (born 1401) Wikipedia: Charles I, Duke of Bourbon
1408
Valentina Visconti, wife of Louis of Valois, Duke of Orléans Wikipedia: Valentina Visconti, Duchess of Orléans
1341
Janisław, Archbishop of Gniezno Wikipedia: Janisław (archbishop of Gniezno)
1340
Henry Burghersh, English bishop and politician, Lord Chancellor of England (born 1292) Wikipedia: Henry Burghersh
1334
Pope John XXII (born 1249) Wikipedia: Pope John XXII
1270
Theobald II of Navarre (born 1238) Wikipedia: Theobald II of Navarre
1260
Aymer de Valence, Bishop of Winchester (born 1222) Wikipedia: Aymer de Valence (bishop)
1214
William the Lion, Scottish king (born 1143) Wikipedia: William the Lion
1131
Omar Khayyám, Persian poet, astronomer, mathematician, and philosopher (born 1048) Wikipedia: Omar Khayyam
1075
Anno II, German archbishop and saint (born 1010) Wikipedia: Anno II
870
Suairlech ind Eidnén mac Ciaráin, Irish bishop Wikipedia: Suairlech ind Eidnén mac Ciaráin
771
Carloman I, Frankish king (born 751) Wikipedia: Carloman I
749
John of Damascus, Syrian priest and saint (born 676) Wikipedia: John of Damascus

Every day in December

The same day in other countries: Portugal · Brasil · Suisse · France · Deutschland · España · United Kingdom

Source: Wikipedia: wikipedia.org (CC BY-SA 4.0)