December 28 birthdays and deaths:

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington is a two-time Oscar winner, renowned for his powerful performances in films like 'Training Day' and 'Malcolm X.' A Tony Award-winning actor, he has been honored with numerous accolades for his contributions to the entertainment industry.

Birthyear: 1954

Ratan Tata

Ratan Tata, a renowned Indian businessman and philanthropist, is the former Chairman of Tata Sons. Under his leadership, the Tata Group expanded globally, and he was instrumental in the acquisition of iconic brands like Jaguar and Land Rover.

Birthyear: 1937

Sienna Miller

Sienna Miller is a talented American-British actress and fashion designer, known for her roles in "Factory Girl," "The Girl," and "American Sniper." She's also a style icon, often featured on best-dressed lists for her chic, bohemian flair, and has modeled for top designers like Burberry.

Birthyear: 1981

Maggie Smith

Maggie Smith is a renowned English actress, known for her iconic roles in the Harry Potter franchise as Professor McGonagall and in TV's Downton Abbey as Violet Crawley. She has won numerous awards, including two Oscars, three Golden Globes, and a Tony Award.

Birthyear: 1934

Stan Lee

Stan Lee was a comic book legend, creating iconic characters like Spider-Man, X-Men, and Iron Man. As Marvel's publisher, he revolutionized the industry, bringing comic books into the mainstream and inspiring countless adaptations in film and television.

Birthyear: 1922

Joe Manganiello

Joe Manganiello is an American actor known for his rugged charm and versatility. He's famous for roles in "True Blood," "Magic Mike," and "Justice League," showcasing his range from drama to comedy and action.

Birthyear: 1976

Woodrow Wilson

Woodrow Wilson, the 28th U.S. President, was a renowned historian and politician who served from 1913 to 1921. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1919 for his role in founding the League of Nations, and his progressive reforms had a lasting impact on American politics.

Birthyear: 1856

John Legend

John Legend is a multi-platinum, award-winning American singer-songwriter, pianist, and actor. Born John Roger Stephens, he's known for his soulful, smooth vocals and hit songs like "All of Me" and "Ordinary People." He's won numerous Grammys, Oscars, and a Tony Award.

Birthyear: 1978

Maitreyi Ramakrishnan

Maitreyi Ramakrishnan is a Canadian actress born in 2001. She rose to fame playing Devi Vishwakumar in the Netflix series "Never Have I Ever," created by Mindy Kaling and Lang Fisher, earning a MTV Movie Award and a Teen Choice Award nomination.

Birthyear: 2001

Noomi Rapace

Noomi Rapace is a renowned Swedish actress born on December 28, 1979. She gained international recognition for her portrayal of Lisbeth Salander in the Millennium film trilogy, earning critical acclaim and numerous award nominations.

Birthyear: 1979

Dhirubhai Ambani

Dhirubhai Ambani, a visionary Indian entrepreneur, founded Reliance Industries in 1958. He revolutionized India's textile industry and diversified into energy, petrochemicals, and more. His rags-to-riches story inspired generations, earning him the title 'Businessman of the 20th Century' in India.

Birthyear: 1932

John von Neumann

John von Neumann, a Hungarian-American mathematician and physicist, made groundbreaking contributions to computer science, quantum mechanics, and game theory. His work laid the foundation for modern computers, and he's considered one of the most influential scientists of the 20th century.

Birthyear: 1903

Nichelle Nichols

Nichelle Nichols, a trailblazing American actress, is best known for her role as Lieutenant Uhura in the iconic TV series "Star Trek" (1966-1969). She broke barriers as one of the first African American women in a leading role on television.

Birthyear: 1932

Seth Meyers

Seth Meyers is an American actor, producer, screenwriter, and talk show host, best known for hosting NBC's "Late Night with Seth Meyers" and as a former head writer for "Saturday Night Live" (SNL).

Birthyear: 1973

Linus Torvalds

Linus Torvalds, a Finnish-American computer programmer, revolutionized the tech world by creating the Linux kernel in 1991, an open-source operating system that has become a cornerstone of modern computing, earning him a legendary status in the tech community.

Birthyear: 1969

Vanessa Ferlito

Vanessa Ferlito is an American actress known for her roles in TV shows such as "CSI: NY" and "24", as well as films like "Death Proof" and "Spider-Man 2". Her striking features and versatility have made her a recognizable figure in the entertainment industry.

Birthyear: 1977

David Archuleta

David Archuleta is an American singer-songwriter who rose to fame after becoming the runner-up on Season 7 of American Idol in 2008. Known for his powerful vocals and emotive performances, Archuleta has released several successful albums and singles, including "Crush" and "Something 'Bout Love."

Birthyear: 1990

Gayle King

Gayle King is a renowned American television journalist, anchor, and co-host of CBS This Morning. She is known for her in-depth reporting and insightful interviews, earning her multiple Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award.

Birthyear: 1954

Chad McQueen

Chad McQueen is an American actor, producer, and martial artist, known for his roles in films like "The Karate Kid" series, "Hadley's Rebellion", and "Death Ring". He is the son of legendary actor Steve McQueen and Filipina actress Neile Adams.

Birthyear: 1960

Lili Elbe

Lili Elbe, born Einar Wegener, was a Danish model and painter who lived from 1882 to 1931. A transgender pioneer, Elbe underwent sex reassignment surgery in the 1930s, becoming one of the first people to do so. Her courageous story inspired the novel and film 'The Danish Girl'.

Birthyear: 1882

Arun Jaitley

Arun Jaitley (1952-2019) was a prominent Indian lawyer and politician who served as the 9th Minister of Law and Justice from 2014 to 2017. He was a key leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and played a crucial role in shaping India's economic policies.

Birthyear: 1952

Martin Milner

Martin Milner was an American actor, best known for his roles as Tod Stiles in the TV series "Route 66" and Officer Pete Malloy in the TV series "Adam-12". He appeared in over 100 films and TV shows during his 54-year career.

Birthyear: 1931

Elaine Hendrix

Elaine Hendrix is an American actress, known for her versatility in film and television. Born on December 28, 1970, she gained fame playing Meredith Blake in the 1998 film "Romy and Michele's High School Reunion." Her impressive career spans over two decades, showcasing her remarkable range and talent.

Birthyear: 1970

Beau Garrett

Beau Garrett is an American actress and model, born on December 28, 1982, in Los Angeles, California. She is known for her roles in TV series "House M.D." and "Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce," as well as films like "Tron: Legacy" and "Made of Honor."

Birthyear: 1982

Edgar Winter

Edgar Winter is an American singer-songwriter, keyboard player, and producer known for his eclectic style, blending rock, blues, and R&B. His hits include "Frankenstein" and "Free Ride," and he's collaborated with artists like Rick Derringer and Johnny Winter, his brother.

Birthyear: 1946

Brendan Hines

Brendan Hines is an American actor and singer, known for his roles in TV shows like "Lie to Me" and "Scandal". His music career spans multiple albums, blending folk, rock, and pop genres, showcasing his soulful vocals and poignant songwriting.

Birthyear: 1976

Adam Vinatieri

Adam Vinatieri is a legendary American football placekicker who has played for the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts. He holds the record for most career field goals (599) and points scored (2,673) in NFL history.

Birthyear: 1972

Tom Huddlestone

Tom Huddlestone is a former English professional footballer who played as a midfielder for clubs like Derby County, Tottenham Hotspur, and Hull City. Known for his passing range and set-piece expertise, he earned four England caps between 2009 and 2012.

Birthyear: 1986

Adam Peaty

Adam Peaty is a British competitive swimmer, specializing in breaststroke events. He's a 3-time Olympic champion, 10-time World Champion, and holds multiple world records. Peaty is known for his exceptional speed, technique, and dominance in the 50m and 100m breaststroke events, earning him the nickname "The Breaststroke King."

Birthyear: 1994

Philip Anschutz

Philip Anschutz is a renowned American businessman who founded Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG), a leading sports and entertainment conglomerate. He is also the owner of the LA Lakers, LA Kings, and operates several stadiums and arenas worldwide.

Birthyear: 1939

Milton Obote

Milton Obote was an engineer, Ugandan politician who served as the 2nd President of Uganda from 1966 to 1971 and again from 1980 to 1985. He played a significant role in Uganda's struggle for independence and was a prominent figure in African politics.

Birthyear: 1925

Kary Mullis

Kary Mullis, a renowned American biochemist, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1993 for his invention of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique, revolutionizing molecular biology and diagnostics. He was a provocative thinker and iconoclast, leaving a lasting impact on the scientific community until his passing in 2019.

Birthyear: 1944

Birendra of Nepal

King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, the 11th King of Nepal, reigned from 1972 until his tragic death in 2001. He played a crucial role in modernizing Nepal, introducing a multi-party democracy and promoting economic development, earning him immense popularity among the Nepalese people.

Birthyear: 1945

Martha Wash

Martha Wash is an American singer-songwriter and former Weather Girl known for her powerful, soulful voice. She co-wrote and sang "It's Raining Men," a 1982 disco classic, and has worked with Sylvester, Pet Shop Boys, and other prominent artists.

Birthyear: 1953

Lew Ayres

Lew Ayres was a renowned American actor who starred in the 1930 classic "All Quiet on the Western Front," earning an Academy Award nomination. He appeared in over 90 films and TV shows, often playing sensitive, empathetic characters. Ayres was a conscientious objector during WWII, serving as a medic.

Birthyear: 1908

Alex Chilton

Alex Chilton was a legendary American singer-songwriter and guitarist, best known as the lead vocalist of the Box Tops and Big Star. His eclectic style blended rock, pop, and psychedelia, influencing generations of musicians, including R.E.M. and The Replacements.

Birthyear: 1950

Thomas Dekker (actor)

Thomas Dekker is an American actor and musician, born on December 28, 1987, in Las Vegas, Nevada. He's known for his roles in TV series like "Heroes" and "The Secret Circle," as well as films like "A Nightmare on Elm Street" and "My Sister's Keeper."

Birthyear: 1987

André Holland

André Holland is an American actor known for his nuanced performances on screen. He gained recognition for his roles in "Moonlight," "A Wrinkle in Time," and "Castle Rock." His versatility has earned him critical acclaim and numerous award nominations.

Birthyear: 1979

Mackenzie Rosman

Mackenzie Rosman is an American actress, born on December 28, 1989, in Charlestown, Indiana. She's best known for her role as Ruthie Camden on the WB drama series "7th Heaven," which she played from 1996 to 2007.

Birthyear: 1989

Don Francisco (television host)

Don Francisco, born Mario Kreutzberger, is a Chilean-American journalist and talk show host. He hosted 'Sabado Gigante' (Giant Saturday), the longest-running and most popular Spanish-language variety show in the United States, from 1962 to 2015.

Birthyear: 1940

Frank Turner

Frank Turner is a British singer-songwriter and guitarist known for his energetic live performances and genre-bending music, blending punk, folk, and rock influences. His poetic lyrics and catchy melodies have garnered a devoted fan base worldwide.

Birthyear: 1981

James Blake (tennis)

James Blake is a former American professional tennis player who reached a career-high ranking of World No. 4. Known for his speedy serves and aggressive playing style, he won 10 ATP titles, including 2006 Indian Wells, and was a quarterfinalist at the Australian Open and Wimbledon.

Birthyear: 1979

A. K. Antony

A. K. Antony is a renowned Indian lawyer and politician who served as India's Minister of Defence from 2006 to 2014. A key leader of the Indian National Congress, he is known for his integrity and has held various cabinet positions in the Government of India.

Birthyear: 1940

Ray Bourque

Ray Bourque is a legendary Canadian ice hockey defenseman who played 22 seasons in the NHL, setting numerous records, including most career goals, assists, and points by a defenseman, earning five Norris Trophies and a Hall of Fame induction in 2004.

Birthyear: 1960

Pat Rafter

Patrick Rafter is a renowned Australian-Bermudian tennis player and model, known for his impressive serve-and-volley game. He won back-to-back US Open titles in 1997 and 1998, and was ranked world No. 1 in 1999.

Birthyear: 1972

John Y. Brown Jr.

John Y. Brown Jr. was a decorated World War II veteran, lawyer, and politician who served as the 55th Governor of Kentucky from 1979 to 1983, known for his progressive policies and economic development initiatives.

Birthyear: 1933

Zach Hill

Zach Hill is an American musician, artist, and drummer, known for his eclectic style and dynamic performances. As a founding member of the experimental rock band Hella, he's renowned for his intense drumming and visual artistry, blurring the lines between music and art.

Birthyear: 1979

Liu Xiaobo

Liu Xiaobo, a Chinese author, academic, and activist, was a prominent advocate for democracy and human rights. He was awarded the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize for his non-violent struggle for fundamental human rights in China, despite being imprisoned at the time of the award.

Birthyear: 1955

Richard Clayderman

Richard Clayderman is a renowned French pianist known for his romantic and gentle style. With over 1,300 melodies recorded, he is one of the best-selling pianists of all time, with sales exceeding 150 million albums worldwide.

Birthyear: 1953

F. W. Murnau

F.W. Murnau was a pioneering German-American filmmaker, best known for his influential silent films such as "Nosferatu" (1922) and "Sunrise" (1927), which showcased his mastery of atmospheric lighting, cinematography, and storytelling.

Birthyear: 1888

Cedric Benson

Cedric Benson was a talented American football running back who played in the NFL from 2005 to 2011. Drafted 4th overall by the Chicago Bears, he also played for the Cincinnati Bengals and Green Bay Packers, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2009.

Birthyear: 1982

Guy Debord

Guy Debord was a French philosopher and author, best known for his influential book "The Society of the Spectacle" (1967). He was a leading figure of the Situationist International movement, critiquing modern capitalism and consumerism. His ideas continue to inspire contemporary thought on politics, culture, and social critique.

Birthyear: 1931

Arthur Eddington

Arthur Eddington was a renowned English astronomer, physicist, and mathematician. He made significant contributions to our understanding of stars, black holes, and the universe. Eddington's work on relativity, radiation, and cosmology greatly influenced modern astrophysics.

Birthyear: 1882

Austin Barnes

Austin Barnes is an American professional baseball catcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball (MLB). He made his MLB debut in 2015 and won the World Series with the Dodgers in 2020.

Birthyear: 1989

Terry Sawchuk

Terry Sawchuk, a Hall of Fame goalie, played in the NHL from 1950 to 1970. He won four Stanley Cups and was a four-time Vezina Trophy winner, known for his pioneering butterfly style and impressive career statistics.

Birthyear: 1929

Terry Butcher

Terry Butcher, a stalwart English footballer, earned 77 caps as a defender, including during the 1982 and 1986 World Cups. After retiring, he managed several clubs, including Sunderland, Motherwell, and Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

Birthyear: 1958

Dylan Cease

Dylan Cease is an American professional baseball pitcher who plays for the Chicago White Sox of Major League Baseball (MLB). He made his MLB debut in 2019 and was an All-Star in 2022, known for his dominant fastball and slider.

Birthyear: 1995

Max Hastings

Max Hastings is a renowned English journalist, historian, and author, known for his insightful works on military history and international affairs. His books, such as "Armageddon" and "Nemesis", offer gripping narratives and in-depth analysis of significant historical events.

Birthyear: 1945

Bill Lee (left-handed pitcher)

Bill Lee, nicknamed "Spaceman," is a former American baseball player and author. He played for the Boston Red Sox and Montreal Expos from 1969 to 1982. Lee is known for his unorthodox style, eccentric personality, and colorful writing, as seen in his book "The Wrong Stuff."

Birthyear: 1946

Nigel Kennedy

Nigel Kennedy is a renowned English violinist known for his virtuosic technique and provocative style. He has recorded classical masterpieces, jazz, and rock, and has collaborated with artists such as Kate Bush and Robert Wyatt.

Birthyear: 1956

William Gates (basketball)

William Gates is a American former basketball player. A documentary film called Hoop Dreams was made in 1994 covering his life.

Birthyear: 1971

Johnny Isakson

Johnny Isakson was an American politician who served as a United States Senator from Georgia from 2005 to 2019. A Republican, he chaired the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee and was a strong advocate for veterans' rights.

Birthyear: 1944

Johnny Otis

Johnny Otis, a legendary musician, blended blues, R&B, and rock 'n' roll. As a singer-songwriter and producer, he discovered Etta James and produced hits like 'Hound Dog' and 'Willie and the Hand Jive.' His eclectic style and mentorship paved the way for future generations of musicians.

Birthyear: 1921

Anita Doth

Anita Doth is a Dutch singer-songwriter, best known as the lead vocalist of the 2 Unlimited, a popular Eurodance project in the 1990s. Her powerful voice and catchy hits like "Get Ready for This" and "Twilight Zone" made her a household name in the dance music scene.

Birthyear: 1971

Melvin Turpin

Melvin Turpin, nicknamed "The Turkey", was a talented American basketball player who played in the NBA from 1984 to 1990. He was a 6'11" center known for his dominant rebounding and shot-blocking abilities, playing for the Washington Bullets, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Utah Jazz.

Birthyear: 1960

Martin Kaymer

Martin Kaymer is a German professional golfer who has won numerous titles, including the 2010 PGA Championship and the 2014 U.S. Open. He was ranked as the world's number one golfer in 2011 and has represented Europe in the Ryder Cup.

Birthyear: 1984

Hildegard Knef

Hildegard Knef was a renowned German actress and singer, starring in films like 'Die Sünderin' and 'The Bachelor'. Known for her sultry voice, she released several albums and performed on stage, earning the nickname 'Germany's Marlene Dietrich'.

Birthyear: 1925

Michel Petrucciani

Michel Petrucciani was a French jazz pianist known for his virtuosic technique and emotive playing style. Despite being born with osteogenesis imperfecta, a rare bone disorder, he achieved great success, recording with top musicians and earning multiple Grammy nominations before his passing in 1999.

Birthyear: 1962

Tatsumi Fujinami

Tatsumi Fujinami, a legendary Japanese wrestler and promoter, founded the esteemed Dradition wrestling promotion. Known for his technical grappling style, Fujinami's storied career spanned decades, earning him multiple championships and a revered place in Japanese professional wrestling history.

Birthyear: 1953

Roy Hattersley

Roy Hattersley is a British journalist and Labour politician who served as Shadow Home Secretary from 1983 to 1987. He was a Member of Parliament for Birmingham Sparkbrook from 1964 to 1997 and later became a life peer in 1997.

Birthyear: 1932

Mortimer J. Adler

Mortimer J. Adler was a renowned American philosopher, educator, and author. He was a prominent advocate for education reform and critical thinking. Adler wrote or edited over 50 books, including "How to Read a Book" and "The Great Books of the Western World" series.

Birthyear: 1902

Lomana LuaLua

Lomana LuaLua is a Congolese footballer who played as a striker for clubs like Newcastle United, Portsmouth, and Queens Park Rangers. Known for his pace and skill, LuaLua earned 31 caps for the DR Congo national team, scoring 10 goals between 2002 and 2014.

Birthyear: 1980

Mike Beebe

Mike Beebe is an American lawyer and politician who served as the 45th Governor of Arkansas from 2007 to 2015. A Democrat, he previously served as Attorney General of Arkansas from 2003 to 2007.

Birthyear: 1946

Sergi Barjuán

Sergi Barjuán Esclusa is a Spanish former professional footballer and current manager. He played as a left-back for FC Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, and the Spain national team, earning 56 caps. After retiring, he managed several teams, including Recreativo de Huelva and CF Fuenlabrada.

Birthyear: 1971

John Henson (basketball)

John Henson is an American professional basketball player who plays as a power forward/center in the NBA. Born on December 28, 1990, he was drafted 14th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2012 and has also played for the Cleveland Cavaliers and Detroit Pistons.

Birthyear: 1990

Khalid Boulahrouz

Khalid Boulahrouz is a retired Dutch footballer who played as a defender from 2002 to 2012. He played for clubs like Ajax, Chelsea, and Stuttgart, and earned 35 caps for the Netherlands national team, participating in the 2006 World Cup and Euro 2008.

Birthyear: 1981

Pops Staples

Pops Staples, a legendary American singer-songwriter and guitarist, was a pivotal figure in gospel and R&B music. As the patriarch of the Staples Singers, he blended soulful vocals with socially conscious lyrics, earning multiple Grammys and influencing generations of musicians.

Birthyear: 1914

Earl Hines

Earl Hines, nicknamed "Fatha," was a pioneering American pianist and bandleader who played a significant role in shaping jazz piano. His unique, ornate style and virtuosic technique influenced generations of musicians, earning him a place in the Jazz Hall of Fame.

Birthyear: 1903

Tony Ables

Tony Alvin Ables is an American serial killer who killed a man and three women and girls in the Tampa Bay area, Florida.

Birthyear: 1954

Elizabeth Stuart (daughter of Charles I)

Elizabeth Stuart, the second daughter of King Charles I of England, was born in 1635. Known for her beauty and strong will, she was imprisoned in 1650 during the English Civil War and died in Carisbrooke Castle, aged just 15, under uncertain circumstances.

Birthyear: 1635

Félix Vallotton

Félix Vallotton, a versatile Swiss-French painter, printmaker, and writer, was born in 1865. Known for his bold, expressive works, he was part of the Nabi movement, influencing modern art with his innovative style that blended realism and primitivism.

Birthyear: 1865

Chris Ware

Chris Ware is a renowned American illustrator, cartoonist, and writer, known for his meticulous and innovative graphic novels, such as "Jimmy Corrigan, the Smartest Kid on Earth" and "Building Stories". He is celebrated for his intricate, visually stunning storytelling and emotional depth.

Birthyear: 1967

Ana Torroja

Ana Torroja is a renowned Spanish singer-songwriter, best known as the lead vocalist of the pop-rock band Mecano. With a distinctive voice and poetic lyrics, she has been a driving force in Spanish music, earning numerous awards and accolades throughout her illustrious career.

Birthyear: 1959

Steve Van Buren

Steve Van Buren, a Honduran-American football player, was a dominant force in the NFL from 1944 to 1951. A Hall of Famer, he won four NFL championships and was a five-time First-team All-Pro with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Birthyear: 1920

Tex Perkins

Tex Perkins is a renowned Australian singer-songwriter, best known as the frontman of The Beasts of Bourbon and The Ape. His distinctive, raspy voice and raw, bluesy sound have earned him a loyal following and critical acclaim in the Australian music scene.

Birthyear: 1964