December 12 birthdays and deaths:

Ike Turner

Ike Turner was a pioneering American musician, composer, and record producer renowned for his innovative and energetic guitar playing, dynamic stage presence, and iconic songs like "Rocket 88" and "Pride and Joy".

Deathyear: 2007

Peter Boyle

Peter Boyle was a renowned American actor, best known for his roles in the 1970s TV series "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and the 1980 film "Young Frankenstein". He received critical acclaim for his performances in diverse roles throughout his long career.

Deathyear: 2006

Vicente Fernández

Vicente Fernández, known as "Chente," was a renowned Mexican actor, singer, and film producer. He began his career as a singer and transitioned to acting, starring in over 50 films. He was also a successful ranchera singer, entertaining millions with his powerful voice and charismatic stage presence.

Deathyear: 2021

John le Carré

John le Carré is a British author known for his espionage novels, particularly those featuring George Smiley. Born January 10, 1931, he drew from his own experiences as a spy for MI5 and wrote acclaimed works like "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy" and "The Spy Who Came in from the Cold".

Deathyear: 2020

Anne Baxter

Anne Baxter was a renowned American actress, born on May 7, 1923. With a versatile career spanning over four decades, she won an Academy Award and earned seven Tony nominations. Her iconic roles included "All About Eve", "The Magnificent Seven", and "The Ten Commandments".

Deathyear: 1985

Tallulah Bankhead

Tallulah Bankhead was a charismatic American actress known for her sultry voice, fiery personality, and pioneering role as a female in the entertainment industry. Born in 1902, she starred in over 30 films and earned a Tony Award for her Broadway debut in 1957.

Deathyear: 1968

Danny Aiello

Danny Aiello is a renowned American actor born in 1933. He has appeared in numerous films and TV shows, including "Do the Right Thing," "Moonstruck," and "Hanna's Golden Arrow." With his distinctive voice and expressive face, Aiello brings depth and authenticity to his diverse range of roles.

Deathyear: 2019

Douglas Fairbanks

Douglas Fairbanks, Sr. was a charismatic American actor, producer, and screenwriter, known for his thrilling swashbuckling films, acrobatic stunts, and charming persona. Born in 1883, he dominated the silent era, captivating audiences with his daring swordfights and comedic timing, earning the nickname "The King of Hollywood."

Deathyear: 1939

Van Johnson

Born in Iowa in 1916, Van Johnson was a charismatic and popular actor, starring in over 60 films between the 1940s and 1980s, including "Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo" and "A Guy Named Joe," showcasing his natural charm and boyish good looks.

Deathyear: 2008

Ann Reinking

Ann Reinking is a renowned American actress, dancer, and choreographer, born in 1949. She is best known for her work in musical theater, particularly in the iconic productions of "Putting It Together" and "Steel Pier," for which she received a Tony Award for Best Choreography.

Deathyear: 2020

Menelik II

Menelik II, Emperor of Ethiopia (1844-1913), reigned from 1889 to 1913. He brought modernity and infrastructure to Ethiopia, overcoming Italian colonization attempts. He was a strong figure in Ethiopian history, known for his wisdom, military prowess, and emphasis on education and cultural preservation.

Deathyear: 1913

Heydar Aliyev

Heydar Aliyev was a renowned Azerbaijani general and politician who served as the 3rd President of Azerbaijan from 1993 to 2003. Born in 1923, Aliyev played a crucial role in Azerbaijan's independence movement and implemented significant reforms during his presidency. He was also a respected statesman and diplomat.

Deathyear: 2003

Tom Laughlin

Tom Laughlin (1931) was a multi-talented artist, known for his work in film, television, and education. As Billy Jack, he starred in the countercultural classic "Billy Jack" (1971) and went on to become a professor, screenwriter, and author, using his platform to promote social justice.

Deathyear: 2013

Joseph Heller

Joseph Heller was a renowned American novelist, short story writer, and playwright, born in 1923. He is best known for his novel "Catch-22", a satire of war and bureaucracy that explores the absurdity of war and the human condition.

Deathyear: 1999

Audrey Totter

Audrey Totter was a stunning American actress, known for her striking looks and fiery red hair. She appeared in over 60 films and television shows, often playing sassy and seductive characters, showcasing her versatility and talent in Hollywood's Golden Age.

Deathyear: 2013

Lawton Chiles

Lawton Chiles, a decorated Vietnam War veteran, served as Florida's 41st Governor from 1991 to 1999. A pioneering politician, he facilitated environmental conservation efforts, expanded healthcare services, and strengthened education. His dedication to Floridians earned him the nickname "Mr. Consistency."

Deathyear: 1998

Henrietta Swan Leavitt

Henrietta Swan Leavitt was a pioneering American astronomer who discovered the relationship between a star's brightness and its distance from Earth. Her groundbreaking work led to a deeper understanding of the universe, earning her a place in the annals of astronomy.

Deathyear: 1921

Paul Arizin

Paul Arizin, nicknamed "Greek", was a Hall of Fame NBA forward who played for the Philadelphia Warriors (1950-1964) and holds the record for most points scored in a single season (1,941).

Deathyear: 2006

Isabella of Mar

Isabella of Mar, wife of Robert Bruce VII, was a Scottish noblewoman born around 1280. She was the daughter of John Randolph, 3rd Earl of Moray. Isabella married Robert in 1302, and they had three sons, including Robert I of Scotland, the future King Robert the Bruce.

Deathyear: 1296

Ed Lee

Ed Lee was an American politician and attorney who served as the 43rd Mayor of San Francisco from 2011 to 2017. Born in 1952, Lee was the city's first Asian-American mayor, dedicating his career to public service and advocating for education, healthcare, and community development.

Deathyear: 2017

Mo Udall

Morris Udall was an American politician and lawyer who served as a U.S. representative from Arizona from 1961 to 1991. Known for his progressive policies and impassioned speeches, he was a potential presidential candidate until his failed 1976 primary bid.

Deathyear: 1998

Henry St John, 1st Viscount Bolingbroke

Henry St John, 1st Viscount Bolingbroke, was a prominent English philosopher and politician, serving as Secretary at War from 1717 to 1718. A key figure in British politics, he was also a writer and philosopher, known for his wit, satire, and literary works.

Deathyear: 1751

Norman Bridwell

Norman Bridwell, an American author and illustrator, was born in 1928. He is best known for creating the beloved children's book series, Clifford the Big Red Dog, which has become a classic in children's literature. Bridwell's stories beautifully capture the love between a girl and her giant red dog, teaching valuable lessons about friendship, loyalty, and responsibility.

Deathyear: 2014

Pat DiNizio

Pat DiNizio was an American singer-songwriter and guitarist, best known as the lead vocalist and founder of The Smithereens. With a distinctive raspy voice and introspective lyrics, DiNizio penned iconic songs like "A Girl Like You" and "Drown in My Tears" throughout the 80s and 90s.

Deathyear: 2017

Mildred Bailey

Mildred Bailey was a renowned American jazz singer renowned for her smooth, silky tone and effortless phrasing. Born in 1907, she was a trailblazing vocalist, known for her scat singing and, along with her husband, Roy Eldridge, formed the first husband-and-wife jazz duo, "Midnight Strings."

Deathyear: 1951

Stuart Roosa

Stuart Roosa, a NASA astronaut and fighter pilot, was born in 1933. He flew on the Apollo 14 mission in 1971, deploying the lunar module's solar sail and conducting scientific experiments.

Deathyear: 1994

Annette Stroyberg

Annette Stroyberg is a Danish actress born in 1936. She is renowned for her versatility in film, television, and theater. With a career spanning over six decades, Stroyberg has appeared in numerous productions, earning critical acclaim and numerous nominations for her outstanding performances.

Deathyear: 2005

Avery Dulles

Avery Dulles, a prominent American cardinal and theologian, was born in 1918. He wrote extensively on Catholic theology and was a key figure in Vatican II's reforms, promoting ecumenism and interfaith dialogue.

Deathyear: 2008

Carloman II

King Carloman II of the Franks was born around 866. He was the son of King Louis II and reigned as co-emperor with his uncle, Charles the Bald. In 884, Carloman died in a hunting accident at the age of 18. He was succeeded by his uncle Charles.

Deathyear: 884

John Sparrow David Thompson

John Sparrow David Thompson was a Canadian lawyer, judge, and politician who served as the 4th Prime Minister of Canada from 1892 to 1896. Born in 1845, Thompson was a prominent figure in Canadian politics, known for his conservative views and his role in shaping the country's early history.

Deathyear: 1894

Tom Walkinshaw

Tom Walkinshaw, a Scottish racing driver, founded Tom Walkinshaw Racing. Born in 1946, he began his driving career in the 1960s and later established his own racing team.

Deathyear: 2010

Dee Brown (writer)

Dee Brown, a renowned American historian and author, wrote extensively on the American West and frontier history. His works, such as "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee" (1970), provided a powerful tribute to Native American struggles and the devastation of colonialism.

Deathyear: 2002