December 14 birthdays and deaths:

George Washington

George Washington, born in 1732, was a renowned American general and politician who led the Continental Army to victory in the American Revolutionary War, later serving as the first President of the United States, setting important precedents for the office.

Deathyear: 1799

Peter O'Toole

Peter O'Toole was a renowned British-Irish actor, known for his intense stage presence and iconic film roles, including Lawrence of Arabia and Goodbye, Mr. Chips. With eight Oscar nominations, he remains one of the most revered actors in film history.

Deathyear: 2013

Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha

Albert, Prince Consort of the United Kingdom, was born on August 26, 1819. He was the husband of Queen Victoria and played a crucial role in the British monarchy.

Deathyear: 1861

Frank Sheeran

Frank Sheeran, born 1920, was an American union leader and alleged mobster, implicated in the killing of Jimmy Hoffa. As a hitman for the Bufalino crime family, Sheeran confessed to numerous crimes, including Hoffa's disappearance, and his involvement in the Commission, the Italian-American organized crime network.

Deathyear: 2003

Princess Alice of the United Kingdom

Princess Alice of the United Kingdom (1843-1878) was the third child and second daughter of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. She married Ludwig IV, Grand Duke of Hesse and by Rhine, and was the mother of five children, including Elisabeth Feodorovna, the Russian Orthodox martyr.

Deathyear: 1878

James V of Scotland

James V of Scotland, born in 1512, was King of Scotland from 1513-1542. He succeeded his grandmother, Margaret Tudor, and focused on centralizing power and asserting Scottish independence. He married twice, first to French princess Madeleine of Valois, then to Mary of Guise. He died in 1542.

Deathyear: 1542

Roger Maris

Roger Maris was a renowned American baseball player and coach, best known for breaking Babe Ruth's single-season home run record in 1961. He played for the New York Yankees and Cleveland Indians, earning seven All-Star Game selections and winning two World Series championships.

Deathyear: 1985

Myrna Loy

Myrna Loy was a revered American actress, starring in over 100 films from the 1920s to the 1970s. Known as the "Queen of Screwball Comedy," she won an Honorary Academy Award for her iconic roles alongside Clark Gable, Cary Grant, and others.

Deathyear: 1993

John Harvey Kellogg

John Harvey Kellogg, a physician and businessman, co-invented corn flakes with W.K. Kellogg in 1894. He believed that a balanced diet was key to good health and advocated for a vegetarian diet. He opened the Battle Creek Sanitarium in 1876 and developed various health foods, including corn flakes.

Deathyear: 1943

Stanley Baldwin

Stanley Baldwin, a lieutenant and politician, served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom twice, from 1923-1924 and 1924-1929. He was known for his conservative views, advocating for protectionism and British Empire preservation, and was considered a moderate figure in British politics.

Deathyear: 1947

Charles III of Spain

Charles III of Spain, born in 1716, was a remarkable king who ruled from 1759 to 1788. He initiated major agricultural and industrial reforms, oversaw the War of Jenkins' Ear, and successfully reformed the Spanish Empire, leaving a lasting legacy in Spanish politics and culture.

Deathyear: 1788

Fernando Poe Jr.

Fernando Poe Jr., also known as Ronauld, was a celebrated Filipino actor, director, producer, and politician. Born on August 20, 1939, he was a renowned figure in Philippine cinema and politics, serving as the 10th Vice President of the Philippines from 2004 until his death in 2004.

Deathyear: 2004

Lupe Vélez

Lupe Vélez was a vibrant and talented Mexican actress born in 1908. She rose to fame in the 1920s with her charming on-screen presence and seductive charm.

Deathyear: 1944

Norman Fell

Norman Fell was an American actor and comedian, best known for his role as Mr. Roper on the sitcom "Three's Company." He appeared in numerous films and TV shows, often playing authority figures and was a popular figure in American television comedy.

Deathyear: 1998

Andrei Sakharov

Andrei Sakharov was a renowned Russian physicist and human rights activist. He developed the first Soviet hydrogen bomb and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1975 for his advocacy of disarmament, nuclear freeze, and human rights. He was imprisoned for his activism in 1980-81.

Deathyear: 1989

Mike Evans (actor)

Michael "Mike" Evans, born 1949, is a renowned American actor and screenwriter. He is best known for his roles in TV shows "Good Times" and "The Jeffersons," as well as his writing credits on shows like "WKRP in Cincinnati" and "What's Happening!!"

Deathyear: 2006

Dinah Washington

Dinah Washington, a soulful American singer and pianist, was born in 1924. Known for her powerful, expressive voice and virtuosic keyboard skills, she was one of the most popular and influential jazz and R&B vocalists of her generation.

Deathyear: 1963

Jeanne Crain

Jeanne Crain was a talented American actress known for her striking beauty and versatility on screen. Born in 1925, she rose to fame in the 1940s and '50s with notable roles in films like "A Letter to Three Wives" and "Peyton Place".

Deathyear: 2003

Bernard Fox (actor)

Bernard Fox, a talented Welsh actor, was born in 1927. He appeared in numerous films and TV shows, including "M*A*S*H," "Bewitched," and "The Twilight Zone." Fox's charismatic presence and versatility earned him a loyal fan base and a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry.

Deathyear: 2016

Ahmet Ertegun

Ahmet Ertegun, a renowned composer and producer, co-founded Atlantic Records. Born in 1923, he was a Turkish-American music mogul. His contributions to the music industry are still celebrated today. Ertegun's legacy in music production and passion for preservation of music history earned him a lasting place in the music world.

Deathyear: 2006

Jock Mahoney

Jock Mahoney, aka Jack Mahoney, was a rugged, charismatic actor who excelled in Westerns and adventure films. A talented stuntman, he doubled for John Wayne and Gary Cooper, and even performed many of his own stunts in films like The Lone Ranger and The Human Jungle.

Deathyear: 1989

John of the Cross

Spanish Carmelite priest and saint, John of the Cross (1542-1591) was a renowned mystic and spiritual guide. His writings on contemplative prayer and the inner life continue to inspire seekers of God. His feast day is December 14.

Deathyear: 1591

Victoria Leigh Soto

Victoria Leigh Soto (1985-2012) was an American educator who sacrificed her life to protect her students during the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. Her heroism and selflessness inspired a nation to honor her memory and continue her legacy of love and service.

Deathyear: 2012

William Bendix

William Bendix was a prolific American actor, best known for his starring role in the radio and film series "The Life of Reilly" and his portrayal of NYPD Sergeant Owen Marshall in the TV series "Ironside".

Deathyear: 1964

Gérard Houllier

Gérard Houllier is a French football manager born in 1947. He managed the French national team and Liverpool FC, leading the Reds to multiple titles, including the treble in 2001. Known for his innovative tactics and commitment to youth development, Houllier is a respected figure in the football world.

Deathyear: 2020

Walter Lippmann

Walter Lippmann was a renowned American journalist and author, known for his insightful commentary and thought-provoking columns. His writings tackled complex issues, including international politics, social justice, and the role of the media in shaping public opinion.

Deathyear: 1974

George Gipp

George Gipp was an American football player who played for the University of Notre Dame from 1915 to 1917. He was a dominant back who was known for his speed, agility, and toughness. He died in 1920 at the age of 25 due to complications from a strep throat infection.

Deathyear: 1920

Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach

Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach (1714-1788) was a renowned German pianist and composer. He was the second son of J.S. Bach and a leading figure in the transition from Baroque to Classical music. His compositions included operas, symphonies, and chamber music.

Deathyear: 1788

Arthur Treacher

Arthur Treacher was a renowned English-American entertainer, born in 1894. A singer, actor, and personality, Treacher is best known for his iconic roles in films and television, including the iconic "Treacher's Family Circle" commercials, making him a beloved figure in American popular culture.

Deathyear: 1975

Orval Faubus

Orval Faubus was an American politician and soldier who served as the 36th Governor of Arkansas from 1955 to 1967. He gained national attention during the Little Rock Nine desegregation crisis in 1957.

Deathyear: 1994

W. G. Sebald

W.G. Sebald, a renowned German novelist, essayist, and poet, born in 1944, crafted unique, lyrical prose, blending memoir, history, and mythology in works like "The Rings of Saturn" and "Austerlitz", exploring the human experience in the aftermath of war and displacement.

Deathyear: 2001

Elston Howard

Elston Howard was a talented American baseball player and coach. Born in 1929, he was a versatile player who excelled at multiple positions, earning multiple All-Star selections and helping the New York Yankees win a World Series title in 1962.

Deathyear: 1980

Louis Agassiz

Louis Agassiz was a pioneering Swiss-American zoologist and geologist born in 1807. He made significant contributions to the field of science, including the discovery of the fossil record of ice ages and the classification of fish. He also founded the Museum of Comparative Zoology at Harvard University.

Deathyear: 1873

Bess Myerson

Bess Myerson, a trailblazing American model, activist, and TV personality, was crowned Miss America 1945. She went on to become a successful game show panelist and advocate for social justice, working with President John F. Kennedy to promote educational opportunities for minority students.

Deathyear: 2014

Stubby Kaye

Stubby Kaye was an American actor and comedian born in 1918. He was best known for his work in film and television, particularly in the genres of comedy and westerns.

Deathyear: 1997

Joe Simon

Joe Simon, a legendary comic book artist and writer, co-created Captain America with Jack Kirby in 1941. Known for his pulp-inspired artwork and storytelling, Simon's iconic characters include the Shield, Dirty Maid, and City of Tomorrow.

Deathyear: 2011

George Hamilton-Gordon, 4th Earl of Aberdeen

George Hamilton-Gordon, 4th Earl of Aberdeen, was a Scottish-English statesman who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1852 to 1855. Born in 1784, he played a crucial role in the Crimean War and is remembered for his involvement in the Opium Wars with China.

Deathyear: 1860

Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings

Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings was a renowned American author and academic, born in 1896. She wrote classic novels like "The Yearling" and "Cross Creek," winning the Pulitzer Prize in 1939. Her works often explored the American South and the human condition, showcasing her literary prowess.

Deathyear: 1953

Friedrich Dürrenmatt

Friedrich Dürrenmatt was a prominent Swiss author and playwright known for his darkly comedic and socially conscious works. Born in 1921, he wrote novels, plays, and screenplays that often explored themes of morality, politics, and humanity.

Deathyear: 1990

Billie Jo Spears

Billie Jo Spears, born on January 14, 1937, is an American country music singer-songwriter known for her powerful vocals and hits like "Blanket of Red" and "Bobby Gone". With over 40 years in the music industry, she has charmed audiences with her unique country-rock style.

Deathyear: 2011

Jeff Alm

Jeff Alm is a former American football player who played as a defensive tackle in the NFL from 1992 to 2001. He played college football at the University of Houston and was a First-Team All-Pro in 1994.

Deathyear: 1993

Juho Kusti Paasikivi

Juho Kusti Paasikivi, a renowned Finnish lawyer and politician, served as Finland's 7th President from 1946 to 1956. Born on November 27, 1870, he played a crucial role in Finland's independence, negotiating with the Soviet Union to maintain Finland's autonomy.

Deathyear: 1956

Robert Eddison

Robert Edeson (1908-1965) was a Japanese-English actor who embodied the Golden Age of Hollywood. Born in Japan to an American father, he gained recognition for his distinctive voice and versatility, starring in over 150 films, including "The General" (1926) and "Liliom" (1930).

Deathyear: 1991

Rinchinbal Khan

Rinchinbal Khan (1326-1362) was a Mongolian emperor and grandson of Möngke Khan. He ruled Mongolia from 1332 to 1335 and implemented pro-Buddhist policies. His reign saw a decline in Mongol power and conflicts with neighboring kingdoms.

Deathyear: 1332

Blas Ople

Blas Ople is a Filipino journalist and politician who served as the 21st President of the Senate of the Philippines from 1992 to 2000. He was born on June 5, 1927, and has also held various other political positions throughout his career.

Deathyear: 2003

Dale Roberts (footballer, born 1986)

Dale Roberts is a former English professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper. Born in 1986, he played for clubs including Darlington and Gateshead, making over 200 appearances.

Deathyear: 2010

Charles Howard, 1st Earl of Nottingham

Charles Howard, 1st Earl of Nottingham, was an English nobleman and politician who served as Lord High Admiral from 1585 to 1604. Born in 1536, he played a significant role in shaping English naval and military strategies during the late 16th century.

Deathyear: 1624