December 2 birthdays and deaths:

Pablo Escobar

Pablo Escobar was a notorious Colombian drug lord who rose to power in the 1970s and 1980s. As the leader of the Medellín cartel, he controlled an estimated 80% of the world's cocaine supply, earning him the nickname "The King of Cocaine."

Deathyear: 1993

Desi Arnaz

Desi Arnaz, a Cuban-American actor, singer, and businessman, was born in 1917. He is best known for his iconic roles in the classic TV show "I Love Lucy" alongside his wife Lucille Ball.

Deathyear: 1986

John Brown (abolitionist)

John Brown, a radical American abolitionist, was born in 1800. He believed violent revolution was necessary to end slavery. In 1859, he raided Harpers Ferry, hoping to incite a slave rebellion. Arrested and executed, his actions sparked the divisions that led to the US Civil War.

Deathyear: 1859

Marquis de Sade

Marquis de Sade, a French philosopher, author, and politician, was born in 1740. He was known for his provocative literary works that criticized social norms and institutions. His philosophy emphasized the importance of individual freedom and the rejection of societal constraints.

Deathyear: 1814

Hernán Cortés

Hernán Cortés, a Spanish conquistador, led the expedition to conquer the Aztec Empire in 1519. He played a significant role in the Spanish colonization of the Americas, defeating the Aztecs and claiming Mexico for Spain.

Deathyear: 1547

Roxie Roker

Roxie Roker was an American actress, best known for her role as Helen Willis on the popular 1970s sitcom "The Jeffersons." Born in 1929, Roker's television career spanned over three decades, with notable appearances in TV shows such as "Love, American Style" and "Charles in Charge."

Deathyear: 1995

Marty Feldman

Marty Feldman was a renowned English actor and comedian, born on April 8, 1933. He gained international recognition for his distinctive voice, expressiveness, and physical comedy skills.

Deathyear: 1982

Mária Telkes

Mária Telkes was a Hungarian-American biophysicist and chemist who developed the first wearable artificial kidney and conducted pioneering research on the effects of cold shock on fish hearts. She was a trailblazing female scientist in a male-dominated field.

Deathyear: 1995

Aaron Copland

Aaron Copland, a renowned American composer and conductor, was born in 1900. He is best known for his contributions to American classical music, including iconic works like "Appalachian Spring" and "Fanfare for the Common Man." His unique blend of jazz and classical styles helped shape American musical identity.

Deathyear: 1990

Michael Hedges

Michael Hedges was a renowned American singer-songwriter and guitarist known for his innovative, percussive playing style and soothing vocal delivery. Hedges' music often featured intricate fingerpicking and tapping techniques, earning him a devoted following and critical acclaim.

Deathyear: 1997

Jay Gould

Jay Gould was a prominent American entrepreneur, financier, and investor who built his fortune in the railroad and banking industries. He was a key figure in the development of the United States' transportation infrastructure and was known for his shrewd business acumen.

Deathyear: 1892

Adelaide of Saxe-Meiningen

Adelaide of Saxe-Meiningen was a German princess born in 1792. She married the future King William IV of the United Kingdom and became the Duchess of Clarence in 1818. She was known for her beauty and strong character, dying in 1849 at the age of 57.

Deathyear: 1849

Philip Larkin

Philip Larkin (1922-1985) was a celebrated English poet and author known for his concise, witty, and poignant verse. A librarian at the University of Hull for over 20 years, Larkin's love for poetry was reflected in his own creative work, earning him the title of "English Poet Laureate".

Deathyear: 1985

Gregorio del Pilar

Gregorio del Pilar was a Filipino general and politician who played a key role in the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonization. He was the 1st Governor of Bulacan and served from 1899 to 1901.

Deathyear: 1899

Kliment Voroshilov

Kliment Voroshilov was a prominent Soviet politician and marshal who served as the People's Commissar for Defense and the 3rd Head of State of the Soviet Union from 1925 to 1941.

Deathyear: 1969

Robert Cummings

Robert Cummings, a talented American actor, director, and producer, was born in 1908. He gained fame for his roles in films like "Saboteur" and "A Very Private Gentleman", and directed various TV shows and films, showcasing his versatility in the entertainment industry.

Deathyear: 1990

Mariska Veres

Mariska Veres, born in 1947, was a Dutch singer known as the lead vocalist of the cult rock band Motorhead. With her powerful voice and charismatic stage presence, she fronted the band from 1975 to 1991, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of rock music.

Deathyear: 2006

Philippe II, Duke of Orléans

Philippe II, Duke of Orléans (1674-1723) was the young Duke of Orléans and future King of France. He was the only son of the King's brother, Philippe I, Duke of Orléans, and became regent of France after the death of King Louis XIV in 1715.

Deathyear: 1723

Gail Fisher

Gail Fisher was an American actress known for her roles in TV's "M*A*S*H" and "The Longest Yard". Born on March 8, 1935, she received a Golden Globe nomination for her portrayal of Trudy Cooper on "M*A*S*H".

Deathyear: 2000

Shirley Crabtree

Shirley Crabtree, known as "Lord Wrestler," was a renowned English professional wrestler born in 1930. He wrestled for over 30 years, earning celebrity status in the UK. He was inducted into the Wrestling Heritage Centre hall of fame in 2016.

Deathyear: 1997

Romain Gary

Romain Gary, born Roman Kacew in Lithuania in 1914, was a prolific and acclaimed author, director, and screenwriter. He wrote novels and screenplays, often exploring themes of identity, morality, and social justice, earning him numerous awards and a reputation as one of France's most esteemed literary figures.

Deathyear: 1980

Jenny von Westphalen

Jenny von Westphalen, a German author, was born in 1814. Known for her literary genius, she wrote several novels, poetry, and essays.

Deathyear: 1881

Ivan Illich

Ivan Illich was an Austrian priest and philosopher born in 1926. He is known for his critiques of modern society and his exploration of alternative forms of community and education. He is also known for his influential book, "Deschooling Society".

Deathyear: 2002

Henry Molaison

Henry Molaison, aka H.M., was a renowned patient who suffered from severe epilepsy and underwent a partial lobectomy in 1953. The surgery left him with anterograde amnesia, unable to form new memories, nor recall events after the operation, making him a groundbreaking study subject in memory research.

Deathyear: 2008

Piero di Cosimo de' Medici

Piero di Cosimo de' Medici was a prominent figure in 15th-century Florence. As a banker and politician, he played a crucial role in shaping the city's economy and government, serving as a mediator between the ruling families and foreign powers.

Deathyear: 1469

Gerardus Mercator

Gerardus Mercator, a Flemish mathematician, cartographer, and philosopher, born in 1512, created the Mercator projection, a cylindrical map projection still widely used today.

Deathyear: 1594

Filippo Tommaso Marinetti

Filippo Tommaso Marinetti, an Italian poet and composer, was born in Egypt in 1876. He founded the Futurist movement, advocating for the rejection of traditional art forms and the celebration of technology, machinery, and violence. His most famous work is the Futurist Manifesto, published in 1909.

Deathyear: 1944

Odetta

Odetta Holmes Finley, known as Odetta, was a prolific American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and actress, born in 1930. Known for her powerful, expressive voice and dynamic stage presence, she was a major figure in the American folk music revival of the 1950 and 1960s.

Deathyear: 2008

Eric Woolfson

Eric Woolfson is a Scottish singer-songwriter, pianist, and producer, best known for his work as a member of The Alan Parsons Project and for his solo albums, blending his musical talents with storytelling and concept albums, captivating audiences with his unique blend of rock, pop, and classical influences.

Deathyear: 2009

Edmond Rostand

Edmond Rostand was a renowned French poet and playwright, born in 1868. He is best known for his plays, such as "Cyrano de Bergerac" and "L'Aiglon", which showcase his mastery of language and storytelling. Rostand's works often explore themes of love, honor, and the human condition.

Deathyear: 1918

Sandy Berger

Sandy Berger was a renowned American lawyer and politician, serving as the 19th US National Security Advisor from 1997 to 2001 under President Bill Clinton. Born in 1945, Berger played a key role in shaping US foreign policy, particularly in the Middle East and Africa.

Deathyear: 2015

Francis Spellman

Francis Spellman was an American cardinal who served as Archbishop of New York from 1939 to 1967. A prominent figure in the Catholic Church, he played a key role in World War II and was a vocal advocate for social justice and civil rights.

Deathyear: 1967

Jean Béliveau

Jean Béliveau, a trailblazing Canadian ice hockey player, played 18 seasons in the NHL from 1950 to 1971 with the Montreal Canadiens. He won several championships, including seven Stanley Cups, and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1988.

Deathyear: 2014

Bobby Keys

Bobby Keys, American saxophonist, was born in 1943. He played with iconic musicians like The Beatles, Eric Clapton, and Dr. John, and contributed to numerous film and album soundtracks. His virtuosic saxophone sound brought funk and soul to various musical genres.

Deathyear: 2014

Muhammad Shaybani

Muhammad Shaybani, Khan of Bukhara, was a Central Asian ruler who founded the Shaybanid dynasty in the 16th century. Born in 1451, he united the nomadic tribes and conquered Samarkand, Bukhara, and other cities, establishing a great empire that lasted for over a century.

Deathyear: 1510

Pat Patterson

Pat Patterson, born 1941, is a Canadian-American professional wrestler and booker. Known for his technical grappling skills and charismatic persona, Patterson is a WWE Hall of Famer. He played a crucial role in creating iconic matches and storylines, cementing his legacy in the world of professional wrestling.

Deathyear: 2020

Robertson Davies

Canadian author, playwright, and critic Robertson Davies (1913-1995) is renowned for his distinctive writing style, blending realism and fantasy. His works, such as "Fifth Business" and "The Manticore", explore themes of identity, morality, and the human condition.

Deathyear: 1995

Harrison Ford (silent film actor)

Harrison Ford was an American actor during the silent era. Not to be confused with the Harrison Ford who played Han Solo and Indiana Jones

Deathyear: 1957

Van Tuong Nguyen

Van Tuong Nguyen, a Vietnamese-Australian man, was convicted of drug trafficking in 2004. He was arrested in Thailand with 2.3 kilograms of heroin worth over $1 million. His sentence was death by hanging, but his case sparked international outrage and ultimately led to his execution in 2005.

Deathyear: 2005

A. R. Antulay

A.R. Antulay was an Indian lawyer and politician who served as the 8th Chief Minister of Maharashtra from 1980 to 1982. Born in 1929, he was a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress.

Deathyear: 2014

John Ringling

John Ringling, co-founder of Ringling Brothers Circus, was a pioneering entrepreneur born in 1866. He built the circus into a global phenomenon, introducing innovations like women's trapeze and lion tamers. His legacy endured through the iconic "Greatest Show on Earth" until its closure in 2017.

Deathyear: 1936

Edward S. Rogers Jr.

Edward Samuel Rogers, a Canadian lawyer and businessman, was born in 1933.

Deathyear: 2008

Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba

Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba was a Spanish general who played a crucial role in the Italian Wars. Born in 1453, he became a renowned military strategist, serving as the viceroy of Italy and leading Spanish forces to several victories, earning him the title "El Gran Capitán".

Deathyear: 1515

Chaudhry Muhammad Ali

Chaudhry Muhammad Ali was a prominent Indian-Pakistani lawyer and politician, serving as the 4th Prime Minister of Pakistan from 1956 to 1957. Born in 1905, he played a crucial role in Pakistan's early years, focusing on economic development and foreign policy.

Deathyear: 1980

Charlie Byrd

Charlie Byrd was a renowned American jazz guitarist, born in 1925. Known for his unique fusion of jazz and classical music, Byrd won Grammy Awards for his innovative playing style, which blended Brazilian rhythms with traditional jazz. He was one of the pioneers of the bossa nova movement in the United States.

Deathyear: 1999

Pope Silverius

Pope Silverius (d. 537) was the bishop of Rome from 536 to 537. He was a man of weak character, who allowed the Ostrogothic king Theodat to reside in the Lateran Palace. He was eventually exiled to the island of Procida, where he died shortly afterwards.

Deathyear: 537

Yakov Zeldovich

Yakov Borisovich Zel'dovich, a renowned Belarusian physicist, astronomer, and cosmologist, made groundbreaking contributions to our understanding of the universe. Known for his work on astrophysics, cosmology, and nuclear physics, he was recognized with the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1962.

Deathyear: 1987