December 23 birthdays and deaths:

Lavrentiy Beria

Lavrentiy Beria, a ruthless and cunning Soviet general and politician, led the People's Commissariat for Internal Affairs from 1938 until his arrest in 1953. Known for his brutal tactics and suspected of numerous human rights abuses, Beria's rise to power was marked by intrigue and fear.

Deathyear: 1953

P. V. Narasimha Rao

P. V. Narasimha Rao, a renowned Indian lawyer and politician, served as the 9th Prime Minister of India from 1991 to 1996. Known for his moderate approach, he implemented economic reforms, liberalized foreign investment, and addressed issues of social and economic inequality in India.

Deathyear: 2004

Hideki Tojo

Hideki Tojo was a Japanese general and politician who served as the 40th Prime Minister of Japan from 1941 to 1944. He was known for his aggressive military campaigns and his role in Japan's involvement in World War II.

Deathyear: 1948

Joan Didion

Joan Didion is a renowned American writer known for her incisive and introspective prose. Born in 1934, Didion has written extensively on American culture, politics, and the human condition, producing iconic works such as "Slouching Towards Bethlehem" and "The Year of Magical Thinking".

Deathyear: 2021

Mikhail Kalashnikov

Mikhail Kalashnikov, a Russian general and renowned weapons designer, created the iconic AK-47 rifle, a rugged and reliable weapon that has become a symbol of military might. Born in 1919, Kalashnikov's contribution to history is cemented in the hearts of freedom fighters and armies worldwide.

Deathyear: 2013

Jack Webb

Jack Webb, a legendary American actor, director, producer, and screenwriter, is best known for his iconic role as Officer Joe Friday in the TV series "Dragnet" and for creating the show's striking realism and gritty portrayal of police work.

Deathyear: 1982

Thomas Robert Malthus

Thomas Robert Malthus, a prominent English economist and demographer, was born in 1766. He is famous for his work on population growth and its impact on resources, as outlined in his influential book "An Essay on the Principle of Population".

Deathyear: 1834

Oscar Peterson

Oscar Peterson was a renowned Canadian pianist and composer, known for his virtuosic technique and warm, expressive style. Born in 1925, Peterson's illustrious career spanned over six decades, earning him numerous awards and accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards.

Deathyear: 2007

Peggy Guggenheim

Peggy Guggenheim was a pioneering American-Italian art collector and museum founder. Born in 1898, she amassed an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art, showcasing works by Miro, Picasso, and Pollock. Her legacy as an art patron and visionary curator endures.

Deathyear: 1979

Victor Borge

Vic Soriano, better known as Victor Borge, was a witty and talented performer, combining music and comedy in his signature style. Born in Denamrk in 1909, Borge became a beloved American entertainer, renowned for his piano skills, witty one-liners, and hilarious performances.

Deathyear: 2000

Leslie West

Leslie West, born 1945, was an American rock singer and guitarist. He was best known as the lead vocalist and guitarist of the band Mountain, known for their blues-rock sound and hits like "Mississippi Queen" and "Theme from an Imaginary Western."

Deathyear: 2020

Sebastian Shaw (actor)

Sebastian Shaw, a renowned English actor, director, and playwright, was born in 1905. He was known for his extensive work in theatre, film, and television, with notable roles in plays such as "The Power and the Glory" and "The Deep Blue Sea."

Deathyear: 1994

Billy Barty

Billy Barty (1924-2000) was an American actor with dwarfism, best known for his roles in films like "Under the Rainbow" and "War and Peace." He also appeared in TV shows like "Pee-wee's Playhouse" and starred in his own TV series, "Family" (1976-1980).

Deathyear: 2000

Iwane Matsui

Iwane Matsui was a Japanese general during World War II, known for his brutal tactics and military defeats in China and the Philippines. Born in 1878, he was a prominent figure in the Imperial Japanese Army until his surrender in the Philippines in 1945.

Deathyear: 1948

K. Karunakaran

K. Karunakaran was a prominent Indian lawyer and politician who served as the Chief Minister of Kerala from 1967 to 1969. Born in 1918, he was a key figure in Indian politics, known for his social and political reforms.

Deathyear: 2010

Kurt Meyer

Kurt Meyer was a high-ranking German general during World War II, known for his brutality and involvement in the Malmedy massacre. Born in 1910, Meyer was a Panzer officer who played a key role in the Battle of the Bulge, eventually committing suicide in 1945.

Deathyear: 1961

Yusef Lateef

Yusef Lateef is a renowned American saxophonist, composer, and educator, known for his innovative and eclectic style, blending jazz, swing, and Islamic influences. With a career spanning over seven decades, he has released numerous albums and has collaborated with various artists, solidifying his legacy as a jazz great.

Deathyear: 2013

John Chisum

John Chisum (1824-1884) was a prominent American businessman and poker player. He made his fortune in the cattle industry and was a prominent figure in the development of the Texas Panhandle.

Deathyear: 1884

Charlie Drake

Charlie Drake was a British actor, musician, and comedian born in 1925. He is best known for creating the lovable but dim-witted character, Charlie Drake, and starring in several films, TV shows, and radio programs throughout his long and successful career.

Deathyear: 2006

Berengaria of Navarre

Berengaria of Navarre, born in 1165, was the queen of England from 1191 until 1199 as the wife of King Richard the Lionheart. She was the daughter of Sancho VI, King of Navarre, and was known for her piety and her support of the Knights Templar.

Deathyear: 1230

Swami Shraddhanand

Swami Shraddhanand was a renowned Indian monk, missionary, and educator who worked tirelessly to promote Hinduism and Indian culture. He founded the Gurukul Kangri University in 1905 and was a prominent figure in the Indian independence movement, seeking to strengthen national unity and cultural identity.

Deathyear: 1926

Robert L. Howard

Robert L. Howard (1939-2013) was a US Army colonel and Medal of Honor recipient for his heroic actions during the Vietnam War. He voluntarily recovered the bodies of fallen comrades in an extreme environment, risking his own life to honor their memory.

Deathyear: 2009

Jean Harris

Jean Harris was an American educator and murderer. Born in 1923, she was a respected educator, serving as the president of Bryan Mawr College. In 1985, she was convicted of murdering her lover's wife, Dr. William Ward Melvin III, and was sentenced to 58 years in prison.

Deathyear: 2012

Charlie Ruggles

Charles Ruggles was a prolific American actor born in 1886, appearing in over 150 films and numerous stage productions. He was known for his distinctive voice and witty performances, often playing charming and eccentric characters, earning him a reputation as a master of comedic acting.

Deathyear: 1970

Patric Knowles

Patric Knowles was a British actor born on August 23, 1911. He appeared in over 70 films, including "The Adventures of Robin Hood" and "The Blue Lagoon". He also worked in television, starring in the BBC series "The Sixties" and played prominent roles in stage productions.

Deathyear: 1995

Anthony Fokker

Anthony Fokker was a pioneering pilot and engineer born in Indonesia to a Dutch family. He designed the iconic Fokker Dr.I and Fokker D.VII fighter planes, which played a significant role in World War I. Born in 1890, Fokker's innovative designs and flying skills earned him international recognition.

Deathyear: 1939

Henry Clinton (British Army officer, born 1730)

Henry Clinton (1730-1795) was a British general and politician who served as Commander-in-Chief of British forces during the American War of Independence, surrendering New York City in 1783. He later represented Kent in Parliament.

Deathyear: 1795

Henry I, Duke of Guise

Henry of Guise, Duke of Guise (1550-1588), was a prominent French nobleman and leader of the Catholic League. He successfully challenged the authority of King Henry III, sparking the troubled politics of late-16th-century France.

Deathyear: 1588

Kōki Hirota

Kōki Hirota was a Japanese diplomat and politician who served as the 32nd Prime Minister of Japan from 1936 to 1937. He was a career diplomat and played a key role in Japan's foreign policy, particularly in relations with China and the United States.

Deathyear: 1948

Ngapoi Ngawang Jigme

Ngapoi Ngawang Jigme was a Tibetan general and politician who played a crucial role in modern Tibetan history. Born in 1910, he served as the Chairman of the Preparatory Committee of the Tibet Autonomous Region and was instrumental in establishing the Tibet Autonomous Region in 1965.

Deathyear: 2009

Andrei Tupolev

Andrei Tupolev was a renowned Russian engineer who designed iconic aircraft like the Tu-95 bomber and Tu-104 commercial airliner. Born in 1888, Tupolev's innovative designs revolutionized Soviet aviation, earning him recognition as one of the most influential Russian engineers of the 20th century.

Deathyear: 1972

Wilson Bentley

Wilson Bentley, known as the "snowflake man," was a pioneer in photographing snowflakes. A self-taught scientist and photographer, he captured the first known photograph of a single snowflake in 1885, revolutionizing the understanding of atmospheric science and inspiring future generations of researchers.

Deathyear: 1931

Seishirō Itagaki

Seishirō Itagaki (1885-1947) was a Japanese general during World War II. He served as a chief of the Imperial Japanese Army's General Staff Office and was involved in the planning and implementation of several high-level military operations.

Deathyear: 1948

Kenji Doihara

Kenji Doihara was a Japanese general born in 1883. He commanded the Japanese invasion forces in northern China and served as the military governor of Manchuria.

Deathyear: 1948

Don Howe

Don Howe, a legendary English footballer and manager, was born on October 12, 1935. He played for West Bromwich Albion and Nottingham Forest before becoming a renowned manager, leading West Brom to the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1979.

Deathyear: 2015

Akira Mutō

Akira Mutō (1883-1945) was a Japanese general during World War II. He played a significant role in the invasion of China and Southeast Asia. Mutō led the 10th Area Army and was responsible for the Battle of Imphal and the Siege of Kohima in India.

Deathyear: 1948

Isabella of Castile, Duchess of York

Isabella of Castile, Duchess of York (1355-1392), was a powerful Spanish queen consort, known for her political acumen, support of Christopher Columbus's voyages, and her role in the Reconquista, which led to the unification of Spain.

Deathyear: 1392

Michael Kidd

Michael Kidd was a renowned American dancer and choreographer, born in 1915. He made his mark in the world of dance with his energetic and dramatic performances, transforming classic works like "Oklahoma!" and "Where the Bluebonnets Bloom."

Deathyear: 2007