December 27 birthdays and deaths:

Carrie Fisher

Carrie Fisher was a talented actress, screenwriter, and author, best known for her iconic role as Princess Leia in the Star Wars franchise. She was also a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and was open about her struggles with bipolar disorder.

Deathyear: 2016

Lee Sun-kyun

Lee Sun-kyun is a talented South Korean actor born in 1975. He has appeared in various films and dramas, including the hit series "My Name is Kim Sam-soon" and "Pasta". He is known for his versatility and range, effortlessly taking on a wide range of roles.

Deathyear: 2023

Benazir Bhutto

Benazir Bhutto was a Pakistani politician who served as Prime Minister of Pakistan from 1988 to 1990 and again from 1993 to 1996. She was the first woman elected to head a democratic government in a Muslim-majority country and fought for democracy and women's rights in Pakistan.

Deathyear: 2007

Gustave Eiffel

Gustave Eiffel, a French architect and engineer, co-designed the iconic Eiffel Tower for the 1889 World's Fair in Paris. Born in 1832, Eiffel's innovative ironwork design won widespread acclaim and cemented his legacy as a pioneering figure in engineering and architecture.

Deathyear: 1923

Norman Schwarzkopf Jr.

Norman Schwarzkopf Jr. was a highly decorated American general and engineer, best known for leading the coalition forces to victory in the Gulf War of 1991. He was born in 1934 and rose to the rank of four-star general in the United States Army.

Deathyear: 2012

Jack Swigert

Jack Swigert was a decorated pilot and astronaut who flew on Apollo 13, but tragically died of leukemia in 1982 at age 51. He also served as a U.S. congressman for Colorado from 1983 until his death.

Deathyear: 1982

Alan Bates

Alan Bates was a highly acclaimed English actor, born in 1934. He gained international recognition for his versatility and range in films like "Whistle Down the Wind" and "Gothic".

Deathyear: 2003

Hoagy Carmichael

Hoagy Carmichael was a renowned American singer-songwriter, pianist, and actor, born in 1899. He wrote iconic songs like "Stardust" and "Georgia on My Mind" and starred in numerous films, captivating audiences with his smooth vocals and charming stage presence.

Deathyear: 1981

Gaston Glock

Gaston Glock, an Austrian engineer, designed the iconic Glock pistol. Born in 1929, Glock founded his eponymous company in 1963. His innovative designs emphasized durability and reliability. The Glock 17, introduced in 1982, revolutionized the industry with its polymer frame and ease of maintenance.

Deathyear: 2023

Harry Carey Jr.

A veteran of Hollywood's Golden Age, Harry Carey Jr. (1921-2012) enjoyed a long and distinguished career as an actor, producer, and screenwriter. Known for his charm and versatility, he appeared in nearly 200 films, including John Ford's "The Searchers" and Sergio Leone's "Once Upon a Time in the West".

Deathyear: 2012

Stephen F. Austin

Stephen F. Austin, known as the "Father of Texas," was a pioneer settler and politician who established the first American settlement in Texas in 1821. He played a key role in the Texan War of Independence and became a symbol of Texan independence.

Deathyear: 1836

Lester B. Pearson

Lester B. Pearson, a renowned Canadian historian and politician, served as the 14th Prime Minister of Canada from 1963 to 1968. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1957 for proposing the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF) to resolve the Suez Crisis.

Deathyear: 1972

Farooq Sheikh

Farooq Sheikh was a renowned Indian actor, philanthropist, and television presenter, born in 1948. He has appeared in numerous Bollywood films and television shows, earning critical acclaim and a loyal fan base. He is widely recognized for his versatile performances and dedication to social causes.

Deathyear: 2013

Charles Lamb

Charles Lamb was a celebrated English essayist and poet, born in 1775. He was a prominent figure in the Romantic era, known for his witty and insightful writings.

Deathyear: 1834

Fanny Cradock

Fanny Cradock was a notable British author, critic, and television presenter, born in 1909. She wrote several cookbooks and was a prominent food critic, known for her wit and sharp tongue. Her television appearances and cookbooks were loved by many, although sometimes criticized for her condescending attitude.

Deathyear: 1994

Hal Ashby

Hal Ashby was a celebrated American film director and producer, known for his nuanced portrayal of complex characters and social commentary. His notable works include "Harold and Maude," "The Last Detail," and "Coming Home," showcasing his ability to balance drama, humor, and deeply human stories.

Deathyear: 1988

Meadowlark Lemon

Meadowlark Lemon, born 1932, was an American basketball player, known as the "Clown Prince" of basketball. He played professionally in the 1950s and 1960s, entertaining fans with his showmanship and acrobatic moves. After retirement, he became a minister, spreading a message of hope and redemption.

Deathyear: 2015

Hafizullah Amin

Hafizullah Amin was a prominent Afghan educator and politician who served as the 2nd General Secretary of the People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan. Born in 1929, Amin played a key role in the country's communist movement and served as the country's Soviet-backed Prime Minister from 1979-1987.

Deathyear: 1979

Robert Graham (sculptor)

Robert Graham, a pioneering Mexican-American sculptor, was born in 1938. He is renowned for his figurative sculptures that blend abstract and figurative elements. His work often depicts the human form, exploring themes of identity, culture, and the relationship between the individual and society.

Deathyear: 2008

George Roy Hill

George Roy Hill was a renowned American filmmaker, known for directing classics like "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" (1969) and "The Sting" (1973). He was nominated for three Academy Awards for Best Director and was recognized for his unique blend of humor, suspense, and style.

Deathyear: 2002

Emperor Gaozong of Tang

Gaozong of Tang (628-683 CE) was the third emperor of the Tang dynasty and reigned from 649 to 683 CE. He was chosen as emperor by his wife, Wu Zetian, who later became the only woman to rule China in her own right as the Empress Wu.

Deathyear: 683

Helen Frankenthaler

Helen Frankenthaler was a pioneering American painter and educator known for her lyrical, color-field abstractions. Born in 1928, Frankenthaler's work explores the relationship between color and space, fostering a new era in abstract expressionism.

Deathyear: 2011

Michael McDowell (author)

Michael McDowell is an American author, screenwriter, and playwright known for his horror and suspense novels. Born in 1950, McDowell has written numerous books and screenplays, including the novel "The Amityville Horror," which was adapted into a film.

Deathyear: 1999

Billy Wright (loyalist)

Billy Wright was a loyalist leader and political prisoner in Northern Ireland. Born in 1960, he was a prominent figure in the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) and served time in prison for various crimes.

Deathyear: 1997

Chris Bell (American musician)

Chris Bell, a pioneering musician, co-founded Big Star in the late 1970s. With his distinctive voice and guitar work, he contributed to the band's signature sound. Despite his early departure from the group, Bell's influence on power pop and rock music is still celebrated today.

Deathyear: 1978

Delaney Bramlett

Delaney Bramlett was an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer, best known as the founder of the folk-rock duo Delaney & Bonnie. With his wife Bonnie, he released several albums and collaborated with artists like Eric Clapton and George Harrison before passing away in 2000.

Deathyear: 2008

William Armstrong, 1st Baron Armstrong

William Armstrong, 1st Baron Armstrong, was a renowned English engineer and businessman who founded Armstrong Whitworth, a prominent industrial conglomerate. Born in 1810, he pioneered the development of steam power and developed innovative machinery, leaving a lasting legacy in his field.

Deathyear: 1900

Houari Boumédiène

Houari Boumediene was an Algerian colonel and politician who served as the 2nd President of Algeria from 1965 until his death in 1978. He played a key role in Algeria's independence movement and led the country through a period of rapid modernization and development.

Deathyear: 1978

Osip Mandelstam

Osip Mandelstam was a prominent Polish-Russian poet and critic, born in 1891. He is known for his lyrical poetry and powerful critiques of Soviet politics. Despite his exile and eventual death in a Siberian labor camp, Mandelstam's works continue to inspire readers worldwide.

Deathyear: 1938

Max Beckmann

Max Beckmann (1884-1950) was a prominent German-American painter and sculptor known for his expressive, figurative works. He explored themes of war, politics, and humanity, often using bold colors and abstract forms to convey his critiques of modern society.

Deathyear: 1950

Amy Vanderbilt

Amy Vanderbilt was an American author, socialitic icon, and etiquette expert. Known for her stylish and classic approach to etiquette, her books, such as "Amy Vanderbilt's Complete Book of Etiquette," helped shape modern etiquette standards.

Deathyear: 1974

Stevie Wright

Stevie Wright, the charismatic lead vocalist of the Easybeats, was a pioneering figure in Australian rock music. With his distinctive wail, memorable songwriting, and charismatic stage presence, he helped shape the country's music scene in the 1960s.

Deathyear: 2015

Hank Garland

Hank Garland was a renowned American guitarist, born in 1930. He was a session musician and played with country music legends like Patsy Cline, Jim Reeves, and Elvis Presley. He developed the "Gibson ES-355" style and his work in Nashville's "A-team" of studio musicians.

Deathyear: 2004

Ellsworth Kelly

Ellsworth Kelly (1923-present) is a pioneer of American hard-edge painting and sculpture. His bold, colorful, and geometric works celebrate the beauty of simplicity and form. With over 60 years of artistic innovation, Kelly's mastery of medium and color has captivated audiences globally.

Deathyear: 2015

Remilia

Maria "EMW" Creveling is an American League of Legends player, born in 1995. She has played for teams such as Dignitas and Rogue, and has competed in multiple professional tournaments, including the NA LCS.

Deathyear: 2019

Hyacinthe Rigaud

Hyacinthe Rigaud, a renowned French painter, was born in 1659. He was known for his grandiose and ornate paintings, particularly of royal and noble subjects. His work showcased his mastery of light and shadow, capturing the essence of the nobility during the 17th-century French court.

Deathyear: 1743

Michael Dummett

Michael Dummett was a renowned English philosopher, academic, and philosopher who served in World War II. He was a prominent figure in analytic philosophy, specializing in metaphysics, epistemology, and philosophy of language, authoring influential works and shaping the discipline.

Deathyear: 2011

Dave Henderson

Dave Henderson is a former American baseball player and sportscaster, born on July 21, 1958. He played 16 seasons in the MLB, earning four Gold Glove Awards and helping the Oakland Athletics win the 1989 World Series.

Deathyear: 2015

Edmund Mortimer, 3rd Earl of March

Edmund Mortimer, 3rd Earl of March (1352-1381), was an English nobleman and politician. He was a half-brother of King Richard II and a rival claimant to the throne during the Despenser's Crisis, a period of instability in 1387-1388.

Deathyear: 1381