December 3 birthdays and deaths:

Oswald Mosley

Oswald Mosley, a British politician, was born in 1896. He served as Lieutenant in World War I, then became leader of the British Union of Fascists. He was Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster but lost popularity after his fascist views became more apparent.

Deathyear: 1980

Scott Weiland

Scott Weiland, lead vocalist of Stone Temple Pilots and later Scott Weiland and the Wildabouts, was known for his powerful, raspy vocals and captivating stage presence. His tumultuous life was marked by struggles with addiction and legal issues, but his music legacy continues to inspire fans.

Deathyear: 2015

Madeline Kahn

Madeline Kahn was a talented American actress, comedian, and singer, born in 1942. She gained fame for her roles in films like "What's Up, Doc?" and "Blazing Saddles," showcasing her impressive comedic skills. Her iconic characters, wit, and warm personality left an indelible mark on the entertainment world.

Deathyear: 1999

Dev Anand

Dev Anand was a legendary Indian actor, director, and producer, renowned for his charismatic on-screen presence and iconic films like "Guide" and "Waqt". Born in 1923, he was a pioneer of Indian cinema, leaving behind a legacy of timeless classics and a nostalgic appeal to generations.

Deathyear: 2011

Robert Louis Stevenson

Robert Louis Stevenson was a renowned Scottish writer, best known for his adventure novels, such as "Treasure Island" and "Kidnapped". His works are celebrated for their vivid storytelling, memorable characters, and exploration of themes like friendship, morality, and the human condition.

Deathyear: 1894

Francis Xavier

Francis Xavier, a devoted priest and Dominican friar, sailed to India in 1542, spreading Christianity and converting thousands to the faith. Despite his efforts, he died on an island in 1552, leaving behind a legacy as a passionate evangelist and revered as a saint.

Deathyear: 1552

Pierre-Auguste Renoir

Pierre-Auguste Renoir was a prominent French painter and sculptor, known for capturing life's joy and beauty. Born in 1841, he led an influential artistic career, creating Impressionist masterpieces like "Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette" and "The Luncheon of the Boating Party".

Deathyear: 1919

Scatman John

Scatman John, born John Paul Larkin, is an American singer-songwriter and pianist, best known for his hit single and album "Scatman (Ski-Ba-Bop-Ba-Dop-Bop" (1994). His music career spanned over three decades, with his signature warm, soothing voice and inspirational lyrics.

Deathyear: 1999

Dhyan Chand

Dhyan Chand, a legendary Indian field hockey player and coach, is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. He led the Indian hockey team to numerous international titles, including three Olympic gold medals, between 1928 and 1936.

Deathyear: 1979

David Hemmings

David Hemmings was a renowned English actor, born on November 18, 1941. He gained international recognition for his iconic role as Jeff Bailey in Michelangelo Antonioni's 1966 film "Blow-Up". Hemmings' versatility and range made him a beloved figure in British and international cinema.

Deathyear: 2003

Glenn Quinn

Glenn Quinn, the talented Irish-American actor, was born on October 27, 1970. He gained recognition for his roles in TV shows "Dharma & Greg" and "Angel", as well as films like "Dream a Little Dream of Me" and "Mr. Nanny".

Deathyear: 2002

Princess Victoria of the United Kingdom

Princess Victoria (1868-1935) was the second daughter of King Edward VII of the United Kingdom. Known as the Princess Victoria, she held the title Princess Royal from 1875 until her marriage to Henry of Battenberg in 1892.

Deathyear: 1935

Richard Todd

Richard Todd, a British actor born in Ireland in 1919, served as a British soldier in World War II before transitioning to a successful acting career, known for his roles in films like "The Longest Day" and "Bridge Too Far".

Deathyear: 2009

Mary Baker Eddy

Mary Baker Eddy, born in 1821, was the American founder of Christian Science, a spiritual healing movement. She wrote the cult classic "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" and developed a distinct philosophy blending Christianity and New Thought principles.

Deathyear: 1910

Ian McLagan

Ian McLagan, a British-American musician, was born in 1945. He was a singer-songwriter and keyboard player, best known for his work with the Small Faces and the Faces.

Deathyear: 2014

Gwendolyn Brooks

Gwendolyn Brooks was a pioneering American poet and educator, known for her powerful and poignant verse. A Pulitzer Prize winner in 1950, she was the first African American to achieve this honor. Her work often explored themes of identity, community, and social justice.

Deathyear: 2000

Vasili III of Russia

Vasili III Ivanovich (1479-1533) was the Grand Prince of Moscow and the third husband of Elena Glinskaya. He became Tsar of Russia in 1505 and ruled for 26 years, expanding the empire and establishing the Romanov dynasty, which would eventually rule Russia for 300 years.

Deathyear: 1533

John Archer (actor)

John Archer was an American actor, born on September 6, 1915, who appeared in numerous films and television shows from the 1940s to the 1980s. He often played authority figures, including police officers and military personnel, and was known for his distinctive voice and authoritative presence.

Deathyear: 1999

Maria Ouspenskaya

Maria Ouspenskaya was a Russian-American actress and educator, born in 1876. She taught at the Maria Ouspenskaya School of Dance in New York City.

Deathyear: 1949

Alexander Farnese, Duke of Parma

Alexander Farnese, Duke of Parma, was a renowned military leader and statesman of the 16th century. Born in 1545, he was a skilled commander who defended Spain's territories in Europe and the Americas, earning recognition as a brilliant strategist and tactician.

Deathyear: 1592

Honda Tadakatsu

Honda Tadakatsu, a famous Japanese general and daimyō, was born in 1548. He was a loyal retainer of Tokugawa Ieyasu and played a key role in several battles, including the Battle of Nagashino and the Siege of Osaka.

Deathyear: 1610

Nathaniel Branden

Nathaniel Branden is a renowned Canadian-American psychotherapist and author, born in 1930. He developed the concept of "humanistic psychology" and co-founded the Nathaniel Branden Institute. His work focuses on self-esteem and personal growth, making him a prominent figure in the fields of psychology and self-help.

Deathyear: 2014

Shiing-Shen Chern

Shing-Shen Chern, a renowned Chinese-American mathematician, made significant contributions to differential geometry and topology. Born in 1911, he was a prominent figure in modern mathematics, teaching at institutions like Harvard and the University of Minnesota, and authored influential works on algebraic geometry.

Deathyear: 2004

Alexander Rodchenko

Alexander Rodchenko (1891-1956) was a pioneering Russian artist, combining sculpture, photography, and graphic design. He is celebrated for his modernist style, abstract forms, and innovative use of materials. His work embodied the avant-garde spirit of early 20th-century Russia.

Deathyear: 1956

Carl Zeiss

Carl Zeiss (1816-1888) was a German physicist and lens maker who founded the renowned Carl Zeiss AG company, a leading manufacturer of optical instruments. He developed groundbreaking lenses and microscopes, revolutionizing the field of optics and earning international recognition for his innovative contributions.

Deathyear: 1888

Walter Knott

Walter Knott was a pioneering American farmer who founded Knott's Berry Farm, a celebrated theme park in Buena Park, California. Born in 1889, Knott was passionate about farming and innovation, transforming his family's berry farm into a beloved attraction.

Deathyear: 1981

Sita Ram Goel

Sita Ram Goel was a renowned Indian historian, publisher, and writer, born in 1921. He was a prominent figure in India's intellectual and publishing scene, authoring several books on history and Indology, and playing a key role in India's Hindu nationalist movement.

Deathyear: 2003

Adolfo Ruiz Cortines

Adolfo Ruiz Cortines, a career military officer, served as President of Mexico from 1952 to 1958, implementing numerous reforms and modernizing the country's infrastructure, economy, and government.

Deathyear: 1973