December 30 birthdays and deaths:

Saddam Hussein

Saddam Hussein was a controversial Iraqi leader, serving as President from 1979 to 2003. A former general, he rose to power after a coup and implemented harsh policies, sparking conflicts with Iran and Kuwait, and ultimately leading to his overthrow and execution in 2006.

Deathyear: 2006

Grigori Rasputin

Grigori Rasputin, a Russian mystic, was born in 1869. He became a spiritual adviser to the Romanov family, particularly Tsar Nicholas II, and was known for his alleged miracles and healing powers.

Deathyear: 1916

Barbara Walters

Barbara Walters, a pioneering American journalist, produced and co-anchored 20/20, hosted The View, and had a remarkable interviewing style. A recipient of numerous awards, including multiple Emmys and a Peabody, Walters remains a trailblazing figure in the world of journalism and media.

Deathyear: 2022

José Rizal

José Rizal, a polymath and national hero, was a Filipino polymath, ophthalmologist, journalist, and author. Born in 1861, he wrote influential works that exposed colonial abuses and advocated for reform through peaceful means, leading to his execution in 1896.

Deathyear: 1896

Vikram Sarabhai

Vikram Sarabhai was an Indian physicist and academic who played a crucial role in India's space program. He founded the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and was also involved in the development of India's nuclear program.

Deathyear: 1971

Tom Wilkinson

Tom Wilkinson is a renowned English actor, born in 1948. With a career spanning over four decades, he has appeared in numerous films and stage productions, earning critical acclaim and numerous award nominations, including an Academy Award nomination for his performance in "Michael Clayton."

Deathyear: 2023

Sonny Liston

Sonny Liston was a notorious American boxer known for his intimidating presence in the ring. Born in 1932, Liston held the world heavyweight title from 1962-1964 and was known for his rugged, aggressive fighting style and notorious personality.

Deathyear: 1970

Dawn Wells

Dawn Wells is an American actress, born on October 16, 1938, best known for her iconic role as Mary Ann Summers on the popular 1960s sitcom "Gilligan's Island". She has continued to work in film and television, with appearances in over 200 productions.

Deathyear: 2020

Bobby Farrell

Bobby Farrell, the "Brazer" of Boney M, was a Dutch-Armenian dancer and performer from Aruba, born in 1949. He joined Boney M, a Euro-Caribbean pop group, in 1978 and entertained the world with their iconic hits like "Daddy Cool" and "Ma Baker".

Deathyear: 2010

Artie Shaw

Artie Shaw was a renowned American clarinet player, composer, and bandleader. Born in 1910, he was known for his technical virtuosity and unique improvisational style, leading his own big band and becoming one of the most popular and influential musicians of the Swing Era.

Deathyear: 2004

Richard of York, 3rd Duke of York

Richard Plantagenet, 3rd Duke of York (1411-1460), was a powerful nobleman and claimant to the English throne. He played a key role in the Wars of the Roses, eventually being killed by King Henry VI at the Battle of Wakefield in 1460.

Deathyear: 1460

Alfred North Whitehead

Alfred North Whitehead, a renowned English-American mathematician and philosopher, born in 1861, made significant contributions to mathematical logic, philosophy, and metaphysics. He is best known for developing the philosophy of organism and his concept of "process philosophy."

Deathyear: 1947

Richard Rodgers

Richard Rodgers was a renowned American composer and lyricist, best known for collaborations with Oscar Hammerstein II on iconic musicals such as "Oklahoma!" (1943), "South Pacific" (1949), and "The Sound of Music" (1959), revolutionizing the art of musical theater.

Deathyear: 1979

Sarah Knauss

Sarah Knauss, born on September 24, 1880, was an American supercentenarian who held the Guinness World Record for the longest-lived person at the time of her death on December 30, 1999, at the age of 119 years and 97 days.

Deathyear: 1999

Lew Ayres

Lew Ayres (1908-1991) was an American actor, best known for his portrayal of Dr. Kildare in the iconic 1930s-1940s film series and the subsequent television show.

Deathyear: 1996

Isamu Noguchi

Isamu Noguchi was a renowned Japanese-American artist, designing iconic sculptures like the "Sky Bender" and beautiful landscapes, merging East and West aesthetics. Born in Los Angeles in 1904, Noguchi's work continues to inspire with its simplicity, elegance, and fusion of cultures.

Deathyear: 1988

Luise Rainer

Luise Rainer (born 1910) was a German-born American-British actress who charmed audiences with her striking looks and talented performances. She won two consecutive Academy Awards for Best Actress for her roles in "The Great Ziegfeld" (1936) and "The Good Earth" (1937), showcasing her versatility and range.

Deathyear: 2014

Abdurrahman Wahid

Abdurrahman Wahid, known as Gus Dur, was a prominent Indonesian journalist and politician who served as the country's fourth president from 1999 to 2001. A moderate Islamist and human rights advocate, he was a strong critic of military rule and a champion of democratic reforms.

Deathyear: 2009

Han van Meegeren

Han van Meegeren was a Dutch painter who achieved fame in the 1930s and 1940s. Born in 1889, he was known for his realistic and detailed still-life paintings. However, his claim to fame was also due to his forgery of several works attributed to early Dutch Masters, including Johannes Vermeer and Frans Hals.

Deathyear: 1947

Jakob Fugger

Jakob Fugger was a German banker and businessman born in 1459. He was a prominent figure in the 16th-century banking industry, serving Emperor Charles V and other European monarchs.

Deathyear: 1525

John Gregory Dunne

John Gregory Dunne was a renowned American novelist, screenwriter, and critic. Born in 1932, he is best known for his witty and insightful critical essays, as well as his novels, which often explored themes of American culture and identity.

Deathyear: 2003

Rita Levi-Montalcini

Rita Levi-Montalcini was a renowned Italian neurologist and academic who made groundbreaking discoveries on neuronal regeneration and survival. She pioneered research on the brain and Alzheimer's disease, earning her the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1986 for her pioneering work in understanding the nervous system.

Deathyear: 2012

Trygve Lie

Trygve Lie, a Norwegian journalist and politician, served as the first Secretary-General of the United Nations (1946-1952) amid the tumultuous post-war period. A staunch anti-Nazi, Lie championed international cooperation and played a crucial role in shaping the United Nations' early years.

Deathyear: 1968

Romain Rolland

Romain Rolland, a renowned French author and playwright, was born in 1866. He is a Nobel Prize laureate and a prominent figure in 20th-century literature.

Deathyear: 1944

Rowland S. Howard

Rowland S. Howard was a highly influential Australian musician, known for his work as the guitarist and singer-songwriter for The Birthday Party and These Immortal Souls. His distinctive guitar playing and haunting vocals earned him a reputation as a pioneer of post-punk and garage rock.

Deathyear: 2009

El Lissitzky

El Lissitzky was a pioneering Russian artist, photographer, and architect of the early 20th century. Born in 1890, he combined artistic expression with architectural and design innovation, exploring the interaction between form and function in his revolutionary designs, photography, and typography.

Deathyear: 1941

Alberto Vargas

Alberto Vargas, a Peruvian-American painter and illustrator, was born in 1896. He is best known for his pin-up girls and nudes, often depicted with elaborate hairstyles and jewelry. Vargas' work is characterized by its beauty, elegance, and sensuality.

Deathyear: 1982

Carl Woese

Carl Woese was a pioneering American microbiologist and biophysicist, born in 1928. He discovered the Archaea domain, a group of single-celled microorganisms, and redefined the tree of life. His work revolutionized our understanding of evolution and the diversity of life on Earth.

Deathyear: 2012

Edmund, Earl of Rutland

Edmund, Earl of Rutland, was an Irish politician and Lord Chancellor of Ireland from 1461 to 1465. Born in 1443, he served as Lord Deputy of Ireland from 1462 to 1464. He was a prominent figure in Irish politics during the 15th century.

Deathyear: 1460

Vincent Massey

Vincent Massey, a prominent lawyer and politician, served as Canada's 18th Governor General from 1952 to 1959. Born in 1887, he was a steadfast advocate for Canadian unity and oversaw significant constitutional changes during his tenure.

Deathyear: 1967

Jan Baptist van Helmont

Jan Baptist van Helmont, a Flemish polymath, made significant contributions to chemistry, physiology, and medicine. He developed a theory of pneumatic chemistry, discovered the role of Nitrogen in plant growth, and wrote the influential book "Ortus Medicinae".

Deathyear: 1644

Josephine Butler

Josephine Butler was a pioneering English feminist and social reformer who campaigned for women's rights, education, and social justice. She fought for the abolition of state regulation of prostitution and the sex trade, and was a vocal advocate for women's suffrage and property rights.

Deathyear: 1906

Ronald Searle

Ronald Searle, the celebrated English-French cartoonist, is renowned for his biting satire and whimsical illustrations. Born in 1920, Searle's work has appeared in various publications, including Punch and Harper's Bazaar, showcasing his unique blend of humor and wit.

Deathyear: 2011

Julius J. Epstein

Julius J. Epstein was a renowned American screenwriter and producer, born in 1909. He co-wrote numerous classic films, including "Casablanca" and "Roman Holiday," earning him Academy Awards and a reputation as a master of his craft.

Deathyear: 2000

Bryan Ansell

Bryan Ansell is a renowned British game designer, best known for co-creating Warhammer Fantasy Battles and Mordheim. A pioneer in the tabletop gaming industry, he has inspired countless fans and designers with his imaginative and immersive game worlds.

Deathyear: 2023

Irving Paul Lazar

Irving "Swifty" Lazar was a pioneering talent agent, known for his charisma and shrewd business acumen. Born in 1907, he represented Hollywood's elite, including Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, and Elizabeth Taylor, and was instrumental in shaping the entertainment industry's business practices.

Deathyear: 1993

Mary Brian

Mary Brian was an American actress born on February 2, 1906. She began her career as a child actress, starring in films such as "Wings" (1927) and "Pollyanna" (1927).

Deathyear: 2002

Pope Innocent IX

Pope Innocent IX (1519-1591) was a Jesuit-educated Italian priest who served as the 229th Pope from 1590 to 1591. He strengthened the Catholic Church, combatting Protestantism and implementing ecclesiastical reforms, before dying just 41 days into his papacy, leaving a lasting legacy in the Church's history.

Deathyear: 1591