December 9 birthdays and deaths:

Demaryius Thomas

Demaryius Thomas is a former American football wide receiver who played for the Denver Broncos (2010-2018) and New England Patriots (2019). He was a three-time Pro Bowl selection and set multiple franchise records, becoming the Broncos' all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns.

Deathyear: 2021

Jenni Rivera

Jenni Rivera, a Mexican-American singer-songwriter, producer, and actress, was born on July 2, 1969. Known for her powerful voice and emotional performances, she became a beloved Latin music icon, blending traditional styles with contemporary sounds and earning numerous awards, including a Grammy nomination.

Deathyear: 2012

Eleanor Parker

Eleanor Parker, the "Queen of Technicolor," was an American actress born on June 26, 1922. She appeared in 76 films, including "Battleground," "The Robe," and "The Sound of Music." She won four Academy Award nominations and holds the record for most Oscar nominations without a win.

Deathyear: 2013

Enoch L. Johnson

Enoch L. Johnson, a notorious American mob boss, rose to power in the early 20th century. Born in 1883 in New Jersey, Johnson controlled the waterfront in Atlantic City through extortion and bribery, earning him the title of "Boss of the Atlantic City docks."

Deathyear: 1968

Sigismund, Holy Roman Emperor

Sigismund, Holy Roman Emperor, was born in 1368. He was the son of Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor, and played a crucial role in the Battle of Sempach. He was crowned King of the Romans in 1411 and became Holy Roman Emperor in 1433.

Deathyear: 1437

Gene Barry

Gene Barry was an American actor, born June 14, 1919, known for his distinctive voice and iconic roles in film and television. He starred in the popular series "Burke's Law" and "Batmasters," and appeared in numerous films, earning him a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry.

Deathyear: 2009

Fulton J. Sheen

Fulton J. Sheen was an American archbishop, television personality, and writer. Born in 1895 in El Paso, Illinois, he served as the Bishop of Rochester from 1968 until his retirement in 1969.

Deathyear: 1979

Mary Ann Mobley

Mary Ann Mobley was a stunning American model and actress who won the crown of Miss America 1959. Born on February 17, 1937, she captured the hearts of millions with her charming smile and radiant beauty, going on to enjoy a flourishing career in film and television.

Deathyear: 2014

Branch Rickey

Branch Rickey was a pioneering figure in Major League Baseball. As a player, manager, and executive, he revolutionized the game by breaking the color barrier with Jackie Robinson. He won four World Series titles as a manager and is credited with developing the farm system.

Deathyear: 1965

Archie Moore

Archie Moore (1916-1998) was a legendary boxing champion, winning 186 of 219 fights, including 131 knockouts. He also acted in several films and television shows, showcasing his charismatic presence. A pioneer in the sport, Moore paved the way for future generations of boxers.

Deathyear: 1998

Tarabai

Tarabai was the queen of Chatrapati Rajaram, the last Maratha king of Satara. Born in 1675, she played a crucial role in the Maratha war of succession, leading the queens' council and defending the kingdom against the invading Mughal forces.

Deathyear: 1761

Natsume Sōseki

Natsume Sōseki was a renowned Japanese author and poet, born in 1867. He wrote novels and essays that explored Japanese identity, culture, and society. His works, such as "I Am a Cat" and "The Gate", are still widely studied and admired in Japan and globally.

Deathyear: 1916

Anthony van Dyck

Anthony van Dyck was a renowned Belgian-English painter and illustrator born in 1599. He is considered one of the most important artists of the Baroque period, known for his exquisite portraits and elegant fashion illustrations, popularizing the grand style of figurative art.

Deathyear: 1641

Vincent Gardenia

Vincent Gardenia was a renowned American actor, born in 1922. He appeared in over 100 films and TV shows, earning two Emmy nominations for his roles in "Columbo" and "M*A*S*H." Gardenia's versatility and talent earned him a lasting legacy in the industry.

Deathyear: 1992

Jovit Baldivino

Jovit Baldivino is a Filipino singer and actor born in 1993. He rose to fame after competing in season one of Pilipinas Got Talent in 2006, where he stood out for his powerful voice and charismatic performances.

Deathyear: 2022

Patrick Moore

Patrick Moore, a renowned British astronomer, author, and television presenter, was born in 1923. He made significant contributions to astronomy, discovered several celestial objects, and wrote numerous books on the subject.

Deathyear: 2012

Ralph Bunche

Ralph Bunche was a pioneering American political scientist, academic, and diplomat who made significant contributions to international relations and peace-building. He was the first African American to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 1953, awarded for his mediation efforts in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Deathyear: 1971

Begum Rokeya

Begum Rokeya (1880-1932) was a pioneering Bangladeshi social worker, writer, and advocate for women's education. She founded the institution "Sakhawat Memorial Girls' School" in 1930 to promote girls' education and empowerment.

Deathyear: 1932

Yolande de Polastron

Yolande de Polastron, Duchess de Polignac, was a French-Austrian educator born in 1749. With her husband, she founded the Convent of the Visitation in Paris, focusing on education and spiritual development of young women. She also established the Sisters of the Visitation order.

Deathyear: 1793

Louella Parsons

Louella Parsons, a pioneering American columnist and writer, was born in 1881. She gained fame with her syndicated gossip column, "Louella Parsons' Hollywood," and became a socialite, befriending Hollywood stars and reporting on their scandals, cementing her status as a mogul in the entertainment industry.

Deathyear: 1972

Edith Sitwell

Edith Sitwell (1887-1964) was a pioneering English poet and critic. Her vivid, lyrical poetry explored themes of love, nature, and spirituality. As a critic, she advocated for modernist poetry, editing the influential magazine Wheels. Her iconic style, featuring elaborate hats and eccentric attire, was a hallmark of her era.

Deathyear: 1964

Patty Donahue

Patty Donahue was an American singer-songwriter born in 1956. She rose to fame as the lead vocalist of the new wave rock band The Waitresses in the 1980s.

Deathyear: 1996

Danny Blanchflower

Danny Blanchflower, a talented Northern Irish footballer, played for the national team and Tottenham Hotspur. He also managed the Irish national team and Tottenham. A skilled midfielder, he was known for his leadership and vision on the pitch.

Deathyear: 1993

Edward Hyde, 1st Earl of Clarendon

Edward Hyde, 1st Earl of Clarendon, was a renowned English historian and politician. Born in 1609, he served as Chancellor of the Exchequer and was a close advisor to King Charles I. He wrote extensively on English history, producing the famous "History of the Rebellion".

Deathyear: 1674

William A. Wellman

William A. Wellman was a pioneering filmmaker, directing over 80 films including the iconic "Wings" (1927), the first Best Picture winner. A World War I pilot himself, Wellman's career spanned 1920s-1970s, with notable films like "Beau Geste" (1939) and "Island in the Sun" (1957).

Deathyear: 1975

Pope Pius IV

Pope Pius IV (1499-1565) was a Dominican friar who reigned from 1559-1565. He oversaw the Council of Trent, a pivotal Counter-Reformation council, and restored the Basilica of St. Peter in Rome.

Deathyear: 1565

Feroz Khan Noon

Feroz Khan Noon was the 7th Prime Minister of Pakistan, serving from 1957-1958. Born in 1893, he was a renowned politician, diplomat, and government official. He played a crucial role in Pakistan's early years, working closely with Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Liaquat Ali Khan.

Deathyear: 1970

Paul Simon (politician)

Paul Simon, born in 1928, was an American soldier, journalist, and politician. He served as the 39th Lieutenant Governor of Illinois from 1981 to 1985. Simon's diverse career showcased his dedication to public service and his commitment to making a difference in his community.

Deathyear: 2003

Laird Cregar

Laird Cregar was a distinctive American actor known for his brooding intensity and striking features. Born in 1913, Cregar gained fame in the 1940s playing enigmatic characters in films like "I Married a Witch" and "Hangover Square," showcasing his remarkable range and charisma on screen.

Deathyear: 1944

Peter II of Portugal

Peter II of Portugal, born in 1648, was the King of Portugal from 1683 until his death in 1706. He was the son of King John IV and was known for his strong leadership, reorganizing the country's finances, and implementing reforms to strengthen the Portuguese monarchy.

Deathyear: 1706

Mary Leakey

Mary Leakey was a renowned English archaeologist and anthropologist, born in 1913. She discovered significant human fossils, including the Laetoli footprints, and uncovered ancient human history. Her groundbreaking work spanned over five decades, earning her international recognition and numerous awards.

Deathyear: 1996

Artem Mikoyan

Artem Mikoyan, a renowned Armenian-Russian engineer and businessman, co-founded the Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau in 1934 with Stefan Gurevich. Born in 1905, Mikoyan made significant contributions to Soviet aviation, designing iconic planes like the MiG-1 and MiG-15.

Deathyear: 1970

Berenice Abbott

Berenice Abbott (1898-1991) was a pioneering American photographer known for her iconic portraits of New York City's early 20th-century streets, architecture, and people. Her work, including the groundbreaking book "Changing New York," captures the city's evolution and humanity.

Deathyear: 1991

Stan Rice

Stan Rice (1942-2002) was an American poet and painter, known for his vivid and expressive work. He received numerous awards for his poetry and was a professor at the University of Southern California.

Deathyear: 2002

Douglas Corrigan

Douglas Corrigan, a pioneering American pilot, was known for his solo non-stop transatlantic flight in 1938, sparking the "Lone Kid" controversy. Born in 1907, Corrigan's achievement earned him widespread acclaim and cemented his place in aviation history.

Deathyear: 1995

Rube Foster

Rube Foster, known as the "Elder statesman of the national pastime," was a pioneer in American baseball. As a player and manager, he broke segregation barriers, founded the Negro Leagues, and won the first Negro Leagues World Series. His legacy transcends sports, symbolizing perseverance in the face of adversity.

Deathyear: 1930

Mary Hansen

Mary Hansen was a talented Australian singer and guitarist born in 1966. As the lead vocalist of the indie rock band, Miei, she gained recognition for her unique voice and energetic performances. Known for her captivating stage presence, Hansen's music inspired a devoted fan base throughout her career.

Deathyear: 2002

Robert Sheckley

Robert Sheckley was a prolific American author of science fiction, fantasy, and horror, best known for his humorous and satirical tales that often explored the human condition. His work, including novels like "Store of Infinity" and "The Alternative Universe", continues to delight readers worldwide.

Deathyear: 2005

Toni Cade Bambara

Toni Cade Bambara was a renowned American author and academic, born in 1939. Her works, often blending personal experiences with vivid storytelling, explored themes of identity, racism, and social justice. Her celebrated novel "The Salt Eaters" (1980) is a prime example of her unique literary style.

Deathyear: 1995

Pope Clement IX

Pope Clement IX, born Giovanni de' Medici, was born in 1600 in Florence, Italy. He was a member of the powerful Medici family and served as Pope from 1667 to 1669. During his papacy, he was known for his diplomatic skills and his attempt to end the Wars of Castro.

Deathyear: 1669

Karl Blossfeldt

Karl Blossfeldt (1865-1932) was a German photographer, sculptor, and educator known for his unique photographic realism. He used macrophotography to capture intricate plant forms, highlighting the beauty of natural structures. His work bridged art and science, promoting a deeper understanding of the natural world.

Deathyear: 1932

Leon Jaworski

Leon Jaworski, a prominent American lawyer and politician, was born in 1905. He served as a justice on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and as the independent counsel who led the investigation into the Watergate scandal.

Deathyear: 1982

Georgia Gibbs

Georgia Gibbs (1919-2007) was an American singer, known for her rich, velvety voice and sultry style. With hits like "Tush Baby" and "It's De-Lovely", she became a popular recording artist and performer in the 1930s-40s, earning her the nickname "The Gay Ingenue".

Deathyear: 2006