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December 20, 2012 Holiday:

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Holidays on December 20, 2012:
Birthdays on December 20:

Jonah Hill

42 Years Old

This talented individual is a multifaceted creative force, starring in iconic comedies like Superbad and 21 Jump Street, while also writing and producing acclaimed films.

Dick Wolf

79 Years Old

Creator of iconic TV franchises like Law & Order, crafting gripping crime dramas that captivate audiences worldwide.

Kylian Mbappé

27 Years Old

French phenom who has taken the soccer world by storm with his lightning-fast speed, exceptional skill, and impressive goal-scoring ability. He's a global superstar and one of the ...

Branch Rickey

Died in 1965, aged 83

Pioneering baseball executive who developed the farm system and broke baseball's color barrier by signing Jackie Robinson, revolutionizing the sport.

Peter Criss

80 Years Old

Original drummer and vocalist for the iconic rock band KISS, known for his distinctive voice and drumming style on hits like "Beth" and "Cat #1".

Alan Parsons

77 Years Old

A renowned music producer and engineer behind iconic albums like Pink Floyd's "The Dark Side of the Moon" and his own project, The Alan Parsons Project, creating atmospheric and pr...

David Cook

43 Years Old

Winner of the seventh season of American Idol, known for his powerful, emotive voice and hit singles like "The Time of My Life" and "Light On".

Ashley Cole

45 Years Old

A decorated left-back with 107 England caps, renowned for his exceptional defensive skills and trophy-laden career with Arsenal, Chelsea, and Roma.

Alain de Botton

56 Years Old

A philosopher and author who explores the human experience, love, and relationships through witty, accessible writings, making complex ideas relatable and entertaining.

Sandra Cisneros

71 Years Old

A renowned author and poet celebrated for her vivid portrayals of Latinx culture and experiences, particularly in her coming-of-age novel "The House on Mango Street".

Jenny Agutter

73 Years Old

A talented actress renowned for her iconic roles in classic films like "The Railway Children" and "An American Werewolf in London", captivating audiences with her versatility and c...

George Roy Hill

Died in 2002, aged 81

Academy Award-winning filmmaker behind iconic movies like "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" and "The Sting", known for his unique blend of humor, drama, and visual style.

Events from History on December 20:
102 years ago
Hitler released from Landsberg Prison after serving 13 months (Landsberg am Lech, Bavaria, Germany) 1924
Adolf Hitler, the infamous Nazi leader, walked out of Landsberg Prison on this fateful day, freedom in hand, but not freedom from his radical ideologies. Incarcerated for his role in the Beer Hall Putsch, Hitler spent 13 months behind bars, where he dictated most of Mein Kampf to Rudolf Hess. His imprisonment only fueled his ambitions, and upon release, he vowed to seek power through democratic means. The world would soon come to regret this day, as Hitler's freedom marked the beginning of his relentless rise to power.
223 years ago
US Expands Territory with Louisiana Purchase (New Orleans, Louisiana, LA, 70112, USA) 1803
The majestic city of New Orleans witnessed history unfold as the United States officially took possession of the Louisiana Territory from France, effectively doubling the nation's size. This monumental event marked a new chapter in American growth, as the country boldly pushed its western frontier. Three million square miles of fertile land, spanning from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains, were now under American control, paving the way for further exploration and westward expansion.
166 years ago
South Carolina secedes from the United States (Columbia, South Carolina, USA) 1860
The Palmetto State's rebellious spirit ignited on this day when South Carolina's delegates gathered to declare their independence from the United States. The decision came after months of rising tension between the northern and southern states over slavery and states' rights. Abraham Lincoln's recent presidential election victory, perceived as a threat to their way of life, was the final straw. With the signing of the South Carolina Declaration of Secession, the state became the first to take the drastic step, paving the way for 10 other southern states to follow suit, ultimately leading to the American Civil War.
178 years ago
Louis Napoleon Bonaparte becomes France's first president (National Assembly, Paris, France) 1848
The chamber of the National Assembly witnessed history as Louis Napoleon Bonaparte, the charismatic nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte, took the oath of office, marking the beginning of a new era in French politics. Having won a landslide victory in the presidential election, Bonaparte's inauguration signified a turning point in French history, ushering in a period of relative stability and reform. With his promised reforms and charismatic leadership, Bonaparte set the stage for a dramatic shift in France's future, leaving a lasting legacy that would shape the course of European history.
39 years ago
Philippine Ferry Disaster Claims 4,000 Lives (Tablas Strait, Philippines) 1987
The Doña Paz, a passenger ferry, was cruising through the Tablas Strait in the Philippines, carrying over 2,200 people, when disaster struck. It collided with the oil tanker MT Vector, igniting a massive fire that engulfed the ferry. Panic set in as passengers scrambled to escape, but it was too late. The ferry sank quickly, leaving only a handful of survivors. The tragedy would become the worst peacetime sea disaster in history, claiming an estimated 4,000 lives.
7 years ago
United States Space Force becomes sixth branch of US military (The Pentagon, 1400 Defense Pentagon, Arlington, VA 22211, USA) 2019
The Pentagon's newest addition is out of this world - literally! President Donald Trump signed the National Defense Authorization Act, officially establishing the United States Space Force as the sixth branch of the US Armed Forces, a move 72 years in the making since the Air Force was established in 1947. This historic milestone marks a new frontier in national security, as the Space Force is poised to play a vital role in protecting American interests in space and cyberspace. With the motto "Semper Supra" or "Always Above," this new branch is expected to focus on defending satellites, GPS, and other space-based assets crucial to modern warfare.
Notable Deaths on December 20:
2009Brittany Murphy Talented actress and singer who entertained American audiences
1996Carl Sagan Visionary scientist who explored the mysteries of the universe and inspired future generations.
1968John Steinbeck Pulitzer Prize-winning American author
1973Bobby Darin Vocal American entertainer and actor
2022Franco Harris Legendary American footballer who left an indelible mark on the sport
1971Roy O. Disney Visionary American businessman who co-founded Disney
1812Sacagawea Pioneer explorer of the American West
1999Hank Snow Legendary musician who crafted iconic country songs and brought joy to millions.
1993W. Edwards Deming Pioneering American statistician and quality control expert
1994Dean Rusk Diplomat and statesman who played a crucial role in shaping US foreign policy during the Cold War.
2020Ezra Vogel Groundbreaking American sociologist who illuminated human relationships
1995Madge Sinclair Trailblazing actress who brought Jamaican culture to the American stage and screen.
1984Stanley Milgram American psychologist and behavioral scientist famous for social experiments
1976Richard J. Daley Long-serving American politician and leader in Chicago
1961Moss Hart American stage director and playwright
1982Arthur Rubinstein Polish-born virtuoso pianist and composer of international acclaim
2020Fanny Waterman Inspirational British pianist who enchanted audiences worldwide
1765Louis Dauphin of France and prince
2009Arnold Stang Iconic comedic actor in numerous classic films
2008Robert Mulligan Award-winning director who brought complex characters to life on the big screen.