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December 21, 2012 Holiday:

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Holidays on December 21, 2012:
Birthdays on December 21:

Samuel L. Jackson

77 Years Old

A highly acclaimed actor and producer, known for his iconic roles in blockbuster films like Star Wars and Marvel's Avengers, bringing characters to life with his unique voice and c...

Kiefer Sutherland

59 Years Old

A talented actor, director, and producer, best known for his iconic roles in TV series "24" and films like "Lost Boys" and "Flatliners".

Ray Romano

68 Years Old

Star of the hit TV show "Everybody Loves Raymond," a relatable comedian and actor who brings humor and heart to his roles.

Jane Fonda

88 Years Old

Academy Award-winning actress and fitness guru who has been a prominent figure in Hollywood and social activism for over five decades, known for her iconic roles and advocacy for w...

Jeffrey Katzenberg

75 Years Old

Co-founder of DreamWorks Animation, responsible for beloved films like Shrek and Kung Fu Panda, revolutionizing the animation industry with innovative storytelling and memorable ch...

Chris Evert

71 Years Old

A tennis legend and coach who dominated the sport in the 1970s and 1980s, winning 157 singles titles, including 18 Grand Slam championships. Known for her precise playing style and...

Emmanuel Macron

48 Years Old

The 25th President of France is a centrist leader who has been a driving force behind the European Union and a strong advocate for climate action. He has implemented various reform...

Joe Paterno

Died in 2012, aged 85

Legendary college football coach who led Penn State to two national championships and holds the record for most wins in NCAA Division I history. Iconic figure in American sports.

Frank Zappa

Died in 1993, aged 52

A visionary musician who blended rock, jazz, and classical music with biting social commentary, creating a unique sound that continues to inspire and provoke.

John G. Avildsen

90 Years Old

Academy Award-winning filmmaker behind iconic underdog stories like Rocky and The Karate Kid, capturing the hearts of audiences worldwide with his inspirational and uplifting cinem...

Phil Donahue

90 Years Old

Host of a long-running, influential daytime talk show that tackled controversial topics and sparked national conversations. Known for his probing questions and empathetic style.

Carl Wilson

79 Years Old

Lead vocalist and guitarist of the Beach Boys, known for harmonious vocals and iconic songs like "Good Vibrations" and "God Only Knows".

Events from History on December 21:
58 years ago
Apollo 8 Launches First Humans to the Moon's Orbit (Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, Florida, 32899, USA) 1968
Frank Borman, James Lovell, and William Anders catapulted into history, becoming the first humans to break free of Earth's gravitational chains and embark on a lunar odyssey. Perched atop a mighty Saturn V rocket, Apollo 8 pierced the Florida skies, leaving a trail of fire and thunder in its wake. As the world held its collective breath, the astronauts ventured into the unknown, their Mercury-built spacecraft carrying the hopes and dreams of humanity. The mission was a testament to human ingenuity, a daring gamble that would either reap extraordinary rewards or result in catastrophic failure.
35 years ago
Soviet Republics sign Alma-Ata Protocol, dissolving the Soviet Union (Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan) 1991
The curtain falls on the Soviet era! With the iron grip of communism loosening, the leaders of 11 autonomous Soviet republics gather to sign the Alma-Ata Protocol, effectively dismantling the Soviet Union and birthing the Commonwealth of Independent States. This historic agreement marks the end of a geopolitical giant, paving the way for a new era of cooperation and self-governance. As the ink dries on this groundbreaking document, the world watches in awe as the Soviet Union crumbles, and a new order rises from the ashes.
406 years ago
Pilgrims settle in Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1620 (Plymouth Rock, Plymouth, Massachusetts, 02360, USA) 1620
The weary but determined Pilgrims, led by William Bradford, finally set foot on dry land after a grueling 66-day voyage across the Atlantic. These brave souls, seeking freedom from persecution, had originally aimed for the Hudson River area, but rough seas and navigational errors pushed them farther north. As they explored the unfamiliar coastline, they stumbled upon a picturesque harbor, which would soon become their new home. The Pilgrims quickly got to work, building shelters, gathering resources, and establishing a fragile but resilient community. This historic moment marked the birth of Plymouth Colony, a beacon of hope for future generations of American settlers.
38 years ago
Bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Scotland (Lockerbie, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, UK) 1988
A terrorist bomb ripped through Pan Am Flight 103, a Boeing 747 jumbo jet, as it soared over the picturesque Scottish town of Lockerbie, dumping wreckage and death across the quiet countryside, killing all 259 people on board and 11 more on the ground, in what would become the deadliest air disaster to ever strike British soil.
61 years ago
United Nations adopts historic anti-racism treaty (United Nations Headquarters, New York City, New York, 10017, USA) 1965
The world took a monumental step towards equality on this day, as the United Nations General Assembly adopted the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. This groundbreaking treaty aimed to eliminate racial segregation, discrimination, and prejudice, promoting universal human rights and dignity. With 106 countries signing on, this milestone marked a global commitment to combating racism in all its forms, acknowledging the inherent worth and equality of every human being.
47 years ago
Rhodesia independence agreement signed in London (Lancaster House, London, UK) 1979
Lord Carrington, the British Foreign Secretary, brought together a diverse group of leaders, including Robert Mugabe, Joshua Nkomo, Bishop Abel Muzorewa, and S.C. Mundawarara, to sign the Lancaster House Agreement, marking a major milestone in Rhodesia's journey to independence.
Notable Deaths on December 21:
1940F. Scott Fitzgerald American novelist and author of The Great Gatsby
1945George S. Patton American general in World War II
2017Bruce McCandless II Pioneering American astronaut and space explorer
1992Albert King American blues legend, singer, and guitarist with classic style
1974Richard Long American actor and director with a wide reach in the entertainment industry
2013Edgar Bronfman, Sr. Visionary entrepreneur and philanthropic leader
2014Billie Whitelaw Veteran English actress and performer
1958H.B. Warner Hollywood actor with a long and storied career
1992Stella Adler American actress and educator with a lasting influence
1988Nikolaas Tinbergen Nobel laureate and esteemed ethologist, renowned for his work in nature
1964Carl Van Vechten American author and photographer with a passion for capturing life
1937Ted Healy American comedian and actor known for the Three Stooges
2010Enzo Bearzot Legendary Italian footballer and tactician
2009Edwin G. Krebs Biochemist who discovered life's secrets
1937Frank B. Kellogg United States Secretary of State and Nobel laureate
2019Andrew Clennel Palmer Innovative British engineer and innovator
1968Vittorio Pozzo Italian football great and pioneer in the sport
1958Lion Feuchtwanger GermanAmerican author and playwright acclaimed for his literary mastery
1824James Parkinson An English doctor, paleontologist, and author of the first description of Parkinson's disease
1983Paul de Man Belgian philosopher and literary critic with a profound impact on thinking