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December 23, 2012 Holiday:

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Holidays on December 23, 2012:
Birthdays on December 23:

Harry Shearer

82 Years Old

A talented actor, voice artist, and comedian, best known for voicing numerous characters on The Simpsons, including Mr. Burns, Ned Flanders, and Principal Skinner.

Susan Lucci

79 Years Old

Iconic soap opera star and Daytime Emmy winner, best known for her 41-year stint as Erica Kane on All My Children.

Finn Wolfhard

23 Years Old

Star of the Netflix hit series "Stranger Things" and lead vocalist of the rock band Calpurnia, known for his nostalgic charm and retro vibe.

Bob Kahn

87 Years Old

Co-developer of the Transmission Control Protocol, a fundamental communication protocol that enables reliable data transfer over the internet, revolutionizing modern communication....

Vicente del Bosque

75 Years Old

A highly successful football manager who led the Spanish national team to World Cup and European Championship victories, known for his tactical genius and calm demeanor.

Donna Tartt

62 Years Old

Acclaimed novelist crafting intricate, suspenseful stories that explore human nature, morality, and the darker aspects of life, often set against a backdrop of privilege and decay.

Holly Madison

46 Years Old

A model, TV personality, and actress who gained fame as one of Hugh Hefner's girlfriends on the reality show "The Girls Next Door" and later wrote a bestselling memoir about her ex...

Jim Harbaugh

62 Years Old

A former NFL quarterback and current University of Michigan head coach, known for his energetic and unconventional coaching style, leading teams to multiple championships.

Yousuf Karsh

Born in 1908

A legendary portrait photographer who captured iconic images of world leaders, celebrities, and intellectuals, leaving an indelible mark on the art of photography.

Paul Hornung

90 Years Old

Heisman Trophy winner and Green Bay Packers legend, known for his versatility as a running back, quarterback, and placekicker, and later as a charismatic sportscaster.

William Kristol

73 Years Old

A prominent conservative commentator and founder of The Weekly Standard, known for shaping Republican Party policy and ideology through his writings and TV appearances.

Dave Murray

69 Years Old

Lead guitarist and songwriter of the British heavy metal band Iron Maiden, known for his iconic riffs and songwriting contributions to the band's signature sound.

Events from History on December 23:
113 years ago
President Woodrow Wilson signs Federal Reserve Act into law (The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C., 20500, USA) 1913
Wilson's pen stroke on December 23, 1913, marked a monumental shift in America's financial landscape as the Federal Reserve System was born. This radical overhaul of the nation's banking system aimed to stabilize the economy, prevent bank runs, and provide a buffer against financial panics. The brainchild of Senator Aldrich and expert economists, the Federal Reserve Act created 12 regional banks to regulate the money supply, set interest rates, and serve as a lender of last resort. This landmark legislation transformed the way America manages its economy, shaping the course of global finance for generations to come.
107 years ago
Women's equality milestones achieved in the UK (United Kingdom) 1919
The Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act 1919 revolutionized women's rights in the UK. This groundbreaking law enabled women to pursue careers as lawyers, jurors, and magistrates, shattering the glass ceiling in the nation's legal system. The act ensured equal opportunities for women, officially recognizing their capabilities in the eyes of the law. This monumental legislation paved the way for future generations of women to participate actively in the UK's political and social landscape .
47 years ago
Soviet forces seize Afghan capital, sparking decade-long war (Kabul, Afghanistan) 1979
As the Cold War rivalry between the US and Soviet Union reached a boiling point, Soviet forces descended upon Kabul, capturing the Afghan capital and catapulting the region into a brutal decade-long conflict. In a move that would have far-reaching consequences, Soviet Union leader Leonid Brezhnev ordered the invasion, citing the need to stabilize the communist government of Nur Muhammad Taraki. But as Soviet troops occupied the city, they were met with fierce resistance from Afghan mujahideen fighters, setting the stage for a prolonged and bloody struggle that would drain Soviet resources and eventually contribute to the collapse of the Soviet Empire.
338 years ago
King James II flees to Paris after being deposed (Paris, France) 1688
In a desperate bid to escape the wrath of his enemies, King James II of England abandoned his throne and fled to Paris, France, marking the end of his tumultuous reign. The once-absolute monarch, accused of promoting Catholicism and abusing his power, was ousted by his own son-in-law and nephew, William of Orange, who seized the opportunity to claim the throne alongside his wife, Mary, James' daughter. This dramatic turn of events was the culmination of the Glorious Revolution, a bloodless coup that would reshape the course of English history and cement the supremacy of Parliament.
79 years ago
First Transistor Demonstration at Bell Labs (Bell Labs, 463 West Street, New York, NY 10014, USA) 1947
The masters of innovation at Bell Labs, John Bardeen, Walter Brattain, and William Shockley, stunned the scientific community by demonstrating the first transistor, a groundbreaking device that would revolutionize the electronic landscape. The trio showcased their pioneering work, marking the beginning of a new era in electronics, and paving the way for the development of smaller, faster, and more efficient devices that would change the world.
243 years ago
George Washington resigns as Continental Army commander-in-chief (Maryland State House, 91 State Circle, Annapolis, MD 21401, USA) 1783
George Washington, the legendary leader of the Continental Army, stood tall in the Maryland State House, his eyes locked on the gathering of esteemed delegates. With a deep breath, he took his leave, surrendering his commission as commander-in-chief, marking the end of an era. This poignant moment symbolized the transfer of power from military to civilian rule, solidifying American democracy. As he relinquished his command, Washington set a shining precedent for the peaceful transition of authority, forever changing the course of American history.
Notable Deaths on December 23:
2013Mikhail Kalashnikov Russian inventor and designer of the AK-47 assault rifle
2021Joan Didion Award-winning American author renowned for her insightful novels and essays
2000Victor Borge Charismatic entertainer and performer
1994Sebastian Shaw Actor and playwright with a long stage career
2020Leslie West Talented American musician who electrified audiences with his powerful vocals
2000Billy Barty Beloved actor and entertainer
2007Oscar Peterson Prolific Canadian pianist who created iconic jazz melodies
1982Jack Webb Star of TV's Dragnet and actor
1948Hideki Tojo Controversial wartime leader
2022Brandon Montrell Comedic genius American TikTok personality and standup comedian
2015Alfred G. Gilman American pharmacologist and biochemist who won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
1973Irna Phillips Creator of iconic soap operas
2013Yusef Lateef American jazz musician and educator who played the saxophone
2015Don Howe Legendary English football coach who led multiple clubs to championship titles
2012Jean Harris American educator and convicted murderer who killed her employer
2007Michael Kidd Visionary dancer and choreographer who revolutionized modern dance
1979Peggy Guggenheim Collecting art and patron of the arts
2009Robert L. Howard Medal of Honor recipient who risked his life for his country
2004P. V. Narasimha Rao Influential prime minister
1939Anthony Fokker Pioneer Dutch engineer and inventor