50+ Celebrities Born on December 29
Stars align on December 29th, marking the birthdays of some of the entertainment world's most vibrant personalities. This list celebrates those celebrities and historical figures both living and deceased who share this winter date as their entrance into the world, highlighting a diverse array of talents from actors, such as Jude Law and Alison Brie, to musicians, like Marianne Faithfull and Aled Jones. Whether it’s through captivating performances on screen or soul-stirring melodies, each has made a significant impact in their respective fields. Here’s a look at some famous faces born on December 29, showcasing how they've turned another year older into another year of memorable contributions to pop culture.
- Jude Law, born as David Jude Heyworth Law in December 1972, is a distinguished British actor renowned for his compelling performances across both stage and screen. Raised in South East London, Law's passion for acting was ignited at an early age. He began his acting journey by joining the National Youth Music Theatre at the tender age of 12, which paved the way for his illustrious career. Law's breakthrough came in 1999 when he received an Academy Award nomination for his role in The Talented Mr. Ripley. This recognition propelled him onto an international platform, where he was applauded for his versatile acting skills. Over the years, Law has taken on a diverse range of characters, from a charming playboy in Alfie to a troubled robotic inventor in A.I. Artificial Intelligence, demonstrating his exceptional ability to immerse himself fully into each role. A testament to his talent, Law has been nominated for two Academy Awards, three Laurence Olivier Awards, and two Tony Awards. In addition to his acting career, Law is also known for his humanitarian work. He is a proactive supporter of several charities including Make-A-Wish Foundation and Save the Children. His commitment to social causes extends beyond donations, with Law often using his platform to raise awareness about various issues.
- Birthplace: Lewisham, London, England, UK
- Alison Brie, born as Alison Brie Schermerhorn, is a multi-faceted American actress with a repertoire that spans across genres and mediums. Born on December 29, 1982, in Hollywood, California, Brie's aptitude for performance became evident early on. After earning her degree in theatre at the California Institute of the Arts, she studied at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow, Scotland, an experience that was instrumental in diversifying her acting prowess. Brie's breakthrough came in 2007 when she landed the role of Trudy Campbell in AMC's critically acclaimed series Mad Men. Her nuanced portrayal of the character caught the attention of audiences and critics alike, paving the way for her career in television. Unquestionably, it was her role as Annie Edison in the cult classic comedy series Community that truly spotlighted her versatility as an actress. Not only did she manage to bring a unique blend of innocence and quirkiness to her character, but she also showcased her comedic timing and improvisational skills. In addition to her television work, Brie has made her mark in feature films. From the romantic comedy Sleeping with Other People to the biographical drama The Post, her film roles demonstrate her ability to adapt to different genres. She also lends her voice to animation, most notably as Diane Nguyen in Netflix's BoJack Horseman. Off-screen, Brie is known for her advocacy for women's rights and mental health awareness.
- Birthplace: Hollywood, California, USA
- Mary Tyler Moore, a name synonymous with American television excellence, was an actress whose influential career spanned over six decades. Born on December 29, 1936 in Brooklyn, New York, Moore made her mark in the entertainment industry with her unique blend of charm, wit, and resilience, breaking away from traditional roles for women at the time. Moore's breakout role came in 1961 as Laura Petrie on The Dick Van Dyke Show, a character who resonated with audiences for her endearing persona. It was here that she won two Emmy Awards, displaying her immense talent and setting a high bar for her future work. Moore then shattered expectations and stereotypes with The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970-1977), where she portrayed Mary Richards, a single, working woman in her thirties. The show was groundbreaking for its time and earned Moore four more Emmys, solidifying her status as a television icon. Away from the small screen, Moore also shone in film and theater, earning a Best Actress Academy Award nomination for her performance in Ordinary People (1980). Her memoir, After All, published in 1995, touched on personal struggles such as her diabetes diagnosis and issues with alcoholism. Moore died in 2017, but her legacy as a trailblazer in television continues to inspire many. By challenging the norms of her time with grace and humor, Mary Tyler Moore's contributions to the entertainment industry have paved the way for many after her.
- Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, USA
- Ted Danson stands as one of the most respected and enduring figures in American television. Born as Edward Bridge Danson III on December 29, 1947, in San Diego, California, he graduated from Stanford University with a Bachelor's degree in Drama before honing his craft at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. His pursuit of acting began earnestly in the early 1970s, marking the start of a career that would span several decades and encompass numerous memorable roles. Danson's breakthrough arrived in 1982 with a role that would become synonymous with his name: Sam Malone in the celebrated sitcom Cheers. Over eleven seasons, his portrayal of the charming bartender earned him two Prime Time Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor - Television Series Musical or Comedy. The show itself became a cultural phenomenon, cementing Danson's status as a household name and one of the industry's most recognisable faces. While most known for Cheers, Danson's career is filled with a wide range of notable performances. He starred in successful series like Becker and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, demonstrating his ability to delve into complex characters beyond the realm of comedy. Additionally, he has been lauded for his roles in The Good Place and Fargo, further showcasing his versatility as an actor. An ardent environmental activist, Danson co-founded the American Oceans Campaign in 1987, which merged with Oceana in 2001, the largest international organization focused solely on ocean conservation. Despite his fame and success, Danson has remained a humble and dedicated professional, continually striving to improve his craft while using his platform for positive change.
- Birthplace: San Diego, California, USA
- Born and raised near Los Angeles, Jane Levy tried a little bit of everything before going to college. After attending a liberal arts school for a bit, she settled on acting and went to New York's Stella Adler Studio to hone her craft. Her time on the east coast led her on the path to her first screen role: a multi-episode run on the William H. Macy-starring "Shameless" (Showtime 2011- ). After her time there wrapped, Levy landed her first leading role as Jeremy Sisto's daughter on the sitcom "Suburgatory" (ABC 2011-14). Her time on TV opened up doors to the big screen, first appearing in the Nickelodeon movie "Fun Size" (2012) and the John Krasinski-starring "Nobody Walks" (2012). Her breakout film performance was as the main character in the horror remake "Evil Dead" (2013), which was her first time working with director Fede Alvarez. After "Suburgatory" was cancelled, Levy stayed active appearing in a variety of films, including "About Alex" (2014) and Alvarez's successful follow-up "Don't Breathe" (2016). 2017 saw Levy appear in a variety of places, including the Netflix film "I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore" (2017) and the fabled third season of "Twin Peaks" (Showtime 2017). The following year, she appeared in James Franco's "Pretenders" (2018), the zombie comedy "Office Uprising" (2018), and the Stephen King-themed show "Castle Rock" (Hulu 2018- )
- Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, USA
- Jon Voight is recognized for his exceptional acting prowess and enduring career that spans over six decades. Born on December 29, 1938, in Yonkers, New York, Voight's passion for performing arts was evident from a young age. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts from The Catholic University of America in Washington D.C., which laid a solid foundation for his future in acting. Voight's breakthrough role came in 1969 with the film Midnight Cowboy, where his portrayal of a Texan hustler earned him his first Academy Award nomination. His extraordinary talent shone through his diverse character portrayals, ranging from a troubled boxer in The Champ to an unscrupulous prisoner in Runaway Train, the latter earning him an Academy Award for Best Actor in 1985. Voight's dedication to his craft has also led him to take on roles in television, including the critically acclaimed series Ray Donovan, where he won a Golden Globe award. Aside from his acting career, Voight has made headlines for his personal life. He is the father of renowned actress Angelina Jolie and actor James Haven, both of whom have established successful careers in Hollywood. Despite facing challenges, including a long period of estrangement from Jolie, Voight remains a resilient figure in the public eye. His enduring career, coupled with his compelling personal story, continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
- Birthplace: Yonkers, New York, USA
- Born in Raleigh, North Carolina, on December 29, 1808, Andrew Johnson rose from abject poverty to become the 17th President of the United States. His journey was nothing short of remarkable, filled with resilience and an unwavering desire for public service. Johnson, at a young age, was apprenticed to a tailor, where he developed not only his sewing skills but also his passion for knowledge by reading books. Johnson began his political career as alderman in Greeneville, Tennessee, eventually rising to the position of mayor in 1834. His political acumen and dedication to public service led him to serve five terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, followed by tenure as Governor of Tennessee and later as U.S. Senator. His staunch Unionist stance during the Civil War era distinguished him from his Southern peers and caught the attention of President Abraham Lincoln, who selected him as Vice President in his second term. Following the assassination of President Lincoln, Johnson assumed the presidency on April 15, 1865. His tenure was marked with controversy, particularly over his Reconstruction policies following the Civil War. He vetoed many civil rights bills, leading to a clash with Congress and ultimately resulting in impeachment proceedings, although he was acquitted by a single vote. Despite these challenges, Johnson's presidency is significant as it set precedents for future executive and legislative interactions. Johnson passed away on July 31, 1875, leaving behind a legacy marked by both triumphs and trials.
- Birthplace: Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
- Born in London on December 29, 1946, Marianne Faithfull has made significant contributions to the worlds of music, film and theater. A woman of many talents, Faithfull's career has been characterized by her versatile skills and continuous reinvention. Marianne's journey in the entertainment industry began in the 1960s when she transitioned from being a successful model to a singer. She gained fame with her debut single "As Tears Go By," becoming one of the lead female artists during the British Invasion in the United States. In the subsequent years, she worked with notable musicians like Mick Jagger and Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones, creating numerous hits. However, her career saw a brief downturn due to struggles with substance abuse and homelessness. Undeterred, Faithfull made a remarkable comeback in the late 1970s with the critically acclaimed album Broken English, demonstrating her resilience and immense talent. Apart from her musical endeavors, Faithfull also shone in the world of acting. She starred in films such as Girl on a Motorcycle and Irina Palm, receiving praise for her intense performances. Her theatrical credits include an adaptation of Bertolt Brecht's The Threepenny Opera. Additionally, she penned two memoirs that offer a candid look into her fascinating life and career.
- Birthplace: England, London, Hampstead
- Acting was the birthright of Diego Luna, whose parents were both involved in the theatrical arts. A soap star since childhood in his native Mexico, Luna, along with best friend Gael García Bernal, created an international stir with their sizzling chemistry in the erotic coming-of-age smash, "Y tu mamá también" ("And Your Mother Too") (2001). His subsequent big-budget American movies - especially his starring turn as the Patrick Swayze-inspired lead in "Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights" (2004) - disappointed, and Luna retreated to artsier fare, essaying a Michael Jackson impersonator in Harmony Korine's challenging "Mister Lonely" (2007). His Mexican films, like the smash mob thriller "Nicotina" (2003), continued to be enormous hits, and his reunion with Bernal in the country brothers-fighting-in-the-big-city comedy "Rudo y Cursi" ("Rude and Tacky") (2008) was no exception. After receiving mixed reviews for his small, flashy role in the Oscar-winning "Milk" (2008), Luna began to branch out into directing with the well-received dramedy "Abel" (2010) and the biopic "Cesar Chávez" (2014). While he remained somewhat under the celebrity radar in mainstream America, especially in comparison to Bernal, Luna continued to work steadily in front of and behind the camera, although his international profile was raised considerably with his starring role in "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" (2016).
- Birthplace: Toluca, México
- Danny McBride, a man of many talents, is best known for his dynamic roles in both the comedy and drama genres. Born in Statesboro, Georgia on December 29, 1976, McBride found his passion for the arts at an early age. His captivating storytelling ability and unique comedic timing were honed during his time at the North Carolina School of the Arts where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts. McBride's breakthrough came with the release of The Foot Fist Way in 2006, a low-budget comedy that he co-wrote and starred in. This movie caught the attention of renowned comedians Will Ferrell and Adam McKay, which skyrocketed his career in Hollywood. Following this success, McBride played key roles in popular films such as Pineapple Express, Tropic Thunder, and This is the End. His ability to deliver his lines with an innate comedic flair, combined with his raw acting skills, led him to become a prominent figure in the comedy genre. However, McBride is not only an actor but also a successful writer and producer. He co-created and starred in the critically acclaimed HBO television series Eastbound & Down, Vice Principals, and The Righteous Gemstones, demonstrating his versatility as an artist. These shows, characterized by their dark humor and complex characters, have further solidified McBride's standing in the industry. Beyond the silver screen and the small screen, McBride has also lent his distinctive voice to animated characters in hit movies like Despicable Me and Kung Fu Panda 2, proving his extensive range in the realm of entertainment.
- Birthplace: Statesboro, Georgia, USA
- Ross Lynch worked on a variety of projects during his entertainment career. Lynch worked on a variety of projects during his early entertainment career, including "Austin & Ally" (Disney, 2011-16) and "Make Your Mark: Shake It Up 2012" (Disney, 2012-13). He also appeared in "Muppets Most Wanted" (2014) with Ricky Gervais. during these yearsHe also starred in the TV movies "Teen Beach Movie" (Disney, 2012) and "Teen Beach 2" (Disney, 2014). He also worked in television around this time, including a part on "Girl Meets World" (Disney, 2013-17). Most recently, Lynch worked on the animated film "Snowtime!" (2016) with Angela Galuppo.
- Birthplace: Littleton, Colorado, USA
- Patricia Clarkson is a revered figure in the world of acting. Born on December 29, 1959, in New Orleans, Louisiana, she developed a passion for performing at a young age and pursued her dreams by studying drama at Yale University's School of Drama. After graduating, Clarkson embarked on a journey that would see her grace the stages of Broadway, as well as the screens of Hollywood. Clarkson's career spans across several decades, encompassing a range of roles that demonstrate her versatility as an actress. She made her film debut in The Untouchables in 1987 and since then, her filmography has grown to include notable performances in films such as High Art, Far from Heaven, and Pieces of April. The latter earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, showcasing her ability to deliver compelling performances that resonate with audiences and critics alike. In addition to her success in film, Clarkson has also made significant strides in television. Her portrayal of Sarah O'Connor in HBO's Six Feet Under earned her two Emmy Awards, a testament to her exceptional acting abilities.Through her illustrious career, Patricia Clarkson has established herself as a formidable talent, leaving a lasting legacy in the entertainment world.
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Bryan Keith "Dexter" Holland, Ph.D (born December 29, 1965) is an American musician and molecular biologist, best known as the lead singer, rhythm guitarist, and primary songwriter for the punk rock band The Offspring.
- Birthplace: Garden Grove, USA, California
- An inventive and politically astute comedian, Paula Poundstone adhered to the same sort of observational techniques used by Mort Sahl, George Carlin or Ellen DeGeneres rather than relying on the quick quip or pre-fab jokes. She rose to prominence during the 1980s boom in comedy clubs. Poundstone's wry, improvisatory style and offbeat, off-the-cuff remarks delighted audiences and her popularity allowed her to make the transition from cult figure to TV star.
- Birthplace: Huntsville, Alabama, USA
- Lean, strikingly featured, and appealing to both male and female audiences, actress Katherine Moennig did not shy away from characters with strong sexual identities over the course of her career. Her first notices came while playing a young woman who masquerades as a boy in order to attend an all-male school in the short-lived WB series "Young Americans" (2000); three years later, she found more substantial fame as the self-destructive Shane McCutcheon on "The L Word" (Showtime, 2003-09). Her androgynous looks and choices of roles led many in the press to speculate about Moennig's own sexuality. That she skirted the issue in interviews seemed to indicate that Moennig had something to hide, but in reality, it only added to her appeal with viewers.
- Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Kei Nishikori (錦織 圭, Nishikori Kei, [ɲiɕikoꜜɾi kei]; born 29 December 1989) is a Japanese professional tennis player. He is the only male Japanese tennis player ever to be ranked inside the top 5 in singles, and first reached his career-high singles ranking of world No. 4 in March 2015. He is currently ranked world No. 5 by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP).He has won 12 singles titles and was runner-up at the 2014 US Open, making him the first male player representing an Asian country to reach a Grand Slam singles final. He also became the first man from Asia to qualify for the ATP World Tour Finals and reached the semifinals in 2014 and 2016. In addition, Nishikori defeated Rafael Nadal to win the bronze medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
- Birthplace: Matsue, Japan
- Mekhi Phifer, an accomplished American actor, has carved a distinct path in the entertainment industry with his versatility and compelling performances. Born on December 29, 1974, in Harlem, New York, Phifer's rise to stardom is a testament to his innate talent and relentless pursuit of his passion. His journey began when he secured the lead role in Spike Lee's critically acclaimed film Clockers in 1995, a feat he achieved with no prior acting experience. Phifer's career trajectory saw an upward trend as he showcased his range in a variety of roles. In 2002, he became a familiar face in households worldwide through his role as Dr. Gregory Pratt on the popular medical drama, ER. His portrayal of the ambitious young doctor earned him critical acclaim and solidified his standing in the industry. In addition to his television success, Phifer also made notable strides in cinema. He starred in powerful films like Soul Food, 8 Mile, and Paid in Full, earning praise for his performances. Beyond acting, Phifer has also made significant contributions behind the camera as a director and producer. He directed the comedy-drama feature Puff, Puff, Pass in 2006 and later co-produced the thriller The Suspect in 2013. Regardless of the medium or role, Mekhi Phifer's commitment to his craft is evident. His enduring legacy in the entertainment world is a reflection of his talent, hard work, and dedication to storytelling.
- Birthplace: Harlem, New York, USA
- Ashleigh Banfield, born on December 29, 1967, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, is a seasoned journalist and television host known for her incisive reporting and dynamic presence in the news industry. She gained prominence as a correspondent and anchor for major networks, covering significant events that have shaped global and national narratives. Banfield's career took off at MSNBC, where she became widely recognized for her coverage of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Her on-the-ground reporting and thoughtful analysis earned her acclaim and numerous accolades. Later, she joined CNN, hosting "Legal View with Ashleigh Banfield" (2012-2014), where she provided in-depth insights into high-profile legal cases and national news. In addition to her roles at MSNBC and CNN, Banfield has worked with networks such as Fox, where she appeared in "America's Most Wanted: America Fights Back" (1988-) and ABC News, where she was a correspondent in "20/20" (1978). She is also known for her work at A&E, hosting "Live Rescue" (2019-2021), a reality show documenting first responders in action. Banfield also made guest appearances in movies and TV shows like "This Revolution" (2004) and "Don't Look Up" (2021). Currently, Banfield hosts the eponymous news program "Banfield" (2021-) on NewsNation, where she conducts in-depth interviews and delivers sharp commentary on pressing issues. Her enduring commitment to journalism and ability to adapt to the evolving media landscape have solidified her reputation as one of the most respected figures in the industry.
- Birthplace: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Best known for his roles on "Lost," "Saving Grace," and "Prison Break," actor and musician Dylan Minnette began his career in front of the camera when he was spotted by a talent scout in Chicago at the tender age of seven. The young Illinois native soon scored professional modeling gigs as a result of the encounter, eventually leading Minnette's family to relocate to Los Angeles in order to accommodate his budding career. Minnette's first professional acting job would come in the form of an appearance on the series "Drake & Josh" (Nickelodeon (2004-07) in 2005. The then-eight-year-old actor had no shortage of roles on episodes of popular shows like "MADtv" (Fox 1995-2009), "Grey's Anatomy" (ABC 2005- ), and "Ghost Whisperer" (CBS 2005-2010). Minnette was also cast in two prominent recurring roles on major shows, playing Michael's younger self on the drama "Prison Break" (Fox 2005-09), and portraying Jack's son David on "Lost" (ABC 2004-2010). Additionally, this period also found Minnette cast in a starring role on the series "Saving Grace" (TNT 2007-2010) alongside Oscar winner Holly Hunter. This flurry of increasingly prominent appearances did much to buoy Minnette's name, but the young performer had successes to celebrate in other areas as well. In 2010, his band The Narwhals (then known as The Feaver) won the 98.7 FM Rockstar battle of the bands competition. The rock group, for which Minnette provided lead vocals and rhythm guitar, would go on to perform on the 2011 Vans Warped Tour and enjoy regular bookings at major Los Angeles-area music venues like The Whisky a Go Go and The Roxy. One of The Narwhals' songs, "Bleeding Man," was used in a promo for the second season of "R.L. Stine's The Haunting Hour" (Discovery Family 2010- ). Despite his success with The Narwhals, Minnette would continue to take on acting projects at an impressive pace, appearing in major feature films like the horror movie "Let Me In" (2010) and the family film "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day" (2014). Minnette continued to appear regularly on television, most memorably with recurring roles on "Awake" (NBC 2012) and "Scandal" (ABC 2012- ).
- Birthplace: Evansville, Indiana, USA
- Patrick Sean Payton (born December 29, 1963) is an American football coach and former player who is the current head coach of the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). Payton was a quarterback at Naperville Central High School and Eastern Illinois University and played professionally in 1987 and 1988. He began his coaching career as offensive assistant for San Diego State University and had several assistant coaching positions on college and NFL teams before being named as the tenth full-time coach in Saints history in 2006. Payton has always been known for his offensive prowess, having scored more points (2,804) and gained more yards (40,158) than any other team in a coach's first 100 games in NFL history. Payton is currently the second-longest active head coach in the NFL, behind New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, who has coached them since the 2000 season. Under Payton's leadership, the Saints made the 2006 NFL playoffs after a disappointing 3–13 season in 2005 and advanced to their first NFC Championship appearance in franchise history. Because of this effort, Payton won the AP NFL Coach of the Year Award. Following the 2009 season, the Saints won their first Super Bowl championship in franchise history. Since joining the Saints as head coach, he has helped guide the team to 3 NFC Championship games (2006, 2009, and 2018), an appearance in Super Bowl XLIV, and 7 total playoff births with 5 division titles, making him the most successful coach in Saints franchise history. On March 21, 2012, Payton was suspended for the entire 2012 NFL season, originally set to take effect April 1, 2012, as a result of his alleged involvement in the New Orleans Saints bounty scandal, under which "bounties" were allegedly paid for contact that would "knock out" targeted players on opposing teams. Payton has denied that any program encouraging Saints players to injure opposing players ever existed, even though the NFL claims their evidence proves otherwise. Assistant coach Joe Vitt stated "We had a pay to perform program, just like many NFL teams do, but there was never a bounty program, we didn't ever encourage a pay-to-injure program. That's just not true. We never crossed the line." Payton filed an appeal of his suspension with the league the Friday before it was set to take effect. On April 9, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell (who handed down the suspension) denied his appeal; his suspension began on April 16. Goodell reinstated Payton on January 22, 2013.Payton is under contract with the Saints at least until the end of the 2020 season. A previously agreed-upon extension of his contract through 2015 was voided by the NFL. This left his status after the 2012 season unclear until December of that year, when he agreed to a five-year contract that made him the highest-paid coach in the history of the NFL. In March 2016, Payton signed a five-year extension with the Saints.
- Birthplace: San Mateo, California, USA
- Before he redefined himself as a gritty man of action in HBO's critically acclaimed "Band of Brothers" (2001) and on the fan favorite "Southland" (NBC/TNT, 2009-2013), Michael Cudlitz found himself typecast by his naturally cherubic face in roles that rarely strayed far from high school. Cudlitz climbed the industry ladder from behind-the-scene work as a carpenter and construction coordinator to a run of high-profile guest roles on such popular TV series as "Beverly Hills 90210" (Fox, 1990-2000) and "NYPD Blue" (NBC, 1993-2005), as well as in such feature films as "A River Runs Through It" (1992), "D3: The Mighty Ducks" (1996) and "Grosse Pointe Blank" (1997). Playing teenagers well into his thirties, Cudlitz received a major career boost with his casting as Sgt. "Bull" Randleman in "Band of Brothers," a miniseries following the 101st Airborne Division's Easy Company through the European Theater during World War II. A host of man-in-uniform roles followed, including series regular status as the pragmatic SWAT team leader Frank Rogers on the short-lived "Standoff" (Fox, 2006-07), and memorable guest roles on the long-running "Lost" (ABC, 2004-2010) and "24" (Fox, 2001-2010). Cudlitz scored immediately with critics and viewers as troubled LAPD training officer John Cooper on NBC's "Southland" in 2009, then built on that success by joining the critically-acclaimed drama "The Walking Dead" (AMC 2010- ) in 2014.
- Birthplace: Long Island, New York, USA
- A sultry, dark-haired beauty, Leonor Varela was a virtual unknown in the USA when she was tapped for the lead in the lavish ABC miniseries "Cleopatra" (1999). The Chilean-born actress had a peripatetic childhood; her parents fled the military regime in her native country when she was a baby and settled first in Costa Rica, before moving to Germany, the USA (Colorado) and France. Varela opted to remain in Paris to pursue an education when her parents returned to Santiago in the early 1990s. Her dentist recommended her to a French filmmaker, who was about to shoot a film in Chile. After meeting him, he specifically created a role for the stunningly attractive performer which in turn led to her casting in the Chilean TV series "Tic Tac," opposite Latin heartthrob Enrique Cintolesi. Varela then was tapped for a tiny role in the remake of "The Man in the Iron Mask" (1998), starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Continuing her quick ascent, she then landed the part of Cleopatra. While most critics found the production visually stunning, they were divided over Varela's contributions; some felt she was too limited an actress to pull off the role while others found her perfectly cast. The one constant was that all were impressed by her exotic looks and sexy screen presence. She returned to the big screen in her largest role to date in the revisionist Western "Texas Rangers" (2001). That film's release, however, was delayed nearly two years and in the interim, Varela graced the small screen as Judith in the biblical drama "Jeremiah" (PAX, 2000) and was seen on the big screen supporting Pierce Brosnan and Geoffrey Rush in "The Tailor of Panama" (2000).
- Birthplace: Santiago, Chile
- Born to Wall Street financier E.F. Hutton and Post cereal heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post, a debutante-age Dina Merrill gave up college after one year and moved to New York to study at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. She debuted on Broadway in "The Mermaids Singing" (1945) and kept busy for the next decade with acting studies, Broadway and stock theater roles and work in early TV anthology dramas. Already in her thirties, Merrill made her film debut with a sweet performance as part of Katharine Hepburn's reference department staff in "Desk Set" (1957). Several leads soon presented themselves; the biggest hit film of these, "Operation Petticoat" (1959), cast the attractive and self-assured Merrill as one of a bevy of nurses who end up on a broken-down Naval submarine. By 1960, Merrill was alternating supporting roles with occasional leads, and was spending much of her time doing tours and regional work on stage. Film work capitalized on her off screen lifestyle, as in "The Young Savages" (1961), with Merrill as crusading DA Burt Lancaster's socialite spouse, and "Butterfield 8" (1960), as the colorless, long-suffering wife that wealthy Laurence Harvey cheats on with Elizabeth Taylor. Later in the decade Merrill began acting in TV movies, and also racked up over 100 guest credits on various TV series, and tried one herself, "Hot Pursuit" (ABC, 1984). The premise of a couple accused of murder attempting to find the real killer themselves was a neat revamp of "The Fugitive," with Merrill as the victim's rich and vengeful widow, but the show never caught on. Feature work resumed in the mid-'70s, and Merrill gave an excellent performance as part of a well-to-do but wacky marriage party in Robert Altman's comedy-drama "A Wedding" (1978). Merrill's subsequent film work included appearances in Altman's Hollywood satire "The Player" (1992), mystery "Suture" (1993) and maligned sequel "Caddyshack II" (1988). But Merrill's primary interest became Pavilion, a film and entertainment development and production company she formed with Ted Hartley in 1988. The two married in 1989 and that same year acquired the once-venerable Hollywood studio RKO Pictures. Merrill served as vice chairman of the company. Dina Merrill died on May 22, 2017 at her home in Easthampton, New York. She was 93.
- Birthplace: New York, New York, USA
- Raymond Ernest Nitschke (December 29, 1936 – March 8, 1998) was a professional American football middle linebacker who spent his entire 15-year National Football League (NFL) career with the Green Bay Packers. Enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978, he was the anchor of the defense for head coach Vince Lombardi in the 1960s, leading the Packers to five NFL championships and victories in the first two Super Bowls.
- Birthplace: USA, Elmwood Park, Illinois
Madame de Pompadour
Dec. at 42 (1721-1764)Jeanne Antoinette Poisson, Marquise of Pompadour (, French: [pɔ̃paduʁ] (listen); 29 December 1721 – 15 April 1764), commonly known as Madame de Pompadour, was a member of the French court and was the official chief mistress of Louis XV from 1745 to 1751, and remained influential as court favourite until her death.Pompadour took charge of the king's schedule and was a valued aide and advisor, despite her frail health and many political enemies. She secured titles of nobility for herself and her relatives, and built a network of clients and supporters. She was particularly careful not to alienate the Queen, Marie Leszczyńska. On 8 February 1756, the Marquise de Pompadour was named as the thirteenth lady in waiting to the queen, a position considered the most prestigious at the court, which accorded her with honors.Pompadour was a major patroness of architecture and decorative arts, especially porcelain. She was a patroness of the philosophes of the Enlightenment, including Voltaire. Hostile critics at the time generally tarred her as a malevolent political influence, but historians are more favorable, emphasizing her successes as a patroness of the arts and a champion of French pride. Art historian Melissa Hyde argues that the critiques of Pompadour were driven by fears over the overturning of social and gender hierarchies that Pompadour's power and influence, as a woman who was not born into the aristocracy, represented.- Birthplace: Paris, France
- Eric Berry (born December 29, 1988) is an American football safety who is currently a free agent. He played college football at Tennessee, where he was a two-time unanimous All-American and recognized as the best collegiate defensive back in the country. He was then drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs fifth overall in the 2010 NFL Draft. Berry has been voted to the Pro Bowl five times and has been named to the First Team All-Pro three times. Berry was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma on December 8, 2014. After going through chemotherapy in the offseason and being declared cancer free, Berry came back for the 2015 season and was named to the Pro Bowl, the AP All-Pro team, and was named the 2015 AP Comeback Player of the Year.
- Birthplace: Fairburn, Georgia
- Alexa Ray Joel (born December 29, 1985) is an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. Her parents are singer-songwriter Billy Joel and model Christie Brinkley. Joel released an EP Sketches (2006) and several singles on independent record labels. She has performed at numerous charity events and New York City fashion events.
- Birthplace: Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA
- William Lendrum Mitchell (December 29, 1879 – February 19, 1936) was a United States Army general who is regarded as the father of the United States Air Force.Mitchell served in France during World War I and, by the conflict's end, commanded all American air combat units in that country. After the war, he was appointed deputy director of the Air Service and began advocating increased investment in air power, believing that this would prove vital in future wars. He argued particularly for the ability of bombers to sink battleships and organized a series of bombing runs against stationary ships designed to test the idea. He antagonized many administrative leaders of the Army with his arguments and criticism and, in 1925, was returned from appointment as a brigadier general to his permanent rank of colonel due to his insubordination. Later that year, he was court-martialed for insubordination after accusing Army and Navy leaders of an "almost treasonable administration of the national defense" for investing in battleships instead of aircraft carriers. He resigned from the service shortly afterward. Mitchell received many honors following his death, including a commission by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as a major general. He is also the first person for whom an American military aircraft design, the North American B-25 Mitchell, is named.
- Birthplace: Nice, France
- Dark-eyed British actress Barbara Steele had the perfect face for horror. Though the Rank Organization starlet had been imported to the United States by 20th Century Fox to play Elvis Presley's love interest in "Flaming Star" (1960), Steele proved an ill-fit for the Hollywood cookie cutter and was replaced after a week of shooting. An actor's strike drove Steele back to Europe, where her haunting beauty was used to good effect in a string of Gothic horror films, beginning with Mario Bava's "Black Sunday" (1960). In the ensuing years, Steele skulked through such lurid chillers as "The Horrible Dr. Hichcock" (1962), "Castle of Blood" (1964) and "Terror-Creatures from Beyond the Grave" (1965), in which she brought sex appeal to characters of both pure and dark motives. Federico Fellini found a place for the slinky actress in his masterful "8-1/2" (1963) while German New Wave director Volker Schlöndorff offered Steele one of her better roles in "Young Törless" (1966), but the glut of cheap European fright flicks in which she found herself mired drove Steele back to North America. No longer an ingénue, she married a Hollywood screenwriter and cashed in on her cult credibility with meaty roles in Jonathan Demme's "Caged Heat" (1974), David Cronenberg's "Shivers" (1975) and Joe Dante's "Piranha" (1978). Finding a measure of artistic satisfaction behind the camera, Steele won an Emmy as the producer of the 1988 miniseries "War and Remembrance" while learning to enjoy her lifetime association as horror cinema's reigning scream queen.
- Birthplace: Birkenhead, Cheshire, England, UK
- Pau Casals i Defilló (Catalan and so Spanish: [ˈpaw kəˈzalz i ðəfiˈʎo]; 29 December 1876 – 22 October 1973), usually known in English as Pablo Casals, was a cellist, composer, and conductor from Catalonia. He is generally regarded as the pre-eminent cellist of the first half of the 20th century, and one of the greatest cellists of all time. He made many recordings throughout his career, of solo, chamber, and orchestral music, also as conductor, but he is perhaps best remembered for the recordings of the Bach Cello Suites he made from 1936 to 1939. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy (though the ceremony was presided over by Lyndon B. Johnson).
- Birthplace: El Vendrell, Spain
- Vera Mary Brittain (29 December 1893 – 29 March 1970) was an English Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD) nurse, writer, feminist, and pacifist. Her best-selling 1933 memoir Testament of Youth recounted her experiences during the First World War and the beginning of her journey towards pacifism.
- Birthplace: Newcastle-under-Lyme, United Kingdom
- Dallas L. Austin (born December 29, 1970) is an American record producer, songwriter, musician, and film producer, born in Columbus, Georgia.
- Birthplace: Columbus, Georgia, USA
- Kimberly Russell is an American actresses best known for her role as Sarah Nevins on the 1986–1991 sitcom Head of the Class and as Bill Cosby's daughter in the 1990 comedy film Ghost Dad. Other parts include guest appearances on shows including Family Matters, New York Undercover, The John Larroquette Show, Ellen, ER, Strong Medicine, and The Steve Harvey Show. She also had role in films such as Hangin' with the Homeboys, The Game, and Precious. She briefly dated George Clooney, for about 10 months, in the early 1990s. She has been married to Hollywood set gaffer/cameraman/best boy/swingman Micheal Bonewitz since 2000.
- Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, USA
- The younger half of the writing-directing-producing team known as The Wachowskis, Lilly Wachowski emerged alongside older sister Lana from the comic book world to direct "The Matrix" (1999), one of the most successful and influential film franchises of all time. Prior to "The Matrix," Wachowski entered Hollywood by way of co-writing "Assassins" (1995) for Richard Donner before co-directing the steamy neo-noir "Bound" (1995). That film paved the way for "The Matrix," which blended religion, philosophy, martial arts and science fiction into a highly popular film that had a considerable effect on the cultural landscape. The massive success of the film sparked a franchise that included animated shorts, video games and two sequels, "The Matrix Reloaded" (2003) and "The Matrix Revolutions" (2003), both of which were big box office hits. She went on to co-direct the live-action version of the '60s animated TV series "Speed Racer" (2008), ambitious epic fantasy "Cloud Atlas" (2012), science fiction action-adventure "Jupiter Ascending" (2015), and futuristic TV thriller "Sense8" (Netflix 2015-17), before co-writing situation comedy "Work In Progress" (Showtime 2019- ). Throughout, she's maintained her status as one of Hollywood's most imaginative and inventive writer-directors. Born on Dec. 29. 1967 in Chicago, IL, Lilly Wachowski was raised by her father, Ron, a businessman and her mother, Lynne, a nurse and amateur painter. After graduating from Whitney Young High School, which had a noted performing arts curriculum, Wachowski studied at Emerson College in Boston before dropping out and breaking into the comic book scene. Eventually, The Wachowskis wrote issues of Clive Barker's Ectokid (1993-94) series for Marvel Comics' imprint Razorline, as well as Clive Barker's Hellraiser (1989-1992) and Clive Barker's Nightbreed (1990) for Epic Comics. The duo wrote and sold their first script to producer Dino De Laurentiis, which eventually became the action thriller "Assassins" (1995), starring Sylvester Stallone and Antonio Banderas as rival hit men forced to work together.
- Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, USA
- A classic Hollywood character with a blend of charm, savvy and ambition, producer and talent manager Brad Grey cultivated an entertainment career that took him from being a gofer for Harvey Weinstein to head of Paramount Pictures and one of the city's most powerful figures. As both a talent manager and producer with Brillstein-Grey and as CEO of Paramount Pictures, Grey showed a remarkable aptitude for discovering and nurturing talent, which resulted in a slew of profitable films for the studio between 2005 and 2014 and such critically praised series as "The Sopranos" (HBO, 1999-2007). Born Brad Alan Grey in the Bronx, New York on December 29, 1957, Grey launched his entertainment career while still a business and communications student at the University of Buffalo. He was serving as a gofer for Harvey Weinstein's Harvey & Corky Productions, a rock concert promotion company. By the age of 20, Grey was producing major concerts on his own, most notably a 1978 performance by Frank Sinatra at the War Memorial Auditorium in Buffalo, New York. He soon sought to manage his own talent, and began scouring New York City clubs for up-and-coming talent. Among his earliest clients were two relative unknowns, Bob Saget and Garry Shandling, whose careers would blossom under his aegis. Grey's own status within the entertainment industry skyrocketed in 1984 when he joined forces with talent manager Bernie Brillstein; the duo launched Brillstein Entertainment Partners, a unique talent and literary agency that merged the previously opposite worlds of management and entertainment production. Its first success, at least from a critical perspective, was "It's Garry Shandling's Show" (Showtime/Fox, 1986-1990), a meta-comedy with the comic lampooning television conventions as part of his own sitcom. Brillstein left the company in 1996, selling his portion to Grey, who fashioned Brillstein-Grey and its television unit, Brad Grey Television, into an industry powerhouse. Among its most popular productions were the features "Happy Gilmore" (1996) and "The Wedding Singer" (1998), both starring Brillstein-Grey client Adam Sandler; "The Larry Sanders Show" (HBO, 1992-98), with Garry Shandling; and such hit series as "NewsRadio" (NBC, 1995-99) and "Just Shoot Me" (NBC, 1997-2003). Arguably its most significant production was "The Sopranos," the landmark crime drama from creator David Chase, which earned Grey two Emmys and two Peabody Awards between 2000 and 2007. This string of successes was not without its downsides - Shandling sued Grey for breach of duties in 1998, claiming that the producer had robbed "The Larry Sanders Show" of writers when Grey had commissioned deals on other projects for them - but they did little to halt his ascent, which reached its apex in 2005 when Grey was appointed chief executive of Paramount Pictures in the wake of Sherry Lansing's retirement. During his tenure, the studio produced an array of hit movies, including the "Transformers," "Iron Man," "Star Trek," "Mission: Impossible" and "Paranormal Activity" franchises. Grey also forged significant partnerships with figures like Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio, for whom he produced the Oscar winning "The Departed" (2007) through Plan B, a company he had formed with actors Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston. By 2011, Paramount was the leading studio by domestic share market, but its rapid ascent was followed by an equally swift downfall. Grey brokered a deal to purchase DreamWorks in 2005 that collapsed within three years' time, resulting in the loss of the lucrative DreamWorks Animation division; he also failed to bring Marvel into Paramount's stable, despite its success with "Iron Man," and the company suffered financial losses from a string of expensive failures like "Noah" (2014) and "Zoolander 2" (2016). Grey, whose image had barely recovered from his involvement in the 2008 wiretapping case against private investigator Anthony Pellicano (Grey had hired him during his battles with Shandling), when he was drawn into conflict between former Viacom chairman Phillipe Dauman and Shari Redstone, daughter of Viacom founder Sumner Redstone. She prevailed in the fight, and Grey was forced to resign from his position in February 2017. Less than three months later, Grey died from cancer on May 14, 2017 in his home in Holmby Hills, California at the age of 59.
- Birthplace: Bronx, New York, USA
- Ronald Harry Coase (; 29 December 1910 – 2 September 2013) was a British economist and author. He was the Clifton R. Musser Professor of Economics at the University of Chicago Law School, where he arrived in 1964 and remained for the rest of his life. He received the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 1991.Coase, who believed economists should study real markets and not theoretical ones, established the case for the corporation as a means to pay the costs of operating a marketplace. Coase is best known for two articles in particular: "The Nature of the Firm" (1937), which introduces the concept of transaction costs to explain the nature and limits of firms; and "The Problem of Social Cost" (1960), which suggests that well-defined property rights could overcome the problems of externalities (see Coase theorem). Additionally, Coase's transaction costs approach is currently influential in modern organizational economics, where it was reintroduced by Oliver E. Williamson.
- Birthplace: Willesden, London, United Kingdom
- William Ewart Gladstone (; 29 December 1809 – 19 May 1898) was a British statesman and Liberal politician. In a career lasting over 60 years, he served for 12 years as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, spread over four terms beginning in 1868 and ending in 1894. He also served as Chancellor of the Exchequer four times. Gladstone was born in Liverpool to Scottish parents. He first entered the House of Commons in 1832, beginning his political career as a High Tory, a grouping which became the Conservative Party under Robert Peel in 1834. Gladstone served as a minister in both of Peel's governments, and in 1846 joined the breakaway Peelite faction, which eventually merged into the new Liberal Party in 1859. He was Chancellor under Lord Aberdeen (1852–1855), Lord Palmerston (1859–1865) and Lord Russell (1865–1866). Gladstone's own political doctrine—which emphasised equality of opportunity, free trade, and laissez-faire economic policies—came to be known as Gladstonian liberalism. His popularity amongst the working-class earned him the sobriquet "The People's William". In 1868, Gladstone became Prime Minister for the first time. Many reforms were passed during his first ministry, including the disestablishment of the Church of Ireland and the introduction of secret voting. After electoral defeat in 1874, Gladstone resigned as leader of the Liberal Party. From 1876 he began a comeback based on opposition to Turkey's reaction to the Bulgarian April Uprising. His Midlothian Campaign of 1879–80 was an early example of many modern political campaigning techniques. After the 1880 general election, Gladstone formed his second ministry (1880–1885), which saw the passage of the Third Reform Act as well as crises in Egypt (culminating in the Fall of Khartoum) and Ireland, where his government passed repressive measures but also improved the legal rights of Irish tenant farmers. Back in office in early 1886, Gladstone proposed home rule for Ireland but was defeated in the House of Commons. The resulting split in the Liberal Party helped keep them out of office – with one short break – for 20 years. Gladstone formed his last government in 1892, at the age of 82. The Second Home Rule Bill passed through the Commons but was defeated in the House of Lords in 1893. Gladstone left office in March 1894, aged 84, as both the oldest person to serve as Prime Minister and the only Prime Minister to have served four terms. He left Parliament in 1895 and died three years later. Gladstone was known affectionately by his supporters as "The People's William" or the "G.O.M." ("Grand Old Man", or, according to his political rival Benjamin Disraeli, "God's Only Mistake"). Historians often call him one of Britain's greatest leaders.
- Birthplace: Liverpool, England
- Klaus Emil Julius Fuchs (29 December 1911 – 28 January 1988) was a German theoretical physicist and atomic spy who supplied information from the American, British, and Canadian Manhattan Project to the Soviet Union during and shortly after World War II. While at the Los Alamos National Laboratory, Fuchs was responsible for many significant theoretical calculations relating to the first nuclear weapons and, later, early models of the hydrogen bomb. After his conviction in 1950, he served nine years in prison in Great Britain and then moved to East Germany where he resumed his career as a physicist and scientific leader. The son of a Lutheran pastor, Fuchs attended the University of Leipzig, where his father was a professor of theology, and became involved in student politics, joining the student branch of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD), and the Reichsbanner Schwarz-Rot-Gold, the SPD's paramilitary organisation. He was expelled from the SPD in 1932, and joined the Communist Party of Germany (KPD). He went into hiding after the 1933 Reichstag fire, and fled to the United Kingdom, where he received his PhD from the University of Bristol under the supervision of Nevill Mott, and his DSc from the University of Edinburgh, where he worked as an assistant to Max Born. After the Second World War broke out in Europe, he was interned on the Isle of Man, and later in Canada. After he returned to Britain in 1941, he became an assistant to Rudolf Peierls, working on "Tube Alloys"—the British atomic bomb project. He began passing information on the project to the Soviet Union through Ruth Kuczynski, codenamed "Sonia", a German communist and a major in Soviet Military Intelligence who had worked with Richard Sorge's spy ring in the Far East. In 1943, Fuchs and Peierls went to Columbia University, in New York City, to work on the Manhattan Project. In August 1944, Fuchs joined the Theoretical Physics Division at the Los Alamos Laboratory, working under Hans Bethe. His chief area of expertise was the problem of implosion, necessary for the development of the plutonium bomb. After the war, he returned to the UK and worked at the Atomic Energy Research Establishment at Harwell as head of the Theoretical Physics Division. In January 1950, Fuchs confessed that he was a spy. A British court sentenced him to fourteen years' imprisonment and stripped him of his British citizenship. He was released in 1959, after serving nine years, and emigrated to the German Democratic Republic (East Germany), where he was elected to the Academy of Sciences and became a member of the Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED) central committee. He was later appointed deputy director of the Institute for Nuclear Research in Rossendorf, where he served until he retired in 1979.
- Birthplace: Rüsselsheim, Germany
- Charlotte Riley is an English actress who appeared in "Edge of Tomorrow," "In the Heart of the Sea," and "Wuthering Heights."
- Birthplace: Grindon, England, UK
- Devon Markes Whyte (formerly and commonly known as Devon White, born December 29, 1962), nicknamed "Devo", is a Jamaican-born American former professional baseball center fielder, best known for his defensive ability at that position. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the California Angels, Toronto Blue Jays, Florida Marlins, Arizona Diamondbacks, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Milwaukee Brewers. He currently serves as the first base coach for the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons.
- Birthplace: Kingston, Jamaica
- Renowned for portraying figures on both sides of the law, prolific character actor Jon Polito racked up over 220 screen credits, most notably five Coen brothers pictures and a recurring role on "Homicide: Life on the Street" (NBC, 1993-99). Born in Philadelphia, PA in 1950, Polito studied Theater at Villanova University before moving to New York to further his stage career, going on to win an OBIE Award for his off-Broadway work in 1980. Polito made his on-screen debut as real-life mafia co-founder Thomas Lucchese in miniseries "The Gangster Chronicles" (NBC, 1981), and a year later played Det. Sporaco in murder mystery "The Clairvoyant" (1982), two roles which ultimately laid the groundwork for much of his TV and film career. After portraying Willy's boss Harold in an award-winning TV movie adaptation of "Death of a Salesman" (1985) starring Dustin Hoffman, Polito played authority figures in fantasy epic "Highlander" (1986), romantic drama "Fire with Fire" (1986) and martial arts police procedural "Ohara" (ABC, 1987-88), and villains in TV movie "A Deadly Business" (1986) and the critically-acclaimed "Crime Story" (NBC, 1986-88), the latter as Chicago crime lord Phil Bartoli. After appearing alongside Marlon Brando in "The Freshman" (1990), Polito forged a fruitful working relationship with the Coen brothers when he was cast as highly-strung Prohibition era mobster Johnny Caspar in "Miller's Crossing" (1990). Polito would go on to appear in a further four Coen movies, playing Hollywood lackey Lou Breeze in "Barton Fink" (1991), eccentric businessman Mr. Bumstead in "The Hudsucker Proxy" (1994), private investigator Da Fino in "The Big Lebowski" (1998) and dry-cleaning salesman Creighton Tolliver in "The Man Who Wasn't There" (2001). During this period, Polito also enjoyed supporting roles in superhero pictures "The Rocketeer" (1991) and "Blankman" (1994), behind bars dramas "Girls in Prison" (1994) and "The Green Mile" (1999) and family movies "Fluke" (1995) and "Stuart Little" (1999). Polito also made several guest appearances on "Seinfeld" (NBC, 1989-1998), "Dream On" (HBO, 1990-96) and "Early Edition" (CBS, 1996-2000), and played veteran Det. Steve Crosetti in "Homicide: Life on the Street" (NBC, 1993-99) for two seasons before being permanently written out following a dispute with the show's producers. Polito remained just as prolific throughout the following decade, landing the recurring roles of newspaper editor Donald Stern in short-lived "The Chronicle" (Sci-Fi Channel, 2001-02) and Judge Dominick Ventimiglia in legal drama "Raising the Bar" (TNT, 2008-09), enjoying supporting parts in "The Singing Detective" (2003), "Flags of Our Fathers" (2006) and "American Gangster" (2007) and showing up in over a dozen popular series including "Gilmore Girls" (The CW, 2000-07), "Desperate Housewives" (ABC, 2004-2012) and "Two and a Half Men" (CBS, 2003-2015). Polito then returned to familiar territory as Mafia member Jack Dragna in "Gangster Squad" (2013) before playing another real life figure, impresario Enrico Banducci, in "Big Eyes" (2014), guesting as Jay's rival Earl Chambers in "Modern Family" (ABC, 2009-) and making his final on-screen appearance in "Comedy Bang! Bang!" (IFC, 2012-16). In 2016 Polito died of complications from cancer in Duarte, CA aged 65.
- Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- One of several popular young actors who emerged in the late 1990s, Shawn Hatosy stood out from the pack with his intense portrayal of unlikable and even dangerous figures in projects like "John Q" (2002), "The Cooler" (2003) and "Alpha Dog" (2007). However, his talents allowed him to tackle more even-tempered figures, including the smart-alecky lead in "Outside Providence" (1998), the future Senator John McCain in "Faith of My Fathers" (A&E, 2005), and a hard-working detective on "Southland" (NBC/TNT, 2009-13). Eschewing fame for quality work seemed to boost Hatosy's stature in the entertainment community from hopeful to fine character actor, which he continued to cultivate with complex turns on "Dexter" (Showtime, 2006-13), among other projects.
- Birthplace: Frederick, Maryland, USA
- Iain De Caestecker is a Scottish actor and is best known for his role as Leopold Fitz in the TV series Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
- Birthplace: Glasgow, Scotland, UK
- Ratu Josefa Iloilovatu Uluivuda, CF, MBE, MSD, KStJ (29 December 1920 – 6 February 2011) was the 3rd President of Fiji from 2000 until 2009, excluding a brief period from 5 December 2006 until 4 January 2007 (see below). He held the traditional title of Tui Vuda, the paramount chief of the Vuda district in Ba Province on Fiji's northwest coast. Like many Fijian people, he rarely used his surname and was known simply as Josefa Iloilo. He announced on 28 July 2009 that he would be leaving office on 30 July. At the age of 88, he was the world's oldest head of state. On 5 December 2006, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, seized power in a coup d'état and assumed presidential powers. This followed failed attempts on Iloilo's part to mediate a solution to the long-running impasse between the military and the government of Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase. However, his powers were restored by Bainimarama on 4 January 2007. Iloilo also endorsed Bainimarama's coup on the same day, in his first public address since the coup. He appointed Bainimarama as Prime Minister the following day. After Fiji's Court of Appeal had ruled that the removal of Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase and the appointment of Fiji's interim regime following the military coup in 2006 was unlawful, on 10 April 2009 Iloilo dismissed the judges and abrogated the country's constitution. Iloilo claimed to have the "full support" of the security forces and directed the military to take "all reasonable steps" to maintain law and order.
- Birthplace: Ba, Fiji
- Cozy Powell (Born Colin Trevor Flooks) (29 December 1947 – 5 April 1998) was an English rock drummer, who made his name with many major rock bands and artists like The Jeff Beck Group, Rainbow, Gary Moore, Robert Plant, Brian May, Whitesnake, Emerson, Lake & Powell, and Black Sabbath.Powell had appeared on at least 66 albums, with contributions on many other recordings. Many rock drummers have cited him as a major influence.
- Birthplace: Cirencester, England
- George James Parros (born December 29, 1979) is a retired American ice hockey player, who played nine seasons in the National Hockey League. He currently serves as the Head of the Department of Player Safety for the National Hockey League. His primary role on the ice was one of an enforcer. Parros was part of the 2007 Stanley Cup winning Anaheim Ducks.
- Birthplace: Scenery Hill, Pennsylvania
- Dave McKean is an English writer, director, and producer who is known for writing "Luna," and "Mirrormask."
- Birthplace: Taplow, Slough, Berkshire, England, UK
- Alexandra Kamp-Groeneveld (born 29 December 1966) is a German model and actress. She was born in Karlsruhe to Peter Kamp and his wife and grown up in Baden-Baden. She visited drama schools in New York, Los Angeles and Paris before she started her career as an actress in 1994. She has had many star and supporting roles in German movies and TV series and some in Hollywood B-movies. In 1998, she acted together with Claudia Cardinale in Riches, belles, etc., in 2001 with Leslie Nielsen in 2001: A Space Travesty and in 2003 she played the star role in Sumuru together with Michael Shanks in an English-South African co-production. In 2007 she appeared as a covergirl on the German issue of the Playboy. Alexandra is the spokeswoman for the children's hospital "Kinderhospiz St. Nikolaus" in the Bavarian Alps, which gives a care home to terminally ill children and their parents. She frequently gives charity readings.
- Birthplace: Baden-Baden, Germany
- Stanley Tookie Williams III (December 29, 1953 – December 13, 2005) was an American gangster, known as one of the original founders and leaders of the Crip gang in Los Angeles, California. In 1971, Williams and Raymond Washington formed an alliance establishing the Crips as the first major African-American street gang in South Central Los Angeles. Williams became the de facto leader and the prominent crime boss in South Central in the 1970s. In 1979, Williams was convicted for the murder of four people during two robberies, and was sentenced to death. The highly publicized trial of Williams and extensive appeals for clemency sparked debate on the status of the death penalty in California. On December 13, 2005, Williams was executed by lethal injection after extensive appeals for clemency and a four-week stay of execution were both rejected by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
- Birthplace: Shreveport, Louisiana
- The strawberry blonde daughter of novelist John Ehle and actress Rosemary Harris, North Carolina-born Jennifer Ehle shuttled between the USA and the UK (following her mother's frequent career moves) before making her acting debut as the tempestuous Calypso in the British TV drama, "The Camomile Lawn" (1992), directed by Sir Peter Hall. She followed that quickly with an appearance on American TV as the Empress Zita in the "Austria, March 1917" episode of "The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles" (ABC, 1992). Her first movie role came in the small part of Cynthia Powell (John Lennon's first wife) in "Backbeat" (1993). But Ehle attracted major critical and audience attention as well as a BAFTA Award as Best Television Actress for her intelligent rendering of Elizabeth Bennet in "Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice'" (BBC, 1995), which aired in the USA on A&E.
- Birthplace: Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
- Justin Jason Roberts (born December 29, 1979) is an American ring announcer who currently works for All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and author who is best known for his time in WWE. While in WWE, Roberts regularly announced for its pay-per-views and television shows like Raw, SmackDown, ECW, and Superstars.
- Birthplace: USA, Chicago, Illinois
Norman Morrison
Dec. at 31 (1933-1965)Norman Morrison (December 29, 1933 – November 2, 1965) was a Baltimore Quaker best known for his act of self-immolation at age 31 to protest United States involvement in the Vietnam War. The Erie, Pennsylvania-born Morrison graduated from the College of Wooster in 1956. He was married and had two daughters and a son. On November 2, 1965, Morrison doused himself in kerosene and set himself on fire below Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara's Pentagon office. This may have been taken after Thích Quảng Đức and other Buddhist monks, who burned themselves to death to protest the repression committed by the South Vietnam government.- Birthplace: Erie, Pennsylvania
Pavel Voronov
Dec. at 77 (1886-1964)Pavel Voronov, an officer on the Standart.- Birthplace: Kostroma, Russia
- Matthew J. Berry (born December 29, 1969) is an American writer, columnist, fantasy sports analyst, and television personality. Berry started as a writer for television and film and creating a few pilots and film scripts with his writing partner Eric Abrams with varying success. After beginning as a content writer for Rotoworld as a side-job, Berry launched his own fantasy sports websites "TalentedMr.Roto.com" in 2004 and "Rotopass.com" once the former took off. Berry’s websites were timed perfectly with the rise in fantasy popularity, as the internet aided in making fantasy more accessible. Berry has been employed at ESPN since 2007. He is ESPN’s "Senior Fantasy Sports Analyst".
- Birthplace: Denver, Colorado
- Gilbert Adair (29 December 1944 – 8 December 2011) was a Scottish novelist, poet, film critic and journalist. He was critically most famous for the "fiendish" translation of Georges Perec's postmodern novel A Void, in which the letter e is not used, but was more widely known for the films adapted from his novels, including Love and Death on Long Island (1997) and The Dreamers (2003).
- Birthplace: Scotland, Kilmarnock
- Anthony Paul Watt (born 29 December 1993) is a Scottish professional footballer who plays as a forward for CSKA Sofia in the Bulgarian First League. He was a product of the Airdrie United youth academy before joining Celtic in 2011. His time at Parkhead is best remembered for his winning goal in a 2–1 win over Barcelona in the 2012–13 UEFA Champions League. Watt fell out of favour at Celtic and spent the 2013–14 season on loan at Belgian Pro League club Lierse. He signed for another Belgian club, Standard Liège, in the summer of 2014. He returned to the UK in January 2015 to join Charlton Athletic. Charlton loaned Watt to Cardiff City, Blackburn Rovers and Heart of Midlothian. Watt then had another stint in Belgian football with OH Leuven, before returning to Scotland with St Johnstone in July 2018. Watt has also played for Scotland at various youth levels, before winning his first senior cap in March 2016.
- Birthplace: Coatbridge, United Kingdom
- Arturo Dizon Brion (born December 29, 1946) is a former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines. He took his oath as a member of the Supreme Court on March 17, 2008. From 2006 until his appointment to the Supreme Court, Brion served in the Cabinet of President Macapagal-Arroyo as the Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
- Birthplace: Manila, Philippines
- Bill Carroll (born December 29, 1966 in Wilmington, Delaware) is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, bassist and guitarist. He has been a professional musician since the mid-1980s, and has been a member of the groups No Such Thing, Doubting Thomas, and The Real Underground. As solo artist, he scored a Rate-A-Record appearance on Dick Clark's American Bandstand program on April 2, 1988 with "When We're Apart", shortly after being signed to Hollywood-based Aardvark Records.Carroll's musical styles have ranged from serious orchestral arrangements (Dune I from 1994's Kohoutek) to television, sitcom, and film scores, with themes like The Mecklenburgers, to what he is best known for: rock and roll power pop. He is heavily influenced by The Beatles, The Who, The Jam, R.E.M., Jellyfish, and less mainstream artists such as Bruce Foxton, Lee Mavers, Kevin Gilbert and John Wetton. Carroll joined Doubting Thomas as vocalist/bassist in 1997, contributing songs to the band’s last two albums, Who Died and Made You King (1998) and their eponymous live recording, Doubting Thomas (1999). He remained with the group until it disbanded in 2001, but as of 2009, Doubting Thomas had reformed for limited performances. In 2004, Carroll composed and performed the theme for the PBS program The Mecklenburgers. He was nominated for a regional Emmy Award for the song in late 2005. In 2019, he received a Gold Telly Award as part of the international Telly Awards for music he composed for a recycling awareness campaign in Mecklenburg County, NC.
- Birthplace: Wilmington, Delaware
- American actress and playwright Charlayne Woodard turned early Broadway success into a career that spanned over several decades. The New York native was nominated for a Tony for her performance in the original cast of "Ain't Misbehavin'", a role that she began as a 24-year-old. While appearing on Broadway, she starred in "Cindy" (ABC, 1978), a television adaption of the classic "Cinderella" fairy tale told with an all African-American cast. She made an equally splashy feature film debut when she joined "Ain't Misbehavin'" costar Nell Carter as one of the "White Boys" singers in Milos Forman's big screen rendering of the musical "Hair" (1979). After starring in the Canadian drama "Hard Feelings" (1982), she spent the next several years taking small roles on television shows such as "Taxi" (ABC, 1978-83) and "Spenser: For Hire" (ABC, 1985-88), while mixing in small roles in features like Louis Malle's "Crackers" (1984). She starred opposite Harry Dean Stanton and Crispin Glover in the dramedy "Twister" (1989), and then began a recurring role on the hit sitcom "Roseanne" (ABC, 1988-97, 2018-). Woodard portrayed Vonda, one of the factory coworkers of the title character. She then began appearing on the daytime soap opera "Days of Our Live" (NBC, 1965-) as Desiree McCall. She continued working in features with roles in the Kevin Bacon comedy "He Said, She Said" (1991) and the Michael Keaton crime drama "One Good Cop" (1991). Another high-profile recurring part followed when she was cast as one of Will Smith's aunts on "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" (NBC, 1990-96). During this time period, Woodard found new success as a playwright. Her initial offering "Pretty Fire" debuted in 1993 and went on to win multiple awards. Her television career continued to flourish as she added recurring roles on the popular medical dramas "Chicago Hope" (CBS, 1994-2000) and "ER" (NBC, 1994-2009). She also enjoyed a memorable multi-episode turn playing Catholic nun Sister Peg on "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit" (NBC, 1999-). Her character was ultimately killed in an accidental shooting. She gained notice on the big screen playing opposite Daniel Day-Lewis and Winona Ryder in the film adaption of "The Crucible" (1996). Her film work included a pivotal role in M. Night Shyamalan's "Unbreakable" (2000), and its sequel "Glass" (2019). While remaining active in theater productions, Woodard kept her hand in television with guest roles in shows like "The Leftovers" (HBO, 2014-17) and "The Blacklist" (NBC, 2013-).
- Birthplace: Albany, New York, USA
- Laveranues Leon Coles (; born December 29, 1977) is a former American football wide receiver who played 11 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for Florida State University. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the third round of the 2000 NFL Draft. A Pro Bowl selection in 2003, Coles also played for the Washington Redskins and Cincinnati Bengals.
- Birthplace: Jacksonville, USA, Florida
- Throughout her Hollywood career, Yvonne Elliman had a variety of powerful musical performances. Early in her entertainment career, Elliman's music was featured in films like Elliman won an Album Of The Year Grammy Award in 1978. Elliman also appeared in "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" (1978), "Roadie" (1980) and "Blind Justice" (HBO, 1993-94). She also worked on the Adam Sandler and Joey Lauren Adams smash hit "Big Daddy" (1999), "My Music: Superstars of 70's Soul Live" (PBS, 2003-04) and "3 Needles" with Lucy Liu (2006). More recently, Elliman appeared on "Supermensch: The Legend of Shep Gordon" (2014) with Alice Cooper.
- Birthplace: Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
- Ágnes Szávay (Hungarian: Szávay Ágnes, pronounced [ˈsaːvɒi ˈaːɡnɛʃ]; born 29 December 1988) is a former professional tennis player from Hungary. The 2007 WTA Newcomer of the Year achieved her career-high ranking of world No. 13 in April 2008.
- Birthplace: Kiskunhalas, Hungary
- Charles Goodyear (December 29, 1800 – July 1, 1860) was an American self-taught chemist and manufacturing engineer who developed vulcanized rubber, for which he received patent number 3633 from the United States Patent Office on June 15, 1844.Goodyear is credited with inventing the chemical process to create and manufacture pliable, waterproof, moldable rubber.Goodyear's discovery of the vulcanization process followed five years of searching for a more stable rubber and stumbling upon the effectiveness of heating after Thomas Hancock. His discovery initiated decades of successful rubber manufacturing in the Lower Naugatuck Valley in Connecticut, as rubber was adopted to multiple applications, including footwear and tires. The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company is named after him.
- Birthplace: New Haven, Connecticut
- Paris Berelc (born December 29, 1998) is an American actress and model. She is known for her roles as Skylar Storm in the Disney XD series Mighty Med and Lab Rats: Elite Force, and Alexa Mendoza in the Netflix sitcom Alexa & Katie.
- Birthplace: USA, Wisconsin, Milwaukee
