Eric Berry
American football player and safety
Played safety in the National Football League (NFL) for the Kansas City Chiefs. Achieved recognition for performance and leadership on the field. Battled and overcame cancer, returning to the sport and continuing to contribute to the team. One of the standout players of his era, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and being named First-Team All-Pro during his career.
Selected as a Pro Bowl player five times
Won the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award in 2015
Helped the Kansas City Chiefs win Super Bowl LIV
Other People Born on December 29th
Klaus Fuchs
Physicist and atomic espionage figure
Born
December 29th, 1911 114 years ago
Died
January 28th, 1988 38 years ago — 76 years old
A physicist of German origin, contributions included work on nuclear physics during World War II. Engaged in espionage activities for the Soviet Union, providing critical information about atomic bomb designs. His actions contributed to the development of nuclear capabilities in different nations, notably influencing the Cold War dynamics. After World War II, faced an arrest and trial in the UK in 1950, leading to a prison sentence. Later relocated to East Germany where continued involvement in scientific research occurred.
Continue ReadingTom Bradley
American politician and mayor of LA
Born
December 29th, 1917 108 years ago
Died
September 29th, 1998 27 years ago — 80 years old
Served as the 38th Mayor of Los Angeles from 1973 to 1993, was the first African American to hold the position. Advocated for various social issues and urban development projects. Worked as a lawyer prior to entering politics, which included roles in the California State Assembly. Played a significant role in enhancing the city's infrastructure and promoting civil rights during his tenure.
Continue ReadingMadame de Pompadour
Mistress of King Louis XV
Born
December 29th, 1721 304 years ago
Died
April 15th, 1764 261 years ago — 42 years old
A prominent figure at the French court, served as the official chief mistress of King Louis XV. Played a crucial role in the political and artistic life of France during the 18th century. Engaged in the patronage of the arts, contributing to the commissioning of various works and fostering the development of the Rococo style. Established a significant cultural salon that attracted many influential thinkers and artists of the time.
Continue ReadingWomesh Chunder Bonnerjee
Indian barrister and Congress leader
Born
December 29th, 1844 181 years ago
Died
1906 120 years ago — 62 years old
Born in 1844, this individual was an Indian barrister and a prominent political figure. This person played a crucial role in the formation of the Indian National Congress in 1885, serving as its first president. His work laid the groundwork for future political movements in India, advocating for greater representation and rights for Indians under British rule. In addition to legal practice, this individual contributed to various socio-political discussions, focusing on the rights of the Indian populace. His leadership during the early stages of organized Indian politics marked a significant moment in the country's journey toward independence.
Continue ReadingJohannes Zollikofer
Swiss vicar and theologian
Born
December 29th, 1633 392 years ago
Died
April 24th, 1692 333 years ago — 58 years old
Served as a prominent vicar in Switzerland, focusing on Reformed theology. Contributed to various theological writings and discussions of the time. His works reflected the religious sentiments and doctrinal frameworks of the Reformation. Engaged with local congregations and aimed to strengthen community ties through faith and spiritual guidance.
Continue ReadingShlomo Venezia
Greek-Italian Holocaust survivor and author
Born
December 29th, 1923 102 years ago
Died
October 1st, 2012 13 years ago — 88 years old
Born in Greece, a survivor of the Holocaust, documented experiences in Auschwitz and other camps. After the war, settled in Italy, where personal narratives highlighted the brutality faced during this period. Worked to educate others about the Holocaust, emphasizing the importance of remembrance and truth. Authored influential works that served to preserve the memory of the victims and the horrors endured. Contributed to various initiatives aimed at Holocaust education.
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