Mark McMorris
Canadian Snowboarder, X Games Champion
A professional snowboarder from Canada, has excelled in slopestyle and big air events. Achieved significant success at the X Games, winning multiple gold medals. Competed in the Winter Olympics, winning bronze medals in 2014 and 2018. Overcame a serious injury in 2017, returning to competitive snowboarding shortly after. Regarded as one of the top snowboarders in the world.
Won multiple X Games gold medals
Achieved bronze at the 2014 and 2018 Winter Olympics
Other People Born on December 9th
John Cassavetes
Actor, director, and screenwriter
Born
December 9th, 1929 96 years ago
Died
February 3rd, 1989 37 years ago — 59 years old
An American actor, director, and screenwriter contributed significantly to independent cinema. Directed several influential films, including 'Shadows', 'Faces', and 'A Woman Under the Influence'. Established a distinctive style that emphasized character-driven narratives and naturalistic performances. Claimed several accolades, including the Independent Spirit Award for Best Director. Worked with prominent actors such as Gena Rowlands, his wife, in many key projects. Helped shape the New Hollywood movement, influencing a generation of filmmakers.
Continue ReadingGregorios Xenopoulos
Greek author and playwright
Born
December 9th, 1867 158 years ago
Died
January 14th, 1951 75 years ago — 83 years old
An influential Greek author, journalist, and playwright. Contributed significantly to 20th-century Greek literature. Wrote novels celebrating the Greek landscape and culture, often depicting the struggles of ordinary people. His works include plays that were performed in theaters across Greece, enhancing the cultural dialogue of the time. Held various positions in literary and journalistic circles, actively engaging with contemporary political and social issues in Greece.
Continue ReadingÉmile Waldteufel
French composer of waltzes and operettas
Born
December 9th, 1837 188 years ago
Died
February 12th, 1915 110 years ago — 77 years old
A pianist and conductor from France, celebrated for composing a variety of waltzes and operettas during the late 19th century. Waldteufel gained prominence with works that blended catchy melodies and light orchestration. His most famous piece, "Les Patineurs," made a significant mark in the world of light classical music and continues to be widely performed today. He served as the conductor for several prominent orchestras and became a respected figure in the Paris musical scene, collaborating with various notable artists and organizations. His contributions to the waltz genre cemented his place in music history.
Continue ReadingFritz Haber
Chemist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
December 9th, 1868 157 years ago
Died
January 29th, 1934 92 years ago — 65 years old
Born in 1868, a chemist contributed significantly to the development of chemical processes and agricultural practices. Developed the Haber-Bosch process for synthesizing ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen, which revolutionized fertilizer production. This process greatly influenced agricultural productivity worldwide. In 1918, awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for this work. Additionally, worked on chemical warfare during World War I, which sparked ethical controversies surrounding scientific contributions to warfare. Died in 1934.
Continue ReadingTip O'Neill
U.S. Politician and House Speaker
Born
December 9th, 1912 113 years ago
Died
January 5th, 1994 32 years ago — 81 years old
Served as a prominent American lawyer and politician. Elected to the United States House of Representatives for Massachusetts in 1952, held leadership positions including Majority Leader before becoming the 55th Speaker of the House in 1977. Advocated for various policies during a career that spanned nearly four decades. Retired from Congress in 1987 and authored a memoir detailing his experiences in government. Passed away in 1994.
Continue ReadingMackenzie Blackwood
Canadian ice hockey player and goaltender
Born
December 9th, 1996 29 years ago
Drafted 42nd overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Made professional debut with the Devils in 2018. Established as the team's starting goaltender during the 2019-2020 season. Played significant games in the Stanley Cup Playoffs as a key player for the Devils. Represented Canada at international competitions, contributing to the team's success in tournaments.
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