Tip O'Neill
U.S. Politician and House Speaker
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.
Served as Speaker of the House from 1977 to 1987.
Played a key role in passing Social Security amendments.
Other People Born on December 9th
Francisco S. Carvajal
Mexican politician, president in 1914
Born
December 9th, 1870 155 years ago
Died
September 20th, 1932 93 years ago — 61 years old
Served as a prominent lawyer and politician in Mexico. Assumed the presidency in 1914 during the Mexican Revolution, taking charge amidst significant political turmoil. His presidency was marked by attempts to navigate conflicts between revolutionary factions and maintain government stability. Held the office for a brief period, leading the country through a transitional government as fighting continued in various regions. After leaving office, continued to be involved in Mexican politics and law.
Continue ReadingHarvey Barnes
English footballer, Leicester City star
Born
December 9th, 1997 28 years ago
Professional footballer achieved recognition for playing as a winger. Developed through the youth system at Leicester City, made a significant impact in the team, contributing to their FA Cup triumph in 2021. Gained national attention for performances in the Premier League, showcasing speed and skill. Represented the England national team at various youth levels before earning senior caps.
Continue ReadingFritz Haber
Chemist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
December 9th, 1868 157 years ago
Died
January 29th, 1934 91 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 ReadingJohn Cassavetes
Actor, director, and screenwriter
Born
December 9th, 1929 96 years ago
Died
February 3rd, 1989 36 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 ReadingPetr Nedvěd
Czech-Canadian ice hockey player
Born
December 9th, 1971 54 years ago
A professional ice hockey player, participated in the NHL during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Played for several teams including the Vancouver Canucks, New York Rangers, and Edmonton Oilers. Known for contributions to international competitions, representing the Czech Republic in various tournaments, including the IIHF World Championships.
Continue ReadingDonald Byrd
Trumpet player and jazz bandleader
Born
December 9th, 1932 93 years ago
Died
February 4th, 2013 12 years ago — 80 years old
A prominent figure in jazz music, this trumpet player emerged in the 1950s and contributed significantly to the genre. Active from the bebop era, collaborated with numerous artists and bands, showcasing a unique style that blended hard bop with elements of funk and soul. Recorded numerous albums throughout a prolific career, with 'A New Perspective' being one of the notable works. Served as a professor at various institutions, influencing future generations of musicians. Continued to perform until the later years of life, maintaining a presence in the jazz community until passing in 2013.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on January 5th
Max Born
Physicist, Nobel Prize winner in Physics
Born
December 11th, 1882 143 years ago
Died
January 5th, 1970 55 years ago — 87 years old
A prominent physicist and mathematician, contributed significantly to the development of quantum mechanics. Worked on the statistical interpretation of quantum mechanics and introduced the concept of wave functions. Played a crucial role in the formulation of the Born rule, which describes the probability distribution of finding a particle in a given state. Served as a professor at universities including Göttingen and Edinburgh, influencing future generations of scientists.
Continue ReadingLéon Walras
Economist and creator of general equilibrium
Born
December 16th, 1834 191 years ago
Died
January 5th, 1910 115 years ago — 75 years old
An economist and academic who developed the theory of general equilibrium, which analyzes the effect of supply and demand across multiple markets simultaneously. Walras published a seminal work titled 'Éléments d'économie politique pure' in 1874, laying the groundwork for modern economic theory. He worked as a professor at the University of Lausanne, where his contributions influenced both microeconomic and macroeconomic analysis. His methodologies focused on mathematical formulations to represent economic concepts, significantly shaping the field of economics.
Continue ReadingMerlyn Rees
Welsh politician, Home Secretary
Born
1920 105 years ago
Died
January 5th, 2006 19 years ago — 86 years old
Served as a member of the British Labour Party and held various political positions, including Home Secretary from 1974 to 1976. Played a significant role during a challenging period in British politics, overseeing significant issues related to public safety and immigration. Participated in discussions and policies regarding social justice and community relations during the 1970s.
Continue ReadingSamuel Huntington
American jurist and politician
Born
July 16th, 1731 294 years ago
Died
January 5th, 1796 229 years ago — 64 years old
Served as the 18th Governor of Connecticut from 1786 until 1796. Contributed to the drafting of the Articles of Confederation. Played a role in the Continental Congress and signed the Declaration of Independence. Had a background in law and became a prominent figure in Connecticut's early governance.
Continue ReadingEdmund Herring
Australian general and Chief Justice
Born
1892 133 years ago
Died
January 5th, 1982 43 years ago — 90 years old
Served as a general in the Australian Army during World War II, leading troops in notable campaigns. Later transitioned into a political career and served as the 7th Chief Justice of Victoria. Played a significant role in the legal landscape of the state, offering judgments that influenced various aspects of law. Recognized for contributions to both military and judicial fields.
Continue ReadingSoh Jaipil
Journalist and Korean independence activist
Born
1864 161 years ago
Died
January 5th, 1951 74 years ago — 87 years old
A journalist and activist, this individual advocated for Korean independence from Japanese rule. Emigrating to the United States, established a Korean-language newspaper in Los Angeles, promoting awareness of the Korean struggle. Played a significant role in organizing Korean expatriates for political activism and published works that highlighted the desire for national sovereignty. Contributed to various initiatives aimed at garnering support for the Korean independence movement and engaged with other prominent figures of the era to further these goals.
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