December 12: What Happened on This Day in History
December 12th marks the 346th day of the Gregorian calendar year (or the 347th in case of leap years). There are 19 days remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on December 12th in history, famous birthdays on December 12th, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to December 12.
What happened on December 12?
Here's what happened on December 12th in history:
- 2021: Dutch Formula One racing driver Max Verstappen clinched a dramatic and controversial victory at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, defeating seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton. This momentous win made Verstappen the first Formula One World Champion from the Netherlands, marking a significant milestone in motorsport history.
- 2008: Van Johnson, a prominent American actor from Hollywood's golden age, passed away. Born in 1916, Johnson was known for his roles in numerous films during the 1940s and 1950s.
- 2002: Nikolai Amosov was a renowned Ukrainian heart surgeon, celebrated inventor, prolific author, and passionate advocate for physical fitness. Born in 1913, he made significant contributions to cardiovascular surgery and wrote extensively about health, wellness, and personal development. His work not only advanced medical techniques but also promoted a holistic approach to health through exercise and self-improvement.
- 2000: The United States Supreme Court released its landmark 5-4 decision in Bush v. Gore, effectively determining the outcome of the highly contested 2000 presidential election. The ruling halted the Florida vote recount and ultimately secured the presidency for George W. Bush over Al Gore, marking a pivotal moment in modern American electoral history.
- 1995: NBA referees returned to work after a labor dispute, resolving tensions and ensuring the continuation of professional basketball games.
- 1994: Antoine Pinay, a prominent French politician who served as Prime Minister in 1952 and later as foreign minister, passed away at the remarkable age of 102. His long life spanned significant periods of French political history, including the post-World War II reconstruction era.
- 1990: Nathaniel Howell, the United States Ambassador to Kuwait, departed from Kuwait amid rising tensions in the region during the Gulf War period.
- 1985: NASA launched space vehicle S-207 on December 12, 1985, as part of its ongoing space exploration and research programs.
- 1981: Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky scores his 50th goal in record-breaking time, further cementing his status as 'The Great One' in professional ice hockey.
- 1977: The New York Yankees purchased pitcher Andy Messersmith from the Atlanta Braves, adding depth to their roster during the late 1970s baseball offseason.
What famous birthdays are on December 12?
On December 12th there are the following famous birthdays:
![Frank Sinatra]()
Frank Sinatra (1915)Frank Sinatra was an iconic American singer, actor, and cultural phenomenon who defined mid-20th century entertainment.
![Bob Barker]()
Bob Barker (1923)Bob Barker is an iconic American television host best known for hosting 'The Price is Right' for 35 years, becoming a beloved figure in game...
![Connie Francis]()
Connie Francis (1938)Iconic American pop and rock and roll singer known for her powerful voice and hit songs in the 1950s and 1960s, including 'Where the Boys...
![Dilip Kumar]()
Dilip Kumar (1922)Legendary Bollywood actor known as the 'Tragedy King' who significantly influenced Indian cinema during its golden era and won numerous...
![Sammy Davis]()
Sammy Davis (1900)Legendary African American entertainer known for his groundbreaking performances in music, dance, and acting, and as a key member of the...
![Jennifer Connelly]()
Jennifer Connelly (1970)Academy Award-winning actress known for critically acclaimed roles in films like 'A Beautiful Mind', 'Requiem for a Dream', and 'House of...
![Tom Wilkinson]()
Tom Wilkinson (1948)Acclaimed English actor known for his versatile roles in film and theater, including notable performances in 'The Full Monty' and...
![Lucas Hedges]()
Lucas Hedges (1996)Lucas Hedges is an acclaimed American actor known for his powerful performances in independent films like 'Manchester by the Sea' and 'Lady...
![Fatma Girik]()
Fatma Girik (1942)Prominent Turkish actress and politician known for her significant contributions to Turkish cinema and public life.
![Bill Nighy]()
Bill Nighy (1949)Acclaimed British actor known for his distinctive style and memorable roles in romantic comedies and fantasy films, including 'Love...
How to check someone's birthday?
If you’re looking for a person's birth date, have a look at our Birthday Search Guide
Who died on December 12?
On December 12th the following celebrities died:
![Douglas Fairbanks]()
Douglas Fairbanks (1939)American actor, known for his role as a hero film star in the '20s and '40s.
![Vicente Fernández]()
Vicente Fernández (2021)Vicente Fernández was a legendary Mexican ranchera singer, actor, and businessman known as 'El Rey de la Música Mexicana' (The King of...
![Tallulah Bankhead]()
Tallulah Bankhead (1968)Iconic American actress known for her powerful stage performances and flamboyant personality.
![Ann Reinking]()
Ann Reinking (2020)Renowned Broadway dancer, choreographer, and actress best known for her work in 'Chicago' and her significant contributions to musical...
![Danny Aiello]()
Danny Aiello (2019)Danny Aiello was a prominent American character actor known for memorable roles in Spike Lee's 'Do the Right Thing' and the romantic comedy...
![Anne Baxter]()
Anne Baxter (1985)Acclaimed Hollywood actress who won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in 'The Razor's Edge' and was nominated for 'All About Eve'.
![Peter Boyle]()
Peter Boyle (2006)Renowned American actor best known for his roles in 'Young Frankenstein' and the TV series 'Everybody Loves Raymond'.
![Jack Cassidy]()
Jack Cassidy (1976)Jack Cassidy was a renowned American actor and singer known for his versatile performances in television and theater.
![Van Johnson]()
Van Johnson (2008)Iconic Hollywood actor of the 1940s and 1950s, known for his distinctive red hair and boyish charm.
![Audrey Totter]()
Audrey Totter (2013)Prominent American film noir actress known for her roles in classic Hollywood movies like 'The Carpetbaggers' and 'The Set-Up', who was a...
What day of the year is December 12?
December 12th marks the 346th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 347th in case of leap years).
There are 19 days remaining until the end of the year.
December 12th is the 12th day of the month of December.
What day of the week is December 12?
On December 12th, 2025 the day of the week is Friday.
| December | 2025 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
| 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 |
| 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 |
| 29 | 30 | 31 | ||||
What zodiac sign is associated with the day December 12?
The zodiac sign associated with December 12th is Sagittarius according to the Western Zodiac.
