Famous people born on December 13th
December 13 brings together an unusually broad mix of creative voices, public leaders, and cultural icons. From Romantic-era poetry and modern sociology to chart-topping pop and celebrated screen performances, the date spans centuries of influence. It is also notable for producing figures who shaped public life, from politics and diplomacy to business and faith communities.
Notable highlights
- Taylor Swift (1989) - Pop songwriter whose narrative-driven albums and record-setting tours reshaped modern music marketing and fan culture.
- Dick Van Dyke (1925) - Comedy and musical-performance legend who helped define the American TV sitcom and classic movie musical era.
- Heinrich Heine (1797) - German poet and essayist whose lyrical Romanticism and sharp satire influenced European literature and song.
- Jamie Foxx (1967) - Actor and musician acclaimed for transformative biographical roles and crossover success in entertainment.
- Steve Buscemi (1957) - Distinctive character actor celebrated for offbeat intensity in both independent film and prestige television.
- Christopher Plummer (1929) - Stage-and-screen actor renowned for classical technique and a career that stayed vital across decades.
- Amy Lee (1981) - Vocalist and songwriter known for fusing rock with orchestral textures and dramatic, genre-blending performances.
- Emily Carr (1871) - Canadian modernist painter whose bold landscapes and depictions of Indigenous cultural sites became national touchstones.
- Talcott Parsons (1902) - Sociologist who built a foundational framework for understanding how institutions hold societies together.
- Mary Todd Lincoln (1818) - First Lady during the Civil War era, remembered for navigating intense personal and political pressures in the White House.
On this day
- 1577 - Francis Drake sets sail from England on the voyage that would lead to his circumnavigation of the globe.
- 1862 - Union forces attack at the Battle of Fredericksburg during the American Civil War.
- 1937 - The Second Sino-Japanese War escalates after the Nanjing Massacre begins.
- 2003 - Saddam Hussein is captured by U.S. forces near Tikrit, Iraq.