Famous people born on December 23rd
December 23 brings together an unusually wide range of public figures, spanning faith leaders, writers, performers, athletes, and statesmen. The date is notable for blending influential 19th-century thinkers with modern voices in music, film, and public service. From cultural tastemakers to political and military leadership, these birthdays reflect both popular entertainment and enduring institutional impact.
Notable highlights
- Joseph Smith, Jr. (1805) - Founded the Latter Day Saint movement and shaped a new American religious tradition with global reach.
- Samuel Smiles (1812) - His book Self-Help helped define Victorian-era ideas about character, work, and social mobility.
- Akihito (1933) - As Emperor of Japan, he became a symbol of postwar reconciliation and a more publicly engaged monarchy.
- Eddie Vedder (1964) - The Pearl Jam frontman became a defining voice of 1990s rock, known for activist lyrics and a distinctive baritone.
- Donna Tartt (1963) - Her meticulously crafted novels, including The Goldfinch, blend literary style with suspense and long-form ambition.
- Yousuf Karsh (1908) - A master portrait photographer whose images of leaders and artists helped set the 20th-century standard for iconic studio portraiture.
- James Stockdale (1923) - A U.S. Navy officer whose Vietnam War captivity and leadership made him a lasting example of resilience and moral philosophy in combat.
- Susan Lucci (1946) - A daytime television institution, celebrated for a long-running, career-defining role that became part of pop-culture lore.
- Adrian Belew (1949) - A guitarist known for innovative textures and adventurous collaborations, especially in progressive and experimental rock.
- Carol Ann Duffy (1955) - A major contemporary poet whose work balances accessibility with sharp social observation and inventive voice.
On this day
- 1783 - George Washington resigned his commission as commander-in-chief, reinforcing civilian control of the military in the early United States.
- 1913 - The U.S. Federal Reserve System was created with the signing of the Federal Reserve Act.
- 1947 - Bell Labs announced the invention of the transistor, a breakthrough that powered modern electronics and computing.
- 1972 - The final Apollo mission, Apollo 17, returned to Earth after the last crewed landing on the Moon.