Famous people born on December 7th
December 7 brings together a striking mix of historians and philosophers, bestselling authors, influential activists, and standout performers from stage, screen, and sports. The day spans figures who shaped modern linguistics and dissent, redefined American fiction, and left indelible marks on music and cinema. From intellectual history to pop culture, this date showcases unusually broad creative and civic range.
Notable highlights
- Noam Chomsky (1928) - A foundational voice in modern linguistics whose political writing also made him a global symbol of dissent.
- Willa Cather (1873) - A Pulitzer-winning novelist celebrated for vivid Great Plains storytelling and immigrant narratives.
- Howard Zinn (1922) - His "people's history" approach reshaped how many readers view American power, protest, and labor.
- Tom Waits (1949) - Cult-favorite songwriter known for gravelly vocals, cinematic storytelling, and genre-bending arrangements.
- Larry Bird (1956) - NBA legend who later became a top executive and coach, rare success across all three roles.
- Johnny Bench (1947) - A gold-standard catcher whose defense and power helped define an era of baseball excellence.
- Ellen Burstyn (1932) - Acclaimed actor with an Academy Award and a decades-long career spanning film, theater, and television.
- Hermann Maier (1972) - Alpine skiing powerhouse nicknamed the "Herminator", famed for speed, resilience, and dramatic comebacks.
- Pietro Mascagni (1863) - Composer whose opera "Cavalleria rusticana" became a cornerstone of verismo music drama.
On this day
- 1941 - Japan attacks Pearl Harbor, prompting the United States to enter World War II.
- 1949 - China establishes the capital at Beijing (Peking) under the newly founded People's Republic of China.
- 1972 - Apollo 17 launches, the final crewed mission to the Moon and the last time humans have traveled beyond low Earth orbit.
- 1988 - A major earthquake strikes Armenia, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.