December 3: What Happened on This Day in History
December 3rd marks the 337th day of the Gregorian calendar year (or the 338th in case of leap years). There are 28 days remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on December 3rd in history, famous birthdays on December 3rd, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to December 3.
What happened on December 3?
Here's what happened on December 3rd in history:
- 2008: A rare Bentley was sold at auction for a record price, attracting attention from collectors and car enthusiasts. The sale underscored the growing market for luxury and vintage automobiles. source: bbc.com
- 2006: Typhoon Durian struck the Philippines on December 3, 2006, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The storm led to significant flooding and landslides, prompting emergency responses from the government and international aid organizations. source: bbc.com
- 2000: Scottish professional snooker player John Higgins secured his second UK Championship title by defeating Welshman Mark Williams 10–4 in the final at the Bournemouth International Centre in Bournemouth, England. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 1994: On December 3, 1994, Taiwan held its first full local elections, marking a significant step in its democratic development. This event was pivotal in shaping Taiwan's political landscape. source: bbc.com
- 1990: On December 3, 1990, a tragic collision occurred on a runway involving Northwest Airlines, resulting in multiple fatalities. The incident raised significant concerns regarding airport safety protocols and procedures. source: nytimes.com
- 1987: On December 3, 1987, Dr. Chris Barnard performed the first successful human heart transplant at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa. The recipient, Louis Washkansky, lived for 18 days after the surgery, marking a significant milestone in medical history and organ transplantation. This groundbreaking procedure opened new avenues for treating heart disease. source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 1985: On December 3, 1985, Space Shuttle Atlantis successfully completed its second mission, STS-61-B, by landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California. The mission, which lasted 6 days, 21 hours, 4 minutes, and 49 seconds, involved deploying three communications satellites: MORELOS-B for Mexico, AUSSAT-2 for Australia, and SATCOM KU-2 for RCA Americom. Additionally, two spacewalks were conducted to test the assembly of structures in space. source: nasa.gov
- 1983: On December 3, 1983, Nebraska running back Mike Rozier was awarded the 49th Heisman Trophy, recognizing him as the best player in college football for that year. Rozier had an outstanding season, rushing for 2,148 yards and scoring 29 touchdowns. source: sports-reference.com
- 1977: Seamus Twomey, a prominent member of the Provisional Irish Republican Army's ruling army council, was recaptured in Ballsbridge after escaping from Dublin's Mountjoy Prison via helicopter more than four years earlier. This significant capture represented a major law enforcement success against IRA leadership. source: takemeback.to
- 1975: On December 3, 1975, the wreck of the HMHS Britannic, a sister ship to the Titanic, was discovered off the Greek island of Kea, nearly 60 years after it sank during World War I. source: en.wikipedia.org
What famous birthdays are on December 3?
On December 3rd there are the following famous birthdays:
![Julianne Moore]()
Julianne Moore (1960)Julianne Moore is an acclaimed American actress known for her extensive film career, marked by her portrayals of emotionally complex women in both independent and mainstream projects. She has received numerous prestigious awards, including an Academy Award, and is recognized for her roles in films such as 'Boogie Nights', 'Far from Heaven', 'The Hours', 'Still Alice', and 'The Kids Are … [bio]
![Brendan Fraser]()
Brendan Fraser (1968)Brendan Fraser is a Canadian-American actor best known for leading roles in adventure, comedy, and drama films, including 'The Mummy' trilogy, 'George of the Jungle', and 'The Whale'. He has earned acclaim for both his comedic timing and dramatic performances, and won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in 'The Whale' (2022). [bio]
![Andy Williams]()
Andy Williams (1927)Andy Williams was an American singer known for his smooth voice and extensive recording career that spanned more than five decades. He became famous for his television show, "The Andy Williams Show," and for hits such as "Moon River." [bio]
![Tiffany Haddish]()
Tiffany Haddish (1979)Tiffany Haddish is an American actress, comedian, and author, known for her breakout role in the 2017 comedy film 'Girls Trip' and her energetic stand-up comedy style. She has become one of the most prominent comedic performers in Hollywood, appearing in films, television shows, and as a host of high-profile events. [bio]
![Amanda Seyfried]()
Amanda Seyfried (1985)Amanda Seyfried is an American actress, singer, and model known for her versatile roles in film and television, including prominent performances in 'Mean Girls,' 'Mamma Mia!,' and 'Les Misérables.' [bio]
![Andrew Stanton]()
Andrew Stanton (1965)Andrew Stanton is an acclaimed American film director, screenwriter, producer, and voice actor, best known for his work with Pixar Animation Studios, where he played a crucial role in creating and directing some of the most influential animated films of the modern era. [bio]
![Daryl Hannah]()
Daryl Hannah (1960)Daryl Hannah is an American actress and environmental activist known for her roles in iconic films such as 'Blade Runner,' 'Splash,' and 'Steel Magnolias.' She has had a prolific career in Hollywood spanning over four decades and is also recognized for her advocacy in environmental and animal rights causes. [bio]
![Holly Marie Combs]()
Holly Marie Combs (1973)Holly Marie Combs is an American actress and television producer best known for her roles as Piper Halliwell in the supernatural drama series 'Charmed' and as Ella Montgomery in the teen drama 'Pretty Little Liars.' She started her career at a young age and became a prominent figure in American television throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s. [bio]
![Daniel Bedingfield]()
Daniel Bedingfield (1979)Daniel Bedingfield is an English-New Zealand singer, songwriter, and record producer best known for his chart-topping debut single "Gotta Get Thru This" and subsequent success in the early 2000s. His music spans pop, dance, and R&B genres. [bio]
![Anna Chlumsky]()
Anna Chlumsky (1980)Anna Chlumsky is an American actress best known for her childhood role as Vada Sultenfuss in the beloved coming-of-age film 'My Girl' (1991) and its sequel. After a hiatus, she returned to the screen as an adult and gained critical acclaim for her role as Amy Brookheimer in the HBO series 'Veep.', earning several Emmy nominations. [bio]
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 3?
On December 3rd the following celebrities died:
![Madeline Kahn]()
Madeline Kahn (1999)Madeline Kahn was an acclaimed American actress, comedian, and singer best known for her comedic roles in classic films like 'Blazing Saddles,' 'Young Frankenstein,' and 'Paper Moon.' Renowned for her exceptional talent in both film and theater, she received multiple award nominations and was beloved for her unique comedic timing. [bio]
![Glenn Quinn]()
Glenn Quinn (2002)Glenn Quinn was an Irish actor best known for his roles as Mark Healy on the American sitcom 'Roseanne' and as Doyle on the television series 'Angel.' [bio]
![Gwendolyn Brooks]()
Gwendolyn Brooks (2000)Gwendolyn Brooks was a pioneering African American poet who broke significant racial barriers in literature by becoming the first Black poet...
![James Stewart]()
James Stewart (2014)James stewart was an iconic american actor known for his roles in classic films such as it's a wonderful life and mr.
![Alison Lurie]()
Alison Lurie (2020)Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist and Cornell University professor, renowned for her insightful and witty literary works.
![Lewis Thomas]()
Lewis Thomas (1993)Lewis Thomas was a renowned physician, writer, poet, and educator who significantly contributed to medical literature and understanding of...
![Dhyan Chand]()
Dhyan Chand (1979)Legendary Indian hockey player widely considered the greatest hockey player of all time, who revolutionized the sport with his extraordinary...
![Scott Weiland]()
Scott Weiland (2015)Iconic rock musician known as the lead vocalist of Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver, who significantly influenced alternative rock in...
![Dev Anand]()
Dev Anand (2011)Legendary Indian film actor, director, and producer who was a prominent figure in Bollywood's Golden Age, known for his charismatic screen...
![Nathaniel Branden]()
Nathaniel Branden (2014)Nathaniel Branden was a prominent psychologist who pioneered research on self-esteem and was a key intellectual associate of philosopher Ayn...
What day of the year is December 3?
December 3rd marks the 337th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 338th in case of leap years).
There are 28 days remaining until the end of the year.
December 3rd is the 3rd day of the month of December.
What day of the week is December 3?
On December 3rd, 2026 the day of the week is Thursday.
| December | 2026 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 3?
The zodiac sign associated with December 3rd is Sagittarius according to the Western Zodiac.
