December 9: What Happened on This Day in History
December 9th marks the 343rd day of the Gregorian calendar year (or the 344th in case of leap years). There are 22 days remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on December 9th in history, famous birthdays on December 9th, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to December 9.
What happened on December 9?
Here's what happened on December 9th in history:
- 2021: The United States reached a significant milestone by surpassing 200 million COVID-19 vaccinations. The Omicron variant's emergence paradoxically boosted vaccination demand as people sought protection against the new variant.
- 2008: On December 9, 2008, Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich was arrested on federal corruption charges, including allegations of attempting to sell Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat. This high-profile case drew national attention and raised questions about political corruption. source: nytimes.com
- 2002: On December 9, 2002, a significant sentencing related to Cold War espionage was reported, involving individuals who had been convicted of spying for the Soviet Union. This case highlighted the ongoing repercussions of espionage activities during the Cold War era. source: nytimes.com
- 2000: On December 9, 2000, the United States Supreme Court agreed to hear the case of Bush v. Gore, which challenged the Florida Supreme Court's decision to recount votes in the presidential election. This case ultimately led to the Court's decision to halt the recount, effectively awarding Florida's electoral votes to George W. Bush. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 1995: On December 9, 1995, Harry Gold was sentenced for his role in espionage activities related to the Manhattan Project during World War II. His actions had significant implications for U.S. national security and the Cold War. source: nytimes.com
- 1994: A 13-meter diameter asteroid, designated 1994 XM1, passed within 100,000 kilometers of Earth, highlighting the ongoing potential for near-Earth object encounters.
- 1990: On December 9, 1990, Lech Wałęsa was elected as the first directly elected President of Poland. He was a prominent leader of the Solidarity movement and played a key role in the peaceful transition from communism to democracy in Poland. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 1985: On December 9, 1985, during the Trial of the Juntas, nine leading members of Argentina's military dictatorship were convicted for crimes committed during the 'Dirty War' (1976–1983). General Jorge Rafael Videla and Admiral Emilio Massera received life imprisonment sentences, while three others received lighter sentences. Four defendants were acquitted due to insufficient evidence. This trial marked a significant step in Argentina's efforts to address past human rights abuses. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 1981: On December 9, 1981, at approximately 3:55 a.m., Philadelphia Police Officer Daniel Faulkner conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by William Cook, the brother of Mumia Abu-Jamal. During the stop, Cook assaulted Faulkner, leading to a physical altercation. Abu-Jamal, who was nearby, intervened by shooting Faulkner in the back and face. Faulkner returned fire, wounding Abu-Jamal in the chest. Despite his injuries, Abu-Jamal stood over Faulkner and fired additional shots, fatally wounding him. Abu-Jamal was arrested at the scene, and his revolver, containing five spent cartridges, was found beside him. He was charged with first-degree murder and, after a trial in 1982, was convicted and sentenced to death. The case has been the subject of extensive legal proceedings and public debate over the years. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 1975: On December 9, 1975, the United Nations made significant progress in advancing human rights declarations, focusing on various global issues. This meeting highlighted the UN's ongoing commitment to promoting and protecting human rights worldwide. source: un.org
What famous birthdays are on December 9?
On December 9th there are the following famous birthdays:
![Judi Dench]()
Judi Dench (1934)Judi Dench is a renowned English actress acclaimed for her distinguished stage and screen career, particularly in Shakespearean theater and in major film franchises. [bio]
![Kirk Douglas]()
Kirk Douglas (1916)Kirk Douglas was an American actor, producer, director, and author, widely recognized as one of the last surviving stars of Hollywood's Golden Age. He appeared in more than 90 movies, known for intense, dramatic roles and his distinctive cleft chin. [bio]
![Felicity Huffman]()
Felicity Huffman (1962)Felicity Huffman is an American actress best known for her roles in the television series 'Desperate Housewives' and the film 'Transamerica.' She has received numerous accolades, including a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award, and was nominated for an Academy Award. Huffman was also involved in the 2019 college admissions bribery scandal. [bio]
![Redd Foxx]()
![Lee J. Cobb]()
Lee J. Cobb (1911)Lee J. Cobb was an American actor renowned for his powerful performances on stage, film, and television. He is best remembered for his roles in classics such as 'On the Waterfront' and '12 Angry Men.' His extensive career included significant roles both on Broadway and in Hollywood, making him one of the most respected character actors of his generation. [bio]
![John Malkovich]()
John Malkovich (1953)John Malkovich is an American actor, producer, and director renowned for his emotionally intense performances and versatility across film, television, and stage. He is widely respected for his distinctive presence, unique voice, and significant contribution to American and international cinema. [bio]
![Beau Bridges]()
Beau Bridges (1941)Beau Bridges is an American actor and director known for his work in film, television, and stage. He is recognized for his versatile roles and has received multiple awards throughout his career, including Emmy and Golden Globe Awards. [bio]
![Simon Helberg]()
Simon Helberg (1980)Simon Helberg is an American actor and comedian best known for his role as Howard Wolowitz on the television sitcom 'The Big Bang Theory.' He has also appeared in several films and television series, earning acclaim for his comedic talent and versatility. [bio]
![Michael Dorn]()
Michael Dorn (1952)Michael Dorn is an American actor and voice actor best known for his role as the Klingon character Worf in the Star Trek franchise, appearing in both Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, as well as in several Star Trek feature films. [bio]
![Kirsten Gillibrand]()
Kirsten Gillibrand (1966)Kirsten Gillibrand is an American lawyer and politician serving as the junior United States Senator from New York, a seat she has held since 2009. She is a member of the Democratic Party and is known for her advocacy on women’s rights, military reform, and transparency in government. [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 9?
On December 9th the following celebrities died:
![Archie Moore]()
Archie Moore (1998)Archie Moore was an American professional boxer and one of the greatest light heavyweight champions in boxing history. Renowned for his longevity, ring intelligence, and knockout power, Moore held the World Light Heavyweight Title for a record duration and is remembered as one of the most durable and skilled fighters of the 20th century. [bio]
![Eleanor Parker]()
Eleanor Parker (2013)Eleanor Parker was an acclaimed American film, television, and stage actress, best known for her versatility in playing a wide range of dramatic roles during Hollywood's Golden Age. She received three Academy Award nominations for Best Actress. [bio]
![Gene Barry]()
Gene Barry (2009)Gene Barry was an American actor known for his roles in television, film, and stage, particularly in the mid-20th century. He gained fame for starring in the 1953 science fiction film 'The War of the Worlds' and for leading television roles such as 'Bat Masterson' and the title role in 'Burke's Law.' [bio]
![Paolo Rossi]()
Paolo Rossi (2020)Paolo Rossi was a legendary Italian soccer player who led Italy to victory in the 1982 FIFA World Cup.
![Norman Joseph Woodland]()
Norman Joseph Woodland (2012)Norman Joseph Woodland was an American inventor who co-invented the barcode, a revolutionary technology that transformed retail, inventory...
![Demaryius Thomas]()
Demaryius Thomas (2021)Professional NFL wide receiver who played for the Denver Broncos and was a five-time Pro Bowl selection, known for his exceptional catching...
![Ralph Bunche]()
Ralph Bunche (1971)Ralph Bunche was a prominent African American diplomat, political scientist, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate who played a crucial role in...
![Leon Jaworski]()
Leon Jaworski (1982)Prominent American lawyer who co-founded the prestigious law firm Fulbright & Jaworski and served as a special prosecutor during the...
![Patrick Moore]()
Patrick Moore (2012)Legendary British astronomer and television presenter who hosted 'The Sky at Night' for over 55 years, making him a pioneering science...
![Mary Leakey]()
Mary Leakey (1996)Renowned English-Kenyan archaeologist and paleoanthropologist who made significant contributions to human origins research in East Africa.
What day of the year is December 9?
December 9th marks the 343rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 344th in case of leap years).
There are 22 days remaining until the end of the year.
December 9th is the 9th day of the month of December.
What day of the week is December 9?
On December 9th, 2026 the day of the week is Wednesday.
| 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 9?
The zodiac sign associated with December 9th is Sagittarius according to the Western Zodiac.
