December 16: What Happened on This Day in History
December 16th marks the 350th day of the Gregorian calendar year (or the 351st in case of leap years). There are 15 days remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on December 16th in history, famous birthdays on December 16th, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to December 16.
What happened on December 16?
Here's what happened on December 16th in history:
- 2021: A devastating incident occurred in Devonport, Tasmania, Australia, where a fatal accident involving an inflatable castle resulted in the deaths of five children and injuries to four others. The castle was reportedly lifted into the air, causing the tragic casualties.
- 2014: On December 16, 2014, a terrorist attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar, Pakistan, resulted in the deaths of 149 people, including 132 children. The attack was carried out by the Taliban and led to widespread condemnation and calls for action against terrorism in Pakistan. source: bbc.com
- 2011: On December 16, 2011, Japan's Fukushima nuclear power plant was declared to be in a cold shutdown state. This marked a significant step in the recovery process following the catastrophic earthquake and tsunami that struck in March 2011. source: bbc.com
- 2004: The House of Lords in the UK reaffirmed the importance of human rights in a landmark ruling, emphasizing the need for legal protections against discrimination. This decision was seen as a significant step in the evolution of human rights law in the UK. source: theguardian.com
- 1999: On December 16, 1999, China officially reclaimed Macao from Portuguese administration, marking the end of over 400 years of colonial rule. This event was part of China's broader strategy of reunifying territories lost during the colonial era. source: bbc.com
- 1995: On December 16, 1995, South Africa celebrated its first Day of Reconciliation, a public holiday aimed at fostering national unity and healing the divisions of the apartheid era. The date was chosen for its significance to both Afrikaner and indigenous South African cultures, marking the Battle of Blood River in 1838 and the formation of the Umkhonto we Sizwe in 1961. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 1988: Anna Popplewell, an English actress known for her role as Susan Pevensie in 'The Chronicles of Narnia' film series, was born on December 16, 1988, in London, England. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 1985: On December 16, 1985, Paul Castellano, boss of the Gambino crime family, and his underboss Thomas Bilotti were assassinated outside Sparks Steak House in Manhattan. The hit was orchestrated by John Gotti, who subsequently assumed leadership of the family. Frank DeCicco was appointed as the new underboss. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 1981: On December 16, 1981, Polish authorities forcibly suppressed a miners' strike at the Wujek Coal Mine in Katowice, leading to the deaths of nine miners. The miners had been protesting against the imposition of martial law and the arrest of their union leader. The crackdown involved riot police and military units, who used live ammunition to disperse the protesters. This event remains one of the most tragic incidents during Poland's martial law period. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 1977: The film 'Saturday Night Fever' was released on December 16, 1977, becoming a cultural phenomenon and significantly influencing the disco era. Its soundtrack and dance scenes left a lasting impact on popular culture. source: imdb.com
What famous birthdays are on December 16?
On December 16th there are the following famous birthdays:
![Benny Andersson]()
Benny Andersson (1946)Benny Andersson is a Swedish musician, composer, and producer best known as a founding member of the internationally acclaimed pop group ABBA. Renowned for his songwriting partnership with Björn Ulvaeus, Andersson has significantly influenced pop music through his work with ABBA, as well as his compositions for musicals and solo projects. [bio]
![Arthur Clarke]()
Arthur Clarke (1917)Arthur C. Clarke was a British science fiction writer, futurist, and inventor, best known for his groundbreaking novels including '2001: A Space Odyssey' and his influential ideas on space exploration and science communication. [bio]
![Benjamin Bratt]()
Benjamin Bratt (1963)Benjamin Bratt is an American actor and producer known for his versatile roles in television and film, including prominent appearances on 'Law & Order' and in movies such as 'Miss Congeniality' and 'Traffic.' [bio]
![Liv Ullmann]()
Liv Ullmann (1938)Liv Ullmann is a renowned Norwegian actress and film director, best known for her work with Swedish director Ingmar Bergman. She is recognized as one of the leading actresses of European cinema, particularly in the 1960s and 70s. [bio]
![Krysten Ritter]()
Krysten Ritter (1981)Krysten Ritter is an American actress, model, musician, and author, best known for her starring role as Jessica Jones in the Marvel Cinematic Universe Netflix series 'Jessica Jones' and its associated series. She has also appeared in prominent roles in 'Breaking Bad' and 'Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23.' [bio]
![Flo Rida]()
Flo Rida (1979)Flo Rida (born Tramar Lacel Dillard) is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter best known for his chart-topping hit singles like "Low," "Right Round," and "Whistle." He gained widespread fame in the late 2000s and is recognized for his high-energy tracks that blend hip-hop and pop elements. [bio]
![Miranda Otto]()
Miranda Otto (1967)Miranda Otto is an Australian actress known internationally for her roles in film, television, and theatre, most notably as Éowyn in the 'The Lord of the Rings' film series. [bio]
![Christopher Biggins]()
Christopher Biggins (1948)Christopher Biggins is a British actor and television presenter, widely recognized for his work in comedy and musical theatre in the UK. He gained widespread popularity through roles in iconic sitcoms such as 'Porridge' and as a regular in British pantomimes. He is also known for his appearances on reality television, most notably as the winner of 'I'm a Celebrity...Get … [bio]
![James Mangold]()
James Mangold (1963)James Mangold is an acclaimed American film and television director, screenwriter, and producer best known for directing films such as 'Logan', 'Walk the Line', and 'Ford v Ferrari'. [bio]
![Theo James]()
Theo James (1984)Theo James is an English actor best known for his leading role as Tobias 'Four' Eaton in the 'Divergent' film series. He has built a career in film, television, and theater, also earning praise for his performances in TV series like 'Sanditon' and 'The White Lotus.' [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 16?
On December 16th the following celebrities died:
![Thelma Todd]()
Thelma Todd (1935)Thelma Todd was an American actress and comedian best known for her work in early sound films of the 1920s and 1930s. She appeared in over 120 feature films and shorts, often known for her comedic talent and partnerships with major comedy stars. [bio]
![Lee Van Cleef]()
Lee Van Cleef (1989)Lee Van Cleef was an American actor best known for his roles in Western films, particularly as a villain or anti-hero in Spaghetti Westerns such as "For a Few Dollars More" and "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly." With a distinctive sharp-featured look, he became an icon of the genre and left a lasting impact on cinema. [bio]
![Moses Gunn]()
Moses Gunn (1993)Moses Gunn was an acclaimed American actor, best known for his work on stage, screen, and television. Renowned for his powerful presence and versatility, Gunn had a distinguished career in theater, including a Tony-nominated performance, as well as memorable roles in films such as 'Shaft' and 'Roots.' [bio]
![Keely Smith]()
Keely Smith (2017)Keely Smith was an American jazz and popular music singer known for her solo career and as the musical partner of famed bandleader Louis Prima. Renowned for her distinctive voice, deadpan stage presence, and numerous recordings during the 1950s and 1960s, Smith became a significant figure in the American music scene. [bio]
![Silvana Mangano]()
Silvana Mangano (1989)Silvana Mangano was an acclaimed Italian actress and model, best known for her work in postwar Italian cinema. She gained international fame for her performances in films like 'Bitter Rice' (1949) and became a leading figure in Italian film throughout the 1950s and 1960s. [bio]
![Nicol Williamson]()
Nicol Williamson (2011)Nicol Williamson was a Scottish actor renowned for his intense performances on stage and screen, particularly in Shakespearean roles and in films such as 'Excalibur' and 'The Exorcist III'. [bio]
![Aileen Pringle]()
Aileen Pringle (1989)Aileen Pringle was an American stage and film actress popular in the silent film era and early sound movies. She became known for both her acting talent and her popularity in Hollywood social circles during the 1920s. [bio]
![Giovanni III Agnelli]()
Giovanni III Agnelli (1945)Giovanni Agnelli was a prominent Italian industrialist and key leader of Fiat, playing a crucial role in transforming the company into a...
![Dan Fogelberg]()
Dan Fogelberg (2007)Renowned American singer-songwriter and folk-rock musician known for his soft rock hits and poetic lyrics, particularly famous for the...
![Laurens van der Post]()
Laurens van der Post (1996)Renowned South African author, farmer, and war hero who served as a cultural anthropologist and political adviser, known for his profound...
What day of the year is December 16?
December 16th marks the 350th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 351st in case of leap years).
There are 15 days remaining until the end of the year.
December 16th is the 16th day of the month of December.
What day of the week is December 16?
On December 16th, 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 16?
The zodiac sign associated with December 16th is Sagittarius according to the Western Zodiac.
