December 17: What Happened on This Day in History
December 17th marks the 351st day of the Gregorian calendar year (or the 352nd in case of leap years). There are 14 days remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on December 17th in history, famous birthdays on December 17th, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to December 17.
What happened on December 17?
Here's what happened on December 17th in history:
- 2021: Multiple countries reported significant COVID-19 developments: Cambodia exceeded 3,000 total deaths, Mongolia experienced its first day without COVID-19 deaths since April, and Qatar identified its first four Omicron variant cases.
- 2014: On December 17, 2014, President Obama announced the restoration of diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba after more than 50 years of hostility. This marked a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy towards the island nation. source: bbc.com
- 2004: President George W. Bush signed the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act into law, aimed at improving the nation's intelligence capabilities and preventing future terrorist attacks. This legislation was a response to the 9/11 Commission's recommendations. source: congress.gov
- 2002: On December 17, 2002, a peace accord was signed to end the Second Congo War, a conflict that had involved multiple African nations and resulted in significant loss of life. The agreement aimed to restore peace and stability to the region. source: un.org
- 1999: On December 17, 1999, the United Nations Security Council established the United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC) to oversee Iraq's compliance with disarmament obligations. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 1994: On September 28, 1994, the MS Estonia ferry sank in the Baltic Sea, resulting in 852 fatalities. The disaster was caused by the failure of the bow visor, leading to rapid flooding and capsizing of the ship. source: britannica.com
- 1988: From December 16 to 18, 1988, West Germany defeated Sweden 4-1 in the Davis Cup final held at the Scandinavium in Gothenburg, Sweden. This victory marked West Germany's first Davis Cup title. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 1985: The US Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985 was signed into law on December 17, 1985. This legislation authorized the production of gold bullion coins by the United States Mint, allowing for the creation of the American Gold Eagle coin. The act aimed to promote the use of gold as an investment and to enhance the United States' position in the global gold market. source: congress.gov
- 1981: On December 17, 1981, the Red Brigades, an Italian terrorist group, kidnapped Brigadier General James L. Dozier in Verona, Italy. The general was held captive for 42 days before being rescued by Italian authorities in a police operation. This incident highlighted the ongoing conflict between the Italian government and leftist extremist groups during that period. source: britannica.com
- 1965: On December 17, 1965, the British oil embargo against Rhodesia, which had been imposed in response to the Unilateral Declaration of Independence, was lifted. This decision was part of the changing political landscape in Southern Africa during this period. source: bbc.com
What famous birthdays are on December 17?
On December 17th there are the following famous birthdays:
![Eugene Levy]()
Eugene Levy (1946)Eugene Levy is a Canadian actor, comedian, producer, director, and writer, best known for his long-standing work in comedy, notably in the 'American Pie' film series and the television series 'Schitt's Creek.' He is recognized for his versatility in both film and television, and he has received numerous awards for his contributions to the entertainment industry. [bio]
![Milla Jovovich]()
Milla Jovovich (1975)Milla Jovovich is a Ukrainian-born American actress, model, and musician best known for her roles in science fiction and action films, especially the 'Resident Evil' movie franchise. [bio]
![Bill Pullman]()
Bill Pullman (1953)Bill Pullman is an American actor known for his versatile roles in film, television, and stage. He rose to prominence in the 1980s and 1990s, starring in hit movies such as 'Independence Day,' 'While You Were Sleeping,' and 'Spaceballs.' [bio]
![Bernard Hill]()
Bernard Hill (1944)Bernard Hill was an acclaimed English actor known for his extensive work in film, television, and theatre. With a career spanning over five decades, he gained international recognition for his roles in blockbuster films such as 'Titanic' and 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy. [bio]
![Rian Johnson]()
Rian Johnson (1973)Rian Johnson is an American filmmaker renowned for his work as the writer and director of acclaimed films such as 'Brick', 'Looper', 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi', and the 'Knives Out' mysteries. His innovative storytelling and distinctive directorial style have earned him critical and commercial acclaim. [bio]
![Mike Mills]()
Mike Mills (1958)Mike Mills is an American musician and songwriter, best known as the bassist, backing vocalist, and founding member of the alternative rock band R.E.M. He contributed to the band's harmonic style and is recognized for composing several of their popular songs. [bio]
![Sarah Paulson]()
Sarah Paulson (1974)Sarah Paulson is an American actress best known for her versatile roles in television and film, particularly her frequent collaborations with producer Ryan Murphy and her acclaimed performances in the anthology series 'American Horror Story' and the miniseries 'The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story.' [bio]
![Ernie Hudson]()
Ernie Hudson (1945)Ernie Hudson is an American actor best known for his role as Winston Zeddemore in the 'Ghostbusters' film franchise. Over a career spanning several decades, he has become recognizable for his roles in both film and television, including notable performances in 'Oz' and 'The Hand that Rocks the Cradle.' [bio]
![Wes Studi]()
![Giovanni Ribisi]()
Giovanni Ribisi (1974)Giovanni Ribisi is an American actor best known for his roles in films such as 'Saving Private Ryan,' 'Avatar,' and 'Ted,' as well as television series like 'Sneaky Pete' and 'Friends.' He is recognized for his versatility and ability to portray a wide range of characters across both drama and comedy. [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 17?
On December 17th the following celebrities died:
![Jennifer Jones]()
Jennifer Jones (2009)Jennifer Jones was an acclaimed American actress known for her distinguished film career during Hollywood's Golden Age. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in 'The Song of Bernadette' (1943) and appeared in several other notable films. [bio]
![Dana Andrews]()
Dana Andrews (1992)Dana Andrews was an American film actor, best known for his roles during the 1940s and 1950s, including performances in classic films such as 'Laura' and 'The Best Years of Our Lives.' [bio]
![Thomas Mitchell]()
Thomas Mitchell (1962)Thomas Mitchell was an Australian geographer, explorer, and surveyor who played a significant role in mapping and exploring inland Australia during the 19th century. [bio]
![Janet Margolin]()
![Kaspar Hauser]()
Kaspar Hauser (1833)Mysterious foundling who claimed to have grown up in isolation, sparking much speculation.
![Sammy Baugh]()
Sammy Baugh (2008)Legendary NFL quarterback who played for the Washington Redskins and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
![Janet Rowley]()
Janet Rowley (2013)Pioneering American geneticist who made groundbreaking discoveries in cancer research, particularly in understanding the genetic basis of...
![Marguerite Yourcenar]()
Marguerite Yourcenar (1987)Belgian-born French novelist and essayist, the first woman to be elected to the Académie française.
![Elizabeth Garrett Anderson]()
Elizabeth Garrett Anderson (1917)First woman to qualify as a physician and surgeon in Britain, and a pioneer in the medical education of women.
![Captain Beefheart]()
Captain Beefheart (2010)Captain Beefheart was an innovative American musician and visual artist known for his avant-garde rock music and groundbreaking experimental...
What day of the year is December 17?
December 17th marks the 351st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 352nd in case of leap years).
There are 14 days remaining until the end of the year.
December 17th is the 17th day of the month of December.
What day of the week is December 17?
On December 17th, 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 17?
The zodiac sign associated with December 17th is Sagittarius according to the Western Zodiac.
