December 19: What Happened on This Day in History
December 19th marks the 353rd day of the Gregorian calendar year (or the 354th in case of leap years). There are 12 days remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on December 19th in history, famous birthdays on December 19th, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to December 19.
What happened on December 19?
Here's what happened on December 19th in history:
- 2021: Gabriel Boric, a former student activist and left-wing politician, was elected as the President of Chile, making history as the youngest president in the country's democratic era. At 35 years old, Boric represents a generational shift in Chilean politics, emerging from the student protest movements of 2011 to become a national political leader. His election signaled a significant political transformation in Chile, moving away from traditional conservative politics towards a more progressive, youth-driven political approach.
- 2014: On December 19, 2014, President Obama issued an Executive Order prohibiting the export of goods, technology, or services to Crimea, and prohibiting the import of goods, technology, or services from Crimea, as well as new investments in Crimea. The order also authorized the Secretary of the Treasury to impose sanctions on individuals and entities operating in Crimea, reaffirming the United States' non-recognition of Russia's occupation and attempted annexation of Crimea. source: obamawhitehouse.archives.gov
- 2011: The death of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il was officially confirmed on December 19, 2011, following his passing on December 17. His death initiated a period of mourning and a transition of power to his son, Kim Jong Un. source: bbc.com
- 2004: On December 19, 2004, multiple bomb attacks targeted Shia cities in Iraq, resulting in numerous fatalities and injuries. These attacks were part of a series of sectarian violence incidents in the region.
- 2002: On December 19, 2002, the Vatican announced that the beatification process for Mother Teresa had advanced, bringing her closer to sainthood. The decision was based on the recognition of a second miracle attributed to her intercession. source: catholicnewsagency.com
- 1995: On December 19, 1995, the United States government restored federal recognition to the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi, affirming their status as a sovereign nation and enabling access to federal programs and services. source: nhbp-nsn.gov
- 1988: On December 19, 1988, NASA released its 1989 long-range program plan, outlining the agency's goals and objectives for the upcoming fiscal year and beyond. The plan emphasized the importance of space activities in supporting national well-being and reaffirmed the United States' commitment to space exploration. source: ntrs.nasa.gov
- 1985: On December 19, 1985, the launch of Space Shuttle Columbia for mission STS-61-C was scrubbed at T-14 seconds due to an out-of-tolerance turbine reading on the right Solid Rocket Booster's hydraulic system. This was later determined to be a false reading. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 1981: On December 19, 1981, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck the Aegean Sea, approximately 61 kilometers west of Eresós, Greece. The tremor was felt across the region, causing some damage, though no fatalities were reported. This event was part of a series of significant earthquakes in the area during that period. source: pubs.usgs.gov
- 1966: The United Nations General Assembly adopted the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies, on December 19, 1966. The treaty was opened for signature on January 27, 1967, and entered into force on October 10, 1967. source: britannica.com
What famous birthdays are on December 19?
On December 19th there are the following famous birthdays:
![Cicely Tyson]()
Cicely Tyson (1933)Cicely Tyson was an acclaimed American actress and fashion model, renowned for her portrayal of strong African-American women on stage, film, and television. Over her career of more than seven decades, she became a trailblazer for Black actors, earning numerous accolades and widespread respect for her impactful performances and advocacy. [bio]
![Édith Piaf]()
Édith Piaf (1915)Édith Piaf was a legendary French singer, often referred to as 'La Môme Piaf' (The Little Sparrow), and is regarded as one of the greatest voices of 20th-century French music. Known for her powerful, emotive singing style, she achieved worldwide fame with classic songs such as 'La Vie en Rose' and 'Non, je ne regrette rien'. Her life, marked by … [bio]
![Richard Hammond]()
Richard Hammond (1969)Richard Hammond is a British television presenter, journalist, and writer, best known for co-hosting the BBC motoring program 'Top Gear' alongside Jeremy Clarkson and James May. He has also hosted several other automotive and science shows, gaining a reputation for his energetic presenting style and enthusiasm for cars. [bio]
![Jake Gyllenhaal]()
Jake Gyllenhaal (1980)Jake Gyllenhaal is an acclaimed American actor known for his versatility and intense performances across a range of films, from independent dramas to major Hollywood productions. He is recognized for roles in movies such as 'Donnie Darko,' 'Brokeback Mountain,' and 'Nightcrawler.' [bio]
![Jennifer Beals]()
Jennifer Beals (1963)Jennifer Beals is an American actress and former teen model, best known for her role as Alex Owens in the 1983 film 'Flashdance.' She has also had a prominent television career, including her acclaimed performance in the series 'The L Word.' [bio]
![Ronan Farrow]()
Ronan Farrow (1987)Ronan Farrow is an American journalist, lawyer, and former government advisor. He is known for his investigative reporting, especially his work exposing sexual abuse allegations against high-profile figures, most notably in The New Yorker. Farrow is also the author of books such as 'Catch and Kill' and has received several prestigious awards for his journalism. [bio]
![Robert Urich]()
Robert Urich (1946)Robert Urich was an American actor and television producer, best known for his roles in popular TV series from the 1970s to 1990s, most notably as Dan Tanna in 'Vega$', as well as leading roles in 'Spenser: For Hire' and 'S.W.A.T.' He enjoyed a prolific career in both television and film, earning a reputation for reliability and charisma on screen. [bio]
![Alyssa Milano]()
Alyssa Milano (1972)Alyssa Milano is an American actress, producer, and activist best known for her roles in the television series 'Who's the Boss?', 'Charmed', and 'Melrose Place.' She is also recognized for her advocacy in social and political causes. [bio]
![Til Schweiger]()
Til Schweiger (1963)Til Schweiger is a German actor, director, producer, and screenwriter best known for his roles in both German and international films. He is one of Germany's most successful filmmakers and actors. [bio]
![Marla Sokoloff]()
Marla Sokoloff (1980)Marla Sokoloff is an American actress best known for her roles on television, notably as Lucy Hatcher on 'The Practice' and Gia Mahan on 'Full House' and its sequel, 'Fuller House.' She has also appeared in several films, particularly in teen comedies and dramas in the late 1990s and early 2000s. [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 19?
On December 19th the following celebrities died:
![Renata Tebaldi]()
Renata Tebaldi (2004)Renata Tebaldi was an acclaimed Italian soprano opera singer, remembered for her interpretations of the Italian lyrical and dramatic repertoire, especially works by Verdi and Puccini. She enjoyed an extensive international career, performing at major opera houses such as La Scala and the Metropolitan Opera. [bio]
![Hope Lange]()
Hope Lange (2003)Hope Lange was an American film, stage, and television actress, best known for her roles in the film 'Peyton Place' and the TV series 'The Ghost & Mrs. Muir.' She became a notable figure in the 1950s and 1960s, receiving both Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for her performances. [bio]
![Marcello Mastroianni]()
Marcello Mastroianni (1996)Marcello Mastroianni was a legendary Italian actor renowned for his charismatic performances in European cinema, particularly through collaborations with directors like Federico Fellini. Over his influential career, he became a global symbol of Italian film, starring in over 130 movies and earning multiple international award nominations. [bio]
![James Bevel]()
James Bevel (2008)Prominent civil rights activist and key strategist in the American Civil Rights Movement, who played a crucial role in organizing major...
![Yun Bong-gil]()
Yun Bong-gil (1932)A significant Korean independence activist who fought against Japanese colonial rule, known for his resistance and sacrifice for national...
![V. C. Andrews]()
V. C. Andrews (1986)Renowned American novelist famous for gothic horror and family sagas, particularly her bestselling novel 'Flowers in the Attic'.
![Clifford Irving]()
Clifford Irving (2017)Famous for orchestrating one of the most notorious literary hoaxes in history, Irving falsely claimed to have written an authorized...
![Pops Staples]()
Pops Staples (2000)Influential American gospel and soul musician, founding member of the legendary Staple Singers, known for his distinctive guitar playing and...
![Masaru Ibuka]()
Masaru Ibuka (1997)Masaru Ibuka was a pioneering Japanese entrepreneur who co-founded Sony Corporation, transforming it into a global technology powerhouse.
What day of the year is December 19?
December 19th marks the 353rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 354th in case of leap years).
There are 12 days remaining until the end of the year.
December 19th is the 19th day of the month of December.
What day of the week is December 19?
On December 19th, 2026 the day of the week is Saturday.
| 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 19?
The zodiac sign associated with December 19th is Sagittarius according to the Western Zodiac.
