December 28: What Happened on This Day in History

Stan Lee (1922)

Stan Lee was an iconic American comic book writer, editor, publisher, and producer, who played a pivotal role in the development of Marvel Comics. He co-created many of Marvel's most famous characters, including Spider-Man, the X-Men, Iron Man, Thor, the Hulk, Black Widow, Black Panther, Daredevil, Doctor Strange, and the Fantastic Four. Lee's innovative approach to superhero comics redefined the … [bio]

Denzel Washington (1954)

Denzel Washington is an acclaimed American actor, director, and producer, renowned for both his commanding on-screen presence and his versatility across a wide range of roles in film, television, and theater. [bio]

Maggie Smith (1934)

Maggie Smith is a highly acclaimed English actress known for her work in film, television, and theatre, spanning over seven decades. She is recognized for her versatility, powerful performances, and significant contributions to British and international acting. [bio]

Seth Meyers (1973)

Seth Meyers is an American comedian, writer, producer, actor, and television host. He is best known as the host of NBC's 'Late Night with Seth Meyers' and for his long tenure as a cast member and head writer on 'Saturday Night Live' (SNL), where he anchored the 'Weekend Update' segment. [bio]

Sienna Miller (1981)

Sienna Miller is a British-American actress known for her roles in acclaimed films such as 'Layer Cake,' 'Factory Girl,' 'American Sniper,' and 'Foxcatcher.' She has also worked as a model and is noted for her contributions to theatre. [bio]

John Legend (1978)

John Legend is an American singer, songwriter, pianist, record producer, and actor known for his soulful voice and for being one of the few artists to achieve EGOT status—winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony award. [bio]

Noomi Rapace (1979)

Noomi Rapace is a Swedish actress best known for her groundbreaking role as Lisbeth Salander in the Swedish film adaptations of Stieg Larsson's 'Millennium' series, starting with 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo'. She has achieved international acclaim for her intense and transformative performances in both European and Hollywood films. [bio]

Nichelle Nichols (1932)

Nichelle Nichols was an American actress, singer, and voice artist, best known for her groundbreaking role as Lieutenant Uhura in the Star Trek television series, making her a pioneer for African American women in television and science fiction. [bio]

Martin Milner (1931)

Martin Milner was an American film, stage, radio, and television actor, best known for his roles in the television series "Route 66" and "Adam-12." His career spanned more than five decades, earning him recognition as a prominent figure in American television through the 1960s and 1970s. [bio]

Elaine Hendrix (1970)

Elaine Hendrix is an American actress, model, producer, singer, and activist best known for her role as Meredith Blake in the 1998 remake of 'The Parent Trap.' She has appeared in numerous film and television projects and is noted for her activism for animal rights. [bio]

Debbie Reynolds (2016)

Debbie Reynolds was an American actress, singer, and businesswoman, known for her vivacious screen presence and her work in film, television, and on stage. She became a Hollywood icon through roles in classic musicals and comedies, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s. [bio]

Jerry Orbach (2004)

Jerry Orbach was an American actor and singer best known for his long-running role as Detective Lennie Briscoe on the television series 'Law & Order', as well as his work on Broadway and in film. [bio]

Maurice Ravel (1937)

Maurice Ravel was a renowned French composer, widely associated with Impressionist music though he himself often rejected the label. He is best known for his masterful orchestration and innovative compositions, notably the orchestral work 'Boléro' (1928), which became his most famous piece. Ravel also produced important ballets such as 'Ma Mère l'Oye' (Mother Goose, 1910) and composed works that have … [bio]

Rose Marie (2017)

Rose Marie was an American actress, singer, and comedian best known for her role as Sally Rogers on the classic television sitcom 'The Dick Van Dyke Show.' She began her career as a child performer in vaudeville and radio under the name 'Baby Rose Marie' and became one of the most recognizable characters in American television history. [bio]

Sue Grafton (2017)

Sue Grafton was an American author best known for her "alphabet series" of detective novels featuring private investigator Kinsey Millhone. Her work has been celebrated for its strong character development and compelling mysteries, making her a leading figure in contemporary crime fiction. [bio]

Florence Lawrence (1938)

Florence Lawrence was a pioneering Canadian-American actress, often referred to as "The First Movie Star." She appeared in nearly 300 films during the silent film era and was one of the first film actors to be publicly recognized and credited by name. [bio]

William Demarest (1983)

William Demarest was an American character actor best known for his roles in numerous classic Hollywood films and for portraying Uncle Charley in the television series 'My Three Sons.' [bio]

Kiel Martin (1990)

Kiel Martin was an American actor best known for his role as Detective J.D. LaRue on the acclaimed television series 'Hill Street Blues.' Known for his compelling and energetic performances, Martin was active in television and film throughout the 1970s and 1980s. [bio]

Leelah Alcorn (2014)

Leelah Alcorn was a transgender teenager whose tragic suicide became a pivotal moment in raising awareness about the challenges and...

John Madden (2021)

Legendary NFL coach, broadcaster, and commentator who revolutionized football analysis and became a cultural icon through his energetic...