December 18 in History
December 18 is the birthday of Syd Hartha (2002) and the anniversary of the death of Jim Hunt (2025). Below are famous birthdays, deaths, events for December 18, plus editor's picks and genealogy records.
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Richard Olivier de Longueil, French Roman Catholic bishop and cardinal was born in 1406, while Lady Wu, wife of Qian Liu died in 919.
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Famous people born on December 18
Famous people who died on December 18
2016
Zsa Zsa Gabor (Wikipedia, opens in a new tab)
Hungarian-American socialite and actress (1917–2016)
2013
Ken Hutcherson (Wikipedia, opens in a new tab)
American football player and Christian pastor (1952–2013)
2011
Václav Havel (Wikipedia, opens in a new tab)
Last president of Czechoslovakia and first president of the Czech Republic (1936–2011)
2010
Jacqueline de Romilly (Wikipedia, opens in a new tab)
French philologist, classical scholar and writer (1913–2010)
What happened on December 18
- 2022
Argentina win the FIFA World Cup final, defeating title holders France 4–2 on penalties following a 3–3 draw after extra time.
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab) - 2019
The United States House of Representatives impeaches Donald Trump for the first time.
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab) - 2017
Amtrak Cascades passenger train 501, derailed near DuPont, Washington, a city in United States near Olympia, Washington killing six people, and injuring 70 others.
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab) - 2015
Kellingley Colliery, the last deep coal mine in Great Britain, closes.
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab) - 2006
The first of a series of floods strikes Malaysia. The death toll of all flooding is at least 118, with over 400,000 people displaced.
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab) - 2006
United Arab Emirates holds its first-ever elections.
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab) - 2005
The Chadian Civil War begins when rebel groups, allegedly backed by neighbouring Sudan, launch an attack in Adré.
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab) - 2002
California gubernatorial recall: Then Governor of California Gray Davis announces that the state would face a record budget deficit of $35 billion, roughly double the figure reported during his reelection campaign one month earlier.
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab) - 1999
NASA launches into orbit the Terra platform carrying five Earth Observation instruments, including ASTER, CERES, MISR, MODIS and MOPITT.
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab) - 1995
A Lockheed L-188 Electra crashes in Jamba, Cuando, Angola, killing 141 people.
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab) - 1981
First flight of the Russian heavy strategic bomber Tu-160, the world's largest combat aircraft, largest supersonic aircraft and largest variable-sweep wing aircraft built.
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab) - 1977
United Airlines Flight 2860 crashes near Kaysville, Utah, killing all three crew members on board.
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab) - 1977
SA de Transport Aérien Flight 730 crashes near Madeira Airport in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, killing 36.
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab) - 1973
Soviet Soyuz Programme: Soyuz 13, crewed by cosmonauts Valentin Lebedev and Pyotr Klimuk, is launched from Baikonur in the Soviet Union.
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab) - 1972
Vietnam War: President Richard Nixon announces that the United States will engage North Vietnam in Operation Linebacker II, a series of Christmas bombings, after peace talks collapsed with North Vietnam on the 13th.
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab)
Births, deaths and events from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0 (opens in a new tab).
Editor's picks
Born on December 18
- 1406 — Richard Olivier de Longueil, French Roman Catholic bishop and cardinal (died 1470)
- 1481 — Sophie of Mecklenburg, Duchess of Mecklenburg, Duchess of Saxony (died 1503)
- 1499 — Sebald Heyden, German musicologist and theologian (died 1561)
Died on December 18
- 919 — Lady Wu, wife of Qian Liu (born 858)
- 933 — Yaonian Yanmujin, Chinese empress dowager
- 1075 — Edith of Wessex, Queen Consort of the English (born 1025)
Source: Wikipedia historical listings for December 18
Quick answers
Who was born on December 18? Syd Hartha (2002), Giuliano Simeone (2002), Billie Eilish (2001).
Who died on December 18? Jim Hunt (2025), Osman Hadi (2025), Slim Dunlap (2024).
Explore genealogy records
Researching someone born in December? Search birth records
Live genealogy events
This calendar is live and has its own date controls; it is separate from the December 18 historical article above.
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