December 31 in History

    December 31 is the birthday of Ryan Flamingo (2002) and the anniversary of the death of Arnold Rüütel (2024). It is also Holiday or observance: New Year's Eve. The final evening of the Gregorian year, often marked in the United States with gatherings, countdowns, and reflection on the year ending.. Below are famous birthdays, deaths for December 31, plus editor's picks and genealogy records.

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    Muhammad ibn al-Qasim, Umayyad general was born in 695, while Quintus Fabius Maximus, consul suffectus died in 45 BC.

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    Famous people born on December 31

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    Famous people who died on December 31

    • Arnold Rüütel

      2024

      Arnold Rüütel (Wikipedia, opens in a new tab)

      President of Estonia from 2001 to 2006

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    • Johnnie Walker (DJ)

      2024

      Johnnie Walker (DJ) (Wikipedia, opens in a new tab)

      British radio DJ (1945–2024)

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    • Cale Yarborough

      2023

      Cale Yarborough (Wikipedia, opens in a new tab)

      American racing driver (1939–2023)

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    • Pope Benedict XVI

      2022

      Pope Benedict XVI (Wikipedia, opens in a new tab)

      Head of the Catholic Church from 2005 to 2013

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    • Barry Lane

      2022

      Barry Lane (Wikipedia, opens in a new tab)

      English professional golfer (1960–2022)

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    • Betty White

      2021

      Betty White (Wikipedia, opens in a new tab)

      American actress and comedian (1922–2021)

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    • Kader Khan

      2018

      Kader Khan (Wikipedia, opens in a new tab)

      Indian actor, comedian, screenwriter, and producer (1937–2018)

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    • Natalie Cole

      2015

      Natalie Cole (Wikipedia, opens in a new tab)

      American singer (1950–2015)

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    • Wayne Rogers

      2015

      Wayne Rogers (Wikipedia, opens in a new tab)

      American actor (1933–2015)

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    • Edward Herrmann

      2014

      Edward Herrmann (Wikipedia, opens in a new tab)

      American actor (1943–2014)

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    • Abdullah Hussain

      2014

      Abdullah Hussain (Wikipedia, opens in a new tab)

      Malaysian novelist and writer

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    • Norm Phelps

      2014

      Norm Phelps (Wikipedia, opens in a new tab)

      American animal rights activist (1939–2014)

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    • James Avery

      2013

      James Avery (Wikipedia, opens in a new tab)

      American actor (1945–2013)

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    • Roberto Ciotti

      2013

      Roberto Ciotti (Wikipedia, opens in a new tab)

      Italian blues musician and composer

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    • Bob Grant (radio host)

      2013

      Bob Grant (radio host) (Wikipedia, opens in a new tab)

      American radio host (1929–2013)

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    • Jovette Marchessault

      2012

      Jovette Marchessault (Wikipedia, opens in a new tab)

      Canadian writer and artist (1938–2012)

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    • Günter Rössler

      2012

      Günter Rössler (Wikipedia, opens in a new tab)

      German photographer (1926–2012)

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    • Raymond Impanis

      2010

      Raymond Impanis (Wikipedia, opens in a new tab)

      Belgian cyclist (1925–2010)

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    • Per Oscarsson

      2010

      Per Oscarsson (Wikipedia, opens in a new tab)

      Swedish actor (1927–2010)

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    • Cahal Daly

      2009

      Cahal Daly (Wikipedia, opens in a new tab)

      Irish Roman Catholic cardinal (1917–2009)

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    • Justin Keating

      2009

      Justin Keating (Wikipedia, opens in a new tab)

      Irish politician (1930–2009)

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    • Donald E. Westlake

      2008

      Donald E. Westlake (Wikipedia, opens in a new tab)

      American novelist (1933–2008)

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    Births, deaths and events from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0 (opens in a new tab).

    Editor's picks

    Born on December 31

    • 695 — Muhammad ibn al-Qasim, Umayyad general (died 715)
    • 1378 — Pope Callixtus III (died 1458)
    • 1491 — Jacques Cartier, French navigator and explorer (died 1557)

    Died on December 31

    • 45 BC — Quintus Fabius Maximus, consul suffectus
    • 192 — Commodus, Roman emperor (born 161)
    • 335 — Pope Sylvester I

    Source: Wikipedia historical listings for December 31

    Quick answers

    Who was born on December 31? Ryan Flamingo (2002), Sophia Laforteza (2002), Joe Scally (2002).

    Who died on December 31? Arnold Rüütel (2024), Johnnie Walker (DJ) (2024), Cale Yarborough (2023).

    What holiday is on December 31? Holiday or observance: New Year's Eve. The final evening of the Gregorian year, often marked in the United States with gatherings, countdowns, and reflection on the year ending..

    Researching someone born in December? Search birth records

    Only entered details are used; no location is assumed.

    Live genealogy events

    This calendar is live and has its own date controls; it is separate from the December 31 historical article above.

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