December 06

Born in Turin in 1685 to Victor Amadeus II, Duke of Savoy. She married Louis, Duke of Burgundy in 1697, becoming a popular figure at the French court. As Dauphine, she played a key role in court ceremonies and patronage of the arts. She gave birth to three sons, including the future King Louis XV. Her charm and intelligence earned her widespread admiration among the nobility. Marie Adélaïde died in 1712 at the age of 26, deeply mourned by the royal family.

Born in Dresden in 1803 as the daughter of the King of Saxony. She married King Ferdinand VII of Spain in 1819, becoming Queen consort. Maria Josepha was known for her devotion to the poor and support of religious and charitable institutions. Despite her limited political influence, she maintained a compassionate and culturally rich court. Her marriage produced no surviving heirs, contributing to succession disputes. She died in 1829 at age 26, and her brief tenure is remembered for her kindness and philanthropy.

Born Lester Joseph Gillis in 1908, he gained notoriety as 'Baby Face Nelson' for his small stature and brutal tactics. He became one of the FBI's most wanted criminals, conducting a series of high-profile bank robberies across the Midwest. Nelson was known for his fierce temper and willingness to engage in shootouts with law enforcement. His criminal career intensified after aligning with other notorious outlaws like John Dillinger. In 1934, during a deadly gun battle with federal agents, he was mortally wounded and died shortly thereafter. Despite his short life, Nelson's violent exploits left a lasting mark on America's crime history.

Born in 1918 in Poland, Tauba Biterman survived the Holocaust after enduring the Warsaw Ghetto and Nazi concentration camps. After the war, she shared her testimony to ensure that the horrors of the Holocaust would not be forgotten. She participated in numerous educational programs, speaking at schools, museums, and memorials worldwide. Her firsthand accounts were recorded by institutions dedicated to preserving Holocaust history. Biterman's commitment to remembrance inspired many and reinforced the importance of human rights education until her passing in 2019.

Born in 1920, Peter Dimmock joined the BBC after World War II and became one of its earliest sports presenters. He served as the corporation's Head of Outside Broadcasts, overseeing coverage of major events including the 1948 London Olympics. As host of programs like Sportsview and Grandstand, he introduced innovative techniques in live sports coverage. His vision and leadership laid the groundwork for modern sports broadcasting in the UK. Dimmock received recognition for his contributions to television and remained influential throughout his career until his death in 2015.

Philippe Bouvard was born in 1929 in Coulounieix-Chamiers and began his career in print journalism. He joined Radio Luxembourg in 1954, where his wit and interview style quickly gained listeners. In 1977, he launched 'Les Grosses Têtes,' a radio program mixing comedy, quizzes, and celebrity guests, which became a cultural institution in France. Bouvard also hosted television programs such as 'Ring Parade' and authored several books on French society and humor. He has been honored as a Commander of the Legion of Honour for his contributions to media and culture. To this day, he remains an influential figure in French broadcasting, celebrated for his sharp humor and conversational talent.

Richard Speck was an American criminal who gained notoriety for the brutal mass murder of eight student nurses in Chicago in July 1966. Over the course of a single night, he broke into their dormitory, committing one of the deadliest mass murders in U.S. history. Convicted of first-degree murder, he was sentenced to death, but his sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment. Speck spent the remainder of his life in Illinois State Penitentiary. His case prompted changes in building security and police procedures. He died of a heart attack in prison on December 5, 1991.

Sue Carroll was an English journalist best known for her candid and often outspoken columns in The Sun, which she wrote from the early 1990s until her death in 2011. Her writing combined sharp wit and personal reflections, resonating with a wide readership across the United Kingdom. Carroll contributed to various newspaper sections, covering topics from celebrity interviews to cultural commentary. She was respected for her authenticity and ability to connect with readers on everyday experiences. Carroll's influential voice in tabloid journalism left a lasting mark on British media.

Masahiko Katsuya was a well-known Japanese journalist and photographer whose work captured social issues and human interest stories. He contributed to leading newspapers and magazines in Japan, documenting events with striking visual style. His photographs were featured in exhibitions and publications across the country. Katsuya’s photo essays often explored urban life and cultural trends. He passed away in 2018, leaving behind a body of work recognized for its depth and clarity.

Born on December 6, 1971, Craig Brewer made his directorial debut with the critically acclaimed film "Hustle & Flow" in 2005. The movie's hit song earned an Academy Award for Best Original Song, propelling Brewer into the spotlight. He continued his career with films such as "Black Snake Moan" (2006) and the Netflix hit "Dolemite Is My Name" (2019). Brewer's work often explores themes of redemption, music, and gritty underdog stories. He has also directed television episodes and produced projects highlighting diverse voices in cinema.

Born on December 6, 1971, Ryan White was diagnosed with AIDS in 1984 following a contaminated blood treatment for hemophilia. He fought a legal battle to attend school in Indiana, challenging widespread misconceptions about HIV/AIDS transmission. White became a national advocate, raising awareness through media appearances and fundraising efforts. His story inspired the Ryan White CARE Act, a major federal program for HIV/AIDS patients. He passed away on April 8, 1990, at age 18, leaving a lasting legacy in public health advocacy.

Elián González is a Cuban national who became internationally known as a child in a 2000 custody and immigration dispute. At age five, he was rescued off the coast of Florida after surviving a boat accident that killed 10 other migrants. A lengthy legal battle ensued between his Miami-based relatives and his father in Cuba over his custody. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of his return to Cuba, and federal agents ultimately reunited him with his father. The case highlighted tensions in U.S.–Cuba relations and sparked debates on immigration and parental rights.