Sir William Connolly is a Scottish actor, musician, television presenter, artist and retired stand-up comedian. He is sometimes known by the Scots nickname the Big Yin. Known for his idiosyncratic and often improvised observational comedy, frequently including strong language, Connolly has topped many UK polls as the greatest stand-up comedian of all time. In 2017, he was knighted at Buckingham Palace for services to entertainment and charity. In 2022, he received the BAFTA Fellowship for lifetime achievement from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.

1942Marlin Fitzwater, American soldier and journalist, 17th White House Press Secretary^[†]

Max Marlin Fitzwater is an American writer-journalist who served as White House Press Secretary for six years under U.S. presidents Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush, making him one of the longest-serving press secretaries in history. He is the only U.S. Press Secretary to be appointed by two different U.S. Presidents.

1942Jean Ping, Gabonese politician and diplomat^[†]

Jean Ping is a Gabonese diplomat and politician who served as Chair of the African Union Commission from 2008 to 2012. Born to a Chinese father and Gabonese mother, he is the first individual of Chinese descent to lead the executive branch of the African Union.

1942Andrew Stunell, English minister and politician (died 2024)^[†]

Robert Andrew Stunell, Baron Stunell, was a British Liberal Democrat politician who served as Member of Parliament for Hazel Grove from 1997 until he stood down in 2015, and then as a member of the House of Lords from 2015.

Headlines from November 24, 1942

AFRICAN LANDINGS COST US 1,910 MEN; 360 Killed in Occupation of Oran, Casablanca and Algiers -- 500 Missing AFRICAN LANDINGS COST US 1,910 MEN

WAR FERVOR KEYS OPENING OF OPERA; Lily Pons Leads Tribute to the Fighting French -- Traditional Glitter of Audience Subdued WAR FERVOR KEYS OPENING OF OPERA

ROOSEVELT GREETS PRESIDENT ARROYO; Head of Ecuador Declares His Visit Is Symbolic of True Unity of Americas PLEDGES WAR, PEACE AID Executives Meet at Airfield -Visitor Is Guest at State Dinner at White House

DARLAN TAKES STEP; Important African Port and Huge Territory Join Allied Cause PETAIN'S NAME INVOKED Marshal Broadcasts Call for Obedience to Him and for Resistance to an Attack DAKAR AND THE REST OF FRENCH WEST AFRICA JOIN THE PRO-ALLIED LINE-UP DARLAN TAKES STEP TO LINE UP DAKAR

Notable Births