Harry Bernard Cross known as Ben Cross, was an English actor. He was best known for his portrayal of the British Olympic athlete Harold Abrahams in the 1981 film Chariots of Fire and for playing Billy Flynn in the original West End production of the musical Chicago.

1947Vincent Matthews, American sprinter^[†]

Vincent "Vince" Edward Matthews is an American former sprinter, winner of two Olympic gold medals, at the 1968 Summer Olympics and 1972 Summer Olympics.

1947Martyn Poliakoff, English chemist and academic^[†]

Sir Martyn Poliakoff is a British chemist known for his work on green chemistry and for being the main presenter on the popular YouTube channel Periodic Videos. The core subjects of his academic work are supercritical fluids, infrared spectroscopy and lasers. He is a research professor in chemistry at the University of Nottingham. As well as carrying out research at the University of Nottingham, he is a lecturer, teaching a number of modules including green chemistry.

1947Trevor Żahra, Maltese novelist, poet and illustrator^[†]

Trevor Żahra is a Maltese novelist, poet and illustrator. He has published over 120 books in the Maltese language since 1971.

Headlines from December 16, 1947

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MINORITY IS UNITED; Two-Thirds Requirement Allows Killing of GOP Substitute Program ACTION SEEN OFF TILL '48 26 Republicans Join the Vote Against Party -- Halleck Attacks Opposition DEMOCRATS BLOCK G0P BILL ON PRICES

RUSSIA IS BLAMED; Her Accusations Denied by Marshall, Who Asks Adjournment REPARATIONS IS BIG ISSUE Bevin and Bidault Also Attack Molotov's Stand -- He Says Others Acted as Team BIG 4 CONFERENCE CLOSES IS FAILURE

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Notable Births