December 08: Fun Facts about Today in History

(December 08, 1980)
On this day in 1980, Mark David Chapman fatally shot British artist John Lennon in New York City, prompting a worldwide outpouring of grief. Lennon rose to stardom with the Beatles and had a successful solo career. photo source: wikimedia.org

(December 08, 2010)
SpaceX, an American aerospace company, became the first commercial company to launch a spacecraft, called the Dragon capsule, into space and bring it back to Earth. photo source: wikimedia.org

(December 08, 2016)
John Glenn, the first American astronaut to orbit the Earth, died at the age of 95. He was recognised as a national hero for his accomplishments. photo source: wikimedia.org

(December 08, 2019)
Caroll Spinney, an American actor and puppeteer, died at the age of 85. Spinney created the characteristics and mannerisms of Big Bird, which he played for nearly 50 years. photo source: wikimedia.org

(Died on December 08, 2019)
Caroll Spinney, American puppeteer and actor (b. 1933).