December 3 is not just a date in history but one that is filled with drama, revolutions, triumphs and transformations. From the mysterious disappearance of a crime novelist to the groundbreaking premiere of a medical operation, this day carries stories that echo across generations.
In this edition of Today in History, News Round The Clock (NRTC) gathers defining moments of the day that has shaped our world.
- 1926- Christie’s mysterious disappearance
On the evening of December 3, 1926, famous mystery novelist Agatha Christie disappeared. Searchers found her car abandoned near a chalk quarry in rural England, and she remained missing for 11 days. The event followed the unfortunate death of her mother and her estrangement with her then-husband, Archie Christie. However, she was discovered at a hotel in Harrogate, Yorkshire. She claimed she had no memory of her life in those missing days.
- 1967- First human heart transplant
Today marks 58 years since South African surgeon Christiaan Barnard conducted the first human heart transplant operation. Christiaan Barnard performed the surgery on 53-year-old Louis Washkansky. The operation happened at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa. This groundbreaking achievement in the medical field fueled hope for patients with heart disease.
- 1968- Elvis’ Comeback Special
The one and only Elvis Presley’s “Comeback Special” in 1968 was a television event that targeted re-establishing Elvis’ popularity. This would mark his return to live performance after seven years of focus on film appearances. The special featured some of his iconic songs like Jailhouse Rock, Hound Dog, Heartbreak Hotel and Can’t Help Falling In Love.
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- 1976- Marley’s attempted assasination
“On December 3, 1976, armed men attacked popular reggae musician Bob Marley, his wife, manager, and a band employee. This happened two days before his ‘Smile Jamaica Concert’. Seven armed men raided his home while Marley and his band were on break from rehearsals. The gunmen shot Marley in his chest and arm. Fortunately, he survived.
- 1984- Bhopal’s Industrial Disaster
December 3, 1984, is marked as India’s worst industrial disaster. A storage tank on Bhopal’s outskirts, owned by Union Carbide India’s pesticide plant, had leaked extremely toxic methyl isocyanate gas at a disturbing rate. Over 500,000 Indian citizens were exposed to this highly toxic gas. Unfortunately, this led to the deaths and injuries of many.
- 1989- End of The Cold War
On December 3, 1989, US President George H.W. Bush and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev declared an end to the Cold War. They gave this announcement at the Malta Summit. This period marked the collapse of the Soviet Union and the geopolitical tensions that led to the Cold War.
- 1991- Hulk defeats The Undertaker
Today marks 34 years since Hulk Hogan pinned The Undertaker, thereby regaining his WWF Championship. During ‘This Tuesday in Texas,’ Hulk regained his championship after The Undertaker ripped it from him in a prior match. Ultimately, it was more of a rematch.
- 2019- Spotify’s ‘Most Streamed’ Announcement
Spotify announced its top performers of the 2010s on December 3, 2019. Spotify revealed Drake as the most‑streamed artist with 28 billion streams. His most popular track at that time, “One Dance,” accumulated 1.7 billion streams alone. Furthermore, Ed Sheeran’s Shape of You held the title for most‑streamed song of the decade. The song alone accumulated 2.4 billion streams.
- 2024- Namibia’s first female president
The first of its kind, the Republic of Namibia elects a female president on December 3, 2024. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah by name. She is the first female to hold this position. She received 58.7% of the votes. Her inauguration followed up on March 21, 2025.
- 2025- Brendan Fraser turns 57
If you loved George of the Jungle or The Mummy, then Brendan Fraser is an icon to reckon with. Born on December 3, 2025, Brendan celebrates his 57th birthday anniversary today.
