Famous people and celebrities born in 1900

We celebrate the remarkable individuals born in 1900. This year gave rise to a new generation of talent, including actors, musicians, athletes, politicians and more who have significantly impacted our world. Dive into the stories of these famous personalities, explore their journeys, and see how they've shaped culture and society since their birth year. Join us as we take a nostalgic trip back to 1900 and honor the stars who continue to shine brightly today.

Jan. 2 William Haines
William Haines was a prominent American actor during the silent film era who later became a successful interior designer after leaving Hollywood. He was known for his distinctive personality and was one of the first openly gay actors in Hollywood.
Jan. 20 Colin Clive
British actor known for his iconic roles in Frankenstein (1931) and Jane Eyre (1934), who transitioned from military service to stage and film after a knee injury. He was recognized for his brooding performances in early Hollywood and British cinema.
Jan. 27 Hyman Rickover
Admiral Hyman Rickover was a pioneering naval officer who revolutionized naval technology by developing nuclear-powered submarines and ships. He served in the US Navy for over 60 years and was instrumental in transforming naval warfare and maritime capabilities. Known as the 'Father of the Nuclear Navy', his innovations had profound impacts on military strategy and technological advancement.
Feb. 5 Adlai Stevenson
Prominent American politician who served as Governor of Illinois and was the Democratic Party's presidential nominee in 1952 and 1956, challenging Dwight D. Eisenhower. He was known for his intellectual approach and eloquent speeches during the Cold War era.
April 5 Spencer Tracy
Spencer Tracy was a legendary Hollywood actor known for his versatile performances and distinctive appearance. He won two consecutive Academy Awards and was considered one of the most respected actors of his era. Tracy starred in numerous classic films and had a notable partnership with Katharine Hepburn.
May 12 Helene Weigel
Prominent German-Austrian actress known for her theatrical work, particularly in Bertolt Brecht's plays like 'Mother Courage'. She was a key figure in 20th-century avant-garde theater.
May 17 Ayatullah Ruhollah Khomeini
Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini was a prominent Iranian Shia Muslim religious and political leader who led the Iranian Revolution in 1979, overthrowing the Shah and establishing an Islamic Republic. He served as the Supreme Leader of Iran from 1979 until his death in 1989, fundamentally transforming Iran's political and social landscape.
June 9 Fred Waring
Fred Waring was a prominent American musician, bandleader, and television personality known for leading the popular musical group 'Waring's Pennsylvanians' during the mid-20th century.
June 25 Lord Louis Mountbatten
Lord Louis Mountbatten was a prominent British naval officer and statesman who played a crucial role in British imperial history, serving as the last Viceroy of India and making significant contributions during World War II.
June 30 Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Renowned French writer, poet, aristocrat, journalist, and pioneering aviator, best known for his novella 'The Little Prince'. He was also a successful commercial pilot and a heroic military aviator during World War II.
July 2 Tyrone Guthrie
Renowned British theatre director, producer, and writer who significantly influenced modern theatre practices and international theatre development.
July 4 Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong
Louis 'Satchmo' Armstrong was a legendary jazz trumpeter, singer, and bandleader from New Orleans who revolutionized jazz music. He was a pivotal figure in the development of jazz, known for his innovative improvisation and distinctive gravelly voice. His hit 'Hello, Dolly!' became a global sensation.
July 10 Evelyn Laye
Prominent English actress known for her performances in musical theatre and light opera during the early 20th century, particularly active in London's vibrant stage scene.
July 12 Chhabi Biswas
Prominent Indian actor and director from the Bengali film industry, known for significant contributions to early 20th-century cinema.
Aug. 4 Louis Armstrong
Louis Armstrong was a legendary jazz trumpeter, singer, and bandleader who revolutionized jazz music. Known as 'Satchmo', he was one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.
Sept. 13 Gladys George
Prominent American stage and film actress of the 1930s and 1940s, known for her powerful performances in dramatic roles and her work in Hollywood's Golden Age.
Sept. 24 Ruhollah Khomeini
Supreme Leader of Iran from 1979 to 1989, Khomeini was a pivotal religious and political figure who led the Iranian Revolution, transforming Iran into an Islamic Republic and significantly impacting global geopolitics.
Oct. 3 Thomas Wolfe
Thomas Wolfe was a prominent American novelist and playwright known for his autobiographical novels like 'Look Homeward, Angel' and 'You Can't Go Home Again'. He was a significant figure in early 20th-century American literature, celebrated for his expansive and poetic writing style. His works often explored themes of personal identity, family, and the American experience.
Oct. 7 Heinrich Himmler
A key Nazi leader who was one of the primary architects of the Holocaust, serving as Reichsführer of the SS and playing a central role in the systematic genocide of millions of Jews during World War II.
Oct. 9 Alastair Sim
Renowned Scottish character actor famous for his versatile performances in British cinema, particularly in comedies and character roles. He is best known for his iconic portrayal of Ebenezer Scrooge in 'A Christmas Carol' (1951). Sim was a highly respected actor with a distinctive comedic style.
Oct. 10 Helen Hayes
Helen Hayes was a renowned American actress who began her stage career as a child prodigy and became an Oscar and Emmy-nominated performer. She was a celebrated actress in both theater and film, known for her versatility and memorable roles in classics like 'A Farewell to Arms' and 'Anastasia'.
Oct. 17 Jean Arthur
Jean Arthur was a prominent Hollywood actress of the 1930s and 1940s, known for her distinctive voice and comedic talents. She starred in classic films like 'Mr. Smith Goes to Washington' and 'Shane', and was considered one of the most popular actresses of her era.
Nov. 8 Margaret Mitchell
Renowned American novelist who wrote the Pulitzer Prize-winning epic 'Gone with the Wind', a landmark work of historical fiction set during the American Civil War that became a global literary phenomenon.
Nov. 26 Helen Gahagan
Helen Gahagan Douglas was a pioneering American actress and politician who served in the U.S. House of Representatives from California. She was a notable figure in the entertainment industry before transitioning to politics, where she became a trailblazer for women in congressional roles.
Dec. 6 Agnes Moorehead
Renowned American actress famous for her iconic role as Endora in the 1960s TV comedy 'Bewitched'. She was a versatile performer with a career spanning stage, radio, film, and television, earning four Oscar nominations for Best Supporting Actress.
Dec. 12 Sammy Davis
Legendary African American entertainer known for his groundbreaking performances in music, dance, and acting, and as a key member of the famous Rat Pack alongside Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin.
Dec. 23 Marie Bell
Renowned French actress and resistance fighter who had a remarkable career spanning from 1924 to 1973. She began as a dancer at age 13 and was a courageous member of the French Resistance during World War II.