Famous people and celebrities born in 1912

We celebrate the remarkable individuals born in 1912. 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 1912 and honor the stars who continue to shine brightly today.

Jan. 8 José Ferrer
Renowned Puerto Rican-American actor and director, best known for his Oscar-winning performance in 'Cyrano de Bergerac'. He was the first Hispanic actor to win an Academy Award.
Feb. 9 Ginette Leclerc
French actress who appeared in nearly 90 films during the early to mid-20th century, with a notable career spanning from the 1930s to the early 1980s.
Feb. 13 Margaretta Scott
Renowned English actress known for her stage and screen performances during the mid-20th century.
March 23 Wernher von Braun
Rocket scientist (v1/v2) dies after 65 years of smoking
April 5 John Le Mesurier
Beloved British comedy actor famous for his understated, gentle performance as Sergeant Arthur Wilson in the iconic BBC sitcom 'Dad's Army'. He appeared in over 120 films, typically in memorable supporting roles.
April 8 Sonja Henie
Legendary Norwegian figure skater who revolutionized the sport, winning three consecutive Olympic gold medals and becoming a Hollywood movie star. She transformed figure skating from a technical sport to an artistic performance and was one of the highest-paid athletes of her time.
April 27 Zohra Sehgal
Renowned Indian actress, dancer, and choreographer who made significant contributions to Indian performing arts across multiple decades, known for her versatility and pioneering spirit.
May 18 Perry Como
Perry Como was a legendary American pop singer and television personality known for his smooth vocal style and numerous hit songs during the 1940s and 1950s.
May 26 Jay Silverheels
Native American actor best known for playing Tonto alongside Clayton Moore in the iconic 'The Lone Ranger' television series from 1949 to 1957.
May 28 Patrick White
Patrick White was an acclaimed Australian novelist who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1973. He was a significant literary figure known for works like 'The Tree of Man' and 'Voss'. White was also notable for being openly gay during a challenging historical period.
June 6 Maria Montez
Prominent Dominican-French actress of the 1940s, known for her exotic roles in Hollywood adventure films and her status as a pin-up icon during World War II.
July 4 Viviane Romance
Viviane Romance was a prominent French actress who rose to fame in the 1930s and 1940s, known for her captivating performances in French cinema. She was particularly renowned for her roles as seductive and charming characters, often portraying vampish or coquettish women. As Miss Paris 1930, she transitioned successfully from beauty pageants to a celebrated acting career.
July 6 Heinrich Harrer
Austrian mountaineer, geographer, and adventurer best known for his remarkable journey through Tibet and his book 'Seven Years in Tibet', which detailed his experiences during World War II.
July 17 Art Linkletter
Art Linkletter was a legendary Canadian-American radio and television host known for his popular shows 'People Are Funny', 'House Party', and 'Life with Linkletter'. Over 16 years of broadcasting, he interviewed over 30,000 people and became famous for his improvisational and comedic style.
July 23 Michael Wilding
British actor known for his roles in films like 'The World of Suzie Wong' and his connection to the Courtney affair.
July 31 Milton Friedman
Renowned American economist who revolutionized economic thought through the Chicago School of Economics and won the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 1976. His groundbreaking work on monetary theory and economic policy profoundly influenced global economic understanding.
Aug. 10 Jorge Amado
Renowned Brazilian novelist who wrote critically acclaimed works depicting Brazilian social life, often challenging political systems. His novels 'Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon' and 'Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands' became international literary sensations and were adapted into successful films.
Aug. 15 Julia Child
Renowned American chef who revolutionized French cooking in the United States through her groundbreaking cookbooks and television shows. She introduced sophisticated French cuisine to American home cooks and became a cultural icon in culinary television.
Aug. 15 Wendy Hiller
Acclaimed British actress known for her powerful performances in classic films like 'Major Barbara' and 'David Copperfield'. She was a distinguished stage and screen actress with a notable career in British theatre and cinema.
Aug. 23 Gene Kelly
Legendary Hollywood dancer, actor, and choreographer who revolutionized movie musicals through innovative dance techniques and storytelling. Best known for his iconic performance in 'Singin' in the Rain', he transformed the musical genre in the 1940s and 1950s.
Aug. 29 Barry Sullivan
Prominent American film actor known for his roles in Hollywood during the mid-20th century, particularly in film noir and western genres.
Oct. 16 Maidie Norman
Maidie Norman was a prominent African American actress known for her significant roles in classic Hollywood films, particularly in psychological thrillers and dramas of the 1960s.
Oct. 25 Minnie Pearl
Beloved American country comedian and Grand Ole Opry performer known for her comedic persona and signature straw hat with price tag.
Oct. 31 Dale Evans
Dale Evans was a prominent American singer-songwriter, actress, and author, best known for her work in Western films and television alongside her husband Roy Rogers. She was a significant figure in mid-20th century entertainment, particularly in Western and Christian media.
Nov. 8 June Havoc
Renowned American actress, dancer, and stage director known for her successful Broadway and Hollywood career, and sister of famous stripper Gypsy Rose Lee.
Nov. 21 Eleanor Powell
Renowned American tap dancer and actress who was married to actor Glenn Ford. She was a prominent performer in Hollywood's golden age and known for her exceptional tap dancing skills.
Dec. 21 Paul Meurisse
Renowned French actor and former partner of Edith Piaf, Paul Meurisse was a significant figure in mid-20th century French cinema. His film career spanned several decades, starting in 1941 and establishing him as a prominent performer.
Dec. 22 Lady Bird Johnson
First Lady of the United States who was a prominent environmental activist and played a significant role in beautification efforts across America during her husband Lyndon B. Johnson's presidency.
Dec. 25 Tony Martin
Renowned American singer and actor known for his work in show business, particularly famous for hit songs like 'Tonight We Love'.