Famous people and celebrities born in August 1912

Welcome to our dedicated page for celebrating the notable individuals born in August 1912! This month and year saw the birth of many influential figures who have made significant contributions to various fields, including entertainment, sports, politics, and more. Explore the biographies and achievements of these famous personalities and see how their talents have shaped the world. Join us in honoring the stars born in this memorable time.

• Aug. 1 Gego

  Gertrud Goldschmidt, known as Gego, was a renowned German-Venezuelan sculptor and academic who significantly influenced modern art in Latin America.

• Aug. 1 Henry Jones

  American actor known for his work in film and television during the mid-20th century.

• Aug. 4 Raoul Wallenberg

  Swedish diplomat who heroically saved tens of thousands of Jews during the Holocaust by issuing protective passports and sheltering people from Nazi persecution. His courageous actions made him a significant humanitarian figure of World War II.

• Aug. 4 David Raksin

  American composer from Philadelphia known for his contributions to modern music composition. He was a notable figure in 20th-century musical development.

• Aug. 5 Abbé Pierre

  French Roman Catholic priest and humanitarian who heroically helped Jews escape during World War II and founded Emmaus, a renowned non-profit organization dedicated to providing housing and support for the poor and marginalized.

• Aug. 9 Igor Markevitch

  Igor Markevitch was a renowned Ukrainian-born composer, conductor, and music scholar who significantly influenced 20th-century classical music. He was particularly known for his innovative compositions and his interpretations of works by composers like Stravinsky and Tchaikovsky. Markevitch had a distinguished international career, conducting major orchestras across Europe.

• 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. 13 Salvador Luria

  Renowned Italian-American biologist who won the Nobel Prize in Physiology & Medicine in 1969 for groundbreaking research in bacteriology and virology.

• Aug. 13 Ben Hogan

  One of golf's most legendary players, known for exceptional ball-striking technique and winning multiple major championships during his career.

• 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. 16 Ted Drake

  English professional footballer who played as a forward for Chelsea and Arsenal, later becoming a notable football manager. He was a prolific goal scorer and significant figure in mid-20th century British football.

• Aug. 18 Otto Remer

  German Wehrmacht officer who played a crucial role in suppressing the July 20, 1944 plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler, ultimately preventing the coup attempt and remaining a controversial figure in Nazi military history.

• Aug. 18 Elsa Morante

  Renowned Italian novelist and writer known for her profound literary works exploring human experiences, particularly focusing on childhood and social struggles during mid-20th century Italy.

• Aug. 21 Toe Blake

  Legendary Canadian ice hockey player and coach who led the Montreal Canadiens to multiple Stanley Cup victories during the 1950s and 1960s. He is considered one of the most successful coaches in NHL history.

• Aug. 22 John Lee Hooker

  Legendary blues musician and singer-songwriter who significantly influenced modern blues and rock music. Known for his distinctive boogie style and powerful guitar playing, he was a key figure in the development of electric blues.

• 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. 25 Erich Honecker

  Prominent East German communist leader who ruled the German Democratic Republic from 1971 to 1989, symbolizing the authoritarian regime of the Cold War era. His leadership was characterized by strict adherence to Marxist-Leninist principles and resistance to political reforms. Ultimately, he was forced to resign during the peaceful revolution that led to the fall of the Berlin Wall and German …

• Aug. 26 Léo Marjane

  Léo Marjane was a prominent French singer known for her remarkable popularity during the late 1930s and early 1940s, whose career experienced a significant decline following World War II.

• 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.

• Aug. 29 Sohn Kee-chung

  Historic South Korean marathon runner who won gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, symbolizing Korean resistance during Japanese colonial rule.

• Aug. 30 Nancy Wake

  Nancy Wake was a remarkable World War II resistance fighter known as the 'White Mouse' for her ability to evade capture. She was a key Allied agent who helped coordinate resistance efforts in Nazi-occupied France and was one of the most decorated women of WWII.

• Aug. 30 Edward Mills Purcell

  PHY - American physicist and academic, nobel prize laureate (b. 1912)