Famous people and celebrities born in October 1912
Welcome to our dedicated page for celebrating the notable individuals born in October 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.
- Oct. 1 Kathleen Ollerenshaw
A remarkable mathematician who overcame profound deafness to excel in her field, Kathleen Ollerenshaw became a pioneering academic and researcher at Oxford University. Despite losing her hearing at age 8, she developed extraordinary mathematical skills and later served in political roles. Her autobiography highlighted mathematics as a universal language transcending auditory limitations.
- Oct. 2 Frank Malina
Frank Malina was a pioneering aerospace engineer and artist who played a crucial role in early rocket science and founded the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). He was instrumental in developing rocket technology during World War II and later became an innovative kinetic artist.
- Oct. 3 Charles Wood
Charles Wood was the 2nd Earl of Halifax, a prominent British Conservative politician who played significant roles in mid-20th century British politics.
- Oct. 4 John de Mol
Dutch media producer and entrepreneur famous for creating popular television formats like Big Brother.
- Oct. 5 Fritz Fischer
German physician known for his controversial role in Nazi medical practices during World War II, later convicted as a war criminal.
- Oct. 6 Perkins Bass
Prominent American lawyer and politician from New Hampshire who served in the United States House of Representatives during the mid-20th century.
- Oct. 7 Fernando Belaúnde Terry
Peruvian architect and politician who served twice as president of Peru, known for his democratic principles and commitment to national development.
- Oct. 8 John Gardner
Distinguished public servant and social reformer who served as U.S. Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare under Lyndon B. Johnson. He founded Common Cause and was a psychologist deeply interested in institutional dynamics and human motivation.
- Oct. 8 Frances Sakoian
Prominent American astrologer who authored 19 astrology books and was a well-known lecturer. She directed the New England School of Astrology and was a significant figure in astrological education and publishing.
- Oct. 8 Felix Franco-Oppenheimer
Influential Puerto Rican essayist, poet, and literary critic who was a key figure in 20th-century Caribbean literature. He was influenced by existentialism and initiated the transcendentalist movement in Puerto Rico.
- Oct. 10 Ram Vilas Sharma
Prominent Indian poet and literary critic known for his significant contributions to Hindi literature and academic discourse.
- Oct. 13 Cornel Wilde
Renowned Hollywood actor and film director known for his versatile performances in multiple genres during the mid-20th century. He starred in numerous films and successfully transitioned between acting and directing throughout his career.
- Oct. 15 Lucien Bonnafé
Influential French psychiatrist who revolutionized mental health care policy, advocating for humane treatment of psychiatric patients and emphasizing societal responsibility towards mental health.
- 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. 16 Clifford Hansen
Clifford Hansen was an influential American politician who served as the 26th Governor of Wyoming, known for his significant contributions to state politics and ranching industry.
- Oct. 17 Pope John Paul I
Pope who served an extraordinarily brief papacy of just 33 days in 1978, dying suddenly and unexpectedly at age 65, which sparked significant speculation and controversy.
- Oct. 21 Georg Solti
Renowned Hungarian-British orchestral conductor and music director, widely considered one of the greatest classical conductors of the 20th century, who led the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and won multiple Grammy Awards.
- Oct. 21 Don Byas
Influential American jazz saxophonist known for his bebop style and significant contributions to the development of modern jazz in the 1940s.
- Oct. 22 Harry Callahan
Influential American photographer known for his innovative and experimental approach to photography.
- 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. 25 Jack Kent Cooke
Prominent Canadian-American businessman and owner of the Washington Redskins NFL team, known for his significant sports and business investments.
- Oct. 26 Don[ald] Siegel
American film director famous for classics like 'Escape from Alcatraz' and 'The Shootist'. He was a significant figure in Hollywood's genre filmmaking.
- Oct. 26 Don Siegel
Renowned American film director known for influential movies like 'Dirty Harry' and 'Invasion of the Body Snatchers'. He was a key figure in the Hollywood film industry during the mid-20th century.
- Oct. 27 Conlon Nancarrow
Innovative American-Mexican composer and pianist known for his experimental music and complex rhythmic studies, particularly his groundbreaking player piano compositions.
- Oct. 27 Madeleine Sologne
French actress known for her roles in Jean Renoir's 'Le Vie Est a Nous' (1936) and 'L'Eternal Retour' (1943), she was a prominent figure in mid-20th century French cinema.
- Oct. 28 Richard Doll
Pioneering British epidemiologist who conducted groundbreaking research proving the causal relationship between cigarette smoking and lung cancer. His landmark studies in the 1950s fundamentally transformed public health understanding and policy regarding tobacco use.
- 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.
- Oct. 31 Ollie Johnston
Ollie Johnston was a legendary Disney animator who played a crucial role in the golden age of animation, contributing to classic Disney films and inspiring generations of animators. He was part of the famous 'Nine Old Men' who defined Disney's animation style.