Famous people and celebrities born in 1914
We celebrate the remarkable individuals born in 1914. 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 1914 and honor the stars who continue to shine brightly today.
- Jan. 5 George Reeves
Famous actor best known for playing Superman in the 1950s television series. Tragically died under mysterious circumstances at age 45, with his death ruled as a possible suicide.
- Jan. 6 Danny Thomas
Renowned American entertainer, comedian, and philanthropist who founded St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, known for his successful television career and humanitarian efforts.
- Feb. 5 William Burroughs
Influential Beat Generation writer known for his experimental novel 'Naked Lunch', which challenged literary conventions and explored themes of addiction, sexuality, and social control. A key figure in postmodern literature who significantly influenced 20th-century counterculture.
- Feb. 9 Ernest Tubb
Legendary country music singer-songwriter known as the 'Texas Troubadour', who significantly influenced the development of honky-tonk music.
- Feb. 9 Gypsy Rose Lee
Famous American burlesque performer, striptease artist, and author known for her wit and unique stage presence in mid-20th century entertainment.
- Feb. 15 Kevin McCarthy
Renowned American actor famous for his iconic role in the sci-fi classic 'Invasion of the Body Snatchers' and his Oscar-nominated performance in 'Death of a Salesman'.
- Feb. 22 Zachary Scott
American film and television actor known for roles in classic Hollywood movies during the 1940s and 1950s, including notable performances in 'Mildred Pierce' and 'Giant'.
- March 1 Ralph Ellison
Ralph Ellison was a prominent African American novelist, literary critic, and scholar, best known for his groundbreaking novel 'Invisible Man', which won the National Book Award in 1953 and is considered a landmark work in 20th-century American literature.
- March 20 Wendell Corey
Prominent American film actor of the 1950s, known for his supporting roles in classic Hitchcock thriller Rear Window and Oscar-nominated drama The Country Girl. He was a versatile performer who appeared in numerous Hollywood films during the golden age of cinema.
- April 2 Alec Guinness
Legendary British actor who won an Oscar for 'Bridge on the River Kwai' and was renowned for his versatile performances in classic films like 'The Lavender Hill Mob' and 'Kind Hearts and Coronets'. He was a highly respected performer known for his remarkable character acting and range.
- April 4 Marguerite Duras
Author of more than 70 books and plays, plus adaptations for cinema, by south vietnamese-french authors. she was representative for the
- April 8 María Félix
María Félix was a legendary Mexican film actress who dominated Latin American cinema during the 1940s and 1950s. Known as 'La Doña', she was renowned for her extraordinary beauty, powerful screen presence, and iconic roles in Mexican golden age cinema. She is considered one of the most significant and influential actresses in Spanish-language film history.
- April 20 Betty Lou Gerson
Renowned voice actress best known for her work in Disney's 101 Dalmatians as Cruella de Vil. She had a long and distinguished career in radio, film, and animation voice work.
- May 5 Tyrone Power
Tyrone Power was a legendary Hollywood actor of the Golden Age, known for his exceptional looks, talent, and versatility. He was a third-generation performer who began his stage career at seven and became a major film star in the 1930s and 1940s. His breakthrough came with the film 'Girl's Dormitory' in 1936, launching a remarkable 22-year career in entertainment.
- May 13 Joe Louis
Legendary African American heavyweight boxer who dominated the ring from 1937 to 1949, breaking racial barriers and becoming a national icon. He successfully defended his title 25 times, a record that stood for decades.
- May 24 Lilli Palmer
Renowned German-born actress who had a successful international career in film and theater, known for her beauty, talent, and marriages to Rex Harrison and Carlos Thompson.
- June 17 John Hersey
John Hersey was a renowned American journalist and author, best known for his groundbreaking book 'Hiroshima', which provided a powerful and intimate account of the atomic bombing's human impact. He won the Pulitzer Prize and is considered a significant literary figure of the 20th century.
- July 28 Woody Strode
African American actor and professional football player who broke racial barriers in sports and cinema, known for significant roles in epic films like 'Spartacus' and Sergio Leone's 'Once Upon a Time in the West'.
- July 31 Louis de Funès
Legendary French comic actor known for his exaggerated facial expressions and comedic roles in numerous popular films during the 1960s and 1970s.
- July 31 Josette Day
French actress best known for her iconic role as Belle in Jean Cocteau's landmark 1946 film 'Beauty and the Beast', a classic of surrealist cinema.
- Aug. 12 Luis Mariano
Luis Mariano was a famous Spanish-French tenor and actor known for his significant contributions to operetta and popular music in mid-20th century France.
- Aug. 30 Joan Blondell
Prominent American film actress of the 1930s and 1940s, known for her comedic roles and distinctive husky voice. She appeared in numerous Hollywood films and was a notable figure in the Golden Age of cinema.
- Sept. 16 Allen Funt
Famous television host and creator of 'Candid Camera', a groundbreaking hidden camera prank show that revolutionized television entertainment.
- Sept. 20 Kenneth More
Renowned British actor who was a prominent figure in mid-20th century cinema, known for his versatility in both comedy and drama. He won multiple prestigious awards including the British Film Academy Award and the Venice Best Actor Prize. More was particularly famous for his roles in classic British films like 'Genevieve' and 'Doctor in the House'.
- Sept. 26 Jack LaLanne
Jack LaLanne was a pioneering fitness guru who revolutionized American health and wellness through television fitness programs and promoting physical exercise. He is widely considered the 'Godfather of Fitness' who inspired millions to adopt healthier lifestyles.
- Nov. 6 Jonathan Harris
Jonathan Harris was an American actor best known for his iconic role as Dr. Smith in the classic science fiction television series 'Lost in Space'. He was a versatile performer with a long career in television and film.
- Nov. 9 Hedy Lamarr
Hedy Lamarr was a groundbreaking Austrian-American actress and inventor who revolutionized wireless communication technology. Beyond her Hollywood glamour, she co-invented a frequency-hopping spread spectrum technology crucial to modern Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Her scientific contributions were as remarkable as her beauty, challenging the stereotypes of her era.
- Dec. 26 Richard Widmark
Renowned Hollywood actor famous for his breakthrough role as a psychotic killer in the film noir 'Kiss of Death'. He was an Oscar-nominated performer with a diverse career spanning film, theater, and television. Widmark was also a film producer through his own company, Heath Productions.
- Dec. 30 Jo Van Fleet
Acclaimed American actress known for her powerful performances in film and theater, winning an Academy Award for her role in 'East of Eden'.
What happened in 1914?
Discover what the world looked like in 1914: