Famous people and celebrities born in December 1917

Welcome to our dedicated page for celebrating the notable individuals born in December 1917! 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.

• Dec. 4 Claude Terrail

  Renowned French restaurateur who managed the legendary Michelin-starred restaurant La Tour d'Argent in Paris, continuing a family culinary legacy spanning generations. He inherited the restaurant from his father in 1947 and ran it until 2003, maintaining its prestigious reputation in the Parisian dining scene.

• Dec. 5 Wenche Foss

  Renowned Norwegian actress celebrated as the premier diva of Norwegian theatre, with a distinguished career spanning stage, screen, and television.

• Dec. 6 Kamal Jumblatt

  Prominent Lebanese Druze politician and progressive leader who played a significant role in Lebanese politics during the mid-20th century. He was a key figure in the Lebanese National Movement and advocated for social and political reforms.

• Dec. 8 Ian Johnson

  Ian Johnson was a prominent Australian cricketer who made significant contributions to the sport as both a player and administrator.

• Dec. 9 James Angleton

  James Angleton was a legendary CIA counterintelligence chief known for his complex and paranoid approach to espionage during the Cold War. He played a significant role in shaping CIA investigations and was notorious for his intense suspicion of potential Soviet infiltration. His career was marked by controversial witch hunts and deep involvement in sensitive intelligence operations.

• Dec. 10 James Rainwater

  Nobel Prize-winning American physicist who made significant contributions to nuclear physics and the understanding of atomic structure.

• Dec. 13 Jan Baalsrud

  Norwegian resistance fighter during World War II, a second lieutenant of Kompani Linge who was decorated with the St. Olav Medal and Order of the British Empire for his heroic wartime service.

• Dec. 16 Arthur C. Clarke

  A renowned British science fiction writer, futurist, and inventor who co-wrote the screenplay for '2001: A Space Odyssey', profoundly influencing science fiction and space exploration literature.

• Dec. 17 Murray Kempton

  Renowned American journalist and columnist who won the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished commentary, known for his eloquent and nuanced political writing during the mid-20th century.

• Dec. 18 Ossie Davis

  Prominent African American actor, playwright, and civil rights activist from Cogdell, Georgia, known for his significant contributions to theater, film, and social justice movements.

• Dec. 18 Eddie Vinson

  Renowned American jazz, jump, and bebop saxophonist and blues singer, known for his unique musical style and the nickname 'Clean Head' after a hair straightening cream accident.

• Dec. 20 David Bohm

  A groundbreaking quantum physicist who revolutionized quantum mechanics through his theory of the implicate order and profound philosophical interpretations of quantum phenomena. His work significantly influenced theoretical physics and philosophical understanding of quantum reality.

• Dec. 21 Heinrich Böll

  Prominent German novelist and Nobel Prize in Literature laureate who critically examined post-World War II West German society through his powerful and minimalist literary works.

• Dec. 21 Alicia Alonso

  Legendary Cuban prima ballerina who was a pivotal figure in Cuban ballet, renowned for her exceptional artistic talent and international performances with American Ballet Theatre.

• Dec. 22 Gene Rayburn

  Iconic American television host best known for hosting 'Match Game', a popular game show that defined TV entertainment in the 1960s and 1970s. His charismatic personality and distinctive dimpled smile made him a beloved television personality.

• Dec. 22 Andrew Fielding Huxley London England

  Renowned physiologist who won the Nobel Prize in 1963 for groundbreaking work in understanding nerve cell mechanisms.

• Dec. 22 Freddie Francis

  Acclaimed English film director and cinematographer, known for his exceptional work in both horror films and prestigious dramatic productions.

• Dec. 24 John McLaughlin

  Prominent American military officer who served as a Lieutenant General, with distinguished service during Vietnam War and World War II.

• Dec. 26 Rose Mary Woods

  Rose Mary Woods was President Nixon's personal secretary during the Watergate scandal, famously known for allegedly erasing 18.5 minutes of crucial White House tape recordings.

• Dec. 28 Ellis Clarke

  Ellis Clarke was a prominent Trinidadian politician who served as the first President of Trinidad and Tobago from 1976 to 1987, playing a crucial role in the country's early post-independence political landscape.

• Dec. 29 Ramanand Sagar

  Renowned Indian film director and producer famous for creating the epic television series Ramayan, which significantly influenced Indian popular culture.

• Dec. 29 Tom Bradley

  Pioneering African American politician who served as Los Angeles mayor for five consecutive terms, transforming the city's political landscape and promoting civil rights.

• Dec. 31 Suzy Delair

  French actress and singer known for her collaboration with director Henri-Georges Clouzot, who was also her companion.