Famous people and celebrities born in October 1917

Welcome to our dedicated page for celebrating the notable individuals born in October 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.

• Oct. 1 Buddy Rich

  Legendary jazz drummer and bandleader widely considered one of the most influential and technically skilled drummers in jazz history.

• Oct. 2 Christian de Duve

  Nobel Prize laureate in biochemistry and cytology, renowned for groundbreaking research in cellular biology and medicine.

• Oct. 5 Allen Ludden

  Allen Ludden was a popular American game show host best known for hosting 'Password' and being married to beloved actress Betty White. He was a prominent television personality during the 1960s and 1970s who significantly influenced game show entertainment.

• Oct. 6 Fannie Lou Hamer

  Prominent African American civil rights activist who fought for voting rights and racial equality in the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party during the 1960s Civil Rights Movement.

• Oct. 7 Mila Parély

  Mila Parély was a prominent French actress of the mid-20th century, known for her memorable performances in classic French cinema, including Jean Renoir's masterpiece 'La Règle du Jeu' and Jean Cocteau's 'Beauty and the Beast'.

• Oct. 7 June Allyson

  June Allyson was a beloved Hollywood actress of the Golden Age, renowned for her charming performances in musicals and dramatic films, and a popular star of MGM studios during the 1940s and 1950s.

• Oct. 8 Rodney Porter

  Nobel Prize laureate in Physiology or Medicine, renowned for groundbreaking work in biochemistry.

• Oct. 8 Billy Conn

  Famous light heavyweight boxer known as the 'Pittsburgh Kid', renowned for his speed and skill in the ring.

• Oct. 8 Rodney Robert Porter

  MED - English biochemist and physiologist, nobel prize laureate (d. 1985)

• Oct. 8 Danny Murtaugh

  Renowned Pittsburgh Pirates baseball manager who led the team to significant success during his career.

• Oct. 10 Thelonious Monk

  Legendary jazz pianist and composer who revolutionized bebop music, known for his unique improvisational style and influential compositions. He was a key figure in the development of modern jazz during the mid-20th century, performing and recording with many other jazz greats.

• Oct. 13 Laraine Day

  Prominent Hollywood actress known for her roles in film noir and classic movies during the 1930s and 1940s, including notable performances in Alfred Hitchcock's films.

• Oct. 15 Arthur Schlesinger

  Prominent American historian who won two Pulitzer Prizes for his groundbreaking works on American history, including 'The Age of Jackson' and 'A Thousand Days: JFK Inside the White House'. He was deeply influenced by his father, also a renowned historian.

• Oct. 17 Marsha Hunt

  American actress who made her Broadway debut in 1948, appearing in over 60 films. She began her career as a model at 17 and made her screen debut in 'The Virginia Judge' in 1935.

• Oct. 19 Walter Munk

  Renowned oceanographer and geophysicist who made significant contributions to understanding ocean waves, climate, and earth sciences. He was often called the 'world's greatest living oceanographer'.

• Oct. 20 Jean-Pierre Melville

  Influential French film director renowned for his stylish and minimalist crime noir films. He was a key figure in the French New Wave cinema movement, creating iconic movies that significantly impacted modern filmmaking. His works like 'Le Samouraï' are considered masterpieces of the genre.

• Oct. 20 Stéphane Hessel

  German-French diplomat, resistance fighter, and human rights activist who became famous for his influential pamphlet 'Time for Outrage'. He was a Holocaust survivor and played a significant role in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

• Oct. 22 Joan Fontaine

  Oscar-winning actress known for her roles in Alfred Hitchcock films like 'Rebecca' and 'Suspicion'. She had a complex family relationship with her sister Olivia de Havilland, also a famous actress. Her early life was marked by family challenges and international experiences.

• Oct. 22 Dizzy Gillespie

  Legendary jazz trumpeter and bandleader who was a key innovator of bebop and Afro-Cuban jazz. He significantly influenced 20th-century jazz music and was known for his distinctive bent trumpet and puffed cheeks while playing.

• Oct. 25 Lee MacPhail

  Lee MacPhail was a prominent American baseball executive who served as general manager for the New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles, and later as president of the American League.

• Oct. 27 Oliver Tambo

  Prominent South African anti-apartheid leader who played a crucial role in the African National Congress (ANC) during the struggle against racial segregation. He was a key figure in the fight for democracy and equality in South Africa, working alongside Nelson Mandela.

• Oct. 30 Maurice Trintignant

  Renowned French racing driver who competed in Formula One and won prestigious events like the Monaco Grand Prix and 24 Hours of Le Mans.