Famous people and celebrities born in 1918
We celebrate the remarkable individuals born in 1918. 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 1918 and honor the stars who continue to shine brightly today.
- Jan. 28 Harry Corbett
Famous British actor and puppeteer known for creating the beloved children's puppet character Sooty. He was a pioneering entertainer who brought joy to generations of children through his television performances.
- Jan. 29 John Forsythe
John Forsythe was a renowned American actor best known for his roles in television series like 'Dynasty' and 'Charlie's Angels'. He had a distinguished career spanning several decades in film, television, and voice acting.
- Feb. 4 Ida Lupino
Pioneering actress and filmmaker who broke barriers in Hollywood, becoming one of the first female directors in the male-dominated film industry. She was known for her versatile acting and groundbreaking work in directing low-budget films and television series.
- Feb. 15 Allan Arbus
American actor and photographer best known for his role as Dr. Sidney Freedman in the iconic TV series M*A*S*H. He had a notable career transitioning from fashion photography to acting.
- March 25 Howard Cosell
Legendary sports broadcaster who transformed television and radio sports commentary with his distinctive, provocative style. He was a prominent figure on Monday Night Football for 14 years, known for his blunt and sarcastic commentary. His unique voice and personality made him an iconic media personality.
- April 16 Spike Milligan
Renowned British comedian, writer, and performer best known for creating and starring in 'The Goon Show', a groundbreaking radio comedy series that significantly influenced British humor and comedy. He was a multitalented artist who worked as a musician, writer, poet, and actor.
- April 17 William Holden
William Holden was a prominent American actor who won an Academy Award and starred in iconic films like 'Sunset Boulevard' and 'The Bridge on the River Kwai'. He was a leading Hollywood actor during the mid-20th century, known for his versatile performances and charismatic screen presence.
- May 1 Jack Paar
Pioneering American television talk show host who significantly influenced late-night entertainment in the 1950s and early 1960s, hosting 'The Tonight Show' and setting the stage for future talk show formats.
- May 9 Mike Wallace
Legendary investigative journalist and long-time correspondent for CBS's '60 Minutes', known for his hard-hitting interview style and pioneering television news reporting.
- May 11 Richard Feynman
Renowned American theoretical physicist who made groundbreaking contributions to quantum mechanics, quantum electrodynamics, and particle physics. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1965 and is famous for his innovative Feynman diagrams and path integral formulation.
- May 18 Massimo Girotti
Massimo Girotti was a renowned Italian actor with a remarkable career spanning seven decades, known for his significant contributions to Italian cinema during the mid-20th century.
- June 6 Kenneth Connor
Kenneth Connor was a prominent English comedian and actor, best known for his roles in the classic 'Carry On' film series. He was a key figure in British comedy during the mid-20th century, appearing in numerous comedic films.
- July 6 Sebastian Cabot
English-Canadian actor and singer known for his distinctive voice and character roles in film and television.
- July 8 Craig Stevens
American actor known for roles in TV series Craig-Dallas and Peter Gunn, a popular television detective show in the late 1950s.
- July 18 Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, political leader, and philanthropist who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He was a key figure in dismantling the legacy of apartheid and promoting racial reconciliation in South Africa, for which he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.
- Aug. 20 Jacqueline Susann
Jacqueline Susann was a pioneering American novelist who revolutionized popular fiction in the 1960s. Her groundbreaking novel 'Valley of the Dolls' became a massive bestseller and cultural phenomenon, selling millions of copies. She was known for her bold, provocative writing style that challenged literary conventions of her time.
- Aug. 30 Ted Williams
Ted Williams was a legendary American baseball player for the Boston Red Sox, renowned for his exceptional batting skills and military service as a Marine pilot during World War II. He was a three-time Most Valuable Player and later became a successful manager with the Washington Senators.
- Sept. 13 Dick Haymes
Prominent Argentinean-American big band singer and radio personality who was a popular musical figure during the swing era of the 1940s. He performed with notable bandleaders like Benny Goodman and Tommy Dorsey, and recorded several hit songs.
- Sept. 15 Nipsey Russell
Renowned African American comedian and actor known for his witty rhyming wordplay and appearances on game shows and television.
- Oct. 9 Lila Kedrova
Renowned Russian-born actress who won an Academy Award for her supporting role in 'Zorba the Greek' in 1964.
- Oct. 11 Jerome Robbins
Legendary Broadway choreographer and director who revolutionized musical theater, most famous for choreographing 'West Side Story' and 'Fiddler on the Roof'.
- Oct. 13 Robert Walker
American actor known for World War II era films like 'Bataan' and 'Since You Went Away', who struggled with personal challenges including alcoholism and mental health issues. Despite his boy-next-door image, he had a complex personal life that impacted his career.
- Oct. 27 Teresa Wright
Acclaimed Hollywood actress of the Golden Age, Teresa Wright won an Academy Award and was known for her memorable performances in classics like 'Mrs. Miniver', 'The Best Years of Our Lives', and 'Shadow of a Doubt'.
- Nov. 4 Art Carney
Emmy and Oscar-winning actor best known for his iconic role as Ed Norton in 'The Honeymooners'. He was a versatile performer who successfully transitioned from radio comedy to television and film, winning an Academy Award for Best Actor in 1974 for 'Harry and Tonto'.
- Nov. 4 Cameron Mitchell
American actor known for his role in the television western series 'The High Chaparral'. He had a long career in film and television spanning several decades.
- Nov. 7 Billy Graham
Renowned American evangelical Christian preacher who significantly influenced religious broadcasting and spiritual counseling to multiple US presidents. He was a global Christian leader who conducted massive evangelistic crusades and authored numerous influential books about faith.
- Nov. 9 Spiro Agnew
American politician who served as Vice President under Richard Nixon, becoming infamous for resigning due to financial misconduct and corruption charges in 1973, marking the first vice-presidential resignation in U.S. history.
- Nov. 11 Stubby Kaye
Stubby Kaye was a renowned American character actor famous for his roles in Broadway musicals like 'Guys and Dolls' and film adaptations such as 'Sweet Charity'.
- Dec. 15 Jeff Chandler
Jeff Chandler was a prominent American actor and singer known for his versatile roles in Hollywood during the 1950s. He appeared in numerous films and was particularly recognized for his performances in Western movies. Tragically, he died at a relatively young age of 42.
- Dec. 20 Audrey Totter
Prominent American film noir actress known for her roles in classic Hollywood movies like 'The Carpetbaggers' and 'The Set-Up', who was a significant figure in mid-20th century cinema.
What happened in 1918?
Discover what the world looked like in 1918: