Famous people and celebrities born in December 1918
Welcome to our dedicated page for celebrating the notable individuals born in December 1918! 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. 1 Efrem Zimbalist, Jr.
Renowned American actor known for television series like 'The F.B.I.' and '77 Sunset Strip', and son of the famous classical violinist Efrem Zimbalist Sr.
- Dec. 3 Abdul Haris Nasution
Prominent Indonesian military general and politician who served as the 12th Minister of Defence, playing a significant role in Indonesia's post-independence political landscape.
- Dec. 5 John Pritchard
Sir John Pritchard was a renowned British conductor who significantly influenced post-World War II classical music. He held prestigious positions with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Cologne Opera, Belgian Opera Nationale, and San Francisco Opera. His international career and musical expertise made him a prominent figure in the classical music world.
- Dec. 10 Anne Gwynne
American film actress and pin-up model who was prominent during the 1940s, known for her roles in horror and western films.
- Dec. 10 Anatoli Tarasov
Legendary Soviet ice hockey coach considered the father of Soviet hockey, who revolutionized the sport's strategy and training methods.
- Dec. 12 Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn was a Nobel Prize-winning Russian novelist, historian, and critic of the Soviet regime, best known for his works exposing the Soviet gulag system.
- Dec. 12 Joe Williams
Joe Williams was a renowned American jazz singer known for his powerful blues performances, particularly famous for his rendition of 'Everyday I Have the Blues'.
- Dec. 13 Bill Vukovich
Legendary Indianapolis 500 race car driver known for his exceptional skill and tragic death during a race. He was a two-time Indy 500 winner who died in a fatal crash while leading the race in 1955.
- Dec. 14 BKS Iyengar
Renowned Indian yoga master who revolutionized the practice of yoga worldwide and developed the Iyengar yoga style.
- 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. 15 Chihiro Iwasaki
Chihiro Iwasaki was a celebrated Japanese watercolor artist renowned for her delicate and emotive illustrations in children's books. Her artistic style profoundly influenced Japanese children's literature and art. She is remembered as a significant figure in 20th-century Japanese illustration.
- Dec. 16 Pierre Delanoƫ
Renowned French songwriter who wrote lyrics for many famous French singers and was a significant figure in French popular music during the 20th century.
- Dec. 19 Professor Longhair
Legendary New Orleans blues and rhythm and blues pianist who significantly influenced the development of New Orleans music and rock and roll. Known for his unique piano style and influential recordings in the 1950s.
- 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.
- Dec. 21 Kurt Waldheim
Kurt Waldheim was an Austrian diplomat and politician who served as UN Secretary-General from 1972-1981 and President of Austria from 1986-1992. His career was controversial due to his military service during World War II, which later revealed potential involvement in Nazi activities.
- Dec. 22 Brunella Gasperini
Influential Italian journalist and author who was a prominent voice for women's rights during the 1960s and 1970s, known for her advice columns and progressive social commentary.
- Dec. 24 Helmut Schmidt
Influential German Chancellor who led West Germany from 1974 to 1982, known for his pragmatic leadership during the Cold War era.
- Dec. 24 Antoine Riboud
Prominent French business leader who founded and led Danone, transforming it into a global food and beverage multinational corporation.
- Dec. 25 Anwar Sadat
PEA - Egyptian lieutenant and politician, 3rd president of egypt, nobel prize laureate (d. 1981)
- Dec. 25 Mohamed Anwar al-Sadat
Nobel Prize laureate for jointly having negotiated peace between Egypt and Israel in 1978
- Dec. 26 Ahmed Ben Bella
Algerian revolutionary leader and politician who became the first President of independent Algeria, playing a crucial role in the country's struggle for independence.
- Dec. 29 Mado Robin
Mado Robin was a renowned French lyric-coloratura soprano famous for her extraordinary vocal range. She was particularly celebrated for her performances in operas and her legendary ability to sing extremely high notes. Her career spanned France, Belgium, and the United States, with notable performances including her debut as Gilda in 1945.
- Dec. 30 W Eugene Smith US photographer (Saipan
Renowned American photojournalist famous for his powerful photo essays and war photography, particularly his work documenting World War II and his influential 'Walk to Paradise Garden' series.