Famous people and celebrities born in December 1920
Welcome to our dedicated page for celebrating the notable individuals born in December 1920! 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 Pierre Poujade
French populist politician who founded the Poujadist movement, a right-wing political movement in France during the 1950s that represented small shopkeepers and farmers against modernization and taxation.
- Dec. 6 Dave Brubeck
Legendary jazz pianist and composer who revolutionized the genre with innovative time signatures and complex rhythms. His quartet, featuring Paul Desmond, created iconic works like 'Take Five' that became jazz standards. Brubeck was a pivotal figure in popularizing jazz as a sophisticated art form.
- Dec. 6 George Porter
CHE - English chemist and academic, nobel prize laureate (b. 1920)
- Dec. 9 Carlo Azeglio Ciampi
Prominent Italian economist and politician who served as the 10th President of Italy and 49th Prime Minister. He played a crucial role in Italian economic and political landscape during the late 20th century.
- Dec. 10 Clarice Lispector
Renowned Ukrainian-Brazilian writer and journalist known for her innovative and experimental literary style, considered one of the most important Brazilian authors of the 20th century.
- Dec. 10 Reginald Rose
Emmy Award-winning American screenwriter and producer, best known for writing the classic teleplay '12 Angry Men', which was later adapted into a critically acclaimed film.
- Dec. 11 Denis Jenkinson
Renowned British motorcycle racing journalist and co-driver, famous for his detailed race reporting and navigational skills in motorsports.
- Dec. 13 George P. Shultz
George P. Shultz was a prominent American economist and statesman who served as the 60th United States Secretary of State from 1982 to 1989 under President Ronald Reagan. He played a crucial role in shaping U.S. foreign policy during the late Cold War era and was known for his diplomatic skills.
- Dec. 14 Clark Terry
Renowned jazz trumpeter, composer, and music educator who significantly influenced jazz improvisation and mentored many famous musicians like Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock.
- Dec. 15 Gamal al-Banna
Prominent Egyptian Islamic scholar, author, and intellectual known for progressive interpretations of Islamic thought and social reform.
- Dec. 16 Frederick Rotimi Williams
Frederick Rotimi Williams was a prominent Nigerian lawyer, politician, and jurist who played a significant role in Nigeria's legal and political landscape during the mid-20th century. He was a key figure in the country's struggle for independence and constitutional development. Williams was known for his expertise in constitutional law and his contributions to Nigeria's legal system.
- Dec. 17 Armin Mueller-Stahl
Armin Mueller-Stahl is a renowned German actor known for his compelling performances in films like 'Kafka' and 'Music Box', with a career spanning several decades.
- Dec. 17 Kenneth Iverson
Kenneth Iverson was a pioneering Canadian computer scientist who developed the APL (A Programming Language) programming language, which revolutionized mathematical notation in computing.
- Dec. 19 David Susskind New York City
New York City television host known for the Open End show, same as David Susskind.
- Dec. 19 David Susskind
Renowned American television talk show host and producer who significantly influenced media discourse from the 1950s to 1980s, known for his intellectual and provocative interview style.
- Dec. 19 Little Dickens
American singer-songwriter and guitarist, same as Little Jimmy Dickens.
- Dec. 19 Jimmy Dickens
Country singer, same as Little Jimmy Dickens.
- Dec. 20 Vaino Linna
Väinö Linna was a prominent Finnish novelist best known for his war novel 'The Unknown Soldier', which is considered a classic of Finnish literature. He significantly contributed to understanding Finland's military history and national identity through his powerful storytelling.
- Dec. 21 Alicia Alonso
Legendary Cuban prima ballerina and choreographer who founded the Cuban National Ballet and was internationally renowned for her artistic excellence and cultural contributions.
- Dec. 23 Georges Beauregard
Influential French filmmaker and entrepreneur who significantly contributed to the French New Wave cinema movement. He founded a news agency and played a crucial role in Spanish film production development.
- Dec. 24 Franco Lucentini
Renowned Italian writer famous for collaborative thriller novels with Carlo Fruttero, who tragically ended his life after battling lung cancer.
- Dec. 26 Maurice Gendron
Maurice Gendron was a renowned French cellist and teacher who significantly influenced classical music in the 20th century. He was considered one of the most important cellists of his time, known for his exceptional technique and interpretative skills.
- Dec. 26 Emmet Hughes
Emmet Hughes was a prominent American journalist, political author, and influential speechwriter who worked for President Eisenhower and Governor Nelson Rockefeller. He later became a respected political science professor at Rutgers University after a distinguished career in journalism and politics.
- Dec. 28 Doc Counsilman
Legendary American Olympic and Hall of Fame swimming coach who led Indiana University's swimming program from 1957 to 1990.
- Dec. 28 André Verchuren
Renowned French accordionist famous for his hit song 'Les Fiancés d'Auvergne', which sold an impressive 10 million copies.
- Dec. 28 Steve Van Buren
Honduran-American football player who was a notable halfback for the Philadelphia Eagles.
- Dec. 29 Viveca Lindfors
Renowned Swedish-American actress and theater director who successfully transitioned from Swedish cinema to Hollywood, known for her distinctive facial features and compelling performances across stage and screen.
- Dec. 30 Jack Lord
Iconic American television actor best known for starring as Detective Steve McGarrett in the groundbreaking police procedural series 'Hawaii Five-O', which ran for 12 seasons and became a cultural phenomenon.