Famous people and celebrities born in January 1920

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

• Jan. 1 Alfred Tomatis

  French physician, audiologist, and researcher who developed the Tomatis Method, a therapeutic approach to listening and communication disorders.

• Jan. 1 Osvaldo Cavandoli

  Famous Italian cartoonist best known for creating 'La Linea', a minimalist animated character who became an iconic figure in Italian animation.

• Jan. 2 Isaac Asimov

  Renowned Russian-American biochemist and science fiction author who wrote over 400 books and significantly influenced science communication and sci-fi literature. He was a prolific writer known for his Foundation series and pioneering works on robotics and artificial intelligence. [bio]

• Jan. 3 Siegfried Buback

  German lawyer and attorney general who was assassinated by the Red Army Faction (RAF) in 1977, a significant figure in post-war West German legal and political history.

• Jan. 4 Robert Lamoureux

  Prominent French entertainer who excelled in multiple artistic domains including acting, directing, songwriting, and performing in cabaret and music hall. Known for his charming and energetic screen presence in light comedic films.

• Jan. 4 William Colby

  Prominent CIA director and decorated World War II veteran who played significant roles in US intelligence and diplomatic services across multiple global regions. His career spanned critical Cold War periods, serving in key intelligence positions in Europe and Asia.

• Jan. 5 Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli

  Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli was a world-renowned Italian classical pianist celebrated for his exceptional technical precision and profound interpretations of composers like Debussy, Ravel, and Scarlatti. He is considered one of the most significant pianists of the 20th century, known for his extraordinary musical sensitivity and virtuosic performances.

• Jan. 6 John Maynard Smith

  Renowned evolutionary biologist who revolutionized understanding of evolution through game theory and mathematical modeling.

• Jan. 7 Vincent Gardenia

  Acclaimed Italian-American character actor known for roles in films like 'Moonstruck' and TV series 'All in the Family'.

• Jan. 8 Douglas Wilmer

  Renowned English character actor known for his distinguished stage and screen performances, particularly in Shakespearean roles and as Sherlock Holmes.

• Jan. 9 Clive Dunn

  English actor and comedian best known for his role in the popular BBC sitcom 'Dad's Army', where he played the beloved character Lance Corporal Jack Jones.

• Jan. 10 Georges Marchal

  French actor and member of the Comédie-Française, who performed extensively in theater between 1941-1948 before transitioning to film roles.

• Jan. 12 James Farmer

  Co-founder of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), James Farmer was a pivotal leader in the American Civil Rights Movement. He played a crucial role in organizing protests and advocating for racial equality during the 1960s. Farmer's nonviolent activism significantly contributed to advancing civil rights in the United States.

• Jan. 14 Jean Dutourd

  Jean Dutourd was a prominent French novelist, essayist, and member of the Académie Française, known for his satirical and witty literary works.

• Jan. 15 John Joseph O'Connor

  Cardinal archbishop of New York who served from 1984 to 2000, known for his influential role in the Catholic Church during a significant period of social change.

• Jan. 19 Javier Pérez de Cuéllar

  Prominent Peruvian diplomat who served as United Nations Secretary-General from 1982 to 1991, playing a crucial role in international diplomacy during the Cold War era.

• Jan. 20 Federico Fellini

  Federico Fellini was a legendary Italian film director renowned for his surreal, imaginative, and visually stunning cinema that revolutionized modern filmmaking. [bio]

• Jan. 20 DeForest Kelley

  DeForest Kelley was an iconic American actor best known for his memorable role as Dr. Leonard 'Bones' McCoy in the original Star Trek television series and subsequent films.

• Jan. 21 Errol Barrow

  Errol Barrow was a prominent political leader who served as the first Prime Minister of Barbados, leading the country to independence and playing a crucial role in its post-colonial development.

• Jan. 22 Alf Ramsey

  Legendary English football manager who led England to World Cup victory in 1966, transforming the national team's tactical approach.

• Jan. 22 Irving Kristol

  Influential American intellectual, often called the 'godfather of neoconservatism', who founded important political journals and shaped conservative thought.

• Jan. 22 William Warfield

  Renowned African American bass-baritone singer famous for his performances in musicals like Show Boat and his powerful vocal range.

• Jan. 23 Gottfried Böhm

  Renowned German architect and Pritzker Prize winner known for his innovative and expressive architectural designs that often integrated concrete and sculptural forms.

• Jan. 23 Walter Frederick Morrison

  American inventor and businessman who created the Frisbee, revolutionizing recreational play and outdoor sports worldwide.

• Jan. 26 Derek Bond

  British actor and author who was active on the London stage and in films from 1936 to 1946. He served in the British Grenadier Guards during World War II and was awarded the Military Cross. Bond later became president of British Actors' Equity from 1984 to 1986.

• Jan. 27 Claude Labbé

  Prominent French politician who served as a deputy in the National Assembly and president of the RPR party from 1979 to 1985, representing Seine-et-Oise and later Hauts-de-Seine departments.

• Jan. 27 Philip Caldwell

  Groundbreaking business executive who led Ford Motor Company from 1979 to 1985, becoming the first non-Ford family member to manage the company and orchestrating a remarkable business turnaround.

• Jan. 30 Delbert Mann

  American producer and director (d. 2007).

• Jan. 31 Bert Williams

  Pioneering African-American entertainer and comedian who was a groundbreaking figure in early 20th-century entertainment, breaking racial barriers in performance.

• Jan. 31 Benoîte Groult

  French feminist journalist and writer who explored critical themes of women's rights, discrimination, and societal misogyny through her influential novels and works.