Famous people and celebrities born in July 1920
Welcome to our dedicated page for celebrating the notable individuals born in July 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.
- July 1 Harold Sakata
Harold Sakata was an American professional wrestler known by the ring name 'Tosh Togo' and later became a notable actor, famously playing the iconic henchman Oddjob in the James Bond film 'Goldfinger'.
- July 1 Henri Amouroux
Henri Amouroux was a prominent French historian and journalist known for his extensive writings on 20th-century French history, particularly the World War II period.
- July 4 Leona Helmsley
Leona Helmsley was a notorious American real estate businesswoman known as the 'Queen of Mean' for her harsh management style and legal troubles. She and her husband Harry built a massive real estate empire in New York City during the 1970s and 1980s. Her infamous tax evasion trial in 1989 made her a symbol of wealthy excess and corporate greed.
- July 7 William Coleman
Pioneering African-American lawyer who was the first Black law clerk at the U.S. Supreme Court. He served as president of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and was appointed Secretary of Transportation in 1975.
- July 8 Godtfred Kirk Christiansen
Danish businessman and key executive of the LEGO Group who played a crucial role in transforming the company into a global toy manufacturing powerhouse during the mid-20th century.
- July 10 David Brinkley
Renowned American TV news correspondent who co-anchored the groundbreaking 'Huntley-Brinkley Report' on NBC from 1956 to 1970. His witty style and partnership with Chet Huntley revolutionized television news broadcasting.
- July 10 Owen Chamberlain
Nobel Prize-winning physicist who discovered the antiproton and played a crucial role in the Manhattan Project. His groundbreaking work significantly advanced our understanding of particle physics.
- July 11 Yul Brynner
Iconic Hollywood actor known for his distinctive bald head and powerful performances, particularly in 'The King and I'. He was a versatile performer with a fascinating multicultural background spanning Russia, China, and the United States.
- July 12 Pierre Berton
Influential Canadian journalist, author, and cultural commentator who significantly shaped Canadian literary and historical discourse.
- July 12 Paul Foster
Singer known for his soulful voice and chart-topping musical performances.
- July 13 Bharat Bhushan
Renowned Indian film actor who was a prominent figure in Hindi cinema during the golden age of Bollywood in the 1940s and 1950s, known for his versatile acting and memorable performances.
- July 13 Jean Messagier
Multifaceted French artist who excelled as a poet, painter, sculptor, and printmaker, significantly contributing to the post-war Parisian art scene and influenced by notable modernist artists.
- July 13 Hans Blumenberg
Prominent German philosopher known for his significant contributions to philosophical anthropology, metaphorology, and intellectual history, with influential works that explored human knowledge and scientific understanding.
- July 14 Shankarrao Chavan
Indian lawyer and politician who served as a finance minister, playing a significant role in India's political landscape during the late 20th century.
- July 16 Anatole Broyard
Anatole Broyard was a prominent American literary critic and essayist who wrote for The New York Times, known for his insightful book reviews and cultural commentary.
- July 19 Patricia Medina
Prominent English actress known for her roles in numerous films during the mid-20th century, particularly in British cinema and Hollywood productions.
- July 19 Robert Mann
Renowned American violinist, composer, and conductor, best known for his long association with the prestigious Juilliard String Quartet.
- July 20 Elliot Richardson
Prominent American politician who served as U.S. Attorney General under President Nixon and Secretary of Defense under President Ford, known for his integrity during the Watergate era.
- July 20 Robert Boulin
French politician and lawyer who served as a minister and was involved in a controversial property scandal that led to his suicide in 1979.
- July 21 Isaac Stern
Renowned Russian-American violinist who was a pivotal figure in classical music, making his symphonic debut at age 11 and performing at Carnegie Hall in 1943.
- July 21 Jean Daniel
Influential French-Jewish journalist and founder of Le Nouvel Observateur, a prominent weekly magazine that played a significant role in French intellectual discourse.
- July 22 Luigi Malabrocca
Luigi Malabrocca was a prominent Italian cyclist who won the Giro d'Italia twice in 1946 and 1947, known for his exceptional endurance and spirited personality in competitive cycling.
- July 23 Amália Rodrigues
Amália Rodrigues was the legendary 'Queen of Fado', a renowned Portuguese singer and actress who profoundly influenced traditional Portuguese music and culture during the 20th century. She is considered the most important figure in fado music, elevating the genre to international recognition.
- July 24 Bella Abzug
Bella Abzug was a pioneering American politician, lawyer, and feminist who fought for women's rights and social justice throughout her career. She was a prominent member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
- July 25 Rosalind Franklin
Pioneering British chemist and X-ray crystallographer who played a crucial role in understanding the molecular structures of DNA, RNA, viruses, coal, and graphite. Her work was instrumental in discovering the double helix structure of DNA, though her contributions were initially underrecognized.
- July 26 Bob Waterfield
Bob Waterfield was a legendary American football quarterback who played for the Los Angeles Rams and is considered one of the most influential players of his era. He was a two-time NFL champion and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1965. Waterfield was also known for his versatility, playing both quarterback and punter.
- July 28 Andrew V. McLaglen
Renowned English-American film director and producer known for his work in Hollywood during the mid-20th century.
- July 30 Barbara Laage
French actress who was prominent in cinema during the 1950s, known for her roles in French New Wave films and her contributions to post-war French cinema.
- July 31 James E. Faust
James E. Faust was a prominent American religious leader, lawyer, and politician who served as a counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.