Famous people and celebrities born in October 1920

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

  • Walter Matthau
    Oct. 1 Walter Matthau

    Renowned American actor famous for comedy roles, particularly in 'The Odd Couple' with Jack Lemmon. He won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in Billy Wilder's 'The Fortune Cookie' in 1966.

  • Oct. 1 David Herbert Donald

    Prominent American historian and Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer, best known for his scholarly works on American political history, particularly Abraham Lincoln.

  • Oct. 3 Herbert Beckington

    Herbert Beckington was a distinguished US Marine Corps lieutenant general with a remarkable military career spanning three decades. He served actively during World War II, earned a law degree, and worked as a military aide to Vice President Hubert Humphrey in the 1960s. Throughout his service, he received numerous prestigious awards including the Distinguished Service Medal and four Legion of …

  • Oct. 7 Georg Leber

    Prominent German politician who served as Federal Minister of Defence, playing a significant role in post-war German politics.

  • Oct. 8 Frank Herbert

    Renowned science fiction author best known for the groundbreaking Dune series, Herbert was a visionary writer who blended complex philosophical and scientific concepts into his narratives. He won both Hugo and Nebula Awards, establishing himself as a pivotal figure in science fiction literature.

  • Oct. 12 Alice Childress

    Pioneering African-American playwright, novelist, and activist who made significant contributions to African-American literature and theater during the mid-20th century. Her works often explored racial and social issues with depth and nuance.

  • Oct. 13 Laraine Day

    Laraine Day was a prominent Hollywood actress of the 1930s and 1940s, known for her roles in Hitchcock's 'Foreign Correspondent' and several popular films of her era.

  • Oct. 15 Mario Puzo

    Famous American novelist and screenwriter best known for 'The Godfather', a landmark work in crime fiction literature.

  • Montgomery Clift
    Oct. 17 Montgomery Clift

    Montgomery Clift was a groundbreaking American actor known for his intense method acting style and iconic roles in classic films like 'From Here to Eternity' and 'A Place in the Sun'. He was a significant influence on Hollywood acting and was nominated for multiple Academy Awards during his career.

  • Zully Moreno
    Oct. 17 Zully Moreno

    Zully Moreno was a notable Argentine actress who was prominent in Latin American cinema during the mid-20th century.

  • Oct. 17 Miguel Delibes

    Miguel Delibes was a renowned Spanish novelist and journalist who masterfully depicted rural Spanish life in his literary works. He was a significant figure in 20th-century Spanish literature and received numerous national literary awards.

  • Melina Mercouri
    Oct. 18 Melina Mercouri

    Renowned Greek actress, singer, and politician who served as the 9th Greek Minister of Culture. She was a prominent cultural figure and passionate advocate for Greek arts and heritage.

  • Oct. 19 Pandurang Shastri Athavale

    Renowned Indian spiritual leader, philosopher, and social activist who founded the Swadhyay Parivar movement promoting spiritual and social transformation.

  • Oct. 22 Timothy Leary

    Controversial Harvard psychologist who became a counterculture icon, advocating for psychedelic drug research and personal consciousness expansion during the 1960s. He was a pivotal figure in the psychedelic movement, challenging societal norms and scientific conventions. His famous quote 'turn on, tune in, drop out' became a rallying cry for the hippie generation.

  • Oct. 23 Bob Montana

    Renowned American cartoonist who created the iconic 'Archie' comic strip, which became a cultural phenomenon and spawned multiple media adaptations.

  • Oct. 23 Gianni Rodari

    Influential Italian children's author and journalist who revolutionized children's literature with his innovative storytelling and educational approaches.

  • Oct. 23 Ted Fujita

    Pioneering Japanese-American meteorologist who developed the Fujita scale for rating tornado intensity, significantly advancing our understanding of severe weather phenomena.

  • Oct. 23 Frank Rizzo

    Controversial Philadelphia politician and former police commissioner who served as mayor from 1972 to 1980. Known for his tough law enforcement stance and polarizing political career.

  • Oct. 24 Chu Teh-Chun

    Chu Teh-Chun was a renowned Chinese-French abstract painter who significantly contributed to 20th-century art through his lyrical and expressive painting style. He bridged Eastern and Western artistic traditions, creating unique and emotionally charged artworks. His works are celebrated in major international museums and art collections.

  • Oct. 25 Geneviève de Gaulle-Anthonioz

    A courageous French Resistance fighter during World War II and a prominent social activist who dedicated her life to combating poverty and advocating for human rights.

  • Nanette Fabray
    Oct. 27 Nanette Fabray

    Renowned American comedian, actress, and television performer who was a prominent figure in early television comedy, winning Emmy and Tony Awards for her versatile performances.

  • Oct. 29 Baruj Benacerraf

    Distinguished Venezuelan-American immunologist who won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for groundbreaking research in immunogenetics.

  • Oct. 29 Václav Neumann

    Renowned Czech classical musician who was a prominent violinist and conductor, known for his significant contributions to classical music performance and interpretation.

  • Oct. 30 Christy Ring

    Renowned Irish hurler considered one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. He played for Cork and was a key figure in hurling during the mid-20th century.

  • Oct. 31 Helmut Newton

    Renowned German-born photographer famous for his provocative fashion and nude photography that challenged traditional gender roles and sexuality. His iconic black-and-white images appeared in prestigious magazines like Vogue, Elle, and Playboy. Newton's work significantly influenced contemporary fashion and art photography.

  • Oct. 31 Fritz Walter

    Legendary German footballer who captained the West German national team to victory in the 1954 FIFA World Cup. He is considered one of the most significant players in German football history.

  • Oct. 31 Dick Francis

    Acclaimed British crime novelist known for his horse racing-themed mystery novels. His unique background as a former jockey lent authenticity to his thrilling narratives.