Famous people and celebrities born in February 1921
Welcome to our dedicated page for celebrating the notable individuals born in February 1921! 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.
- Feb. 1 Peter Sallis
British actor best known for his role in the Wallace and Gromit animated series and the TV show Last of the Summer Wine.
- Feb. 1 Renata Tebaldi
Legendary Italian operatic soprano renowned worldwide for her exceptional vocal quality and performances.
- Feb. 3 Marcel Jeulin
French Resistance fighter during World War II, honored with the prestigious 'Compagnon de la Libération' title for his heroic contributions to the liberation of France.
- Feb. 4 Betty Friedan
Pioneering American feminist who wrote 'The Feminine Mystique' and co-founded the National Organization for Women (NOW), significantly advancing women's rights in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s.
- Feb. 5 Ken Adam
Renowned German-born British production designer who significantly influenced film art direction, particularly in James Bond and Stanley Kubrick films.
- Feb. 6 Carl Neumann Degler
Carl Degler was a prominent American historian known for his significant contributions to social history, particularly in studies of race and gender in the United States. He was a professor at Stanford University and won the Pulitzer Prize for his scholarly work.
- Feb. 8 Lana Turner
Iconic Hollywood actress known as the 'Sweater Girl' who rose to fame during World War II and was nominated for an Oscar for her role in 'Peyton Place'.
- Feb. 9 Joseph Fontanet
French Gaullist politician who served in ministerial roles and was tragically assassinated in Paris in 1980. He was a prominent figure in French political landscape during the mid-20th century.
- Feb. 11 Ottavio Missoni
Italian fashion designer and former hurdler who co-founded the renowned Missoni fashion brand. He was a significant figure in Italian fashion design and sportswear.
- Feb. 11 Eva Gabor
Hungarian-American actress known for her roles in 'Green Acres' and 'Gigi'. She was a prominent actress in film and television during mid-20th century.
- Feb. 11 Lloyd Bentsen
Prominent American politician who served as a senator and was Michael Dukakis's vice-presidential running mate in 1988. He was known for his pragmatic leadership and significant role in Senate finance committee.
- Feb. 13 Zao-Wou-Ki
Internationally acclaimed Chinese-French painter and graphic artist who bridged Eastern and Western artistic traditions, known for his abstract expressionist works.
- Feb. 13 Jeanne Demessieux
Renowned French pianist, organist, and composer known for her exceptional musical talent and contributions to classical music.
- Feb. 14 Hugh Downs
Renowned American television personality and broadcaster who had a long and distinguished career in media. He worked in radio and television, hosting shows like '20/20' and becoming a beloved figure in American broadcasting. Despite being 90% colorblind, he pursued a successful career in visual media.
- Feb. 18 Mary Amdur
Mary Amdur was a pioneering American toxicologist who made significant contributions to understanding occupational and environmental health risks. Her research focused on the effects of industrial pollutants and air quality on human health, helping establish important workplace safety standards.
- Feb. 18 Oscar Feltsman
Oscar Feltsman was a notable Ukrainian-Russian composer and pianist who contributed to the classical music landscape of the 20th century. He was known for his interpretations of classical repertoire and his compositions that blended traditional and contemporary musical styles.
- Feb. 19 Samuel Phillips
Distinguished US Air Force general who played a crucial role in the Apollo lunar landing program and served as director of the National Security Agency.
- Feb. 20 Buddy Rogers
Famous American professional wrestler known for his significant contributions to wrestling in the mid-20th century.
- Feb. 20 Joseph Albert Walker in Washington
Renowned X-15 test pilot from Pennsylvania who made significant contributions to aerospace research and development.
- Feb. 21 John Rawls
Influential American political philosopher known for his seminal work 'A Theory of Justice', which revolutionized modern political and moral philosophy. He developed the concept of justice as fairness and made significant contributions to liberal political theory.
- Feb. 22 Giulietta Masina
Legendary Italian actress known for her extraordinary performances in Federico Fellini's films, particularly in 'La Strada' and 'Juliet of the Spirits'. She was renowned for her unique ability to blend comedy and tragedy with profound emotional depth.
- Feb. 22 Jean-Bédel Bokassa
Controversial Central African political leader who served as the second president of the Central African Republic, known for his authoritarian rule and self-proclaimed imperial status.
- Feb. 24 Abe Vigoda
Iconic American character actor best known for his memorable roles in 'The Godfather' as Salvatore Tessio and in the TV sitcom 'Barney Miller'. He became a pop culture figure known for his long-lasting career and humorous public persona.
- Feb. 25 Pierre Laporte
Pierre Laporte was a prominent Canadian politician and journalist who served as Deputy Premier of Quebec. He was tragically kidnapped and murdered during the October Crisis of 1970, a pivotal moment in Quebec's political history.
- Feb. 25 Andy Pafko
Andy Pafko was a notable Major League Baseball player who played primarily for the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Braves. He was a five-time All-Star outfielder and third baseman during his career from 1943 to 1959. Pafko was known for his consistent batting and defensive skills.
- Feb. 26 Betty Hutton
Betty Hutton was a prominent American actress and singer, best known for her energetic performances in Hollywood musicals like 'The Greatest Show on Earth'. She was a popular entertainer during the 1940s and early 1950s.
- Feb. 27 Theodore Van Kirk
American World War II veteran and navigator, notably part of the Enola Gay crew that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima.
- Feb. 27 Giuseppe Patroni-Griffi
Renowned Italian scriptwriter, film director, and theater producer who made significant contributions to Italian cinema and theater from the 1950s to 1990s.
- Feb. 28 Pierre Clostermann
Renowned French World War II fighter pilot, accomplished author, aerospace engineer, and politician who made significant contributions to aviation and French public life.
- Feb. 28 Saul Zaentz
Influential American film producer known for critically acclaimed movies like 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' and 'Amadeus'.