Famous people and celebrities born in 1922

We celebrate the remarkable individuals born in 1922. This year gave rise to a new generation of talent, including actors, musicians, athletes, politicians and more who have significantly impacted our world. Dive into the stories of these famous personalities, explore their journeys, and see how they've shaped culture and society since their birth year. Join us as we take a nostalgic trip back to 1922 and honor the stars who continue to shine brightly today.

Jan. 17 Betty White
Beloved American actress and television icon who was a pioneer in comedy and entertainment, best known for her roles in 'The Golden Girls' and 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show'. She won multiple Emmy Awards and was a beloved public figure known for her wit, humor, and advocacy for animal rights.
Jan. 19 Guy Madison
American actor known for portraying Wild Bill Hickok on television and radio. He served in the U.S. Navy and launched his film career in 1944, appearing in several notable Western and dramatic films throughout the 1950s and 1960s.
Jan. 21 Paul Scofield
Paul Scofield was a distinguished British actor, best known for his Oscar-winning performance in 'A Man for All Seasons'. He was considered one of the greatest stage and screen actors of his generation.
Jan. 21 Telly Savalas
Telly Savalas was a renowned American actor famous for his iconic role as Lieutenant Theo Kojak in the popular 1970s police detective television series. He was known for his signature bald head and catchphrase 'Who loves ya, baby?' [bio]
Feb. 1 Renata Tebaldi
Renata Tebaldi was a legendary Italian operatic soprano renowned for her exceptional vocal range and beautiful timbre. She was a leading lyric soprano of the mid-20th century, performing at prestigious venues like La Scala and making significant contributions to the world of classical music. Her two-octave voice and emotive performances made her one of the most celebrated opera singers of …
Feb. 8 Audrey Meadows
Iconic American actress best known for her role as Alice Kramden in the classic sitcom 'The Honeymooners', a groundbreaking comedy series of the 1950s. She was a beloved television personality who helped define the era of early television comedy.
Feb. 9 Kathryn Grayson
Renowned MGM musical actress and singer who was a prominent Hollywood star during the 1940s and 1950s, known for her charming screen presence and musical performances in classic films.
Feb. 24 Steven Hill
Renowned American actor known for his roles in 'Law & Order' and films like 'Goddess' and 'Yentl', with a significant television career.
Feb. 27 Louise Carletti
French actress who was active in cinema during the mid-20th century, performing in films between 1937 and 1965.
March 5 Pier Paolo Pasolini
Renowned Italian intellectual, poet, filmmaker, and writer known for his provocative and revolutionary works challenging societal norms. He was a prominent cultural figure of the 20th century, making significant contributions to literature, cinema, and social critique. Tragically murdered in 1975 under mysterious circumstances.
March 20 Carl Reiner
Legendary American comedy writer, director, actor, and producer known for creating 'The Dick Van Dyke Show' and collaborating with Mel Brooks.
March 21 Russ Meyer
Influential American filmmaker known for pioneering sexploitation cinema and creating cult classic films with distinctive visual style and provocative content.
March 23 Ugo Tognazzi
Renowned Italian actor, comedian, and film director who was a key figure in the Italian comedy scene. He gained international recognition for his iconic role in 'La Cage aux Folles', winning Best Actor at Cannes in 1981. Tognazzi was a versatile performer who significantly influenced Italian cinema during the mid-20th century.
April 3 Doris Day
Iconic American actress and singer who was a major Hollywood star during the 1950s and 1960s, known for her wholesome image and successful romantic comedies. She was one of the biggest box office draws of her era and later became an animal welfare activist.
April 5 Gale Storm
Versatile American actress and singer who rose to fame through popular TV shows in the 1950s, particularly 'My Little Margie' and 'The Gale Storm Show'. She was also a successful recording artist with multiple top ten hits.
April 15 Michael Ansara
American actor known for his Native American roles in film and television, particularly as Cochise in 'Broken Arrow' and in the series 'Centennial'.
April 27 Jack Klugman
Jack Klugman was a renowned American television actor best known for his iconic roles in 'The Odd Couple' and 'Quincy, M.E.', two highly popular TV series of the 1970s and early 1980s.
May 2 Serge Reggiani
Renowned Italian-French singer and actor who had a significant career in music and cinema during the mid-20th century.
May 13 Beatrice Arthur
Emmy Award-winning actress and comedian best known for her iconic roles in groundbreaking sitcoms 'Maude' and 'The Golden Girls', which challenged social norms and represented strong, independent women on television. [bio]
May 27 Christopher Lee
Legendary British actor renowned for iconic horror roles in Hammer Films, particularly as Dracula. He was a towering figure in cinema with over 130 screen credits and a career spanning multiple genres. Lee was also known for his roles in Lord of the Rings and Star Wars franchises. [bio]
May 31 Denholm Elliott
Renowned British actor known for roles in 'Raiders of the Lost Ark' and numerous stage and screen performances. He was a respected character actor with a career spanning several decades.
June 10 Judy Garland
Legendary Hollywood actress and singer, best known for her iconic role as Dorothy in 'The Wizard of Oz'. She was a child star who became a cultural icon and one of the most celebrated performers of the 20th century. [bio]
June 26 Eleanor Parker
Acclaimed Hollywood actress known for her vibrant red hair and strong female roles, Eleanor Parker was a prominent film star during the 1950s and 1960s, earning multiple Academy Award nominations for her compelling performances.
July 26 Jason Robards
Legendary American actor with a remarkable forty-year career, winning two Academy Awards and being deeply passionate about theater.
July 26 Blake Edwards
Acclaimed American film director and screenwriter known for creating iconic comedy films like The Pink Panther series and Breakfast at Tiffany's.
July 27 Adolfo Celi
Prominent Italian character actor known for his distinctive husky voice and roles in both Italian and international cinema during the mid-20th century.
Aug. 8 Rory Calhoun
Rory Calhoun was a prominent American Western film actor known for his rugged looks and versatile roles in movies and television during the 1940s-1970s. He starred in notable films like 'River of No Return' and was particularly famous for his villainous television characters.
Aug. 22 Micheline Presle
Renowned French actress who had a significant career in film, stage, and television during the mid-20th century, particularly active from the late 1930s onwards.
Sept. 1 Vittorio Gassman
Renowned Italian actor who was a prominent figure in post-war Italian cinema, winning the Best Actor prize at Cannes in 1975 for 'Scent of a Woman' and directing films from 1957.
Sept. 8 Sid Caesar
Pioneering American comedian who revolutionized television comedy in the 1950s through his groundbreaking sketch comedy shows. His innovative comedy style influenced generations of comedians and entertainers, making him a significant figure in early television history.
Sept. 15 Jackie Cooper
Renowned child actor who was one of the most famous Hollywood performers of the early 1930s. He was the youngest person ever nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor at that time. His performances in films like 'Skippy' and 'The Champ' were groundbreaking for child actors.
Sept. 16 Janis Paige
Versatile American actress who excelled in film, Broadway, and television, with notable roles in Hollywood classics and popular TV series.
Oct. 9 Fyvush Finkel
Emmy Award-winning character actor known for his roles in television series like 'Picket Fences' and his work in Yiddish theater. A beloved figure in Jewish-American entertainment.
Oct. 27 Ruby Dee
Iconic African American actress, civil rights activist, and Broadway star known for her powerful performances in 'A Raisin in the Sun' and significant contributions to social justice.
Oct. 27 Michel Galabru
Renowned French stage and film actor who appeared in over 200 movies and collaborated with famous directors like Bertrand Blier and Costa-Gavras.
Oct. 31 Barbara Bel Geddes
Acclaimed American actress known for her role as Miss Ellie in the TV series Dallas and her memorable performance in Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo.
Nov. 9 Dorothy Dandridge
Dorothy Dandridge was a pioneering African American actress and singer who broke racial barriers in Hollywood during the 1950s. She was the first Black woman to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in 'Carmen Jones'. Her career was groundbreaking but tragically cut short.
Nov. 11 Kurt Vonnegut
Kurt Vonnegut was a renowned American novelist and satirist, famous for his groundbreaking science fiction works like 'Slaughterhouse-Five' that blended dark humor with profound social commentary. He was a critically acclaimed writer who explored themes of war, technology, and human nature through his unique literary style. [bio]
Nov. 12 Kim Hunter
Acclaimed American actress known for her Oscar-winning role in 'A Streetcar Named Desire' and her significant contribution to theater and film. She was a victim of Hollywood's blacklisting during the Red Scare, which temporarily derailed her career.
Nov. 13 Oskar Werner
A renowned Austrian actor famous for his critically acclaimed performance in François Truffaut's 'Jules and Jim', a landmark French New Wave film that significantly influenced cinema.
Nov. 14 Veronica Lake
Veronica Lake was a prominent Hollywood actress of the 1940s, famous for her film noir roles and distinctive hairstyle that became an iconic symbol of the era's glamour.
Nov. 26 Charles Schulz
Charles Schulz was an iconic American cartoonist who created the beloved comic strip 'Peanuts', which ran for nearly 50 years and became a global cultural phenomenon. He was a highly acclaimed artist who won numerous awards and was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His characters Charlie Brown and Snoopy became internationally recognized symbols of humor … [bio]
Nov. 30 Graham Crowden
Renowned Scottish character actor best known for his comedic roles in television series like 'Waiting for God', where he played a rebellious retirement home resident. He had a distinguished career spanning stage, television, and film from the 1960s onwards.
Dec. 4 Gérard Philipe
Renowned French actor and stage director who was a major cultural icon of post-war French cinema. He was famous for his roles in classic films like 'Le Diable au Corps' and was considered one of the most charismatic actors of his generation.
Dec. 9 Redd Foxx
Pioneering African American comedian and actor who revolutionized black comedy through his groundbreaking role in the sitcom 'Sanford and Son'. He overcame challenging childhood circumstances to become a legendary entertainer who broke racial barriers in comedy. [bio]
Dec. 12 Dilip Kumar
Legendary Bollywood actor known as the 'Tragedy King' who significantly influenced Indian cinema during its golden era and won numerous awards.
Dec. 21 Paul Winchell
Renowned American ventriloquist, voice actor, and inventor who created the famous puppet characters Jerry Mahoney and Knucklehead Smiff, and was also a pioneering voice actor for numerous cartoon characters.
Dec. 22 Ruth Roman
Ruth Roman was a prominent American actress known for her roles in film noir and dramatic movies during the 1940s and 1950s.
Dec. 24 Ava Gardner
Iconic Hollywood actress of the mid-20th century, known for her extraordinary beauty and compelling screen presence. She starred in numerous classic films and was considered one of the great femme fatales of her era. Her career spanned several decades, making her a true legend of American cinema.