Famous people and celebrities born in December 1923
Welcome to our dedicated page for celebrating the notable individuals born in December 1923! 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.
- Dec. 1 Morris
Renowned Belgian cartoonist who created the iconic comic western 'Lucky Luke' in 1946, a globally recognized series translated into over 30 languages and selling 300 million albums worldwide.
- Dec. 2 Maria M Callas in New York City
Renowned soprano from New York City, awarded the Mademoiselle Award in 1953.
- Dec. 3 Maria Callas
Legendary Greek-American opera singer renowned for her extraordinary vocal range, dramatic performances, and transformative impact on opera. She revolutionized opera singing in the mid-20th century with her intense interpretations of classic roles. Considered one of the most influential and celebrated opera performers of all time.
- Dec. 5 Wataru Misaka
Groundbreaking Japanese-American basketball player who broke racial barriers as the first non-white player in professional basketball, playing for the New York Knicks in 1947.
- Dec. 7 Ted Knight
Ted Knight was a versatile American entertainer known for his prominent roles in television comedy. He won two Emmy Awards and starred in iconic sitcoms like 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show' and 'Too Close for Comfort', becoming a significant figure in 1970s and 1980s television.
- Dec. 7 Calvin Quate
Calvin Quate was a pioneering American scientist who revolutionized nanotechnology by inventing the atomic force microscope. He was a distinguished Stanford University professor in applied physics and electrical engineering, making significant contributions to scientific research.
- Dec. 10 Harold Gould
Renowned American character actor known for roles in TV shows like 'Rhoda' and 'The Golden Girls', with a career spanning several decades in film and television.
- Dec. 11 Betsy Blair
American actress known for her roles in film and stage during the mid-20th century, with a notable career spanning several decades.
- Dec. 12 Bob Barker
Bob Barker is an iconic American television host best known for hosting 'The Price is Right' for 35 years, becoming a beloved figure in game show history and winning multiple Emmy Awards.
- Dec. 13 Antoni Tàpies
Renowned Spanish painter and sculptor who was a key figure in the abstract art movement, particularly in Catalonia. He was known for his innovative mixed media works that often incorporated unconventional materials like sand, marble dust, and found objects.
- Dec. 13 Philip Warren Anderson
PHY - American physicist and academic, nobel prize laureate (d. 2020)
- Dec. 14 Larry Doby
Larry Doby was a pioneering African American baseball player who broke the color barrier in the American League, becoming the second Black player in Major League Baseball after Jackie Robinson.
- Dec. 14 Gerard Reve
Gerard Reve was a prominent Dutch writer known for his distinctive literary style, exploring themes of melancholy, sexuality, and personal transformation through his conversion to Catholicism.
- Dec. 16 Freeman Dyson
Renowned theoretical physicist and mathematician who made significant contributions to quantum mechanics, nuclear engineering, and interdisciplinary scientific research.
- Dec. 17 Jaroslav Pelikan
Renowned American religious scholar and historian who specialized in the history of Christianity and made significant contributions to theological studies.
- Dec. 18 Edwin Bramall
Baron Bramall was a distinguished British Army field marshal who served as Lord Lieutenant of Greater London. He was a prominent military and political figure in the United Kingdom during the late 20th century.
- Dec. 19 Gordon Jackson
Scottish actor renowned for his iconic role as Hudson in the TV series 'Upstairs, Downstairs', winning an Emmy Award in 1976 and the British Actors of the Year Award in 1974.
- Dec. 21 Richard Hugo
Richard Hugo was a notable American poet known for his powerful regional poetry focusing on the Pacific Northwest landscape and working-class experiences.
- Dec. 23 Bob Barker in Darrington
Legendary American television game show host, best known for hosting The Price is Right.
- Dec. 23 James Stockdale
Renowned American naval aviator and Medal of Honor recipient who was a prisoner of war in Vietnam and later became a respected military leader and philosopher.
- Dec. 24 George Patton
Legendary American military general who played a crucial role in World War II, known for his strategic brilliance and aggressive leadership in the European Theater.
- Dec. 26 Rene Girard
Renowned French philosopher, literary critic, and anthropologist who developed the influential mimetic theory of human desire and cultural dynamics. His groundbreaking work explored the role of imitation and rivalry in human behavior and cultural development. Girard was a prominent academic who taught at Stanford University and significantly influenced fields of philosophy, anthropology, and literary criticism.
- Dec. 27 Richard Artschwager
Richard Artschwager was an influential American artist known for blurring boundaries between painting, sculpture, and furniture design. His unique work challenged traditional artistic categories and explored perception and representation.
- Dec. 31 Giannis Dalianidis
Prominent Greek filmmaker who significantly influenced Greek cinema during the mid-20th century, known for his versatile work as an actor, director, and screenwriter.