Famous people and celebrities born in December 1924

Welcome to our dedicated page for celebrating the notable individuals born in December 1924! 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. 2 Alexander Haig
Prominent American military and political figure who served as White House Chief of Staff, Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, and United States Secretary of State during critical Cold War years.
Dec. 2 Jonathan Frid
Canadian actor best known for his iconic role as Barnabas Collins in the gothic soap opera 'Dark Shadows', which became a cult classic television series.
Dec. 3 John Backus
Pioneering computer scientist who developed FORTRAN, the first high-level programming language, and created the influential Backus-Naur form (BNF) notation used in programming language description.
Dec. 4 Frank Press
Frank Press was a prominent geophysicist who significantly advanced our understanding of Earth's internal structure, serving as president of the National Academy of Sciences and science advisor to President Jimmy Carter.
Dec. 4 John C. Portman
John C. Portman Jr. was an influential American architect known for designing iconic urban structures like the Renaissance Center in Detroit and Tomorrow Square in Shanghai.
Dec. 5 Robert Sobukwe
Prominent South African anti-apartheid activist and leader who founded the Pan Africanist Congress. He was a key figure in the struggle against racial segregation and was repeatedly imprisoned for his political activism.
Dec. 5 George Savalas
American character actor best known for his supporting roles in television and film, and brother of famous actor Telly Savalas. He appeared in numerous TV shows during the 1960s and 1970s, often playing tough or authoritative characters.
Dec. 6 Wally Cox
Wally Cox was a versatile American comedian and actor best known for his role as Mr. Peepers on television. He was a multi-talented performer who spoke seven languages and co-authored a juvenile novel, while also being a regular host on Hollywood Squares from 1966 to 1973.
Dec. 7 Mario Soares
Prominent Portuguese politician who served as Prime Minister and President of Portugal, playing a crucial role in Portugal's transition to democracy after the Carnation Revolution.
Dec. 10 Michael Manley
Prominent Jamaican politician who served as the 4th Prime Minister of Jamaica from 1972 to 1980 and again from 1989 to 1992, known for his democratic socialist policies.
Dec. 11 Doc Blanchard
Legendary American football player who was the first junior to win the Heisman Trophy in 1945 while at West Point. Known as 'Mr. Inside' during his remarkable college football career, he was a key player for the Army Black Knights.
Dec. 12 Ed Koch
Prominent American politician who served as the 105th Mayor of New York City from 1978 to 1989, known for his distinctive personality and leadership during a challenging period in the city's history.
Dec. 14 Raj Kapoor
Legendary Indian filmmaker known as the 'Showman of Bollywood' who revolutionized Hindi cinema through iconic films like Awaara and Boot Polish. He was a critically acclaimed director, actor, and producer who significantly influenced Indian cinema's global recognition during the mid-20th century.
Dec. 15 Ida Haendel
Renowned Polish classical violinist with an international career, celebrated for her exceptional musical talent and interpretations.
Dec. 19 Cicely Tyson
Cicely Tyson was a groundbreaking African American actress who made significant contributions to film, television, and theater, breaking racial barriers throughout her career.
Dec. 20 Charlie Callas in Brooklyn
Comedian and actor known for roles in comedic films like 'High Anxiety'.
Dec. 20 Charlie Callas
Renowned American comedian and actor known for his distinctive comedic style and appearances in numerous comedy films and television shows.
Dec. 21 Joe Paterno
Legendary Penn State football coach who led the team for 46 years and was a significant figure in college football history.
Dec. 21 Joe Paterno football coach (Pennsylvania State
Legendary Penn State football coach who led the team for 46 years and was a significant figure in college football history.
Dec. 21 Rita Reys
Renowned Dutch jazz singer and actress who was a prominent figure in the Netherlands' mid-20th century music scene.
Dec. 21 Rita Reys [Maria Reijs]
Renowned Dutch jazz singer and actress who was a prominent figure in the Netherlands' mid-20th century music scene.
Dec. 22 Geraldine Page in Kirksville
Acclaimed American actress known for her powerful performances in films like 'Interiors' and 'The Beguiled', and a multiple Oscar nominee.
Dec. 23 Bob Kurland
Bob Kurland was a pioneering basketball player who helped transform the game with his height and skill, becoming one of the first dominant centers in basketball history. He was an Olympic gold medalist and played a significant role in the development of basketball in the mid-20th century.
Dec. 24 Mohammed Rafi
Iconic Indian playback singer who revolutionized Bollywood music with his extraordinary vocal range and versatility.
Dec. 25 Rod Serling
Legendary television writer and host of 'The Twilight Zone', Rod Serling was a pioneering screenwriter who transformed television storytelling. A World War II veteran who made over 60 parachute jumps, he won six Emmy Awards and significantly influenced science fiction and anthology television formats.
Dec. 26 Frank Broyles
Renowned American college football coach and athletic director who led the University of Arkansas Razorbacks for 19 years and significantly shaped the program's athletic legacy.
Dec. 27 Jean Bartik
One of the pioneering female computer programmers who worked on the ENIAC, the first general-purpose electronic computer, and played a crucial role in early computing history.
Dec. 28 Rod Serling in Syracuse
Legendary American screenwriter, playwright, and television producer best known for creating and hosting 'The Twilight Zone', a groundbreaking science fiction anthology series that revolutionized television storytelling.