Famous people and celebrities born in 1925

We celebrate the remarkable individuals born in 1925. 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 1925 and honor the stars who continue to shine brightly today.

Jan. 9 Lee Van Cleef
Lee Van Cleef was a legendary Hollywood actor famous for playing iconic villains in Western films. He transitioned from an accountant and Navy veteran to a renowned film actor after his breakthrough role in 'High Noon'. His distinctive looks and intense screen presence made him a memorable figure in cinema.
Jan. 15 Ignacio López Tarso
Renowned Mexican actor with a long and distinguished career in film, television, and theater, who was a significant figure in Latin American cinema.
Feb. 2 Elaine Stritch
Legendary Broadway and television actress known for her distinctive gravelly voice and powerful performances. Her Tony Award-winning one-woman show 'Elaine Stritch at Liberty' chronicled her remarkable life and career, including her struggles with alcoholism and triumphant comeback.
Feb. 8 Jack Lemmon
Legendary American actor who won multiple Academy Awards and was renowned for his comedic and dramatic versatility. He starred in classic films like 'Some Like It Hot' and 'The Apartment', becoming one of Hollywood's most beloved performers of the mid-20th century. Lemmon's career spanned over four decades with numerous critically acclaimed performances.
Feb. 18 George Kennedy
George Kennedy was a renowned American actor famous for his versatile character roles in classic films like Cool Hand Luke and The Naked Gun comedy series, winning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1968.
Feb. 20 Robert Altman
Renowned American film director who revolutionized cinema with innovative storytelling techniques. He directed critically acclaimed films like 'M*A*S*H', 'Nashville', and 'McCabe and Mrs. Miller' during the 1970s. His unique ensemble cast approach and unconventional narrative style made him a significant figure in New Hollywood cinema.
April 14 Rod Steiger
Acclaimed American actor known for powerful performances in films like 'In the Heat of the Night' and 'Pawnbroker', winning an Oscar for Best Actor in 1968.
April 19 Hugh O'Brian
Hugh O'Brian was a prominent American actor best known for his iconic portrayal of Wyatt Earp in the popular television series 'The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp' which aired from 1955 to 1961.
April 22 George Cole
George Cole was a renowned British actor famous for his comedic roles, particularly in the Ealing comedies. He was a protégé of actor Alastair Sim and had a significant career in stage and film from the 1940s onwards. Cole was best known for his portrayal of Arthur Daley in the popular TV series 'Minder'.
June 11 William Styron
Pulitzer Prize-winning American novelist known for exploring complex psychological themes in works like 'Sophie's Choice' and 'The Confessions of Nat Turner'. He was a prominent literary figure who openly discussed his struggles with depression.
June 14 Pierre Salinger
Prominent American journalist and political figure who served as White House Press Secretary during the Kennedy and Johnson administrations. He was a respected investigative journalist with international experience and political connections.
June 21 Maureen Stapleton
Acclaimed American actress known for her powerful dramatic performances on Broadway and in film. She won an Academy Award and was renowned for her versatile and emotionally intense acting style.
July 6 Merv Griffin
Iconic American television host, game show creator, and entertainment mogul who revolutionized TV programming and became a successful businessman. He created popular game shows like 'Jeopardy!' and 'Wheel of Fortune', transforming the entertainment landscape.
July 6 Bill Haley
Pioneering rock 'n' roll musician who helped introduce the genre to mainstream America with his band Bill Haley & His Comets. His hit 'Rock Around the Clock' became an anthem of the emerging rock music era.
July 9 Guru Dutt
Legendary Indian filmmaker and actor known for pioneering artistic cinema in Bollywood, famous for films like 'Pyaasa' and 'Kaagaz Ke Phool'.
Aug. 22 Honor Blackman
Honor Blackman was a renowned British actress famous for her iconic roles in 'The Avengers' and as Bond girl Pussy Galore in 'Goldfinger'. She was a pioneering actress who broke ground in action and spy genres during the 1960s.
Aug. 28 Donald O'Connor
Legendary Hollywood performer known for his extraordinary versatility in comedy, dance, and acting. He was a standout performer in classic musicals like 'Singin' in the Rain' and achieved remarkable success at a young age. His energetic performances and comedic talents made him a beloved entertainment icon of mid-20th century America.
Sept. 8 Peter Sellers
Legendary British-American comic actor renowned for his versatile performances in the Pink Panther film series and his extraordinary ability to transform into multiple characters.
Sept. 13 Mel Tormé
Mel Tormé was a renowned American jazz singer, songwriter, and actor known as the 'Velvet Fog' for his smooth vocal style. He was a prolific performer across multiple decades, contributing significantly to jazz and popular music.
Sept. 26 Marty Robbins
Legendary country-western singer and songwriter who had a remarkable 30-year career with 43 top ten records and over 500 songs. He was a Grammy winner and inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1982.
Oct. 3 Gore Vidal
Renowned American writer, novelist, essayist, and playwright known for his sharp social commentary and prolific literary career spanning multiple genres.
Oct. 11 Elmore Leonard
Renowned American crime fiction and western novelist known for his gritty, dialogue-driven style. He wrote numerous bestsellers that were adapted into films like 'Get Shorty' and 'Jackie Brown'.
Oct. 16 Angela Lansbury
Legendary actress known for her iconic roles in Broadway's 'Mame' and television's 'Murder, She Wrote', spanning multiple decades of entertainment history.
Oct. 23 Johnny Carson
Legendary American television host of 'The Tonight Show' who dominated late-night television for three decades, becoming a cultural icon and transforming television entertainment.
Nov. 6 Michel Bouquet
Renowned French actor with an illustrious career spanning over seven decades, Michel Bouquet was a highly respected figure in French cinema and theater. He won numerous awards and was considered one of the most talented actors of his generation, known for his nuanced and powerful performances.
Nov. 10 Richard Burton
Richard Burton was a legendary Welsh actor renowned for his Shakespearean performances and international film career. He was nominated for multiple Academy Awards and was known for his extraordinary acting talent and tumultuous personal life. His powerful voice and charismatic presence made him one of the most celebrated actors of his generation.
Nov. 11 Jonathan Winters
Legendary American comedian and improvisation master known for his exceptional mimicry skills and groundbreaking comedy performances on television. He was a pioneering comedian who influenced generations of comedians like Robin Williams and Steve Martin. Winters won an Emmy Award and was renowned for his innovative comedic style.
Dec. 2 Julie Harris
Renowned American stage actress who won five Tony Awards and was a prominent figure in theater. She was best known for her Broadway performances and her role as Lilimae Clements in the television series 'Knots Landing'.
Dec. 13 Dick Van Dyke
Legendary American actor, comedian, and entertainer known for his iconic roles in classic films like Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, as well as his groundbreaking television comedy series.
Dec. 27 Michel Piccoli
Renowned French actor, director, and producer who was a prominent figure in European cinema for decades, known for his versatility and collaborations with famous directors like Luis Buñuel.