Famous people and celebrities born in April 1926

Welcome to our dedicated page for celebrating the notable individuals born in April 1926! 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.

• April 2 Jack Brabham

  Jack Brabham was an iconic Australian racing driver who became the only Formula One world champion to win a title in a car of his own design. He was a three-time world champion (1959, 1960, and 1966) and was knighted for his significant contributions to motorsport.

• April 2 Anne McCaffrey

  Anne McCaffrey was a renowned science fiction and fantasy author, best known for her Dragonriders of Pern series, and was the first woman to win a Hugo Award for fiction.

• April 3 Virgil Grissom in Mitchell

  NASA astronaut and one of the original Mercury Seven, tragically killed during the Apollo 1 pre-launch test in 1967. [bio]

• April 3 Andrew Keir

  Scottish character actor known for roles in historical and adventure films like 'Rob Roy' and 'Quatermass and the Pit'.

• April 3 Gus Grissom

  NASA astronaut and one of the original Mercury Seven, tragically killed during the Apollo 1 pre-launch test in 1967.

• April 5 Roger Corman

  Legendary American film director and producer known for pioneering low-budget B-movies in horror and science fiction genres. He significantly influenced independent cinema and launched the careers of many famous directors like Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola.

• April 6 Ian Paisley

  Ian Paisley was a prominent Northern Irish politician and religious leader who played a crucial role in the Northern Ireland peace process. He served as First Minister of Northern Ireland and was the founder of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).

• April 7 Gil Kane

  Renowned comic book artist and illustrator who significantly influenced the Silver Age of American comics, creating iconic characters and innovative visual storytelling techniques.

• April 8 Jürgen Moltmann

  Renowned German theologian known for his significant contributions to Christian theology, particularly in the areas of hope and liberation theology.

• April 10 Hugh Hefner

  Hugh Hefner was the iconic founder of Playboy magazine, a cultural entrepreneur who revolutionized media, publishing, and sexual attitudes in the 20th century.

• April 10 Junior Samples

  Junior Samples was an American comedian known for his appearances on the popular television show 'Hee Haw', famous for his comedic rural Southern persona and folksy humor.

• April 12 Jane Withers

  Jane Withers was a prominent child actress in Hollywood's Golden Age, known for her spirited performances and successful transition from child star to character actress. She was particularly famous for her roles opposite Shirley Temple and later became a successful television commercial personality.

• April 13 John Spencer-Churchill

  11th Duke of Marlborough, a prominent English aristocrat and businessman who managed the extensive Blenheim Palace estate and family heritage.

• April 14 Gloria Jean

  Gloria Jean was an American actress and singer who was prominent in Hollywood during the 1930s and 1940s. She appeared in numerous films and was known for her musical performances.

• April 14 Liz Renay

  Liz Renay was an American exotic dancer, model, and actress known for her provocative career and colorful life. She was married seven times and attempted to break into Hollywood during the 1950s. Her life was marked by controversy and legal challenges.

• April 14 Don Adams

  Don Adams was a famous American comedian best known for his role as Maxwell Smart in the classic TV series 'Get Smart'. He was a beloved comedic actor with a distinctive style.

• April 16 Pierre Fabre

  French pharmacist and businessman who founded Laboratoires Pierre Fabre, a major pharmaceutical company. He was also a passionate rugby enthusiast and owner of Castres Olympique rugby club.

• April 19 Rawya Ateya

  Pioneering Egyptian politician who became the first female Arab parliamentarian, breaking significant gender barriers in Middle Eastern political representation.

• April 21 Elizabeth II

  Queen of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth realms from 1952 to 2022, she was the longest-reigning monarch in British history and a symbol of stability during significant global changes. [bio]

• April 22 Charlotte Rae in Milwaukee

  American actress from Milwaukee, best known for her role as Edna in 'The Facts of Life'.

• April 22 Charlotte Rae

  Renowned American actress best known for her role in the popular TV sitcom 'The Facts of Life', with a versatile career spanning stage, television, and film across multiple genres.

• April 22 James Stirling (architect)

  Prominent British architect renowned for his innovative modernist designs, particularly the iconic Engineering Building at the University of Leicester.

• April 25 Corin Tellado

  Prolific Spanish novelist and photonovel writer who authored over 4,000 books and sold more than 400 million copies. Recognized by Guinness World Records as the most-selling Spanish-language book author. Known for her romantic novels and extensive literary output.

• April 28 Harper Lee

  American author of "to kill a mockingbird", a 1961 pulitzer prize winning novel. the oscar-winning film starring gregory peck was made from the novel in 1961. it has been translated into ten languages, with a 74th printing of 1974.

• April 30 Cloris Leachman

  Acclaimed American actress known for her iconic role in 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show' and her Oscar-winning performance in 'The Last Picture Show'. She was a versatile talent with multiple Emmy Awards and a significant impact on television and film. [bio]