Famous people and celebrities born in 1928
We celebrate the remarkable individuals born in 1928. 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 1928 and honor the stars who continue to shine brightly today.
- Jan. 23 Jeanne Moreau
Iconic French actress and film director who was a leading figure of the French New Wave cinema. She appeared in over 49 films and received numerous prestigious awards, including the Lion d'Or and Legion d'Honneur. Moreau was renowned for her sophisticated and nuanced performances in both French and international cinema.
- Jan. 26 Roger Vadim
Renowned French film director, writer, and producer who significantly influenced French cinema. He was known for discovering and directing beautiful actresses in groundbreaking films. His career spanned multiple creative disciplines including film, television, and theater.
- Feb. 22 Bruce Forsyth
Legendary British television presenter and entertainer known for hosting popular shows like 'The Generation Game'. He was a beloved figure in British entertainment for decades.
- Feb. 26 Fats Domino
Fats Domino was a pioneering rock and roll and rhythm and blues musician who significantly influenced American popular music. He was a key figure in the early development of rock and roll, known for his distinctive piano playing and hits like 'Ain't That a Shame' and 'Blueberry Hill'.
- March 14 Frank Borman
Renowned NASA astronaut who commanded the historic Apollo 8 mission, the first crewed spacecraft to leave Earth's orbit and orbit the moon. He was a distinguished USAF pilot and later became an executive at Eastern Airlines.
- March 16 Karlheinz Böhm
Renowned German-Austrian actor known for his humanitarian work in Africa and founding the charity Menschen für Menschen.
- March 19 Patrick McGoohan
Acclaimed actor known for his iconic role in the groundbreaking TV series 'The Prisoner', McGoohan was a versatile performer who won an Emmy for his guest appearance on 'Columbo' and starred in notable films like 'Ice Station Zebra'.
- April 1 George Grizzard
Renowned American stage and film actor known for his versatility and emotional depth. He made his Broadway debut in 1955 and starred in the original production of 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf'. Won a Tony Award in 1996 for his performance in 'A Delicate Balance'.
- April 2 Serge Gainsbourg
Iconic French singer, songwriter, actor, and artist known for provocative music and complex romantic relationships. He revolutionized French pop music with his unique style and controversial persona. His song 'Je t'aime... moi non plus' became an international sensation.
- April 4 Maya Angelou
American performer and prolific writer, poet and autobiographer. author of more than 12 best-selling books and much-loved american wisdom.
- April 7 James Garner
Iconic American actor known for his charismatic roles in TV series like 'Rockford Files' and 'Maverick', with a career spanning films, television, and commercials. He was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 1991 and was nominated for a Best Actor award for 'Murphy's Romance'.
- April 12 Hardy Krüger
Renowned German actor who was a prominent figure in European cinema during the 1950s and 1960s, known for his distinctive Nordic appearance and versatile acting skills.
- April 23 Shirley Temple
Shirley Temple was a legendary child actress who became a global icon during the Great Depression, starring in numerous beloved films and later serving as a diplomat. Her remarkable career began at age 3 and included classic movies like 'Bright Eyes' and 'The Little Princess'. She successfully transitioned from Hollywood to politics, becoming a US Ambassador.
- May 12 Burt Bacharach
Renowned American composer and pianist who revolutionized popular music with his distinctive melodic style, winning an Oscar for 'Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head' and creating timeless hits across multiple decades.
- June 4 Ruth Westheimer
Dr. Ruth Westheimer is a renowned German-American psychosexual therapist, radio host, and author who revolutionized public discussions about sexuality through her frank, humorous, and educational approach to sex education.
- June 7 James Ivory
Renowned American film director, screenwriter, and producer, best known for his work with Merchant Ivory Productions and critically acclaimed films like 'A Room with a View' and 'Call Me by Your Name'.
- June 9 Jackie Mason
Renowned American stand-up comedian famous for his sharp, satirical humor and distinctive comedic style. Mason was a prominent figure in comedy, known for his one-man Broadway shows and unique observational comedy. He overcame early television industry challenges to become a celebrated performer.
- June 19 Nancy Marchand
Emmy Award-winning actress known for her roles in TV series Lou Grant and The Sopranos, where she played Tony Soprano's mother.
- June 20 Martin Landau
Acclaimed American actor known for his roles in 'Mission: Impossible' and winning an Oscar for portraying Bela Lugosi in 'Ed Wood'. He had a prolific career spanning television and film with over 500 episode appearances.
- July 2 Line Renaud
Line Renaud is a legendary French entertainer who excelled in multiple entertainment domains, receiving prestigious national honors and becoming a cultural icon in France. She was awarded the Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur by President Georges Pompidou, recognizing her significant contributions to French arts and culture.
- July 13 Bob Crane
Bob Crane was an American actor best known for starring in the popular TV sitcom 'Hogan's Heroes' from 1965 to 1971. Before his television career, he worked as a radio announcer for nine years, interviewing celebrities and developing his media skills. Tragically, he was murdered in 1978, which added a dark chapter to his otherwise comedic legacy.
- July 22 Orson Bean
Versatile American actor, comedian, and author who had a significant Broadway and television career, winning a Tony Award in 1962 for Best Supporting Actor and appearing in numerous TV shows across drama and comedy genres.
- Aug. 10 Eddie Fisher
Renowned American crooner of the 1950s who was a major pop music star, known for hit songs like 'Oh! My Papa' and experiencing significant career fluctuations due to personal controversies and substance issues.
- Aug. 11 Arlene Dahl
Arlene Dahl was a prominent American actress of the 1950s, known for her glamorous roles in Hollywood films like 'Journey to the Center of the Earth' and musical comedies.
- Aug. 15 Nicolas Roeg
Renowned British film director and cinematographer known for innovative and visually striking films like 'Walkabout', 'Don't Look Now', and 'The Man Who Fell to Earth'.
- Aug. 31 James Coburn
Acclaimed American actor known for versatile roles in Westerns and spy films, winning an Oscar for 'Affliction'. He was a charismatic performer who transitioned from tough cowboy characters to sophisticated comedic roles throughout his career.
- Sept. 15 Cannonball Adderley
Influential jazz saxophonist who pioneered soul-jazz and became a significant figure in the jazz scene of the 1950s and 1960s. He formed multiple jazz combos and was known for his innovative musical style and performances.
- Sept. 18 Franco Franchi
Franco Franchi was a renowned Italian comedian who formed a legendary comedy duo with Ciccio Ingrassia. He was particularly famous in the 1960s and appeared in numerous comedies, as well as memorable dramatic roles like Luigi Comencini's 'Adventures of Pinocchio'.
- Oct. 1 George Peppard
Iconic American actor known for his memorable roles in films like 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' and TV series 'A-Team', where he played Colonel John 'Hannibal' Smith. He was a prominent Hollywood actor during the 1960s and 1970s.
- Dec. 9 Dick Van Patten
Versatile American actor who rose to fame with the popular family television series 'Eight is Enough' from 1977-1981. He began his acting career as a child, making his Broadway debut at just seven years old and continued to work in television and commercials throughout his career.
What happened in 1928?
Discover what the world looked like in 1928: