Famous people and celebrities born in 1936

We celebrate the remarkable individuals born in 1936. 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 1936 and honor the stars who continue to shine brightly today.

Jan. 21 Placido Domingo
World-renowned Spanish opera singer, conductor, and arts administrator, considered one of the most famous tenors in classical music history. [bio]
Jan. 25 Diana Hyland
American actress known for her roles in 'Peyton Place' and 'Eight is Enough', who tragically passed away at the young age of 41 from cancer.
Jan. 26 Théo Sarapo
French actor-singer of Greek origin, best known as the second husband of legendary French singer Édith Piaf. He married Piaf when he was 26 and she was 46, with his stage name 'Sarapo' meaning 'I love you' in Greek.
Jan. 27 Troy Donahue
American actor and heartthrob of the 1950s and 1960s, known for his roles in teen films and television series like 'Surfside 6' and 'Hawaiian Eye'.
Jan. 28 Alan Alda
Acclaimed American actor, director, and writer best known for his iconic role as Hawkeye Pierce in the groundbreaking TV series M*A*S*H. He won multiple Emmy Awards and significantly influenced television comedy and drama in the 1970s and 1980s.
Feb. 11 Burt Reynolds
Iconic American actor known for his charismatic roles in 1970s films like 'Smokey and the Bandit' and 'Deliverance'. He was a former football player who transitioned to acting after a career-ending knee injury. Reynolds became a major Hollywood star and sex symbol during his prime.
Feb. 17 Jim Brown
Legendary NFL running back for the Cleveland Browns and Hollywood actor, known for his exceptional athletic prowess and roles in films like 'The Dirty Dozen'.
Feb. 29 Alex Rocco
American actor known for roles in film and television, including memorable performances in 'The Godfather' and 'The Stunt Man'.
March 5 Dean Stockwell
Acclaimed American actor known for his versatile roles in film and television, most famously starring in the science fiction series 'Quantum Leap' from 1989 to 1993. He was a child actor who successfully transitioned to adult roles, appearing in notable films like 'Blue Velvet'.
March 19 Ursula Andress
Swiss actress and sex symbol of the 1960s, famous for her iconic role in the first James Bond film 'Dr. No' and her international film career. She was known for her beauty and memorable performances in several European films.
March 22 Roger Whittaker
Renowned British folk and easy listening singer known for his distinctive whistling style and international popularity, particularly in Britain and Canada.
March 24 David Suzuki
Renowned Canadian environmental activist, scientist, and broadcaster who has been a leading voice in climate change awareness and ecological conservation for decades.
March 28 Mario Vargas Llosa
Peruvian novelist, essayist, and politician who won the Nobel Prize in Literature and ran for president of Peru. He is known for works like 'Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter' and significant contributions to Latin American literature.
April 22 Glen Campbell
Legendary country music singer and guitarist who was a prominent figure in the Nashville music scene during the 1960s and 1970s. He was known for his crossover hits like 'Rhinestone Cowboy' and his television and film work. Campbell was also a member of the famous session musician group The Wrecking Crew.
April 23 Roy Orbison
Roy Orbison was a legendary rock and roll musician known for his powerful tenor voice and iconic dark sunglasses. He created timeless hits like 'Oh, Pretty Woman' and 'Only the Lonely' that defined the rock and roll era. His unique musical style earned him the nickname 'the Caruso of Rock'.
April 24 Jill Ireland
British actress and former professional ballerina known for action films with her husband Charles Bronson. She starred in notable movies like 'The Mechanic' and 'Love and Bullets' during the 1970s and 1980s.
April 29 Zubin Mehta
Renowned Indian conductor and musical director, Zubin Mehta is a world-famous classical musician who served as lifetime conductor of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. He is particularly celebrated for his interpretations of Germanic classical music and has conducted major orchestras globally.
May 9 Albert Finney
Albert Finney was a renowned British actor known for his versatile performances in critically acclaimed films like 'Tom Jones', 'Erin Brockovich', and 'Murder on the Orient Express'. He was nominated for five Academy Awards and was a key figure in the British New Wave cinema of the 1960s.
May 9 Glenda Jackson
Glenda Jackson was a distinguished British actress and politician who won two Academy Awards and transitioned from a successful film career to serving as a Labour Party Member of Parliament. Her remarkable versatility made her one of the most respected performers of her generation.
May 14 Waheeda Rehman
Waheeda Rehman is a legendary Indian actress who significantly influenced Hindi cinema during the golden era of Bollywood in the 1950s and 1960s, known for her exceptional acting skills and graceful performances.
May 14 Bobby Darin
Bobby Darin was a versatile American entertainer who excelled as a singer, songwriter, and actor, best known for his iconic hit 'Mack the Knife' and his Oscar-nominated acting performance.
May 17 Dennis Hopper
Iconic American actor and filmmaker known for his rebellious roles and counterculture persona. He was a key figure in New Hollywood cinema, starring in landmark films like 'Easy Rider' and 'Apocalypse Now'. His career spanned decades, marked by intense performances and personal struggles with addiction.
May 30 Keir Dullea
Acclaimed American actor famous for his iconic role in Stanley Kubrick's groundbreaking science fiction film '2001: A Space Odyssey', known for portraying complex, introspective characters.
May 30 Ruta Lee
Canadian-American actress and dancer known for her prominent roles in classic Hollywood musicals and films during the 1950s and 1960s, with significant contributions to television and cinema.
June 1 Bekim Fehmiu
Bekim Fehmiu was a prominent Yugoslav actor who gained international recognition and was a pioneering figure in Balkan cinema during the 1960s and 1970s. He was known for his versatile acting skills and entrepreneurial spirit, establishing several successful businesses beyond his film career.
June 4 Bruce Dern
Acclaimed American actor known for portraying complex, often psychologically intense characters in films since 1960. He has been nominated for an Academy Award and is recognized for his distinctive performances in movies like 'Coming Home' and 'Nebraska'.
June 6 Levi Stubbs
Legendary American soul singer and lead vocalist of the iconic Motown group Four Tops, known for his powerful baritone voice and memorable hits.
June 11 Chad Everett
Chad Everett was a prominent American television actor best known for his leading role as Dr. Joe Gannon in the popular medical drama series 'Medical Center' which aired from 1969 to 1976.
June 15 Claude Brasseur
Claude Brasseur was a prominent French actor from a legendary acting dynasty that has been influential in French cinema and theater since the 19th century. He was known for his versatile roles in comedy and drama, becoming a beloved figure in French entertainment.
June 17 Ken Loach
Renowned British film director known for powerful social and political documentaries that critique societal inequalities. He has won numerous international awards, including the Palme d'Or at Cannes Film Festival.
June 18 Victor Lanoux
Prominent French film actor, screenwriter, and producer known for his role in 'Cousin, Cousine' and collaborations with notable actors like Jean Gabin and Lee Marvin.
June 22 Kris Kristofferson
Legendary country singer, songwriter, and actor who achieved significant success in music and film during the 1970s and 1980s. He won a Golden Globe for 'A Star is Born' and wrote songs recorded by over 450 artists. Known for his tumultuous personal life involving substance abuse.
June 30 Nancy Dussault
A versatile American entertainer known for her Broadway performances, television hosting on 'Good Morning America', and roles in popular TV comedies like 'The New Dick Van Dyke Show' and 'Too Close for Comfort'.
July 5 Shirley Knight
Acclaimed American actress known for her versatile roles in film, television, and theater, winning multiple awards including an Emmy and two Oscar nominations.
July 6 Dave Allen
Dave Allen was a renowned Irish comedian known for his satirical stand-up comedy and distinctive television shows that challenged social norms with wit and irreverence.
July 24 Ruth Buzzi
Ruth Buzzi is an iconic American comedian and actress best known for her memorable characters on the groundbreaking comedy show 'Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In' during the late 1960s and early 1970s. She began her career as a dancer before transitioning into comedy, becoming a significant figure in television comedy of her era.
July 28 Garry Sobers
West Indies cricket legend considered the greatest all-rounder of all time. Published his autobiography in 2002, detailing his life, including the tragic loss of his friend and fellow player Collie Smith in a car accident. [bio]
Aug. 18 Robert Redford
Legendary Hollywood actor, director, and environmental activist known for iconic films like 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid', 'All the President's Men', and 'The Way We Were'. He won an Academy Award for Best Director in 1980 for 'Ordinary People'. Redford is also the founder of the Sundance Film Festival. [bio]
Aug. 29 John McCain
John McCain was a prominent American politician and U.S. Senator from Arizona, known for his military service, presidential candidacy in 2008, and reputation as a maverick within the Republican Party. He was a Vietnam War veteran and prisoner of war who later became a respected statesman and presidential nominee. [bio]
Sept. 14 Walter Koenig
Walter Koenig is an iconic American actor best known for playing Pavel Chekov in the original Star Trek series, a role that made him a beloved figure in science fiction.
Sept. 24 Jim Henson
Legendary American puppeteer who revolutionized children's entertainment through the Muppets, creating iconic characters like Kermit the Frog and transforming television and film storytelling.
Oct. 1 Stella Stevens
Stella Stevens was a prominent American actress known for her memorable roles in classic films like 'The Poseidon Adventure' and Jerry Lewis's 'The Nutty Professor', establishing herself as a versatile performer in Hollywood during the 1960s and 1970s.
Oct. 9 Brian Blessed
Renowned British actor famous for his booming voice and powerful stage presence, best known for roles in 'I, Claudius', 'Flash Gordon', and numerous theatrical performances. He is celebrated for his distinctive personality and commanding performances across stage, film, and television.
Oct. 19 Sylvia Browne
Controversial American psychic and author who founded the Nirvana Foundation for Psychic Research, known for her claims of spiritual communication and paranormal abilities.
Oct. 20 Valeria Fabrizi
Prominent Italian actress and television personality known for her significant contributions to Italian entertainment since the mid-20th century.
Oct. 25 Masako Nozawa
Renowned Japanese voice actress famous for dubbing anime characters, particularly known for her roles in Dragon Ball series as Goku and other characters.
Nov. 6 Jacques Charrier
French actor known for his tumultuous marriage to Brigitte Bardot. He was a versatile performer in film, television, and stage, with a notable career in the entertainment industry during the late 1950s and early 1960s.
Nov. 8 Virna Lisi
Renowned Italian actress who achieved international acclaim for her roles in notable films like 'The Black Tulip' and 'Casanova'. She won the Best Actress Award at the Cannes Film Festival in 1994 for her performance in 'Queen Margot'.
Nov. 19 Dick Cavett
Renowned American talk show host known for his intelligent and witty interview style, who hosted popular television programs from the 1960s through multiple decades.
Dec. 8 David Carradine
Iconic American actor known for his roles in martial arts films and television, particularly the series 'Kung Fu'. He came from a famous acting family and had a complex personal and professional life marked by both success and controversy.