Famous people and celebrities born on February 28

Welcome to our celebration of remarkable individuals born on February 28! On this day, we recognize the birth of various influential celebrities who have left their mark on the world. From acclaimed actors and musicians to groundbreaking athletes and leaders, explore the lives and achievements of those who share this special birthday. Join us in honoring these stars and discovering the impact they've made across diverse fields.

• 1882 Geraldine Farrar

  American singer, with an operatic voice and a strong lyric soprano. she made her opera debut at berlin 1901. she also appeared in silent films in the early days of silent film with elaborate stage gestures. her autobiography, "such sweet compulsions," was published.

• 1901 Linus Pauling

  Renowned American chemist and Nobel laureate who won Nobel Prizes in Chemistry (1954) and Peace (1962). A Stanford University professor known for groundbreaking scientific research and advocacy for vitamin C's health benefits. His interdisciplinary work significantly impacted chemistry, quantum mechanics, and molecular biology.

• 1903 Vincente Minnelli

  Renowned Hollywood film director famous for musicals like 'An American in Paris' and 'Gigi', who won an Academy Award and was a key figure in the Golden Age of Hollywood cinema.

• 1915 Zero Mostel

  Iconic American actor and comedian known for his powerful performances in theater and film, particularly in 'Fiddler on the Roof' and 'The Producers'.

• 1923 Charles Durning

  Acclaimed American character actor known for his versatile roles in film and theater, including notable performances in 'Dog Day Afternoon' and 'Tootsie'. A World War II veteran who later became a respected Hollywood performer with multiple Emmy and Tony Award nominations.

• 1926 Svetlana Alliluyeva

  Daughter of Joseph Stalin who defected to the West, became a prominent writer and critic of the Soviet regime, and authored several influential autobiographical works.

• 1928 Stanley Baker

  Welsh actor known for his roles in war films like 'The Guns of Navarone', who died at a relatively young age of 49.

• 1929 Frank Gehry

  Renowned Canadian-American architect famous for iconic designs like the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and Walt Disney Concert Hall. He founded Gehry Technologies in 2003, leveraging advanced architectural design technologies. His innovative architectural style has significantly influenced modern architecture.

• 1931 Gavin MacLeod

  Beloved American actor famous for his iconic roles in 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show' and 'The Love Boat', who was a prominent television personality in the 1970s and 1980s.

• 1940 Mario Andretti

  Legendary Italian-American racing driver who became one of the most successful and versatile drivers in motorsport history, winning races in Formula One, IndyCar, and NASCAR.

• 1945 Bubba Smith

  Former NFL defensive end for the Baltimore Colts and popular comedic actor best known for his memorable roles in the 'Police Academy' film series, where he played the gentle giant Hightower.

• 1947 Stephanie Beacham

  Stephanie Beacham is a prominent English actress known for her iconic roles in 1980s television series 'Dynasty' and 'The Colbys', where she played sophisticated and glamorous characters that made her a notable figure in primetime soap operas.

• 1948 Bernadette Peters

  Renowned Broadway and film actress, known for her exceptional performances in theater, film, and voice acting. She was the youngest inductee into the Theater Hall of Fame and has been nominated for multiple prestigious awards including Golden Globes, Tony Awards, and Grammy Awards.

• 1948 Mercedes Ruehl

  Accomplished American actress known for her versatile roles in film, television, and theater. She has won a Tony Award and an Academy Award for her powerful performances.

• 1948 Mike Figgis

  Innovative English filmmaker, screenwriter, and composer known for experimental and critically acclaimed films. He has made significant contributions to independent cinema.

• 1948 Steven Chu

  Nobel Prize-winning physicist who served as the United States Secretary of Energy from 2009 to 2013. His groundbreaking research in physics and energy policy has significantly impacted scientific understanding.

• 1953 Paul Krugman

  Renowned American economist, Nobel Prize winner in Economics, and influential academic who has significantly contributed to international trade theory and economic geography.

• 1955 Gilbert Gottfried

  Gilbert Gottfried was a renowned American stand-up comedian, actor, and voice artist famous for his distinctive high-pitched voice, edgy comedy, and memorable roles in animated films like Aladdin and live-action comedies.

• 1960 Dorothy Stratten

  Canadian model and actress tragically murdered at the height of her career, who became a Playboy Playmate and appeared in films like 'Galaxina' and 'They All Laughed'.

• 1960 Richard Ramirez

  Notorious serial killer known as 'The Night Stalker' who terrorized California with a series of brutal murders and sexual assaults during the mid-1980s.

• 1961 Rae Dawn Chong

  Canadian-American actress known for her roles in films like 'Soul Man' and 'Colors', daughter of comedian Tommy Chong.

• 1965 Colum McCann

  Award-winning Irish-American novelist known for his literary works exploring complex human narratives and transnational experiences.

• 1969 Robert Leonard

  American actor best known for his role as Neil Perry in the 1989 film 'Dead Poets Society', delivering a critically acclaimed performance as a sensitive student driven to suicide.

• 1970 Daniel Handler

  Daniel Handler is a renowned American author who created the wildly popular children's book series 'A Series of Unfortunate Events' under the pseudonym Lemony Snicket. His unique narrative style and dark humor have made him a significant figure in contemporary children's literature.

• 1972 Rory Cochrane

  Rory Cochrane is an American actor best known for his memorable roles in the cult classic film 'Dazed and Confused' and the popular TV series 'CSI: Miami'. He has established himself as a versatile character actor in both film and television.

• 1973 Eric Lindros

  Legendary Canadian ice hockey player who played as a power forward for the Philadelphia Flyers, known for his exceptional scoring ability and physical play, despite suffering multiple concussions.

• 1976 Ali Larter

  Ali Larter is an accomplished American actress and model, best known for her memorable roles in the popular TV series 'Heroes' and the successful 'Final Destination' horror film franchise.

• 1982 Natalia Vodianova

  Renowned Russian-French supermodel and philanthropist who has walked for top fashion brands and founded the Naked Heart Foundation to support children with special needs.

• 1991 Sarah Bolger

  Irish actress known for her roles in TV series like 'The Tudors' and 'Into the Badlands', with a notable career in film and television.

• 1994 Arkadiusz Milik

  Professional Polish footballer who plays as a striker for Juventus and the Polish national team, known for his clinical finishing and goal-scoring prowess in top European leagues.