Famous People Born In 1921
Discover the most famous people born in 1921. The list includes people like Verghese Kurien, Nancy Reagan, Sugar Ray Robinson, Charles Bronson, Gene Roddenberry and many more. This list of celebrities is loosely sorted by popularity. People featured on this list, include political leaders, journalists, actresses and poets born in 1921. This list includes people from United States, United Kingdom, France & Germany and many more countries.
Vote for Your Favourite Person
Right IconThis ranking is based on an algorithm that combines various factors, including the votes of our users and search trends on the internet.
Birthdate: 10th June
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Mon Repos, Corfu, Greece
Died: April 9, 2021
Prince Philip was the husband of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom. Born into the Greek and Danish royal families, he first met Elizabeth in 1934. After courting her for a few years, he married her in 1947. He was formally made a British prince in 1957. He was the oldest-ever male member of the British royal family.
2
Charles Bronson(American Actor Best Known for Playing the Role of Police Officers, Gunfighters and Vigilantes)
Birthdate: 13th November
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Ehrenfeld, Pennsylvania, United States
Died: August 30, 2003
American actor, Charles Bronson, had a tough-guy on screen persona and is best known for numerous action and vigilante movies. The Magnificent Seven, The Great Escape, The Dirty Dozen and Hard Times are some of his notable films. Death Wish was his most popular film and it led to four sequels starring him. He worked from the 1950s to 1990s.
3
John Glenn(Tthe First American to Orbit the Earth)
Birthdate: 18th July
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Cambridge, Ohio, United States
Died: December 8, 2016
The first American to orbit the Earth, John Glenn was an astronaut, aviator, politician, and businessman. Beginning his career as an army man, he was a fighter pilot in World War II. He later joined NASA and was one of the Mercury Seven. Following his retirement from NASA, he became a politician and served in the US Senate.
4
Rodney Dangerfield(Stand-up Comedian Who Was Known for His Self-Deprecating One-Liner Humor and Catchphrase 'I Don't Get No Respect!')
Birthdate: 22nd November
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Deer Park, New York, United States
Died: October 5, 2004
Rodney Dangerfield began as a stand-up comedian in and around New York City and eventually became a regular on late-night talk shows. He was known for his catchphrase “I don't get no respect!” and his self-deprecating humor. He also appeared in movies such as Caddyshack and Natural Born Killers.
5
Chuck Connors(Famous for His Portrayal of ‘Lucas McCain’ in the ABC series ‘The Rifleman’)
Birthdate: 10th April
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, United States
Died: November 10, 1992
Chuck Connors was an American actor, professional baseball and basketball player. Connors is one of 13 athletes to have played in both National Basketball Association and the Major League Baseball. As an actor, he contributed to the success of the popular Western television program The Rifleman. Also known for his charity work, Connors helped found the Chuck Connors Charitable Foundation.
6
Lana Turner(One of the Highest Paid Actresses in the United States During the 1940s)
Birthdate: 8th February
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Wallace, Idaho, United States
Died: June 29, 1995
Widely regarded as a legend of classical Hollywood cinema, Lana Turner was one of the most prominent and highest-paid actresses in the mid-1940s. Also considered a popular culture icon of Hollywood glamor, Turner also achieved success as a pin-up model. Her life and career have inspired several works across art, literature, music, and film.
Birthdate: 3rd May
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Ailey, Georgia, United States
Died: April 12, 1989
Sugar Ray Robinson was an American boxer. Considered one of the greatest boxers ever, Robinson held a 91-fight unbeaten streak from 1943 to 1951, the third-longest in the history of professional boxing. Also known for his flamboyant and classy lifestyle outside the ring, Sugar Ray Robinson unsuccessfully tried his hand at a career as an entertainer after retiring from boxing.
Birthdate: 6th July
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Midtown Manhattan, New York City, New York, United States
Died: March 6, 2016
Nancy Reagan was an American actress who also served as the first lady of the US between 1981 and 1989. One of her major initiatives as the first lady was her role in founding a drug awareness campaign called Just Say No. She had a strong influence on President Ronald Reagan, having an impact on many of his diplomatic decisions.
9
Donna Reed
(American Actress Known for Her Portrayal of 'Mary Hatch Bailey' in 'It’s a Wonderful Life')
Birthdate: 27th January
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Denison, Iowa, United States
Died: January 14, 1986
Donna Reed was an American actress whose career spanned over four decades. She is best remembered for her performance in the 1953 film From Here to Eternity, which earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Donna Reed is also remembered for her TV work and received the Golden Globe Award for her role in The Donna Reed Show.
Birthdate: 14th November
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Bayonne, New Jersey, United States
Died: June 24, 1997
Brian Keith is best remembered for playing Bill Davis in the sitcom Family Affair and Judge Milton C. Hardcastle in Hardcastle and McCormick. He also starred in the 1961 movie The Parent Trap and played President Theodore Roosevelt in The Wind and the Lion. He died of suicide by gunshot.
11
Gene Roddenberry(Screenwriter, Producer, and Creator of American TV Series, 'Star Trek: The Original Series')
Birthdate: 19th August
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: El Paso
Died: October 24, 1991
TV writer and producer Gene Roddenberry, who created the original Star Trek series of the 1960s, also produced its spin-offs. He was the first TV writer to have a Hollywood Walk of Fame star and was inducted into the Science Fiction Hall of Fame. His ashes were flown into space.
12
Jane Russell(Actress, Singer and Model Who was One of Hollywood's Leading Sex Symbols in the 1940s and 1950s )
Birthdate: 21st June
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Bemidji, Minnesota, United States
Died: February 28, 2011
Jane Russell was an American actress and singer. Renowned for her beauty, Russell was considered one of the leading sex symbols of Hollywood in the 1940s and 1950s. In 2009, Glamour magazine named her in its list of 40 Most Iconic Movie Goddesses. Her contribution to the entertainment industry was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
13
Deborah Kerr(British Actress Who was Known for Her Impeccable Grace and Beauty)
Birthdate: 30th September
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Helensburgh
Died: October 16, 2007
Deborah Kerr was a Scottish actress who holds the record for having the most Academy Award nominations under the Best Actress category without a win. However, she received an Academy Honorary Award in 1994 for her contribution to the entertainment industry. Deborah Kerr was made a CBE in 1998 and also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
14
Abe Vigoda(Best Known for His Role in The Film ‘The Godfather’)
Birthdate: 24th February
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, United States
Died: January 26, 2016
Abe Vigoda was an American actor, best known for playing Salvatore Tessio in the 1972 crime film The Godfather. He also played important roles in TV series, such as Barney Miller. Apart from acting, Abe Vigoda also enjoyed playing handball, which he played often in his youth.
Birthdate: 21st March
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Moscow, Russia
Died: March 19, 1962
Vasily Stalin was the son of Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin and his second wife. Vasily joined the Air Force during Nazi Germany’s Operation Barbarossa. He was the youngest major-general of the Red Army. Following his father’s death, he sank into alcoholism and was also imprisoned for a while.
Birthdate: 9th May
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Forchtenberg, Germany
Died: February 22, 1943
Sophie Scholl was a German anti-Nazi political activist who was involved with a non-violent resistance group called White Rose. Scholl was executed by guillotine at the age of 21 for distributing anti-war leaflets. Since her death, Sophie Scholl has been viewed as an iconic figure. Her life and work have inspired several films, including Sophie Scholl – The Final Days.
17
Peter Ustinov
(British Actor Known for Playing 'Inspector Hercule Poirot' in 'Agatha Christie' Mystery Films)
Birthdate: 16th April
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Swiss Cottage, London, England
Died: March 28, 2004
Peter Ustinov was a British actor, writer, and filmmaker. An intellectual, Ustinov held several academic posts and served as the president of the World Federalist Movement. Over the course of his illustrious career, Peter Ustinov won many prestigious awards, such as the Golden Globes, Emmy Awards, Academy Awards, Grammy Awards, and BAFTA Awards.
Birthdate: 8th March
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, USA
Died: January 2, 1990
Birthdate: 28th August
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States
Died: February 3, 1991
Nancy Kulp was an American actress best known for her portrayal of Miss Jane Hathaway in the popular television sitcom The Beverly Hillbillies, for which she received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination in 1967. A multi-talented personality, Kulp was also renowned for her comedic skills. She also tried her hand at politics and teaching before succumbing to cancer in 1991.
Birthdate: 31st January
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Seattle, Washington, USA
Died: January 15, 2019
Birthdate: 1st October
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: White Plains, New York, United States
Died: February 6, 2009
James Whitmore was an American actor whose career spanned more than 50 years. During his illustrious career, Whitmore won a Grammy, a Tony, and an Emmy Award, narrowly missing an EGOT honor. He also received a Golden Globe Award and two Academy Award nominations. In 1960, he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Birthdate: 11th August
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Ithaca, New York, United States
Died: February 10, 1992
Birthdate: 26th December
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: New York, New York, United States
Died: October 30, 2000
24
Mary Jackson
(Mathematician)
Birthdate: 9th April
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Hampton, Virginia, United States
Died: February 11, 2005
American mathematician and aerospace engineer Mary Jackson went down in history as the first African-American woman to work as a NASA engineer. Initially a math teacher, she later joined NACA under Dorothy Vaughan and contributed to countless American space programs at a time when racial segregation was the norm.
25
Esther Williams
(American Competitive Swimmer and Actress)
Birthdate: 8th August
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Inglewood, California, United States
Died: June 6, 2013
Esther Williams was an American actress, competitive swimmer, and businesswoman. When she couldn't realize her dream of participating in the 1940 Summer Olympics due to the outbreak of the Second World War, Williams went on to establish herself as an actress. She gained national recognition after playing Annette Kellerman in Million Dollar Mermaid and helped popularize swimming in the USA.
26
Michael I of Romania
(The Last King of Romania (1927 - 1930))
Birthdate: 25th October
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Peleș Castle, Sinaia, Romania
Died: December 5, 2017
Michael I, the last King of Romania, ruled the country twice, of which the first-tenure was as a minor. During his second tenure, he removed Ion Antonescu’s government that aligned Romania with Nazi Germany. He declared alliance with Allies but was eventually forced to abdicate by Petru Groza’s government on December 30, 1947, as Romania officially became a People's Republic.
Birthdate: 10th July
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Brookline, Massachusetts, United States
Died: August 11, 2009
Eunice Shriver, sister of American president John F. Kennedy and wife of diplomat Sargent Shriver, was an avid philanthropist. Motivated by her mentally challenged sister Rosemary’s condition, she began working for the disabled and eventually founded the Special Olympics. She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her philanthropic work.
Birthdate: 17th October
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Columbus, Ohio, United States
Died: April 30, 2007
29
Monty Hall
(Canadian Television Host Best Known as the Game Show Host and Producer of 'Let’s Make a Deal')
Birthdate: 25th August
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Winnipeg, Canada
Died: September 30, 2017
Although best remembered as the cheerful and friendly host of Let's Make a Deal, Molly Hall was also the co-creator and producer of this popular show. Born in Canada, he eventually moved to the USA, where he began producing and hosting number of television and radio shows, eventually being associated with a synonymous brain teaser called the Monty Hall Problem.
30
Betty Hutton
(American Actress, Comedian and Dancer)
Birthdate: 26th February
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Battle Creek, Michigan, United States
Died: March 11, 2007
31
Dirk Bogarde
(English actor)
Birthdate: 28th March
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: West Hampstead, London
Died: May 8, 1999
32
Mamie Till
(American Civil Rights Activist, Who Lost Her Son 'Emmett Till' to a Racist Attack)
Birthdate: 23rd November
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Webb, Mississippi, United States
Died: January 6, 2003
Following the violent lynching of 14-year-old Emmett Till by a group of white men, his mother Mamie Till-Mobley made a marked contribution to the fight against racism. She became a prominent civil rights activist and established the Emmett Till Players, a group that lectured on hope and unity.
Birthdate: 19th September
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Recife, Brazil
Died: May 2, 1997
An advocate of critical consciousness as a form of pedagogy, Paulo Freire grew up amid abject poverty in a Depression-hit Brazil. Remembered for his iconic work Pedagogy of the Oppressed, the revered educator who supported dialogic education had also won accolades such as the UNESCO Prize for Peace Education.
Birthdate: 4th February
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: eoria, Illinois, United States
Died: February 4, 2004
Birthdate: 2nd May
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Died: April 23, 1992
Satyajit Ray was an Indian film director, music composer, and writer. Considered one of the greatest filmmakers of all time, Ray became the first Indian to be honored with an Academy Honorary Award in 1992. Apart from Indian filmmakers, international directors like Martin Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino, Francis Ford Coppola, Wes Anderson, and Christopher Nolan have been influenced by Satyajit Ray.
36
Alan Freed
(American Disc Jockey and Radio Personality)
Birthdate: 15th December
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Johnstown, Pennsylvania, United States
Died: January 20, 1965
37
James Dougherty(American Police Officer and First Husband of Actress Marilyn Monroe)
Birthdate: 12th April
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Texas, United States
Died: August 15, 2005
Birthdate: 19th March
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Caerphilly
Died: April 15, 1984
Birthdate: 31st January
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, United States
Died: April 7, 2002
40
Deanna Durbin
(Actress & Singer)
Birthdate: 4th December
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Died: April 17, 2013
41
John Russell
(Actor, Officer, Film actor, Television actor)
Birthdate: 3rd January
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States
Died: January 19, 1991
42
Otto Graham
(American Football Player)
Birthdate: 6th December
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Waukegan, Illinois, USA
Died: December 17, 2003
Birthdate: 14th February
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Akron, Ohio, United States
Died: July 1, 2020
44
Maurice Richard
(Canadian Professional Ice Hockey Player)
Birthdate: 4th August
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Died: May 27, 2000
45
Patricia Highsmith
(Novelist)
Birthdate: 19th January
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Fort Worth, Texas, United States
Died: February 4, 1995
Birthdate: 16th May
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Saugus, Santa Clarita, California Saugus, Santa Clarita, California Santa Clarita, California, United States
Died: December 27, 2012
47
Roy Campanella
(Baseball player - Catcher)
Birthdate: 19th November
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Died: June 26, 1993
Birthdate: 13th October
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Monsummano Terme, Italy
Died: November 9, 1991
49
Jean Shepherd(American Storyteller, Writer, Radio and TV Personality)
Birthdate: 26th July
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, United States
Died: October 16, 1999
Jean Shepherd was a writer, storyteller, humorist, and radio and TV personality. In a long and productive career that spanned nearly five decades, he gave live performances, wrote scripts and stories, hosted radio shows, and even worked in a few films. He was posthumously inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame. He was known to be a private person.
50
Stanisław Lem
(Polish Novelist Best Known for His Novel 'Solaris')
Birthdate: 12th September
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Lviv, Ukraine
Died: March 27, 2006
Stanisław Lem was a Polish writer who specialized in the science fiction genre. He was also a noted essayist who wrote on varied subjects, including philosophy, futurology, and literary criticism. His books, which have been translated into over 50 languages, have sold more than 45 million copies worldwide. He was the recipient of numerous awards and honors.