Famous people and celebrities born in December 1917

Welcome to our dedicated page for celebrating the notable individuals born in December 1917! 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.

• Dec. 4 Claude Terrail

  Renowned French restaurateur who managed the legendary Michelin-starred restaurant La Tour d'Argent in Paris, continuing a family culinary...

• Dec. 5 Wenche Foss

  Renowned Norwegian actress celebrated as the premier diva of Norwegian theatre, with a distinguished career spanning stage, screen, and...

• Dec. 8 Ian Johnson

  Ian Johnson was a prominent Australian cricketer who made significant contributions to the sport as both a player and administrator.

• Dec. 9 James Angleton

  James Angleton was a legendary CIA counterintelligence chief known for his complex and paranoid approach to espionage during the Cold War.

• Dec. 10 James Rainwater

  Nobel Prize-winning American physicist who made significant contributions to nuclear physics and the understanding of atomic structure.

• Dec. 13 Jan Baalsrud

  Norwegian resistance fighter during World War II, a second lieutenant of Kompani Linge who was decorated with the St. Olav Medal and Order...

• Dec. 16 Arthur Clarke

  Arthur C. Clarke was a British science fiction writer, futurist, and inventor, best known for his groundbreaking novels including '2001: A Space Odyssey' and his influential ideas on space exploration and science communication. [bio]

• Dec. 17 Murray Kempton

  Renowned American journalist and columnist who won the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished commentary, known for his eloquent and nuanced...

• Dec. 18 Ossie Davis

  Ossie Davis was an acclaimed American actor, director, playwright, and civil rights activist, widely recognized for his influential work in theater, film, and television, as well as his advocacy for equality and social justice. [bio]

• Dec. 18 Eddie Vinson

  Renowned American jazz, jump, and bebop saxophonist and blues singer, known for his unique musical style and the nickname 'Clean Head' after...

• Dec. 20 David Bohm

  A groundbreaking quantum physicist who revolutionized quantum mechanics through his theory of the implicate order and profound philosophical...

• Dec. 21 Heinrich Böll

  Prominent German novelist and Nobel Prize in Literature laureate who critically examined post-World War II West German society through his...

• Dec. 21 Alicia Alonso

  Legendary Cuban prima ballerina who was a pivotal figure in Cuban ballet, renowned for her exceptional artistic talent and international...

• Dec. 22 Gene Rayburn

  Gene Rayburn was a popular American radio and television personality, best known for hosting the game show 'Match Game.' With a broadcasting career spanning several decades, he became one of the most recognizable faces of daytime television in the 1970s. [bio]

• Dec. 22 Andrew Fielding Huxley London England

  Renowned physiologist who won the Nobel Prize in 1963 for groundbreaking work in understanding nerve cell mechanisms.

• Dec. 22 Freddie Francis

  Acclaimed English film director and cinematographer, known for his exceptional work in both horror films and prestigious dramatic...

• Dec. 24 John McLaughlin

  Prominent American military officer who served as a Lieutenant General, with distinguished service during Vietnam War and World War II.

• Dec. 26 Rose Mary Woods

  Rose Mary Woods was President Nixon's personal secretary during the Watergate scandal, famously known for allegedly erasing 18.

• Dec. 28 Ellis Clarke

  Ellis Clarke was a prominent Trinidadian politician who served as the first President of Trinidad and Tobago from 1976 to 1987, playing a...

• Dec. 29 Ramanand Sagar

  Renowned Indian film director and producer famous for creating the epic television series Ramayan, which significantly influenced Indian...

• Dec. 29 Tom Bradley

  Pioneering African American politician who served as Los Angeles mayor for five consecutive terms, transforming the city's political...

• Dec. 31 Suzy Delair

  Suzy Delair was a renowned French actress and singer, best known for her performances in classic French cinema and popular music from the 1930s through the 1950s. [bio]