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. 7 William Peter Blatty
William Peter Blatty was an American writer and filmmaker, best known for writing the novel 'The Exorcist' and adapting it into an Oscar-winning film. [bio]
Jan. 9 Domenico Modugno
Domenico Modugno was an influential Italian singer-songwriter, actor, and politician best known internationally for his 1958 hit 'Nel blu, dipinto di blu' (popularly known as 'Volare'). He played a major role in the transformation of Italian popular music in the 1950s and 1960s, and is recognized for his emotive performances and charismatic stage presence. [bio]
Jan. 9 Judith Krantz
Judith Krantz was a bestselling American novelist, best known for her romance novels that combine glamorous settings, strong female protagonists, and bold themes. Her works were particularly influential in the late 20th century, and several were adapted into popular television miniseries. [bio]
Jan. 23 Jeanne Moreau
Jeanne Moreau was a celebrated French actress, singer, and director, renowned for her influential work in European cinema, especially during the French New Wave era. She is recognized for her powerful performances and unique screen presence. [bio]
Feb. 22 Bruce Forsyth
Bruce Forsyth was a legendary British television presenter, entertainer, actor, singer, and dancer, known for his long-spanning career in show business. He became one of the most recognizable and celebrated personalities on British TV, hosting a string of successful variety and game shows over more than 70 years. [bio]
Feb. 26 Fats Domino
Fats Domino was an American pianist, singer, and songwriter who was a pioneering figure in rock and roll and rhythm and blues music. Known for his boogie-woogie piano style and smooth vocals, he achieved worldwide fame in the 1950s and 1960s with hits such as 'Blueberry Hill' and 'Ain't That a Shame.' [bio]
March 10 Sara Montiel
Sara Montiel was a renowned Spanish actress and singer, famous for her roles in Spanish and international films during the mid-20th century. Known for her beauty and sultry voice, she became one of Spain's most iconic film stars and an international celebrity. [bio]
March 14 Frank Borman
Frank Borman was an American astronaut, United States Air Force colonel, and aerospace engineer best known for commanding Apollo 8, the first mission to fly humans around the Moon in 1968. [bio]
March 20 Fred Rogers
Fred Rogers was an American television host, creator, producer, and writer best known for his pioneering children's program, 'Mister Rogers' Neighborhood.' Revered for his gentle demeanor and deep empathy, Rogers became an iconic figure in children's media and advocacy. Through his show, he promoted kindness, emotional intelligence, and the importance of community, making a profound impact on generations of children … [bio]
March 28 Zbigniew Brzezinski
Zbigniew Brzezinski was a Polish-American diplomat and political scientist who served as United States National Security Advisor to President Jimmy Carter from 1977 to 1981. He was a prominent foreign policy expert, especially known for his focus on Soviet Union–US relations during the Cold War. [bio]
April 2 Serge Gainsbourg
Serge Gainsbourg was a renowned French singer-songwriter, actor, and director, known for his provocative lyrics, eclectic musical style, and lasting influence on French pop and chanson music. His career spanned several decades, during which he became a cultural icon in France and abroad, celebrated for hits such as 'Je t'aime... moi non plus' and his collaborations with artists like Brigitte … [bio]
April 4 Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou was an acclaimed American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist, best known for her groundbreaking autobiography 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.' Her work highlighted themes of identity, family, and racism, earning her international recognition as a literary and cultural icon. [bio]
April 7 James Garner
James Garner was an American actor and producer, best known for his roles in television series such as 'Maverick' and 'The Rockford Files,' as well as films like 'The Great Escape' and 'Murphy's Romance.' His charismatic screen presence and witty portrayals made him a popular figure in Hollywood across several decades. [bio]
April 12 Hardy Krüger
Hardy Krüger was a renowned German actor and author, internationally recognized for his extensive film career spanning from the 1940s through the early 21st century. He featured in both German and international films and became one of the first German actors to achieve widespread success in Hollywood after World War II. [bio]
April 23 Shirley Temple
Shirley Temple was an American child actress, singer, dancer, and later diplomat who became one of the most iconic child stars in Hollywood history during the 1930s. Famed for her curly hair, dimples, and infectious personality, she starred in a string of box-office successes, notably during the Great Depression. As an adult, Temple devoted herself to public service, serving as … [bio]
May 4 Hosni Mubarak
Hosni Mubarak was an Egyptian military officer and politician who served as the fourth President of Egypt from 1981 to 2011. His nearly 30-year rule ended following the Egyptian revolution of 2011. [bio]
May 9 Pancho Gonzalez
Pancho Gonzalez was an American tennis player renowned for his powerful serve and dominance during the 1950s and early 1960s. Widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players in history, Gonzalez won multiple Grand Slam titles and was the world No. 1 professional player for eight years. His athleticism, competitiveness, and longevity in the sport made him a legendary … [bio]
May 12 Burt Bacharach
Burt Bacharach was an American composer, songwriter, record producer, and pianist known for his distinctive style that blended pop, jazz, and easy listening. He became one of the most influential popular music composers in the mid-20th century, acclaimed for his collaborations with lyricist Hal David. [bio]
May 14 Che Guevara
Che Guevara was an Argentine Marxist revolutionary, physician, author, guerrilla leader, and a key figure in the Cuban Revolution. His image has become an enduring symbol of rebellion, revolution, and leftist movements worldwide. [bio]
May 18 Pernell Roberts
Pernell Roberts was an American actor and singer, best known for his role as Adam Cartwright, the eldest son, in the classic TV series "Bonanza" and later as the title character in the medical drama "Trapper John, M.D.". His career spanned television, film, and stage, earning him critical acclaim and a lasting legacy in American entertainment. [bio]
May 23 Rosemary Clooney
Rosemary Clooney was an American singer and actress, renowned for her smooth vocals and hits during the 1950s. Best known for songs like 'Come On-a My House' and her performance in the classic film 'White Christmas', Clooney left an indelible mark on American pop and jazz music. [bio]
June 4 Ruth Westheimer
Ruth Westheimer, known as Dr. Ruth, is a renowned German-American sex therapist, media personality, and author. She became famous in the United States in the 1980s for her candid discussions about sex on radio and television, pioneering open conversations about sexual health and relationships. [bio]
June 9 Jackie Mason
Jackie Mason was an American stand-up comedian and actor, renowned for his sharp wit, observational humor, and satirical takes on American culture and Jewish identity. He was a major figure in stand-up comedy from the 1960s onward and known for his distinctive voice and delivery. [bio]
June 10 Maurice Sendak
Maurice Sendak was an influential American author and illustrator best known for his groundbreaking children's books, most notably 'Where the Wild Things Are.' Renowned for his imaginative storytelling and distinctive illustrations, Sendak's works have had a profound impact on children's literature. [bio]
June 12 Vic Damone
Vic Damone was an American traditional pop and big band singer, actor, and radio and television presenter, known for his smooth baritone voice and chart-topping hits during the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s. [bio]
June 19 Nancy Marchand
Nancy Marchand was an acclaimed American actress best known for her roles on television, particularly as Livia Soprano on HBO's 'The Sopranos' and as Margaret Pynchon on 'Lou Grant.' She had a distinguished career in theater, film, and television spanning over five decades, earning multiple awards and accolades. [bio]
June 20 Martin Landau
Martin Landau was an acclaimed American actor, producer, and acting coach, best known for his performances in both film and television, including his Academy Award-winning role in 'Ed Wood.' [bio]
July 2 Line Renaud
Line Renaud is a renowned French singer, actress, and AIDS activist, celebrated for her prolific career in music, film, and television that has spanned over seven decades. [bio]
July 5 Katherine Helmond
Katherine Helmond was an American film, theater, and television actress, best known for her roles in the sitcoms 'Soap' and 'Who's the Boss?', as well as voice work in the 'Cars' film series. Her career was marked by numerous television, stage, and film performances, earning her critical acclaim and several award nominations. [bio]
July 13 Bob Crane
Bob Crane was an American actor, drummer, and radio personality best known for his starring role as Colonel Robert Hogan in the television sitcom 'Hogan's Heroes.' [bio]
July 14 Nancy Olson
Nancy Olson is an American actress best known for her role as Betty Schaefer in the classic film 'Sunset Boulevard' (1950), for which she received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. [bio]
July 16 Anita Brookner
Anita Brookner was a distinguished British novelist and art historian, renowned for her elegant, introspective literary style. She gained international recognition for her subtle novels about solitude, disappointment, and the inner lives of women, and was awarded the Booker Prize in 1984 for her novel 'Hotel du Lac.' [bio]
July 22 Orson Bean
Orson Bean was an American actor, comedian, writer, and producer, best known for his long career on television game shows, theatrical productions, and voice acting in animated films. [bio]
Aug. 6 Andy Warhol
Andy Warhol was a pioneering American artist and filmmaker, best known as a leading figure in the Pop Art movement. He gained international fame for his innovative works featuring celebrities, iconic brands, and everyday consumer products, most notably his silkscreen paintings of Campbell's soup cans and Marilyn Monroe. His work challenged traditional notions of art and mass culture, profoundly influencing … [bio]
Aug. 10 Eddie Fisher
Eddie Fisher was a popular American singer and actor, known for his smooth tenor voice and chart-topping hits during the 1950s. He was also noted for his highly publicized personal life, including marriages to actresses Debbie Reynolds, Elizabeth Taylor, and Connie Stevens. [bio]
Aug. 11 Arlene Dahl
Arlene Dahl was an American actress best known for her performances in MGM films of the 1940s and 1950s. She was also a successful businesswoman, columnist, and beauty consultant. [bio]
Aug. 31 James Coburn
James Coburn was an American film and television actor known for his distinctive deep voice, rugged looks, and on-screen charisma. He gained fame during the 1960s and 1970s, often appearing in action, western, and spy films, and won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in 'Affliction' (1997). [bio]
Sept. 15 Cannonball Adderley
Cannonball Adderley was a highly influential American jazz alto saxophonist, best known for his work in the hard bop era of the 1950s and 1960s. He gained wide acclaim both as a solo artist and as a member of the Miles Davis Sextet, contributing to the landmark album 'Kind of Blue.' His energetic and soulful playing style made him one … [bio]
Sept. 17 Roddy McDowall
Roddy McDowall was a British-American actor, photographer, and director renowned for his work as a child actor in Britain and his later successful Hollywood career. He is recognized for his versatility in both film and television, as well as his iconic roles in the 'Planet of the Apes' franchise. [bio]
Sept. 30 Elie Wiesel
Elie Wiesel was a Romanian-born American writer, professor, political activist, Nobel Laureate, and Holocaust survivor. He is best known for his work 'Night,' a memoir about his experiences as a teenager in Nazi concentration camps during the Holocaust. Wiesel became a leading voice in bearing witness to the atrocities of the Holocaust and in defending human rights worldwide. [bio]
Oct. 1 George Peppard
George Peppard was an American film and television actor best known for his leading roles in 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' and the 1980s television series 'The A-Team.' [bio]
Oct. 2 George McFarland
George McFarland was an American child actor best known for his role as Spanky in the "Our Gang" (also known as "The Little Rascals") short film series produced by Hal Roach during the 1930s and early 1940s. [bio]
Oct. 8 Bill Maynard
Bill Maynard was an English comedian and actor best known for his roles in British television series such as 'Heartbeat', where he played Claude Jeremiah Greengrass, and 'Oh No It's Selwyn Froggitt', in which he played the titular character. His career spanned over six decades, making him a prominent and well-loved figure on UK television. [bio]
Oct. 20 Joyce Brothers
Joyce Brothers was an American psychologist, television personality, advice columnist, and writer best known for her pioneering role in bringing psychological advice to mainstream media through her appearances on television and contributions to magazines and newspapers. [bio]
Oct. 25 Marion Ross
Marion Ross is an American actress best known for her role as Marion Cunningham on the popular television sitcom 'Happy Days.' Her career spans over six decades, including numerous roles in television, film, and stage. [bio]
Oct. 25 Jeanne Cooper
Jeanne Cooper was a renowned American actress best known for her long-running role as Katherine Chancellor on the daytime soap opera 'The Young and the Restless.' Her career spanned over six decades, making her one of the most respected figures in American television. [bio]
Nov. 11 Carlos Fuentes
Carlos Fuentes was a renowned Mexican novelist and essayist whose works played a major role in the Latin American Boom, a literary movement of the 20th century. He is acclaimed for his innovative narrative style and exploration of Mexican identity, history, and politics. [bio]
Nov. 18 Mickey Mouse
Mickey Mouse is a cartoon character co-created by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks at The Walt Disney Company. Debuting in 1928, Mickey quickly became one of the most iconic and enduring cartoon characters in the world. He serves as the official mascot of The Walt Disney Company and is recognized for his cheerful personality, distinctive voice, and global cultural impact. [bio]
Dec. 7 Noam Chomsky
Noam Chomsky is an eminent American linguist, philosopher, cognitive scientist, historian, and social critic recognized as the founder of modern linguistics. He is widely celebrated for developing the theory of transformational-generative grammar, which revolutionized the discipline. Chomsky has also garnered international attention as a leading critic of media practices and U.S. foreign policy, authoring numerous influential books on language, politics, … [bio]
Dec. 29 Bernard Cribbins
Bernard Cribbins was a celebrated English actor, voice-over artist, and singer, recognized for his work in film, television, and children's entertainment. His career spanned over seven decades, during which he became a beloved and distinctive figure in British popular culture. [bio]