Famous people born on April 20th
April 20 gathers an unusually wide range of influential figures across the arts, politics, sport, and ideas. The date spans Renaissance writers and Enlightenment naturalists through modern actors, musicians, and public servants. From pioneering creative voices to leaders who shaped public policy, these birthdays reflect both cultural imagination and civic impact.
Notable highlights
- Joan Miro (1893) - A leading Surrealist whose bold symbols and colors helped redefine 20th-century modern art.
- Jessica Lange (1949) - An acclaimed screen and stage performer known for fearless, transformative roles.
- George Takei (1937) - Star Trek icon who later became a prominent advocate for civil rights and civic engagement.
- Luther Vandross (1951) - A signature voice of modern R&B, celebrated for smooth phrasing and romantic ballads.
- Lionel Hampton (1908) - Virtuosic vibraphonist and bandleader who helped bring the instrument to the jazz mainstream.
- Gro Harlem Brundtland (1939) - Norwegian leader associated with global sustainable development and public-health priorities.
- Mohammed Naguib (1901) - Key early figure in Egypt's transition from monarchy to a republican era.
- Peter S. Beagle (1939) - Fantasy author best known for "The Last Unicorn", a modern classic of the genre.
- W. H. Davies (1871) - Poet whose celebrated lines on leisure endure as a reminder to notice everyday beauty.
- William Bartram (1739) - Early American naturalist whose travels and writings influenced later nature literature.
On this day
- 1653 - Oliver Cromwell dissolves the Rump Parliament in England, marking a dramatic turn in the Commonwealth period.
- 1770 - Captain James Cook sights eastern Australia from the Endeavour, a pivotal moment in European exploration of the region.
- 1912 - Fenway Park opens in Boston, becoming one of baseball's most storied venues.
- 1999 - The Columbine High School shooting occurs in Colorado, reshaping debates on school safety and gun violence in the United States.