Famous people born on February 21st
February 21 is a notably literary and culture-shaping birthday, bringing together poets and novelists, performers who defined screen and stage, and public figures who influenced politics and civil rights. The mix spans centuries, from Enlightenment-era thinkers to contemporary pop culture stars. Across the 38 notable births tied to this date, the common thread is a talent for language, persuasion, and reinvention.
Notable highlights
- W. H. Auden (1907) - A major 20th-century poet whose work helped redefine modern verse in English, from political elegies to intimate love poems.
- Anais Nin (1903) - Known for boundary-pushing diaries and fiction that expanded confessional literature and candid discussions of desire and identity.
- Chuck Palahniuk (1962) - The author of "Fight Club," recognized for sharp, transgressive satire that critiques consumer culture and masculinity.
- Barbara Jordan (1936) - A trailblazing U.S. lawmaker celebrated for eloquent constitutional arguments and a commanding public voice during the Watergate era.
- Nina Simone (1933) - A singular performer who fused jazz, classical training, and protest music, turning songs into instruments of civil rights advocacy.
- Alan Rickman (1946) - An actor admired for precise diction and layered performances across theater and film, from charismatic villains to understated dramas.
- Andres Segovia (1893) - A pivotal classical guitarist who elevated the instrument to concert-hall prestige and helped expand its modern repertoire.
- David Foster Wallace (1962) - A writer associated with maximalist, footnote-rich fiction and essays that dissected media, attention, and modern anxiety.
- Jennifer Love Hewitt (1979) - A prominent late-1990s and 2000s screen presence who moved from teen roles to long-running television leads.
- Jeanne Calment (1875) - Widely cited as the longest-lived verified person, becoming an enduring symbol in discussions of longevity and aging.
On this day
- 1848 - Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels publish "The Communist Manifesto," a foundational political text that influenced global movements and governance.
- 1965 - Malcolm X is assassinated in New York City, a pivotal moment in the history of the U.S. civil rights movement.
- 1972 - U.S. President Richard Nixon visits the People's Republic of China, a diplomatic breakthrough that reshaped Cold War geopolitics.
- 1995 - Steve Fossett completes the first solo balloon flight across the Pacific Ocean, marking a milestone in long-distance adventure aviation.