Famous people born on February 22nd
February 22 has an unusually wide reach across history, from the founding era of the United States to modern film, music, and sport. The date brings together influential political leadership, major philosophical voices, and a strong showing of writers and performers. It also features public figures known for hands-on impact, from youth movements to wildlife education.
Notable highlights
- George Washington (1732) - The first U.S. president whose leadership set enduring precedents for executive power and peaceful transitions.
- Arthur Schopenhauer (1788) - A foundational pessimist philosopher whose ideas on will and suffering strongly influenced later literature and psychology.
- Robert Baden-Powell (1857) - Founder of the Scout Movement, shaping youth education worldwide through outdoor skills and civic service.
- Edna St. Vincent Millay (1892) - A Pulitzer Prize-winning poet celebrated for lyrical intensity and a boldly modern public voice.
- Luis Bunuel (1900) - A surrealist filmmaker whose sharp satire and dream logic reshaped international cinema.
- Edward Gorey (1925) - Cult author-illustrator known for macabre wit, elegant linework, and instantly recognizable gothic humor.
- Julius Erving (1950) - "Dr. J" helped popularize above-the-rim artistry and became a defining figure of modern professional basketball.
- Niki Lauda (1949) - A Formula One champion famed for analytical racing intelligence and a remarkable comeback after a near-fatal crash.
- Drew Barrymore (1975) - A child star turned enduring leading actor and producer who successfully reinvented her career across decades.
- Steve Irwin (1962) - The "Crocodile Hunter" who brought wildlife conservation to mainstream TV with fearless, enthusiastic education.
On this day
- 1732 - George Washington is born in Virginia, later becoming the Revolutionary War commander and the first president of the United States.
- 1819 - Spain cedes Florida to the United States under the Adams-Onis Treaty, reshaping North American borders.
- 1943 - The White Rose resistance group in Nazi Germany is executed, becoming a lasting symbol of moral courage.
- 1980 - The "Miracle on Ice" sees the U.S. defeat the Soviet Union at the Winter Olympics, one of hockey's most iconic upsets.