Famous people born on March 19th
March 19 stands out for its wide-ranging roster of public figures across law, film, music, design, politics, and exploration. The date brings together influential decision-makers and boundary-pushing artists whose work reshaped their fields. From landmark courtroom leadership to iconic screen performances and avant-garde sound, this day reflects an unusually diverse kind of fame.
Notable highlights
- Bruce Willis (1955) - A defining action star of modern cinema, he also proved his range in darker dramatic roles beyond blockbuster franchises.
- Glenn Close (1947) - Known for psychologically precise performances, she became a benchmark for complex character work on stage and screen.
- Earl Warren (1891) - As U.S. Chief Justice, he presided over a transformative era of Supreme Court rulings that expanded civil rights and civil liberties.
- William Jennings Bryan (1860) - A three-time U.S. presidential nominee, he helped popularize reformist politics and became a central figure in early 20th-century public debates.
- Ursula Andress (1936) - Her breakout role helped define the visual language of the spy film era and made her an enduring pop-culture symbol.
- Patrick McGoohan (1928) - Celebrated for intense, unconventional leading roles, he left a cult legacy through daring television that challenged narrative norms.
- Josef Albers (1888) - A key modernist educator and artist, he reshaped how color interaction is taught and perceived through rigorous, influential studies.
- Ornette Coleman (1930) - A catalytic force in free jazz, he disrupted traditional harmony and form, opening new pathways for improvisational music.
- David Livingstone (1813) - His African expeditions and writings profoundly affected Victorian-era geography, missionary work, and European public imagination.
On this day
- 1279 - The Battle of Yamen ended the Song dynasty, marking a decisive shift in Chinese imperial history.
- 1918 - The U.S. Congress established time zones and approved daylight saving time, standardizing national timekeeping.
- 2003 - The Iraq War began as coalition forces launched the opening strikes, ushering in a major geopolitical turning point.