Famous people born on March 6th
March 6 has produced an unusually wide-ranging roster of creators, innovators, and public figures across centuries. From Renaissance masters to modern filmmakers and athletes, the date connects enduring artistic achievement with cultural and political influence. It is a day that spans literature, music, science, sports, and public service in truly global fashion.
Notable highlights
- Michelangelo (1475) - The Florentine master reshaped Western art with the Sistine Chapel ceiling and monumental sculpture.
- Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806) - A leading Victorian poet whose "Sonnets from the Portuguese" helped redefine the modern love lyric.
- Gabriel Garcia Marquez (1927) - The Nobel laureate popularized magical realism worldwide with "One Hundred Years of Solitude."
- Willie Mays (1931) - An all-around baseball icon celebrated for elite defense, power, and the famous over-the-shoulder "The Catch."
- Valentina Tereshkova (1937) - Became the first woman in space, flying solo on Vostok 6 in 1963.
- David Gilmour (1946) - Pink Floyd guitarist whose melodic solos and sound design helped define classic progressive rock.
- Rob Reiner (1947) - Directed a rare run of modern classics spanning comedy and drama, including "This Is Spinal Tap" and "The Princess Bride."
- Shaquille O'Neal (1972) - A dominant NBA center whose blend of power and agility fueled championships and a larger-than-life media career.
On this day
- 1857 - The U.S. Supreme Court issues the Dred Scott decision, intensifying national conflict over slavery.
- 1953 - Georgy Malenkov becomes premier of the Soviet Union following Joseph Stalin's death.
- 1957 - Ghana gains independence, becoming the first sub-Saharan African nation to break from colonial rule in the modern era.
- 1992 - The referendum establishing the Treaty on European Union is approved in Denmark after a second vote, advancing European integration.