Famous people born on November 27th
November 27 has an unusually eclectic roster of birthdays, spanning trailblazing artists, influential political figures, and thinkers who reshaped modern life. From electrifying stagecraft to groundbreaking scholarship and public service, the date brings together people whose work still echoes across culture and institutions. It is a cross-section of creativity, leadership, and innovation that rewards curiosity.
Notable highlights
- Jimi Hendrix (1942) - A revolutionary guitarist whose studio experimentation and live improvisation expanded the language of rock.
- Bruce Lee (1940) - Martial-arts icon who helped globalize kung fu cinema and pushed for authentic Asian representation on screen.
- Kathryn Bigelow (1952) - Director known for high-intensity, immersive filmmaking; she became the first woman to win the Academy Award for Best Director.
- Caroline Kennedy (1957) - Author and public figure who later served as U.S. ambassador to Japan and Australia, extending a legacy of civic engagement.
- Chaim Weizmann (1874) - Zionist leader and scientist who became the first President of Israel, bridging diplomacy and nation-building.
- Konosuke Matsushita (1894) - Founder of Panasonic who popularized mass-market consumer electronics and a management philosophy centered on people and product quality.
- Charles A. Beard (1874) - Influential American historian whose economic interpretation of the U.S. Constitution sparked enduring debate about power and institutions.
- Charles Scott Sherrington (1857) - Nobel-winning neurophysiologist who advanced the concept of the synapse and mapped how reflexes coordinate movement.
- James Agee (1909) - Writer whose stark, empathetic reportage and prose left a lasting mark on American literature and film criticism.
- David Merrick (1912) - Legendary Broadway producer whose bold marketing and long-running hits helped shape modern theatrical production.
On this day
- 1095 - Pope Urban II called for the First Crusade at the Council of Clermont, launching a major religious and military movement in medieval Europe.
- 1895 - Alfred Nobel signed his final will, establishing the prizes that would become the Nobel Prizes.
- 1942 - During World War II, French forces scuttled their fleet at Toulon to prevent German seizure.
- 1978 - Harvey Milk, one of the first openly gay elected officials in the U.S., was assassinated in San Francisco alongside Mayor George Moscone.