Famous people born on November 6th

November 6 brings together a wide-ranging lineup of innovators, performers, athletes, and cultural tastemakers. The day spans centuries of achievement, from foundational figures in music and sport to modern screen stars and business leaders. It is a date marked by both mass-popular entertainment and enduring contributions to literature, education, and public life.

Notable highlights

• James Naismith (1861) - Invented basketball in 1891, creating a global sport from a set of simple gym rules.
• John Philip Sousa (1854) - The "March King" whose rousing band music helped define American ceremonial sound.
• Walter Johnson (1887) - One of baseball's greatest pitchers, famed for dominance with the Washington Senators.
• Robert Musil (1880) - Modernist author of "The Man Without Qualities", a landmark work of 20th-century literature.
• Sally Field (1946) - Acclaimed actress who won two Academy Awards and became a fixture of American film and TV.
• Mike Nichols (1931) - EGOT-winning director whose work bridged sharp comedy and prestige drama across stage and screen.
• Zig Ziglar (1926) - Influential motivational author and speaker known for practical sales and self-improvement frameworks.
• Emma Stone (1988) - Oscar-winning actress celebrated for versatile performances in both comedy and dramatic roles.
• Jerry Yang (1968) - Co-founded Yahoo, shaping the early consumer internet with a pioneering web directory and portal.

On this day

• 1860 - Abraham Lincoln is elected the 16th President of the United States, a turning point on the eve of the Civil War.
• 1917 - The Bolshevik Revolution begins in Russia (October Revolution in the old calendar), reshaping global politics.
• 1935 - The RAF's Hawker Hurricane makes its first flight, later becoming a key fighter aircraft in World War II.
• 1991 - Magic Johnson announces he is HIV-positive, transforming public awareness and dialogue around HIV/AIDS.