Famous people born on October 14th
October 14 is a remarkably wide-ranging birthday in history, spanning early colonial leadership, modern politics, and towering figures in arts, ideas, and sport. The date links statecraft and public service with innovators who changed how we cook, coach, and create. From presidents and philosophers to pop icons and designers, its roster shows an unusual blend of influence and reinvention.
Notable highlights
- Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890) - Supreme Allied Commander who later steered the U.S. through early Cold War tensions as president.
- William Penn (1644) - Quaker founder of Pennsylvania whose “holy experiment” shaped ideas of religious liberty and governance.
- John Wooden (1910) - Legendary UCLA coach whose “Pyramid of Success” became a blueprint for leadership beyond basketball.
- Hannah Arendt (1906) - Political thinker whose reporting on the Eichmann trial helped frame debates on power and moral responsibility.
- E. E. Cummings (1894) - Modernist poet celebrated for playful typography and a distinctive, intimate voice.
- W. Edwards Deming (1900) - Quality-management pioneer whose methods transformed manufacturing and business performance worldwide.
- Usher Raymond (1978) - R&B star known for era-defining hits and choreography that helped shape pop performance in the 2000s.
- Roger Moore (1927) - Actor who brought suave humor to James Bond while also becoming a prominent UNICEF advocate.
- Thomas Keller (1955) - Influential chef behind landmark American fine dining restaurants and a rigorous craft-first kitchen culture.
- Eamon de Valera (1882) - Central figure in modern Irish politics, serving as head of government and later president of Ireland.
On this day
- 1066 - The Battle of Hastings is fought, a turning point that reshaped England after the Norman victory.
- 1806 - The Battle of Jena-Auerstedt sees Napoleon defeat Prussia, dramatically altering the balance of power in Europe.
- 1947 - U.S. test pilot Chuck Yeager becomes the first person confirmed to break the sound barrier in level flight.
- 1962 - The Cuban Missile Crisis begins as U.S. reconnaissance confirms Soviet missile installations in Cuba.