Famous people born on October 2nd
October 2 brings together an unusually wide range of public influence, from moral and political leadership to sharp-edged comedy, major literary voices, and genre-defining popular music. The date also features scientists, jurists, athletes, and cultural figures whose work shaped how societies organize, argue, and entertain. With 37 notable births, the lineup spans centuries and disciplines, making it a surprisingly rich cross-section of modern history.
Notable highlights
- Mahatma Gandhi (1869) - Pioneered mass nonviolent resistance that helped redefine modern protest movements worldwide.
- Groucho Marx (1890) - His rapid-fire wit and anarchic persona helped set the template for American screen comedy.
- Wallace Stevens (1879) - A modernist giant who balanced an insurance career with poetry that reimagined reality through language.
- Graham Greene (1904) - Turned espionage, faith, and moral ambiguity into enduring novels and screen stories.
- Sting (1951) - Fronted The Police before a solo career that blended rock with jazz and global influences.
- Johnnie Cochran (1937) - Became a defining courtroom strategist in U.S. legal culture, noted for media-savvy defense work.
- Nat Turner (1800) - Led the 1831 slave rebellion in Virginia that intensified national debate over slavery.
- Donna Karan (1948) - Popularized modern, wearable luxury with designs built around versatile, city-ready essentials.
- Ayumi Hamasaki (1978) - One of J-pop's most influential stars, shaping late-1990s and 2000s pop aesthetics and sound.
On this day
- 1187 - Saladin defeats the Crusader army at the Battle of Hattin, a turning point that leads to the fall of Jerusalem.
- 1835 - The Republic of Texas formally votes to annex to the United States, setting up years of political conflict.
- 1950 - The comic strip "Peanuts" debuts, introducing Charlie Brown and Snoopy to readers.
- 1990 - Germany is reunified as East and West Germany officially become one nation again.