Famous people born on October 24th
October 24 is a remarkably varied birthday on the calendar, spanning pioneers of science, influential writers, major performing artists, and public servants. The date brings together people who shaped how we lead, how we measure the natural world, and how we tell stories on stage, screen, and page. From centuries-old scientific breakthroughs to modern pop culture and politics, this roster reflects wide-ranging impact across disciplines.
Notable highlights
- Antonie van Leeuwenhoek (1632) - The Dutch microscopist whose lens-making and observations helped reveal the microbial world and transformed biology.
- Belva Lockwood (1830) - A trailblazing lawyer who became one of the first women admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court and ran for president.
- Mainbocher (1890) - The couturier who helped define modern American fashion with sharp tailoring and famously popularized the "Mainbocher corset" silhouette.
- Marjorie Joyner (1896) - An inventor and business leader best known for developing an early permanent-wave machine and expanding opportunities in the beauty industry.
- Stephen Covey (1932) - The leadership thinker behind "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People", whose framework influenced business and personal development worldwide.
- F. Murray Abraham (1939) - The actor celebrated for intense, classical craft, including his Academy Award-winning portrayal of Antonio Salieri in "Amadeus".
- Kevin Kline (1947) - A versatile performer acclaimed for moving between Broadway and film with equal ease, earning an Oscar for "A Fish Called Wanda".
- Bob Kane (1916) - The comic-book artist long credited with creating Batman, a character that became a cornerstone of modern superhero storytelling.
- Wayne Rooney (1985) - A prolific forward whose work rate and finishing made him a defining figure for Manchester United and England.
On this day
- 1648 - The Peace of Westphalia is signed, ending the Thirty Years' War and reshaping the political order of Europe.
- 1929 - "Black Thursday" hits Wall Street as panic selling accelerates the stock market crash and deepens the Great Depression.
- 1945 - The United Nations is formally established when its Charter enters into force, creating a new global forum for diplomacy and cooperation.
- 2003 - The Concorde makes its final commercial flight, marking the end of the era of supersonic passenger service.