Famous people born on October 6th
October 6 brings together a striking range of achievers, from groundbreaking inventors and architects to civil rights leaders, athletes, and global political figures. The date is especially rich in people who reshaped public life through ideas, institutions, and cultural influence. Across centuries, October 6 birthdays show how leadership can take many forms: designing cities, changing laws, winning championships, or moving nations.
Notable highlights
- Fannie Lou Hamer (1917) - A pivotal voice of the U.S. voting-rights movement whose testimony helped galvanize national attention on disenfranchisement.
- Le Corbusier (1887) - A modernist architect whose ideas about housing and urban planning influenced skylines and design debates worldwide.
- George Westinghouse (1846) - An industrial innovator whose work in electrical power and engineering helped shape modern infrastructure.
- Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (1945) - A labor leader turned Brazilian president whose career reflects the intersection of grassroots politics and national governance.
- Tony Dungy (1955) - An NFL coach known for steady leadership and a legacy of mentoring, often cited for changing coaching culture as much as win totals.
- Thor Heyerdahl (1914) - An explorer who tested theories of ancient seafaring with bold expeditions that captured the public imagination.
- John Warnock (1940) - A computer scientist and co-founder of Adobe whose work helped define digital publishing and modern document workflows.
- Rebecca Lobo (1973) - A trailblazing basketball star who became a key ambassador for the growth and visibility of women’s professional sports.
- Carole Lombard (1908) - A classic Hollywood actor celebrated for her comedic timing and enduring screen presence in the golden age of film.
- David Brin (1950) - A science-fiction author whose speculative worlds frequently explore technology, society, and the ethics of progress.
On this day
- 1889 - The Moulin Rouge opens in Paris, becoming an enduring symbol of cabaret culture and nightlife.
- 1927 - The jazz classic “Stardust” is first recorded, later becoming one of the most performed songs in American popular music.
- 1973 - Egypt and Syria launch a surprise attack on Israel, beginning the Yom Kippur War.
- 1981 - Egyptian President Anwar Sadat is assassinated during a military parade in Cairo.