30 Famous People From 1920s

15 Famous People From 1920s

*Originally published  by  Nellian in February 2023 and updated by Felix in February 2024

The 1920s era was marked by changes in all spheres. From sports, entertainment, literature, aviation, art, and more. It was nicknamed the Roaring Twenties, the Golden age, or the Jazz Age because of these transformations.

The world was in some kind of bliss state because World War I had ended in 1919. Hence optimism roared throughout the globe. In that spirit, many sought to impact their generation in different ways. Thus they left legacies that live on to the modern day.

Here are 15 Famous People From the 1920s.

1. Louis Armstrong

The jazz icon was a trumpeter cum vocalist. He was born on August 4, 1901, in New Orleans. His song Hello, Dolly! released in 1964 was one of his career successes. This song earned him a Grammy Award in 1965 for the Best Male Vocal Performance category.

Additionally, in 1972 Armstrong was awarded a posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2017 he was inducted into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame. He died on July 6, 1971, aged 69 years in New York City.

Interesting Facts about Louis Armstrong

2. Albert Einstein

He was born on 14 March 1879 in Germany. He was a renowned theoretical physicist of the 1920s. He is credited for developing the theories of relativity and quantum mechanics. Both of which are critical in modern physics.

Einstein’s mass–energy equivalence formula (E = mc2) is considered one of the world’s most famous equations. His efforts in the world of Physics were appreciated by a 1921 Nobel Prize in Physics. He died on 18 April 1955 aged 76 years in New Jersey.

3. Coco Chanel

This French fashion designer was born on 19 August 1883. Her official name was Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel. But in her profession, she was popular as Coco Chanel. The entrepreneur is remembered for starting the Chanel brand. Her brand began as a cloth line but grew to include jewelry, handbags, and fragrance.

Furthermore, the interlocked-CC monogram used by the venture to date was her creation. She died on 10 January 1971 in France at 87 years. In 1999, Chanel was among the 100 most influential people of the 20th century listed by Time magazine.

Read about Coco Chanel Fun Facts.

4. Charlie Chaplin

Chaplin was an English comic actor, composer, and filmmaker. He was famed as the screen persona “the Tramp”. He was born on 16 April 1889 in England. Moreover, he received an Honorary Academy Award in 1972. His legacy lives on in films such as The Gold Rush, Modern Times, City Lights, and The Great Dictator.

5. Al Capone

He was born Alphonse Gabriel Capone on January 17, 1899, in New York. He was a gangster and businessman who led a drugs and alcohol syndicate. Capone was dubbed “Scarface”.

Throughout his life, he was accused of many crimes including murder. Yet he was acquitted of the offenses and only charged with tax evasion. Hence was convicted of 11 years in federal prison on October 17, 1931. He died of cardiac arrest after suffering a stroke on January 25, 1947.

Check out Al Capone’s amazing facts here.

6. Henry Ford

Ford was an American industrialist and tycoon. He was born on July 30, 1863, in Michigan. The business magnate founded the Ford Motor Company.

Furthermore, he revolutionized the 20th-century automotive industry. He changed the automobile from expensive and luxurious to increased accessibility to middle-class Americans.

Henry handed leadership of the company to his son, Edsel Ford until his son died in 1943. Afterward, he turned it over to his grandson Henry Ford II in 1945. Henry Ford died in Michigan on April 7, 1947, aged 83 years.

7. Babe Ruth

George Herman alias Babe Ruth was born on February 6, 1895, in Maryland, U.S. He began his Major League Baseball (MLB) career with the Boston Red Sox as a pitcher. Ruth earned his fame with the New York Yankees where he was an outfielder.

The baseball great is credited with over 700 home runs throughout his career which spanned about 22 years. He began professional baseball play in 1914 and retired in 1935. On top of that, he was one of the first five inaugural members of the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936.

8. Scott Fitzgerald

The acclaimed novelist, essayist cum short story writer was born in Minnesota on September 24, 1896. His writing centered on flamboyance and indulgence in the Jazz Age.

His 1920 novel This Side of Paradise pushed him to stardom. In the same year, he married his wife Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald. She was also an influential figure in the writing space.

Fitzgerald’s notable creations include The Beautiful and Damned (1922), and The Great Gatsby (1925). All the Sad Young Men (1926), and Tender Is the Night (1934) are also his masterpieces. Scott died in Los Angeles on December 21, 1940, aged 44. His wife Zelda died on March 10, 1948, aged 47 years.

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Facts

9. Charles Lindbergh

He was born in Detroit, Michigan, on February 4, 1902. The aviator doubled as a military officer, author, inventor, and activist. He is headlined for ushering in a new era of air transportation.

Lindbergh flew the first solo nonstop transatlantic flight on May 20–21, 1927. He flew the Spirit of St. Louis, from New York City to Paris for 33.5 hours. This flight earned him instant fame and he was awarded the Orteig Prize. Many other awards followed later on. He died at 72 years on August 26, 1974, in Hawaii.

10. Rudolph Valentino

The Italian actor was born on May 6, 1895, in Italy. In Hollywood circles, he was nicknamed “Latin Lover” because of his role as a sex symbol during the 1920’s period.

Valentino’s talent was shown in silent films like The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse in 1921. Others are The Sheik (1921), Blood and Sand (1922), The Eagle (1925), and The Son of the Sheik (1926). He died at 31 years on August 23, 1926, in New York City.

11. Louise Brooks

She was a prominent actress and dancer during the 1920s and 1930s. She promoted the flapper culture, especially with her bob hairstyle. She started acting in Hollywood films but went to Germany to search for better opportunities.

Brooks gained international fame while in Germany. So she was featured in films like Pandora’s Box (1929), Diary of a Lost Girl (1929), and Miss Europe (1930). Over and above that, she published her memoir, Lulu in Hollywood, in 1982. She died on August 8, 1985, in New York aged 78 years.

12. Pablo Picasso

The Spanish painter was born on 25 October 1881. His famous works include the Les Demoiselles d’Avignon oil painting in 1907. The Guernica in 1937 which was an anti-war painting was another acclaimed piece by Picasso. He died on 8 April 1973 in France at the age of 91.

Top 10 Fun Facts about Painter Pablo Picasso

13. Herbert Hoover

This 31st president of the United States was born on August 10, 1874, in West Branch, Iowa. He served as president from March 4, 1929, to March 4, 1933. Hoover was a respected mining engineer before he served as president.

To add on, he gained international recognition when he was the Food Administrator under President Woodrow Wilson’s administration. Subsequently, he was instrumental in feeding war-torn Europe during and after World War I. He died on October 20, 1964.

14. John Gilbert

Gilbert was an actor, screenwriter, and director. He was born on July 10, 1897, in Utah, U.S. He rose to fame by starring in silent films like 1925s The Merry Widow. The Big Parade in 1925 was his other noteworthy film appearance.

He was a rival of Rudolph Valentino (earlier). Both artists were at a box office draw. Gilbert died in Los Angeles on January 9, 1936, aged 38.

15. Joan Crawford

She was born in Texas as Lucille Fay LeSueur on March 23, 1906. Crawford became one of Hollywood’s prominent movie stars during the depression era (1929–1939). She played a young woman with financial stability and a successful love life in many films. Thus the female audience during this period appreciated such themes.

Following such roles, her popularity increased. One of her career wins was starring in the 1945 film Mildred Pierce. She retired from the screen in the early 1970s and died on May 10, 1977, in New York City.

Discover Joan Crawford’s Fascinating Facts.

16. Gloria Swanson

Gloria Swanson, born on March 27, 1899, was a true icon of the 1920s. This trailblazing actress shot to stardom with her roles in silent films like The Untamed Lady and Sadie Thompson. Known for her glamorous persona and fashion sense, Swanson paved the way for future Hollywood stars.

Her remarkable talent and determination earned her three Academy Award nominations, cementing her status as one of the most influential actresses of the silent film era. Swanson’s legacy continues to inspire generations of performers and fashion enthusiasts alike.

17. Josephine Baker

Born on June 3, 1906, Josephine Baker was a true Renaissance woman of the 1920s. She captivated audiences with her electrifying performances on the stages of Paris. Baker’s daring and sensual dance routines challenged societal norms and celebrated the beauty of the black female form. Beyond her artistry, she was a civil rights activist who refused to perform for segregated audiences, using her platform to advocate for racial equality.

Josephine Baker’s undeniable talent, courage, and trailblazing spirit made her an enduring icon of the Roaring Twenties.

18. Al Jolson

Al Jolson was a pioneering performer who left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry during the 1920s. Renowned for his powerful voice and energetic stage presence, Jolson rose to fame on Broadway before becoming one of the biggest stars of the Jazz Age. His landmark performances in the first talking pictures, such as The Jazz Singer, revolutionized cinema and paved the way for the transition to talkies.

Jolson’s unique style, blending vaudeville traditions with his brand of showmanship, captivated audiences and cemented his status as the “World’s Greatest Entertainer.”

19. Marcus Garvey

Here is a man with nerves of steel, Marcus Garvey. Born in 1887, he was a prominent leader in the 1920s Black Nationalist movement. Founding the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) and promoting the “Back to Africa” movement, Garvey’s impassioned speeches inspired global black empowerment. Advocating racial pride, self-sufficiency, and pan-Africanism, his ideas countered racism. UNIA initiatives like the Black Star Line reflected his vision for black economic independence and Africa as a spiritual homeland. Despite setbacks, Garvey’s legacy endured, influencing civil rights leaders and activists for generations. His unwavering commitment to black empowerment solidified his status as a visionary voice, resonating through history.

20. Douglas Fairbanks

Douglas Fairbanks, born in 1883, was a renowned actor and filmmaker of the 1920s. His dynamic performances in swashbuckling roles like Zorro and Robin Hood earned him the title of King of Hollywood. Fairbanks co-founded United Artists, fostering creative independence for filmmakers. He embodied the spirit of the era as a philanthropist and fitness advocate.

Fairbanks’ legacy as a cinematic pioneer and cultural icon endures, inspiring generations of performers and filmmakers. His impact on action films and the film industry’s structure remains influential, solidifying his status as a Renaissance figure of the Roaring Twenties.

21. Buster Keaton

Buster Keaton, born on October 4, 1895, was a legendary comedian and filmmaker whose ground-breaking work in the 1920s left an indelible mark on cinema. With his signature deadpan expression and impeccable timing, Keaton’s daring physical comedy and innovative stunts redefined the art of silent film. Classics like The General and Steamboat Bill, Jr. showcased his genius for blending humour with breath-taking stunts and visual gags.

Keaton’s meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to his craft garnered critical acclaim and influenced generations of comedians and filmmakers. His enduring legacy as a true master of silent comedy remains unparalleled in the annals of the 1920s.

22. Anna May Wong

Meet a history maker, Anna May Wong, a trailblazing Chinese-American actress who paved the way for Asian representation in Hollywood during the 1920s. Her performances in films like The Toll of the Sea and The Thief of Bagdad showcased her versatility and challenged the limited roles offered to Asian actors at the time.

Beyond her acting prowess, Wong was a fashion icon whose influence extended to both Eastern and Western cultures. Her resilience and determination in the face of adversity made her an inspirational figure that forever changed the landscape of Hollywood in the 1920s.

23. Marie Dressler

Marie Dressler, born on November 9, 1868, was a beloved comedic actress in the 1920s. Her big break came in 1927 with the film The Callahans and the Murphys as the warm and funny Mama Callahan. Throughout the late 1920s, Dressler starred in a string of hit comedies, including The Joy Girl and Caught Short. Her natural wit, impeccable timing, and ability to convey humour and heart made her one of the era’s most popular actresses.

In 1931, she won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in Min and Bill, cementing her status as a true icon of the 1920s. Dressler’s triumph as a middle-aged woman in an industry obsessed with youth was an inspiration, proving that talent and perseverance could overcome any obstacle.

24. Langston Hughes

Langston Hughes was a pioneering voice in the Harlem Renaissance. As a poet, novelist, and playwright, Hughes captured the essence of African American life and culture with his powerful and poetic words. His works, including the critically acclaimed The Weary Blues and Montage of a Dream Deferred, gave voice to the struggles and aspirations of Black Americans with a unique blend of lyricism and social commentary.

Hughes’ influence extended beyond literature, as he played a pivotal role in shaping the artistic and intellectual movement that celebrated Black identity and expression. His legacy as a trailblazer and advocate for racial equality continues to inspire generations of writers and activists, solidifying his place as a literary icon of the 1920s.

25. Calvin Coolidge

The 30th President of the United States, Calvin Coolidge alias Silent Cal, was born on July 4, 1872. Coolidge embodied the pro-business, laissez-faire economic policies that defined the Roaring Twenties. His leadership during this prosperous era was marked by a hands-off approach to governing, allowing American industry and commerce to flourish with minimal government intervention.

Despite his reputation for taciturnity, Coolidge’s calm and level-headed demeanor provided stability during a rapid social and economic change. His policies, including tax cuts and deregulation, fuelled the economic boom of the 1920s. Coolidge’s legacy as a quintessential president of the Jazz Age remains inextricably linked to the era’s spirit of unbridled optimism and growth.

26. Clara Bow

The actress Clara Bow or the It Girl, born on July 29, 1905, was the flamboyant and carefree spirit of the 1920s. Her magnetic screen presence and effervescent personality made her one of the most iconic actresses of the silent film era. Her breakthrough role in the 1927 film It solidified her status as a sex symbol and propelled her to superstardom.

Bow defied conventional norms and embodied the liberated, free-spirited ethos of the Roaring Twenties. Her ability to connect with audiences and portray the modern, independent woman of the era made her a cultural phenomenon. Despite a tumultuous personal life and struggles with mental health, Bow’s impact on popular culture was indelible.

27. Bessie Smith

Bessie Smith was the undisputed “Empress of the Blues” during the 1920s. She captivated audiences and popularized the blues genre, bringing it into the mainstream music scene. Her recordings of classics like Downhearted Blues and St. Louis Blues showcased her ability to convey the hardships and joys of African American life.

Beyond her musical talents, Smith’s stage presence defied societal norms and challenged racial stereotypes. Her success as a Black woman in a male-dominated industry was ground-breaking, paving the way for future generations of artists. Her legacy as the “Queen of the Blues” during the 1920s is in the annals of American music history.

28. Amelia Earhart

Amelia Earhart, born in 1897, was a pioneering aviator whose daring feats captivated the world in the 1920s. Breaking records and defying gender norms, she became an iconic figure. In 1932, Earhart made history as the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic, garnering global acclaim. Throughout the decade, she set numerous aviation records, inspiring women worldwide. Her courage and determination fuelled aspirations, exemplified by her mysterious disappearance during a 1937 flight. Earhart’s legacy endures as a symbol of female empowerment, emphasizing the boundless possibilities of human ambition and inspiring generations to pursue dreams fearlessly.

29. Walt Disney

In the dynamic era of the 1920s, Walt Disney emerged as a visionary force, blending artistry with entrepreneurship to redefine entertainment. Born in 1901, Disney’s ground-breaking creation, Mickey Mouse, burst onto the scene in 1928’s Steamboat Willie, heralding a new era of animation.

Despite facing adversity, Disney’s innovative use of synchronized sound propelled his studio forward. His unwavering resolve birthed the Disney Brothers Studio, laying the cornerstone of an entertainment empire. His boundless imagination reshaped storytelling, elevating animation to an art form. His legacy as a 1920s trailblazer endures, igniting creativity and perseverance in dreamers worldwide.

30. George Gershwin

With his melodic tapestry that reflected the essence of American music, George Gershwin was a luminary in the rhythmic heartbeat of the 1920s. His works created a distinctively American sound by bridging the gap between jazz’s throbbing energy and classical refinement. Rhapsody in Blue and Porgy and Bess perfectly captured the cultural kaleidoscope of the time and exemplified his talent.

Beyond just notes, he epitomized the spirit of the Jazz Age, with its bold experimentation and unbounded innovation. He had a significant impact on Broadway and Hollywood in addition to music halls. With his songs immortalized in the fabric of American society, Gershwin’s legacy continues as a beacon of innovation.

Here are more famous personalities from the 1920s.

Duke Ellington

He was a jazz pianist and composer. He led his jazz orchestra from 1923. He was born on April 29, 1899, and died on May 24, 1974.

Greta Garbo

She was a Swedish-American actress born on 18 September 1905 in Sweden and died on 15 April 1990 in New York. Her performance in Flesh and the Devil (1927) was her rise to international recognition.

D.W. Griffith

The film director contributed to many aspects of films like editing as well as the art of narrative film. The Birth of a Nation released in 1915 is among his most celebrated works. He was born on January 22, 1875, and died on July 23, 1948.

Georgia O’Keeffe

She was a modernist artist. Most of her paintings consisted of enlarged flowers, New York skyscrapers, and New Mexico landscapes. She lived from November 15, 1887, until March 6, 1986.

Vladimir Lenin

He was a revolutionary Russian politician and political theorist. He was the head of the government of Soviet Russia from 1917. Moreover, he led the Soviet Union from 1922 to 1924.

Lenin was a Marxist by ideology. Hence made the Soviet Union into a one-party socialist state governed by the Communist Party. He was born on 10 April 1870 and died on 21 January 1924.

I find the 1920s a captivating era, with its vibrant culture and iconic figures. These famous people left an indelible mark on history, from Hollywood stars to pioneering aviators. Their stories continue to inspire and entertain us, reminding us of the enduring power of human achievement and creativity.