Famous Americans born on Independence Day

As America celebrates its independence, we take a look at the notable Americans who have the honor of sharing a birthday with the nation’s founding.

Nathaniel Hawthorne: July 4, 1804

Famous novelist, known for “The Scarlet Letter,” “The House of the Seven Gables,” and “Twice-Told Tales.” Hawthorne’s portfolio included novels of the Romantic period, short stories, and a biography of Franklin Pierce, America’s 14th president.

James Anthony Bailey: July 4, 1847

Co-founded the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus, which ran from 1967 until May 2017.

Henrietta Swan Leavitt: July 4, 1868

Harvard-educated American astronomer who discovered how to measure the distance between Earth and galaxies light-years away.

Calvin Coolidge: July 4, 1872

The 30th president of the United States, Coolidge was originally a Vermont-based attorney known for his limited government principles. Not only was Coolidge a believer in free markets, he was also a major proponent of racial equality in an era when speaking out on the issue was considered controversial. In foreign policy, Coolidge opposed Woodrow Wilson’s internationalism and rejected U.S. entry into the League of Nations.

Rube Goldberg: July 4, 1883

The world-famous newspaper cartoonist known for his satire of technology.

Gertrude Weaver: July 4, 1898

Weaver was a supercentenarian who lived for 116 years. She credited her longevity to “trusting in the Lord, hard work and loving everybody.”

Gloria Stuart: July 4, 1910

The California-born actress played lead roles in several 1930s films.

Neil Simon: July 4, 1927

American playwright, author, and screenwriter. Simon has received more Oscar and Tony award nominations than any other person. His famous works include “The Odd Couple,” “Lost in Yonkers,” “Biloxi Blues,” and “Brighton Beach Memoirs.”

George Steinbrenner: July 4, 1930

American billionaire who owned the New York Yankees, the most successful baseball franchise in league history.

Michael Milken: July 4, 1946

Known as the “junk bond king,” the controversial businessman served two years in prison for racketeering and securities fraud.

Diane Wood: July 4, 1950

Chief judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. Experts consider her a leading candidate to become a Supreme Court justice under the next liberal president.

Malia Obama: July 4, 1998

One of the two daughters of Barack and Michelle Obama.