Famous Birthdays on August 20

Polish novelist and short story writer, author of "The Doll" and "Pharaoh," considered one of the most important Polish realist writers.

Vietnamese revolutionary and politician who served as President of North Vietnam from 1969 to 1976 and then as President of unified Vietnam until his death in 1980. He was a founding member of the Vietnamese Communist Party and close associate of Ho Chi Minh.

Libyan tribal sheikh who led the armed Senussi resistance against Italian colonial occupation from 1911 until his capture and execution in 1931.

Swedish chemist who discovered silicon, selenium, and thorium, and developed the modern system of chemical symbols and atomic weights.

Military leader known as the 'Liberator of Chile' who played a central role in the country's independence from Spain. He served as Supreme Director of Chile from 1817 to 1823.

Italian politician who served as Prime Minister from 2013 to 2014 and currently serves as Dean of the Paris School of International Affairs.

Film director whose movie 'Runaway Train' (1985) earned two Oscar nominations and who won the Silver Lion at Venice for 'House of Fools' (2002). He is the brother of filmmaker Nikita Mikhalkov and son of poet Sergey Mikhalkov.

Prime Minister of India from 1984 to 1989 who was the son of Indira Gandhi and grandson of Jawaharlal Nehru. He was assassinated in 1991 by Tamil separatists during an election campaign in Tamil Nadu.

British-American actor best known for playing Spider-Man in two film series and for his Tony Award-nominated performance in 'Angels in America' on Broadway.

American actress

Russian left-back who played for CSKA Moscow, Chelsea, and Anzhi Makhachkala during his career. He earned over 100 caps for the Russian national team between 2005 and 2018.

Italian poet who won the 1959 Nobel Prize in Literature for his lyrical poetry expressing the tragic experience of life in his own times.

Japanese chemist who shared the 2000 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his discovery and development of electrically conductive polymers.

Australian striker who scored 48 goals in 70 international appearances and played professionally across Asia, Europe, and Australia. He represented Australia at two World Cups (2010, 2014) and was the country's leading goalscorer for several years.

German-born defender who represents the Ivory Coast national team and plays for AS Roma in Serie A.

Cuban Greco-Roman wrestler who won five consecutive Olympic gold medals from 2008 to 2024. He is considered one of the greatest wrestlers of all time and holds the record for most Olympic wrestling gold medals.

Slovak pop singer who gained prominence in the 2000s and is known for her contemporary vocal style.