Benoit Mandelbrot
1924 – 2010Polish-born mathematician who developed fractal geometry and coined the term 'fractal' while working at IBM and Yale University.
Famous Birthdays on November 20
14 notable people were born on November 20.
November 20 is the birth date of several notable figures in literature, science, and the arts. Selma Lagerlöf, the Swedish author and Nobel Prize winner, was born on this day in 1858. Benoit Mandelbrot, the mathematician known for developing fractal geometry, was born in 1924. South African novelist and Nobel laureate Nadine Gordimer was born in 1923. This date also marks the birth of renowned Russian ballerina Maya Plisetskaya in 1925 and Austrian politician Otto von Habsburg in 1912.
20th Century13 people
Nadine Gordimer
1923 – 2014South African novelist and short story writer who won the 1991 Nobel Prize in Literature for her works examining the effects of apartheid. Her novels include 'The Conservationist' and 'Burger's Daughter,' both banned by the apartheid government.
Maya Plisetskaya
1925 – 2015Prima ballerina of the Bolshoi Theatre for 30 years who became one of the greatest dancers of the 20th century. She was renowned for her dramatic interpretations, particularly her iconic performance as the Dying Swan.
Otto von Habsburg
1912 – 2011Eldest son of the last Austro-Hungarian Emperor and claimant to the Habsburg throne who later became a Member of the European Parliament representing Germany.
politicianCroatia
Kirill I of Moscow
1946Russian Orthodox prelate who has served as Patriarch of Moscow and all Rus' since 2009, making him the spiritual leader of the Russian Orthodox Church.
Tarique Rahman
1968Bangladeshi politician and son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia who is the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. He has been living in exile in London since 2008.
politicianBangladesh
Goodluck Jonathan
1957Nigerian politician who served as President from 2010 to 2015, rising from Vice President after Umaru Yar'Adua's death. He conceded defeat peacefully in 2015, marking a significant democratic transition.
politicianNigeria
Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan
1970Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and owner of Manchester City Football Club, managing significant sovereign wealth investments globally.
Youssoufa Moukoko
2000German striker who became the youngest player to appear in the Bundesliga and UEFA Champions League, currently playing for Borussia Dortmund.
association football playerGermany
Ji Yun-nam
1976Midfielder who captained North Korea's national football team at the 2010 FIFA World Cup and played professionally in several countries including Germany and China.
association football playerNorth Korea
Edder Delgado
1986Former Honduran midfielder who transitioned into coaching after his playing career, working with youth development and professional teams.
Choe Yong-rim
1930Party official and technocrat who served as Premier of North Korea from 2010 to 2013, focusing on economic development and industrial policy.
politicianNorth Korea
19th Century1 person
Selma Lagerlöf
1858 – 1940Swedish novelist who became the first woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1909, known for "The Wonderful Adventures of Nils."
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the most famous person born on November 20?
Selma Lagerlöf, born November 20, 1858, is likely the most celebrated. She was the first woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1909. She's best known for 'The Wonderful Adventures of Nils' and her works that combined Swedish folklore with literary fiction.
What scientists were born on November 20?
Benoit Mandelbrot, a mathematician famous for developing fractal geometry and the Mandelbrot set, was born on November 20, 1924. His work changed the understanding of complex mathematical patterns found in nature.
Are there any Nobel Prize winners born on November 20?
Yes, two Nobel Prize winners were born on November 20: Selma Lagerlöf won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1909, and Nadine Gordimer received the same prize in 1991 for her anti-apartheid writings. Both authors addressed social and political issues in their work.