ROLLING BACK THE YEARS...
MARION MCMULLEN looks at famous names born in the same year as the Queen, 1926
Queen Elizabeth II was born at 2.40am on April 21, 1926, at 17 Bruton Street in Mayfair, London.
Her coronation 70 years ago was the first to be broadcast on television and was watched by 27 million people in the UK alone.
Many bought television sets specially so they could watch the event.
2
American comedy veteran Mel Brooks was born Melvin Kaminsky on June 28.
He found fame with films such as The Producers, Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein and once said: “Humour is just another defence against the universe.”
3
TV broadcaster and naturalist Sir David Attenborough was born on May 8. He will be among those featured in the BBC’S Party At The Palace – set on three stages in front of Buckingham Palace – on June 4 entertaining a live audience of 22,000 people as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
4
Hollywood legend Marilyn Monroe made her entrance on June 1.
Her first modelling job paid only $5 before she went on to make her name in films including Some Like It Hot and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.
5
American crooner Tony Bennett was born on August 3 in Queens, New York, the grandson of immigrants from the impoverished Italian province of Calabria.
The I Left My Heart In San Francisco singer only retired from performing last year following two sold-out shows with Lady
Gaga.
6
Comedy star Eric Morecambe was born John Eric Bartholomew on May 14 in Morecambe.
He later took his stage name from his home town and formed double act Morecambe and Wise with Ernie Wise. A collection of previously lost episodes of their show are to be released on DVD for the first time on June 6.
7
Paddington Bear creator Michael Bond was born on January 13. A collection of quotes from the bear from Peru – How To Be More Paddington: A Book Of Kindness was published two years ago.
8
American rocker Chuck Berry was born on October 18 and his many hits included Roll Over Beethoven, Sweet Little Sixteen and Johnny B Goode.
Former US president Barack Obama paid tribute when he died aged 90 in 2017, saying the singer and guitarist “rolled over everyone who came before him”.
9
Carry On film star Kenneth Williams appeared in 26 of the British comedy movies playing characters from Julius Caesar In Carry On Cleo to the Khasi of Kalabar in Carry On Up The Khyber.
Born in London on February 22, he became known for his catchphrase “Oh, stop messing about”.
10
Cuban leader Fidel Castro was born on his father’s farm on August 13. He led the revolution that drove dictator Fulgencio Batista from power in 1959.
Prince Charles and Camilla made history when they became the first members of the royal family to officially visit Cuba in 2019.