October has just begun, and Halloween will arrive soon enough! Let’s take a moment to celebrate October in Illinois with recognizing multiple notable birthdays of those born in the state during this fall season. The famous, historic or otherwise distinguished figures who can track their birthplaces back to Illinois in October are as follows:
- Ray Kroc: American businessman credited for McDonald’s global expansion, born Oct. 5, 1902 in Oak Park
- Kevin Cronin: Musician and lead vocalist for the rock band REO Speedwagon, born Oct. 6, 1951 in Evanston
- Adlai Stevenson III: Democratic U.S. Senator from 1970 to 1981 and a captain in the United States Marine Corps, born Oct. 10, 1930 in Chicago
- Shawn Ryan: Screenwriter and television producer known for producing television series like “S.W.A.T.” and “The Night Agent,” born Oct. 11, 1966 in Rockford
- Johnny Loftus: American thoroughbred horse racing Hall of Fame jockey and first-ever American Triple Crown winner, born Oct. 13, 1895 in Chicago
- Mark Lenard: Actor, famous for his role as the father of Spock in the “Star Trek” franchise, born Oct. 15, 1924 in Chicago
- Anita O’Day: Jazz singer and self-proclaimed “song stylist,” born Oct. 18, 1919 in Chicago
- Craig Robinson: Actor and comedian known for his role in the hit television series “The Office,” born Oct. 25, 1971 in Chicago
- Hillary Clinton: Former First Lady and Secretary of State, born Oct. 26, 1947 in Park Ridge
