Famous people and celebrities born on January 1

Welcome to our celebration of remarkable individuals born on January 1! On this day, we recognize the birth of various influential celebrities who have left their mark on the world. From acclaimed actors and musicians to groundbreaking athletes and leaders, explore the lives and achievements of those who share this special birthday. Join us in honoring these stars and discovering the impact they've made across diverse fields.

• 1735 Paul Revere

  American silversmith and patriot who alerted the colonial militia to the approach of British forces before the battles of Lexington and Concord. [bio]

• 1909 Dana Andrews

  Prominent Hollywood actor known for classic films like 'Laura' and 'The Best Years of Our Lives', who had a significant career in mid-20th century cinema.

• 1919 Rocky Graziano

  Rocky Graziano was a famous middleweight boxing champion who later became an actor, known for his tough life story and successful boxing career in the 1940s and 1950s.

• 1919 Carole Landis

  Carole Landis was a prominent Hollywood actress and pin-up model during World War II, known for her roles in comedies and dramas, who tragically died by suicide at age 29.

• 1923 Valentina Cortese

  Renowned Italian actress who had a significant international career spanning Hollywood and European cinema. She was a versatile performer who successfully transitioned between supporting and leading roles in various film genres. Cortese was notably nominated for an Academy Award, highlighting her exceptional talent.

• 1925 Raymond Pellegrin

  Raymond Pellegrin was a prominent French actor who made significant contributions to French cinema during the mid-20th century, known for his memorable roles in classic films like 'The Cousins' and 'The Sicilian Clan'.

• 1927 Maurice Béjart

  Renowned French choreographer who revolutionized contemporary dance by blending diverse styles and using movement as a powerful medium for artistic and social expression.

• 1938 Frank Langella

  Acclaimed American actor with a distinguished theater and film career, known for memorable roles in 'Dracula' and numerous Broadway productions. He has performed in over 70 plays and received critical acclaim for his versatile acting skills.

• 1938 Gus Trikonis

  Versatile American performer who worked as an actor, singer, and dancer, transitioning to directing in 1975. He appeared in notable films like 'West Side Story' and 'Unsinkable Molly Brown'.

• 1939 Michèle Mercier

  Michèle Mercier is a renowned French actress famous for her iconic role as Angélique in the popular 'Angélique' film series during the 1960s, which made her an international star.

• 1942 Alassane Ouattara

  Prominent Ivorian politician and economist who has served as President of Ivory Coast since 2011, playing a crucial role in the country's political and economic development.

• 1951 Nana Patekar

  Nana Patekar is a renowned Indian actor known for his powerful and intense performances in both Bollywood mainstream cinema and art house films, with a career spanning several decades.

• 1952 Anju Mahendru

  Anju Mahendru is a notable Indian actress who has made significant contributions to Bollywood cinema and television during her career.

• 1954 Richard Edson

  American actor and musician known for his roles in independent films and as a drummer for alternative bands like Sonic Youth.

• 1958 Grandmaster Flash

  Pioneering hip-hop DJ and musician who revolutionized turntablism and was a founding member of Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, instrumental in developing hip-hop music in the 1970s and 1980s. [bio]

• 1964 Dedee Pfeiffer

  American actress and producer known for her roles in television and film, sister of actress Michelle Pfeiffer.

• 1969 Morris Chestnut

  Prominent African American actor known for breakthrough roles in 'Boyz n the Hood' and romantic comedies like 'The Best Man', with a successful career spanning film and television.

• 1969 Verne Troyer

  Iconic actor and comedian best known for playing Mini-Me in the Austin Powers film series, who sadly passed away in 2018.

• 1971 Hiep Thi Le

  Vietnamese-American actress known for her powerful role in Oliver Stone's film 'Heaven & Earth', which depicted the Vietnam War experience.

• 1973 Danny Lloyd

  American actor best known for his role as Danny Torrance in Stanley Kubrick's horror classic 'The Shining'.

• 1973 Carmen Ejogo

  British-American actress known for roles in 'Selma', 'Fantastic Beasts' series, and critically acclaimed performances.

• 1974 Eva Birthistle

  Irish actress known for her roles in film and television, with a notable career in the entertainment industry.

• 1975 Sonali Bendre

  Prominent Indian actress and model known for her work in Bollywood films and television series.

• 1978 Vidya Balan

  Vidya Balan is a critically acclaimed Bollywood actress known for breaking stereotypes and delivering powerful performances in female-led films like 'Dirty Picture' and 'Kahaani'.

• 1981 Jonas Armstrong

  Jonas Armstrong is an English actor of Irish descent, best known for his lead role in BBC's 'Robin Hood' television series from 2006-2009, where he starred in 39 episodes.

• 1981 Eden Riegel

  Eden Riegel is an American actress known for her work in television and theater.

• 1986 Colin Morgan

  Colin Morgan is a renowned Northern Irish actor best known for his lead role as Merlin in the popular BBC television series 'Merlin'. He has also appeared in numerous stage productions and films, establishing himself as a versatile performer.

• 1989 Adèle Haenel

  Acclaimed French actress known for her powerful performances in art house cinema and her activism. She gained international recognition for her roles in critically acclaimed films like 'Portrait of a Lady on Fire'.

• 1992 Fatima Sana Shaikh

  Fatima Sana Shaikh is a prominent Bollywood actress known for her breakthrough role as Geeta Phogat in the critically acclaimed film 'Dangal', which portrayed the true story of female wrestlers.