Famous people and celebrities born on January 8

Welcome to our celebration of remarkable individuals born on January 8! 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.

• 1908 William Hartnell

  William Hartnell was a prominent British actor best known for being the first actor to portray Doctor Who in the iconic BBC science fiction series from 1963 to 1966.

• 1910 Galina Ulanova

  Legendary Russian prima ballerina assoluta who revolutionized ballet in the 20th century, considered one of the greatest dancers of her time. She was a principal dancer of the Bolshoi Ballet and renowned for her exceptional artistic expression and technical mastery.

• 1912 José Ferrer

  Renowned Puerto Rican-American actor and director, best known for his Oscar-winning performance in 'Cyrano de Bergerac'. He was the first Hispanic actor to win an Academy Award.

• 1920 Douglas Wilmer

  Renowned English character actor known for his distinguished stage and screen performances, particularly in Shakespearean roles and as Sherlock Holmes.

• 1923 Larry Storch

  American comedian and actor best known for his role in the TV series F Troop, who had a long and successful career in comedy and television.

• 1924 Ron Moody

  British actor known for his memorable roles in comedy films, particularly as Fagin in the musical 'Oliver!'

• 1926 Soupy Sales

  Soupy Sales was an iconic American comedian who revolutionized television comedy with his zany humor and famous pie-throwing routines, becoming a beloved entertainer of early TV.

• 1926 Kerwin Mathews

  Kerwin Mathews was an American actor famous for his heroic roles in fantasy adventure films, particularly 'The 7th Voyage of Sinbad' (1958), where he pioneered groundbreaking special effects interactions.

• 1929 Saeed Jaffrey

  Renowned Indian-English actor who had a significant career in film, television, and theater, bridging Indian and Western cinema.

• 1935 Elvis Presley

  Elvis Presley was an iconic American rock and roll singer, widely regarded as the 'King of Rock and Roll'. He revolutionized popular music and became a global cultural phenomenon with his unique musical style and electrifying performances. His influence on music and popular culture remains profound decades after his death.

• 1941 Graham Chapman

  A pioneering British comedian and writer, best known as a key member of the legendary Monty Python comedy troupe. He was instrumental in creating groundbreaking comedy sketches and helped revolutionize humor in the 1970s. Chapman struggled with alcoholism but remained a beloved figure in comedy until his untimely death.

• 1942 Stephen Hawking

  Renowned British theoretical physicist who revolutionized our understanding of cosmology, black holes, and the origins of the universe. He was a professor at Cambridge University and authored the bestselling book 'A Brief History of Time'. Despite being diagnosed with ALS, he became one of the most influential scientists of the 20th century.

• 1942 Yvette Mimieux

  American actress, stage, and tv actress. she made her debut in 1960's "the time machine". she was a tv actress who appeared in "the most deadly game" (1970). her films include "the time machine," the black hole," skyjacked, and "mystique."

• 1943 Charles Murray

  Controversial American political scientist and author known for his influential and often disputed works on social policy, intelligence, and social stratification.

• 1947 David Bowie

  Legendary British rock musician, singer-songwriter, and cultural icon who revolutionized popular music through innovative sound, theatrical performances, and constant reinvention of his artistic persona.

• 1949 Anne Schedeen

  American television actress known for her role in the sitcom ALF during the 1980s.

• 1951 John McTiernan

  Renowned Hollywood film director famous for directing iconic action movies like Die Hard, Predator, and The Hunt for Red October.

• 1965 Michelle Forbes

  American actress known for her role as Julianna Cox in the TV series Homicide: Life on the Street, with a notable career in television and film.

• 1969 Ami Dolenz

  American actress known for her roles in television and film during the late 1980s and early 1990s, including appearances in sitcoms and teen movies.

• 1971 Géraldine Pailhas

  French actress known for her roles in international films, notably appearing alongside Johnny Depp and Marlon Brando in 'Don Juan DeMarco'.

• 1976 Jenny Lewis

  Acclaimed indie rock singer-songwriter, known for her solo career and as the lead singer of the influential band Rilo Kiley.

• 1977 Amber Benson

  Amber Benson is an American actress, director, and writer best known for her role as Tara Maclay in the cult TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. She has also worked as a filmmaker and novelist.

• 1979 Sarah Polley

  Sarah Polley is a renowned Canadian actress, filmmaker, and writer known for her critically acclaimed acting and directing work in independent cinema.

• 1980 Sam Riley

  Sam Riley is an English actor and musician known for his roles in biographical films like 'Control' and 'On the Road', portraying iconic figures such as Ian Curtis and Jack Kerouac.

• 1980 Rachel Nichols

  Rachel Nichols is an American actress recognized for her prominent roles in television series 'Alias' and films like 'G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra' and 'Star Trek', establishing herself as a versatile performer in action and sci-fi genres.

• 1986 David Silva

  Renowned Spanish footballer who played for Manchester City and the Spanish national team, considered one of the best midfielders of his generation.

• 1987 Cynthia Erivo

  Cynthia Erivo is a critically acclaimed British actress and singer who won a Tony Award for her powerful performance in 'The Color Purple' and received widespread recognition for her portrayal of Harriet Tubman in the biographical film 'Harriet'.

• 1987 Freddie Stroma

  Freddie Stroma is a British actor known for his roles in films like 'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince' and the TV series 'UnREAL'.