Famous people and celebrities born on January 17

Welcome to our celebration of remarkable individuals born on January 17! 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.

• 1899 Al Capone

  Al Capone was a notorious American gangster who became the boss of the Chicago Outfit during the Prohibition era.

• 1904 Patsy Ruth Miller

  American actress known for her work in silent films during the 1920s, who had a long career in entertainment and lived to be 91 years old.

• 1922 Betty White

  Beloved American actress and television icon who was a pioneer in comedy and entertainment, best known for her roles in 'The Golden Girls' and 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show'. She won multiple Emmy Awards and was a beloved public figure known for her wit, humor, and advocacy for animal rights. [bio]

• 1926 Moira Shearer

  A renowned Scottish ballerina and actress, Moira Shearer was a principal dancer with Sadler's Wells Ballet and gained international fame through her iconic role in the film 'The Red Shoes'.

• 1927 Eartha Kitt

  Eartha Kitt was a legendary African American singer, actress, and activist known for her distinctive voice, iconic Catwoman role, and powerful civil rights advocacy. [bio]

• 1930 Thomas P Stafford in Oklahoma

  NASA astronaut who flew on Gemini 6, Gemini 9, and Apollo 10 missions, making significant contributions to the US space program.

• 1931 James Earl Jones

  James Earl Jones is a legendary American actor renowned for his distinctive deep voice and iconic roles in Star Wars as Darth Vader and in The Lion King as Mufasa. He is a highly respected performer with a career spanning theater, film, and television. [bio]

• 1933 Shari Lewis

  Renowned American puppeteer, ventriloquist, and children's television host famous for her puppet characters Lamb Chop and Charlie Horse.

• 1933 Sheree North

  Versatile American actress and dancer who appeared in numerous films and television shows during the 1950s and 1960s.

• 1933 Dalida

  Legendary singer and performer who transcended cultural and linguistic boundaries in the music world.

• 1944 Françoise Hardy

  Renowned French singer, actress, and multi-talented artist known for her influential music in the 1960s and 1970s. She was a prominent figure in the French chanson genre and released several notable albums. Hardy was also intellectually diverse, exploring interests in astronomy and graphology.

• 1947 Jane Elliot

  Jane Elliot is an American actress best known for her long-running role as Tracy Quartermaine on the popular soap opera General Hospital, which she has portrayed since 1978.

• 1949 Andy Kaufman

  Iconic comedian and performance artist known for his surreal, avant-garde comedy style. He gained fame through Saturday Night Live and the sitcom Taxi, blurring lines between comedy and performance art. [bio]

• 1949 Andy Kaufman in New York City

  Iconic comedian and performance artist known for his surreal, avant-garde comedy style. He gained fame through Saturday Night Live and the sitcom Taxi, blurring lines between comedy and performance art.

• 1949 Indio Solari

  Influential Argentine rock musician and founding member of Patricio Redonditos de Ricota, a legendary rock band in Latin American alternative music scene.

• 1952 Ryuichi Sakamoto

  Renowned Japanese composer, pianist, and record producer, best known for his work with Yellow Magic Orchestra and his influential film scores, including the Oscar-winning soundtrack for 'The Last Emperor'. [bio]

• 1957 Steve Harvey

  Renowned American comedian, actor, and television host known for his stand-up comedy, radio shows, and popular TV programs like 'Family Feud'.

• 1961 Brian Helgeland

  Oscar-winning screenwriter and director known for films like 'L.A. Confidential' and 'A Knight's Tale', who has made significant contributions to Hollywood cinema.

• 1962 Jim Carrey

  Iconic Canadian-American comedian and actor renowned for his exaggerated physical comedy and memorable roles in comedies like 'Ace Ventura', 'The Mask', and dramatic films like 'The Truman Show'. [bio]

• 1962 Sebastian Junger

  Award-winning American journalist, author, and documentarian known for his compelling non-fiction works about extreme human experiences, particularly 'The Perfect Storm' and war reporting.

• 1966 Shabba Ranks

  Jamaican dancehall artist who significantly influenced reggae music in the late 1980s and early 1990s, known for his energetic performances and hit songs.

• 1969 Tiësto

  Tiësto is a world-renowned Dutch DJ and record producer who significantly influenced the development of trance, progressive house, and electronic dance music globally.

• 1971 Sylvie Testud

  Versatile French artist known for her work as an actress, writer, director, and amateur painter, with notable contributions to French cinema.

• 1973 François Damiens

  Belgian comedian and actor famous for his television pranks and comedic roles, particularly in the comedy series 'La Famille Bélier' where he portrayed a humorous family man.

• 1973 Cuauhtémoc Blanco

  Mexican soccer legend renowned for his exceptional skills, leadership, and significant contributions to Mexican football, playing for national and international clubs.

• 1980 Zooey Deschanel

  Acclaimed actress and singer known for quirky comedy roles in films like 'Elf' and 'Almost Famous', and the TV series 'New Girl'. She is part of a talented entertainment family and has established herself as a versatile performer.

• 1982 Dwyane Wade

  Dwyane Wade is a legendary NBA basketball player who played primarily for the Miami Heat, winning three NBA championships and becoming one of the most iconic shooting guards of his generation.

• 1984 Calvin Harris

  Scottish DJ and record producer who is a global electronic dance music superstar, known for hit songs like 'Summer' and 'This Is What You Came For' featuring major artists like Rihanna.

• 1987 Oleksandr Usyk

  Oleksandr Usyk is a world-renowned Ukrainian professional boxer who has won world championships in both cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions. He is an Olympic gold medalist and considered one of the most skilled boxers of his generation.