Famous people and celebrities born on January 19

Welcome to our celebration of remarkable individuals born on January 19! 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.

• 1736 James Watt

  Scottish inventor and engineer, whose innovations to the newcomen steam engine made it possible to make the industrial revolution a reality in his native great britain.

• 1905 Oveta Hobby

  Pioneering American politician and government official who served as the first female Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare under President Eisenhower. She was a trailblazing leader in the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps during World War II, rising to the rank of colonel. Her early political career in Texas demonstrated her exceptional leadership and administrative skills.

• 1918 John H. Johnson

  Pioneering African American publisher who founded Johnson Publishing Company and transformed Black media representation through iconic magazines like Ebony and Jet. His entrepreneurial journey began with a $500 loan and grew into a multimillion-dollar media and cosmetics empire.

• 1921 Patricia Highsmith

  Patricia Highsmith was a renowned American novelist famous for psychological thrillers like 'The Talented Mr. Ripley'. She significantly influenced crime and suspense literature with her complex, morally ambiguous characters. Her works have been adapted into numerous critically acclaimed films.

• 1922 Guy Madison

  American actor known for portraying Wild Bill Hickok on television and radio. He served in the U.S. Navy and launched his film career in 1944, appearing in several notable Western and dramatic films throughout the 1950s and 1960s.

• 1923 Jean Stapleton

  Renowned American actress best known for her iconic role as Edith Bunker in the groundbreaking sitcom 'All in the Family'. She was a talented performer who significantly influenced television comedy in the 1970s.

• 1926 Fritz Weaver

  Accomplished American stage and screen actor known for his versatile performances in theater, television, and film during the mid-20th century.

• 1930 Tippi Hedren

  Renowned actress famous for her iconic role in Alfred Hitchcock's 'The Birds' and her significant contributions to animal rights activism. She is also the mother of actress Melanie Griffith and a pioneering figure in wildlife conservation.

• 1935 Soumitra Chatterjee

  Renowned Indian actor and poet, famous for his extensive collaboration with filmmaker Satyajit Ray and significant contributions to Bengali cinema and literature.

• 1940 Paolo Borsellino

  Renowned Italian magistrate who fought against organized crime and was tragically assassinated by the Mafia in a bomb attack in Palermo, becoming a national symbol of resistance against criminal organizations.

• 1942 Michael Crawford

  Renowned British actor and singer famous for his iconic role in 'The Phantom of the Opera' on stage. He is a critically acclaimed performer who has significantly influenced musical theater. His versatile career spans theater, film, and musical performances.

• 1943 Janis Joplin

  Iconic rock and blues singer of the 1960s counterculture, known for her powerful, raw vocal style and tragic early death from heroin overdose. She was a key figure in the psychedelic rock scene with bands like Big Brother and the Holding Company. Her music profoundly influenced rock and blues genres.

• 1944 Peter Lynch

  Legendary investment manager who transformed Fidelity Magellan Fund into a $13 billion powerhouse. He is a renowned author of influential investment books like 'One Up on Wall Street' and a highly respected figure in financial investing.

• 1944 Shelley Fabares

  American actress best known for her iconic role as a teenager on the popular 1950s television series 'The Donna Reed Show'. She later transitioned to film and continued acting in various TV movies and series.

• 1946 Dolly Parton

  Iconic American country music singer, songwriter, actress, and philanthropist who rose from poverty to become a global entertainment legend. She is known for her hit songs, successful film career, and her famous Dollywood theme park in Tennessee.

• 1949 Robert Palmer

  Iconic British rock and pop singer known for hits like 'Addicted to Love' and his work with the band Power Station. He was a significant figure in the 1980s music scene.

• 1954 Katey Sagal

  American actress known for iconic roles in 'Married with Children' as Peg Bundy, 'Sons of Anarchy' as Gemma Teller Morrow, and as Leela in the animated series 'Futurama'.

• 1956 Susan Solomon

  Susan Solomon is a renowned atmospheric scientist who made groundbreaking discoveries about the ozone layer and significantly contributed to understanding climate change mechanisms.

• 1958 Thomas Kinkade

  Thomas Kinkade was a renowned American painter famous for his idealized, sentimental landscapes and architectural scenes, often called the 'Painter of Light'. His works were immensely popular in the late 20th century, particularly among middle-class art collectors.

• 1961 Paul McCrane

  Paul McCrane is a versatile American actor known for roles in television series like 'ER' and films such as 'Fame'. He has also worked as a director and singer, demonstrating his multifaceted artistic talents.

• 1966 Antoine Fuqua

  Antoine Fuqua is a prominent Hollywood film director known for critically acclaimed movies like Training Day and The Equalizer, which showcase his skill in action and dramatic genres.

• 1967 Javier Cámara

  Javier Cámara is a renowned Spanish actor known for his critically acclaimed performances in Pedro Almodóvar films like 'Talk to Her' and 'Bad Education', and his versatility across comedy and drama.

• 1969 Shawn Wayans

  Shawn Wayans is a prominent comedian, actor, writer, and producer known for his comedic work on 'In Living Color' and the 'Scary Movie' parody film franchise.

• 1969 Edwidge Danticat

  Edwidge Danticat is an acclaimed Haitian-American novelist, short story writer, and academic known for her powerful narratives exploring Haitian culture and diaspora experiences.

• 1969 Junior Seau

  Junior Seau was a legendary NFL linebacker known for his exceptional skill, passion, and significant impact on the San Diego Chargers, tragically passing away in 2012.

• 1972 Drea de Matteo

  Emmy Award-winning actress best known for her iconic roles in The Sopranos and Sons of Anarchy, representing significant contributions to television drama.

• 1980 Jenson Button

  Jenson Button is a renowned British Formula One racing driver who won the 2009 World Championship with Brawn GP, representing one of the most remarkable seasons in modern F1 history.

• 1982 Denise Boutte

  Television actress known for her roles in various TV series and films.

• 1983 Hikaru Utada

  Hikaru Utada is a renowned Japanese-American singer-songwriter who gained international fame for her iconic music in the Kingdom Hearts video game series and her influential J-pop career.

• 1992 Logan Lerman

  Logan Lerman is an accomplished American actor known for his breakthrough roles in 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' and the 'Percy Jackson' film series, demonstrating versatility across young adult and fantasy genres.