Famous people and celebrities born on December 25

Welcome to our celebration of remarkable individuals born on December 25! 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.

• 1818 William Herndon

  William Herndon was an American lawyer and biographer who was best known for his biography of Abraham Lincoln.

• 1874 Lina Cavalieri

  Italian opera singer, actress, and monologist, she was once referred to as "the world's most beautiful woman".

• 1884 Evelyn Nesbit

  Evelyn Nesbit was a popular American model and actress in the early 20th century.

• 1904 Gerhard Herzberg Canada

  Renowned German-Canadian physicist who made groundbreaking contributions to molecular spectroscopy and won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1971 for his fundamental research on molecular structures.

• 1905 Fernand Gravey

  French-Belgian actor who was active in cinema during the mid-20th century, known for his roles in films like 'Duguesclin' and 'Treize a Table'.

• 1905 Howard Hughes

  Legendary American business magnate, investor, record-setting pilot, engineer, and film producer who founded Hughes Aircraft Company and significantly influenced aviation and cinema in the 20th century.

• 1907 Cab Calloway

  Legendary jazz bandleader and entertainer who was a pivotal figure in the Harlem Renaissance. He popularized scat singing and became famous for his hit 'Minnie the Moocher'. Calloway was a cultural icon who significantly influenced American music and performance. [bio]

• 1908 Quentin Crisp

  Iconic British gay writer and social provocateur who challenged societal norms through his flamboyant persona and groundbreaking memoir 'The Naked Civil Servant'. He became a symbol of LGBTQ+ visibility and self-acceptance during a deeply conservative era.

• 1911 Louise Bourgeois

  Louise Bourgeois was a pioneering French-American artist renowned for her influential sculptural works that explored themes of memory, sexuality, and the human body. She was a key figure in modern and contemporary art, creating powerful, emotionally charged sculptures across multiple mediums. Her artistic career spanned over seven decades, during which she significantly impacted the development of contemporary sculpture.

• 1912 Tony Martin

  Renowned American singer and actor known for his work in show business, particularly famous for hit songs like 'Tonight We Love'.

• 1918 Anwar Sadat

  PEA - Egyptian lieutenant and politician, 3rd president of egypt, nobel prize laureate (d. 1981)

• 1919 Noele Gordon

  British television actress and presenter best known for her iconic role in the long-running soap opera 'Crossroads', which made her a household name in the UK during the 1960s and 1970s.

• 1922 Ava Gardner

  Iconic Hollywood actress of the Golden Age, known for her stunning beauty and memorable roles in films like 'The Barefoot Contessa' and 'Mogambo'.

• 1924 Rod Serling

  Legendary television writer and host of 'The Twilight Zone', Rod Serling was a pioneering screenwriter who transformed television storytelling. A World War II veteran who made over 60 parachute jumps, he won six Emmy Awards and significantly influenced science fiction and anthology television formats.

• 1928 Dick Miller

  Prolific character actor known for numerous roles in Roger Corman and Joe Dante films, appearing in cult classics like 'Gremlins' and 'The Terminator'.

• 1936 Ismail Merchant

  Director and producer in indian-english (d. 2005).

• 1943 Hanna Schygulla

  Hanna Schygulla is a renowned German actress who was a key figure in the New German Cinema movement, particularly famous for her iconic collaborations with director Rainer Werner Fassbinder during the 1970s.

• 1946 Jimmy Buffett

  Iconic American singer-songwriter known for his tropical rock music and the hit song 'Margaritaville'. He pioneered the 'Gulf and Western' music genre and built a massive lifestyle brand around his laid-back, beach-inspired persona. [bio]

• 1946 Larry Csonka

  Hall of Fame NFL fullback who played for the Miami Dolphins and New York Giants. He was a key player in the Dolphins' perfect season of 1972 and was known for his powerful running style.

• 1952 CCH Pounder

  Acclaimed Guyanese-American actress known for her powerful performances in film and television, including notable roles in Avatar and ER.

• 1954 Annie Lennox

  Iconic Scottish singer-songwriter known for her groundbreaking work with Eurythmics and successful solo career. She is renowned for her powerful voice, androgynous style, and significant contributions to pop music in the 1980s and 1990s. [bio]

• 1957 Shane MacGowan

  Legendary Irish singer-songwriter and frontman of the punk folk band The Pogues, known for his influential music and distinctive style. He passed away in November 2023, leaving a significant mark on alternative music.

• 1958 Rickey Henderson

  Legendary Major League Baseball player considered one of the greatest leadoff hitters and base stealers in MLB history. He played for multiple teams, including the Oakland Athletics and New York Yankees, and holds numerous MLB records. [bio]

• 1961 Ingrid Betancourt

  Colombian politician and human rights activist who was famously kidnapped by FARC guerrillas in 2002 and held captive for six years before being rescued in a dramatic military operation in 2008.

• 1968 Helena Christensen

  Renowned Danish supermodel who rose to international fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s. She gained iconic status after appearing in Chris Isaak's groundbreaking 'Wicked Game' music video and was a prominent figure in the fashion world. Her personal life included a high-profile relationship with INXS singer Michael Hutchence.

• 1971 Justin Trudeau

  Canadian politician who served as the 23rd Prime Minister of Canada from 2015 to 2023. He is the eldest son of former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau and led the Liberal Party to multiple election victories.

• 1974 Ryan Seacrest

  Renowned American television host, radio personality, and producer, best known for hosting 'American Idol' and 'Live with Kelly and Ryan'.

• 1987 Demaryius Thomas

  Professional NFL wide receiver who played for the Denver Broncos and was a five-time Pro Bowl selection, known for his exceptional catching skills and significant contributions to the team.

• 1991 Louis Tomlinson

  Louis Tomlinson is a British singer, songwriter, and former member of the globally successful pop band One Direction. After the band's hiatus, he launched a successful solo music career and has been active in the music industry.