Famous people and celebrities born on January 28

Welcome to our celebration of remarkable individuals born on January 28! 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.

• 1910 John Banner

  Austrian-born American actor best known for his comedic role as Sergeant Schultz in the popular TV series 'Hogan's Heroes'.

• 1911 Johan van Hulst

  Dutch politician, academic, and Holocaust hero who saved hundreds of Jewish children during World War II and was honored as a Righteous Among the Nations by Yad Vashem. He was a prominent academic and political figure in the Netherlands, known for his moral courage during the Nazi occupation.

• 1912 Jackson Pollock

  Jackson Pollock was a pioneering American abstract expressionist painter known for his revolutionary 'drip painting' technique. He believed art emerged from the unconscious and created groundbreaking works that transformed modern art. His 1943 painting 'The Moon-Woman Cuts the Circle' exemplifies his innovative artistic vision.

• 1918 Harry Corbett

  Famous British actor and puppeteer known for creating the beloved children's puppet character Sooty. He was a pioneering entertainer who brought joy to generations of children through his television performances.

• 1919 Gabby Gabreski

  Francis 'Gabby' Gabreski was a renowned American fighter pilot and World War II hero, credited with being one of the top American fighter aces in the European Theater of Operations.

• 1936 Alan Alda

  Acclaimed American actor, director, and writer best known for his iconic role as Hawkeye Pierce in the groundbreaking TV series M*A*S*H. He won multiple Emmy Awards and significantly influenced television comedy and drama in the 1970s and 1980s.

• 1940 Carlos Slim

  Carlos Slim is a prominent Mexican business magnate and philanthropist who built a vast business empire across multiple industries in Latin America, becoming one of the wealthiest individuals globally. He has significant investments in telecommunications, technology, retail, and finance sectors. His company Grupo Carso and ownership of América Móvil have been key to his economic success. [bio]

• 1948 Charles Taylor

  Liberian politician who served as the 22nd President of Liberia from 1997 to 2003, known for his role in the Sierra Leone Civil War and later convicted of war crimes by the International Criminal Court.

• 1948 Mikhail Baryshnikov

  World-renowned Russian-American dancer, choreographer, and actor, considered one of the greatest ballet dancers of the 20th century.

• 1950 Barbi Benton

  American model, actress, and singer known for her work with Playboy and appearances on television shows like Hee Haw.

• 1954 Rick Warren

  Influential American evangelical pastor, author of the bestselling book 'The Purpose Driven Life', and senior pastor of Saddleback Church. He is known for his significant impact on modern Christian theology and global ministry efforts.

• 1955 Nicolas Sarkozy

  Nicolas Sarkozy was the President of France from 2007 to 2012, representing the conservative Union for a Popular Movement (UMP). He defeated Ségolène Royal in the 2007 presidential election and was known for his dynamic and controversial political style.

• 1955 Vinod Khosla

  Vinod Khosla is a prominent Indian-American technology entrepreneur and venture capitalist. He co-founded Sun Microsystems and later established Khosla Ventures, becoming a significant investor in clean technology and startup innovations.

• 1957 Frank Skinner

  Frank Skinner is a renowned English comedian, television presenter, and writer known for his witty stand-up comedy and panel show appearances.

• 1959 Frank Darabont

  Renowned film director, screenwriter, and producer known for critically acclaimed movies like 'The Shawshank Redemption' and 'The Green Mile'. He has been nominated for multiple Academy Awards and is highly respected in the film industry.

• 1968 Rakim (rapper)

  Rakim is a pioneering hip-hop artist who revolutionized rap with his intricate lyrical techniques and smooth flow, considered one of the most influential MCs in hip-hop history.

• 1975 Hiroshi Kamiya

  Prominent Japanese voice actor and singer known for roles in numerous anime series and video games.

• 1976 Rick Ross (rapper)

  Prominent American rapper known for his distinctive deep voice, gangster persona, and hit songs like 'Hustlin'' and 'Aston Martin Music'.

• 1977 Joey Fatone

  Joey Fatone is an American singer and performer best known as a member of the iconic 1990s boy band *NSYNC, which achieved massive global popularity alongside contemporaries like Backstreet Boys.

• 1977 Takuma Sato

  Takuma Sato is a Japanese professional racing driver who made history by winning the Indianapolis 500 in 2017, becoming the first Japanese driver to win this prestigious motorsport event.

• 1978 Gianluigi Buffon

  Legendary Italian goalkeeper who played for Juventus, widely considered one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history with numerous world-class achievements.

• 1980 Nick Carter

  Nick Carter is a prominent American pop singer, best known as the youngest member of the globally successful boy band Backstreet Boys. He has had a significant career in music, entertainment, and reality television.

• 1980 Michael Hastings

  Michael Hastings was an acclaimed American investigative journalist known for his bold and critical reporting on military and political issues. His work significantly impacted public discourse on U.S. foreign policy and military operations.

• 1981 Elijah Wood

  Elijah Wood is an acclaimed American actor best known for his iconic role as Frodo Baggins in Peter Jackson's 'The Lord of the Rings' film trilogy. He has also starred in numerous independent films and is a respected voice actor and producer.

• 1985 J. Cole

  J. Cole is a critically acclaimed rapper and record producer known for his introspective lyrics, socially conscious themes, and significant impact on modern hip-hop.

• 1986 Shruti Haasan

  Shruti Haasan is a prominent Indian actress and singer who has made significant contributions to South Indian cinema and Bollywood, known for her versatile acting skills and musical talent.

• 1991 Calum Worthy

  Canadian actor known for his roles in Disney Channel's 'Austin & Ally' and the Netflix series 'American Vandal'. He has also pursued a career in music.

• 1993 Will Poulter

  English actor known for roles in films like 'We're the Millers', 'The Maze Runner', and 'Black Mirror: Bandersnatch'. He has received critical acclaim for his performances in both comedy and dramatic roles.

• 1998 Ariel Winter

  Ariel Winter is an American actress best known for her role as Alex Dunphy on the Emmy Award-winning sitcom Modern Family, which ran from 2009 to 2020. She has also voiced characters in animated films and been an advocate for body positivity and mental health awareness.

• 1998 Space Shuttle Challenger disaster

  The Space Shuttle Challenger disaster was a tragic NASA accident on January 28, 1986, where the shuttle exploded 73 seconds after launch, killing all seven crew members and deeply impacting the American space program.