Famous people and celebrities born on August 31

Welcome to our celebration of remarkable individuals born on August 31! 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.

• 1903 Arthur Godfrey

  Versatile American entertainer who excelled as a radio announcer, singer, aviator, and television personality. He was a prominent media figure in the mid-20th century, receiving multiple Emmy nominations for his outstanding performances.

• 1908 William Saroyan

  William Saroyan was a prominent Armenian-American writer known for his poignant short stories and plays that captured the immigrant experience. He won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1940 for 'The Time of Your Life', which he famously declined. His works like 'The Human Comedy' remain significant contributions to 20th-century American literature.

• 1914 Richard Basehart

  Richard Basehart was a versatile American actor known for his significant roles in film and television, including the classic 'Moby Dick' and the sci-fi series 'Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea'. He won the New York Drama Critics Award for his performance in 'The Hasty Heart' and appeared in over 30 films throughout his distinguished career.

• 1915 Pete Newell

  Renowned American basketball coach and player who significantly influenced the sport's development in the mid-20th century. He coached the University of California, Berkeley basketball team and led the US Olympic team to gold in 1960.

• 1916 Daniel Schorr

  Daniel Schorr was a renowned American journalist who worked for major news networks like CBS News, CNN, and National Public Radio, known for his investigative reporting and commentary.

• 1918 Ted Williams

  Ted Williams was one of the greatest hitters in baseball history, playing his entire 19-year career with the Boston Red Sox. Known as 'The Kid', he was the last player to hit over .400 in a season and is widely considered one of the most talented baseball players of all time.

• 1924 Buddy Hackett

  Renowned American comedian and actor known for his stand-up comedy and roles in films like 'The Love Bug' and 'It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World'.

• 1928 James Coburn

  Acclaimed American actor known for versatile roles in Westerns and spy films, winning an Oscar for 'Affliction'. He was a charismatic performer who transitioned from tough cowboy characters to sophisticated comedic roles throughout his career.

• 1930 Warren Buffett

  Legendary investor and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, known as the 'Oracle of Omaha' for his exceptional investment strategies.

• 1931 Jean Beliveau

  Legendary Canadian ice hockey player who spent his entire 20-year NHL career with the Montreal Canadiens, winning 10 Stanley Cups and considered one of the greatest players in hockey history. [bio]

• 1935 Eldridge Cleaver

  Prominent Black Panther Party leader and influential civil rights activist who wrote the groundbreaking book 'Soul on Ice', challenging racial injustice in America during the 1960s.

• 1943 Jim Byrnes

  American television writer and producer known for his significant contributions to Western genre productions, including the iconic series 'Gunsmoke' and several notable TV movies and miniseries.

• 1945 Itzhak Perlman

  World-renowned Israeli-American violinist and conductor, recognized as one of the most celebrated classical musicians of the 20th century. A polio survivor who became a child prodigy, Perlman has performed at prestigious venues worldwide and won numerous Grammy Awards. He is also known for his humanitarian work and music education efforts. [bio]

• 1945 Van Morrison

  Legendary Irish singer-songwriter who revolutionized rock and soul music with his unique style and profound musical innovations. A key figure in the development of Celtic rock and blue-eyed soul, Morrison has created timeless classics like 'Brown Eyed Girl' and 'Moondance'. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993.

• 1948 Rudolf Schenker

  Founding member and rhythm guitarist of the legendary German rock band Scorpions, known for their global hit songs like 'Wind of Change' and 'Rock You Like a Hurricane'.

• 1949 Richard Gere

  Iconic Hollywood actor known for romantic leads and humanitarian work. He rose to fame in the 1980s with memorable roles in 'American Gigolo' and 'Pretty Woman'. Gere is also a prominent Buddhist activist and human rights advocate. [bio]

• 1950 Antony Gormley

  Renowned British sculptor and artist famous for large-scale public art installations like 'Angel of the North' and his exploration of the human body in sculpture.

• 1953 Marcia Clark

  American lawyer who became internationally famous as the lead prosecutor in the O.J. Simpson murder trial, a high-profile case that captivated the United States in the mid-1990s.

• 1955 Edwin Moses

  Edwin Moses was a legendary American track and field athlete who revolutionized hurdling with his unprecedented 122-race winning streak and Olympic gold medals in 1976 and 1984.

• 1958 Serge Blanco

  Legendary French rugby union player known for his exceptional skills as a fullback, representing Biarritz Olympic team and the French national team with remarkable talent.

• 1962 Dee Bradley Baker

  Renowned American voice actor famous for numerous animated series and video game characters, including Clone Troopers in Star Wars and multiple characters in animated shows.

• 1967 Kenneth Oppel

  Kenneth Oppel is an acclaimed Canadian author renowned for his award-winning young adult fantasy and science fiction novels, including the Silverwing series and Airborn trilogy.

• 1970 Rania

  Queen of Jordan, known for her humanitarian work, advocacy for education, and global social initiatives.

• 1971 Chris Tucker

  Renowned comedian and actor famous for his energetic performances in the Rush Hour film series alongside Jackie Chan, known for his distinctive high-pitched voice and comedic timing.

• 1982 Pepe Reina

  Pepe Reina is a renowned Spanish professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Serie A club Lazio and has been a key player for the Spanish national team.

• 1982 Andy Roddick

  Andy Roddick is a former world-renowned American professional tennis player, known for his powerful serve and successful career in Grand Slam tournaments.

• 1983 Larry Fitzgerald

  Legendary NFL wide receiver who spent his entire 17-year career with the Arizona Cardinals, widely considered one of the best receivers in NFL history. [bio]

• 1984 Charl Schwartzel

  Professional golfer from South Africa who won the prestigious Masters Tournament in 2011, marking a significant achievement in his golfing career.

• 2012 Gaius Caligula

  Roman Emperor from 37 to 41 AD, Caligula was a controversial ruler of the Julio-Claudian dynasty known for his erratic behavior and tyrannical reign. He was the son of the popular general Germanicus and became emperor at a young age. Despite his initial popularity, he is remembered for his cruelty and eccentric actions.