Famous people and celebrities born on December 31

Welcome to our celebration of remarkable individuals born on December 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.

• 1491 Jacques Cartier

  French explorer who claimed what is now Canada for France.

• 1878 Elizabeth Arden

  Canadian-american entrepreneur who owns beauty salons, spas, and sells cosmetic products. she was born in poverty and started her business with $6,000 borrowed money in 1910. it was reported that she owned race horses and had them massaged with her beauty products. [bio]

• 1880 George Marshall

  American soldier and statesman, he is well-known for his leadership during world war ii and cold war. he served as the chief of staff for the united states army and secretary of state. winston churchill hailed marshall as the "organizer and victory" for his leadership in the allied victory. marshall was the chief of staff of the united states army …

• 1904 Umm Kulthum

  Legendary Egyptian singer, actress, and cultural icon who profoundly influenced Arabic music and was considered the 'Star of the East' during the 20th century. [bio]

• 1917 Suzy Delair

  French actress and singer known for her collaboration with director Henri-Georges Clouzot, who was also her companion.

• 1937 Anthony Hopkins

  Legendary Welsh actor, Oscar winner, and one of the most acclaimed performers of his generation, known for iconic roles in films like 'The Silence of the Lambs' and 'Hannibal'. [bio]

• 1938 Rosalind Cash

  Pioneering African American actress who challenged stereotypes in film, television, and stage during the 1970s. She was an Emmy-nominated performer and inducted into the Black Filmmaker Hall of Fame, known for her powerful and principled approach to acting.

• 1941 Alex Ferguson

  Legendary Scottish football manager who transformed Manchester United into a global powerhouse, winning numerous Premier League titles and establishing himself as one of the most successful managers in football history. [bio]

• 1941 Sarah Miles

  Acclaimed British actress known for her powerful performances in critically acclaimed films like 'Ryan's Daughter' and 'The Servant', who gained international recognition in the 1960s and 1970s.

• 1943 Ben Kingsley

  Acclaimed English actor renowned for his Oscar-winning portrayal of Mahatma Gandhi and diverse roles in critically acclaimed films like Schindler's List and Sexy Beast.

• 1943 John Denver

  Iconic American folk singer and songwriter who dominated the music charts in the mid-1970s, known for hits like 'Rocky Mountain High' and 'Take Me Home, Country Roads'.

• 1944 Taylor Hackford

  Acclaimed American film director and producer known for movies like 'Ray' and 'An Officer and a Gentleman', married to actress Helen Mirren.

• 1945 Barbara Carrera

  Nicaraguan-born model and actress who gained prominence in Hollywood during the 1970s and 1980s, appearing in numerous films and television series.

• 1947 Tim Matheson

  Versatile American actor known for comedy and television roles, including 'Animal House' and guest appearances on classic TV shows. He was a founding member of The Groundlings comedy troupe and began acting professionally at a young age.

• 1947 Burton Cummings

  Renowned Canadian musician and founding member of rock band 'The Guess Who', known for his multi-instrumental talents and significant contributions to pop-rock music.

• 1947 Jeff Lynne

  Legendary musician, songwriter, and record producer, best known as a founding member of the Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) and for his significant contributions to rock music.

• 1948 Joe Dallesandro

  Iconic underground film actor and Warhol superstar who became a significant male sex symbol in 20th-century American counterculture cinema. Known for his roles in avant-garde films and his representation of gay subculture.

• 1953 James Remar

  Versatile American actor renowned for playing intense villains and complex characters in film and television.

• 1953 Jane Badler

  American actress and singer known for her role in the science fiction TV series 'V' and her musical career.

• 1958 Bebe Neuwirth

  Acclaimed American actress, dancer, and Broadway performer best known for her Emmy-winning role as Lilith Sternin on 'Cheers' and 'Frasier'. She is a Tony Award winner with notable stage performances in 'Sweet Charity' and 'Chicago'.

• 1959 Val Kilmer

  Renowned American actor famous for iconic roles in 'The Doors', 'Top Gun', and 'Batman Forever'. He is known for his versatile acting skills and memorable performances across multiple genres.

• 1960 John Muhammad

  Duplicate record of John Allen Muhammad, the Beltway Sniper.

• 1961 Nina Li Chi

  Prominent Chinese actress known for her roles in Hong Kong cinema, particularly in martial arts and drama films.

• 1965 Nicholas Sparks

  American author

• 1970 Chandra West

  Canadian actress known for her roles in television and film, with a career spanning multiple genres.

• 1972 Joey McIntyre

  Member of the iconic 1980s boy band New Kids on the Block, who became a global pop culture phenomenon. He was one of the youngest members of the group, known for his youthful appearance and musical talent. The band dominated pop music charts and media during their peak years.

• 1975 Tiger Woods

  Legendary professional golfer widely considered one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, with numerous major championships and global recognition. [bio]

• 1979 Elaine Cassidy

  Irish actress known for her roles in television series and films, with notable performances in supernatural and drama genres.

• 1980 Richie McCaw

  Legendary New Zealand rugby player widely considered the greatest rugby player of all time, who captained the All Blacks to two Rugby World Cup victories in 2011 and 2015.