Famous people and celebrities born in January 1909

Welcome to our dedicated page for celebrating the notable individuals born in January 1909! This month and year saw the birth of many influential figures who have made significant contributions to various fields, including entertainment, sports, politics, and more. Explore the biographies and achievements of these famous personalities and see how their talents have shaped the world. Join us in honoring the stars born in this memorable time.

• Jan. 1 Dana Andrews

  Prominent Hollywood actor known for classic films like 'Laura' and 'The Best Years of Our Lives', who had a significant career in mid-20th century cinema.

• Jan. 2 Barry Goldwater

  Barry Goldwater was a prominent American conservative politician who served as a U.S. Senator from Arizona and was the Republican Party's presidential nominee in 1964. He was a key figure in the modern conservative movement and an influential voice in American politics during the mid-20th century.

• Jan. 2 Riccardo Cassin

  Riccardo Cassin was a legendary Italian mountaineer and author who made significant contributions to alpine climbing and exploration. He was renowned for his pioneering ascents in the Alps and Andes, and is considered one of the most important mountaineers of the 20th century.

• Jan. 3 Victor Borge

  Victor Borge was a renowned Danish-American comedian, pianist, and entertainer who revolutionized musical comedy through his unique blend of classical music and humor. He was awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 1986 for his significant contributions to American culture. His innovative performances made classical music accessible and entertaining to broad audiences.

• Jan. 4 Jose Chavez Morado

  Mexican muralist and artist who was a key figure in 20th-century Mexican art, known for his innovative work in mosaic and murals at significant public spaces like Ciudad Universitaria.

• Jan. 4 J Simplot

  American businessman who founded the Simplot Company, a significant agricultural and food processing enterprise that became prominent in the 20th century.

• Jan. 5 Stephen Cole Kleene

  Stephen Cole Kleene was a pioneering American mathematician and computer scientist who made significant contributions to mathematical logic and computability theory, particularly known for developing regular expressions and the Kleene star notation.

• Jan. 8 Jose Ferrer

  Oscar-winning Puerto Rican actor renowned for his iconic performance in 'Cyrano de Bergerac', a landmark role in his distinguished acting career.

• Jan. 9 Danielle Casanova

  French communist militant and prominent member of the French Resistance during World War II, known for her courageous fight against Nazi occupation.

• Jan. 9 Anthony Mamo

  Maltese lawyer and politician who became the first President of Malta, playing a crucial role in the country's early independence period.

• Jan. 13 Marinus Lubbe

  Dutch labourer and radical communist activist.

• Jan. 13 Marinus van der Lubbe

  Dutch communist who was controversially accused of setting the Reichstag fire in 1933, a pivotal event in Nazi Germany's rise to power.

• Jan. 14 Joseph Losey

  Joseph Losey was a prominent American film and theater director known for his socially critical works. He transitioned from medical studies to directing, winning an Oscar in 1945 for a short film. His films often provided sharp social commentary and explored complex political themes.

• Jan. 15 Gene Krupa

  Legendary jazz drummer and bandleader who significantly influenced the role of drums in popular music during the swing era. He was a key member of Benny Goodman's band and later led his own successful orchestra.

• Jan. 15 Jean Bugatti

  Renowned automobile designer from the famous Bugatti family, who made significant contributions to automotive design and engineering before his tragic early death.

• Jan. 19 Hans Hotter

  Renowned German opera singer and baritone, particularly famous for his interpretations of Wagner's works and considered one of the most significant classical vocalists of the 20th century.

• Jan. 20 Gōgen Yamaguchi

  Legendary Japanese karate master who was instrumental in spreading Gōjū-ryū karate throughout Japan and internationally. He was known as 'The Cat' for his calm demeanor and exceptional martial arts skills.

• Jan. 21 Carlos Fallas

  Carlos Fallas was a renowned Costa Rican communist leader, writer, and a pivotal figure in Costa Rican literature, known for his unique style of mixing humor with social realism.

• Jan. 22 Ann Sothern

  Prominent American actress who rose from small Broadway roles to Hollywood stardom, particularly known for her popular 'Maisie' film series at MGM during the 1930s and 1940s.

• Jan. 22 Lev D

  Renowned Soviet physicist who won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1962 for groundbreaking work in theoretical physics.

• Jan. 22 U Thant

  Burmese diplomat who served as the third Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1961 to 1971, playing a crucial role in international diplomacy during the Cold War era.

• Jan. 22 Porfirio Rubirosa

  Charismatic Dominican diplomat, playboy, and international socialite known for his jet-setting lifestyle, multiple marriages to wealthy heiresses, and passion for racing cars.

• Jan. 24 Ann Todd

  British actress known for her roles in classic films like 'Things to Come' and 'Danny Boy', who had a notable career in mid-20th century cinema.

• Jan. 24 Martin Lings

  Renowned English scholar, author, and academic specializing in Islamic studies and biography, particularly known for his work on the life of Prophet Muhammad.

• Jan. 30 Saul Alinsky

  Influential community organizer and author of 'Rules for Radicals', who significantly impacted social activism and political organizing.

• Jan. 30 Sam Allen

  American jazz pianist who started playing at age seven and led his own trio for many years.