Famous people and celebrities born in January 1914

Welcome to our dedicated page for celebrating the notable individuals born in January 1914! 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 Noor Inayat Khan

  Noor Inayat Khan was a courageous British spy of Indian descent who worked for the Special Operations Executive during World War II, risking her life to support the Allied resistance in Nazi-occupied France. She was the first female radio operator sent into France and was posthumously awarded the George Cross for her exceptional bravery.

• Jan. 2 Kenny Clarke

  Pioneering American jazz drummer who was a key figure in the development of bebop and modern jazz. He was a founding member of the influential Modern Jazz Quartet.

• Jan. 2 Noor Khan

  Courageous SOE agent of Russian-English descent who worked for British intelligence during World War II and was executed by the Nazis in 1944 for her resistance activities.

• Jan. 4 Jane Wyman

  Jane Wyman was a prominent Hollywood actress who won an Academy Award and was notably the first wife of President Ronald Reagan.

• Jan. 4 Jean-Pierre Vernant

  Jean-Pierre Vernant was a renowned French historian and anthropologist who revolutionized the understanding of ancient Greek society through his structuralist approach to myths and social structures.

• Jan. 5 George Reeves

  Famous actor best known for playing Superman in the 1950s television series. Tragically died under mysterious circumstances at age 45, with his death ruled as a possible suicide.

• Jan. 5 Nicolas de Staël

  Renowned Russian-French painter and illustrator known for his abstract and expressive artistic style. A significant figure in post-war European art who tragically died young.

• Jan. 6 Danny Thomas

  Renowned American entertainer, comedian, and philanthropist who founded St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, known for his successful television career and humanitarian efforts.

• Jan. 9 Gypsy Rose Lee

  Iconic American burlesque performer, actress, and writer who revolutionized striptease as an art form and became a cultural phenomenon in mid-20th century entertainment.

• Jan. 9 Lucien Bodard

  French journalist and writer renowned for his expertise in Asian affairs, born in Chongqing, China, where his father served as the French consul. Bodard was a significant voice in French literary and journalistic circles, providing unique insights into Asian culture and history.

• Jan. 10 Claude Gallimard

  Claude Gallimard was a prominent French publisher who played a crucial role in the literary world, leading the renowned Gallimard publishing house.

• Jan. 11 Dorothy Jeakins

  Renowned Hollywood costume designer who won multiple Academy Awards for her exceptional work in film. She designed costumes for significant movies like 'South Pacific' and worked until her retirement. Her final professional project was with legendary director John Huston on the film 'The Dead'.

• Jan. 13 Jijé

  Belgian comic artist known by his pen name Jijé, a pioneering figure in Franco-Belgian comics who created the famous Spirou et Fantasio and Jerry Spring series.

• Jan. 14 Harold Russell

  Harold Russell was a Canadian-American actor and World War II veteran who won two Academy Awards for his role in 'The Best Years of Our Lives', a groundbreaking film about veterans returning from war. He was a real-life double amputee who portrayed a disabled veteran, making his performance uniquely powerful and authentic.

• Jan. 14 Thomas Watson, Jr.

  Thomas Watson Jr. was a pivotal business leader who transformed IBM into a global technology powerhouse during his tenure as president and chairman, playing a crucial role in the development of modern computing.

• Jan. 15 Etty Hillesum

  Jewish Dutch writer and diarist who documented her experiences during the Holocaust. Her writings provide profound insights into human resilience and compassion during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. She was tragically killed at Auschwitz concentration camp in 1943.

• Jan. 15 Hugh Trevor-Roper

  Renowned British historian and academic, best known for his historical works and scholarly contributions. He was a prominent intellectual who specialized in 20th-century European history.

• Jan. 16 Roger Wagner

  Roger Wagner was a prominent French-American composer, conductor, and music educator known for his significant contributions to choral music. He established the Roger Wagner Chorale and was a respected figure in the musical landscape of the mid-20th century. His work as a church choir director and professional musician made him an influential figure in American classical music.

• Jan. 24 Georges Cravenne

  Georges Cravenne was a prominent French film producer and publicist who founded the prestigious César Awards, France's national film awards. He was honored with an honorary César in 2000, recognizing his significant contributions to French cinema.

• Jan. 26 Kaye Webb

  Kaye Webb was a prominent English journalist and publisher who made significant contributions to the literary world, particularly in children's publishing.

• Jan. 28 Tom Neal

  Tom Neal was an American actor and boxer known for his B-movie roles and tumultuous personal life. He transitioned from boxing to acting, appearing in over 180 films, but his career was ultimately derailed by his violent behavior. In 1951, he was convicted of murdering his third wife during a domestic dispute.

• Jan. 30 John Ireland

  Canadian-American actor and film director known for his work in mid-20th century cinema.

• Jan. 30 David Wayne

  American actor known for notable roles in films like 'The Andromeda Strain' and 'Adam's Rib', with a significant career in Hollywood.

• Jan. 30 Ralph Lazarus

  Prominent American businessman who likely played a significant role in corporate leadership during the mid-20th century.

• Jan. 30 Luc-Marie Bayle

  French multidisciplinary artist and historian who worked as a photographer and painter throughout the 20th century.

• Jan. 31 Jersey Joe Walcott

  Jersey Joe Walcott was a legendary heavyweight boxer known for his powerful punching style and significant impact on professional boxing during the 1940s and 1950s.

• Jan. 31 Chauncy Harris

  Prominent American geographer who made significant contributions to urban geography and Soviet studies, particularly in ethnic research during the Cold War era.

• Jan. 31 Luc

  French Trappist monk who was tragically kidnapped and killed in Algeria in 1996, with controversial circumstances surrounding his death involving potential military involvement.