Famous people and celebrities born in January 1916

Welcome to our dedicated page for celebrating the notable individuals born in January 1916! 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. 3 Maxene Andrews

  Maxene Andrews was a renowned soprano singer and key member of the Andrews Sisters, a legendary close harmony group that defined the swing and boogie-woogie era. The group sold over 75 million records and popularized hits like 'Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy', which significantly influenced rhythm and blues music.

• Jan. 3 Betty Furness

  Betty Furness was a prominent American actress and television journalist who transitioned from entertainment to consumer advocacy. She became well-known for her consumer reports and consumer protection work during the mid-20th century.

• Jan. 4 Robert Parrish

  Robert Parrish was an accomplished film director, editor, and actor known for his work in Hollywood, including contributions to the James Bond film 'Casino Royale'.

• Jan. 5 Maurits Caransa

  A notorious Dutch underworld businessman known for making millions through controversial and potentially illegal transactions in the mid-20th century.

• Jan. 6 Vincent Serventy

  Prominent Australian naturalist who made significant contributions to ornithology and conservation, authoring numerous books about wildlife and environmental protection.

• Jan. 6 Park Mok-wol

  Significant Korean poet and academic who played an important role in 20th-century Korean literature, known for his poetic works and scholarly contributions.

• Jan. 7 Paul Keres

  Renowned Estonian chess grandmaster and theoretician, considered one of the greatest chess players of the mid-20th century. He was a candidate for the World Chess Championship multiple times and made significant contributions to chess theory and strategy.

• Jan. 9 Alain Bernardin

  Pioneering French entrepreneur who founded the legendary Crazy Horse Saloon, a famous Parisian strip-tease venue that became an iconic nightlife institution.

• Jan. 9 Vic Mizzy

  Renowned American television composer famous for creating memorable theme songs for classic TV shows like 'Green Acres' and 'The Addams Family'.

• Jan. 10 Sune Bergström

  Renowned Swedish biochemist who won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1982 for his groundbreaking research on prostaglandins.

• Jan. 10 Eldzier Cortor

  Prominent African American artist known for his distinctive figurative paintings depicting Black life and culture.

• Jan. 11 Bernard Blier

  Bernard Blier was a renowned French actor known for his distinctive roles in French cinema. Born in Buenos Aires to a Pasteur Institute researcher, he was the father of famous director Bertrand Blier and frequently appeared in his son's films. He was particularly close to director Georges Lautner and was a respected character actor.

• Jan. 12 P. W. Botha

  South African politician who served as State President of South Africa from 1984 to 1989, known for his complex role during the apartheid era and resistance to political reforms.

• Jan. 12 Mary Wilson

  Baroness Wilson of Rievaulx, wife of former UK Prime Minister Harold Wilson, known for her political and social contributions.

• Jan. 12 Pieter Willem Botha

  South african politician (d. 2006)

• Jan. 17 Edmund Morgan

  Edmund Morgan was a renowned American historian who significantly contributed to understanding early American history, particularly colonial slavery and freedom. His seminal work 'American Slavery, American Freedom' critically examined the paradoxes of liberty in colonial America. He was a highly respected professor at Yale University and influenced generations of historians.

• Jan. 21 Harry Shoaf

  Harry Shoaf was a pioneering NASA mechanical engineer who played a crucial role in the Mercury and Gemini space programs, designing the lunar lander 'The Bug' and later establishing an engineering firm with astronaut Gordon Cooper.

• Jan. 22 Henri Dutilleux

  Renowned French classical composer known for his innovative and sophisticated musical compositions, particularly in orchestral and chamber music. He was a significant figure in 20th-century contemporary classical music.

• Jan. 23 David Douglas Duncan

  Renowned American photojournalist who documented major 20th-century conflicts, including the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and was known for his powerful war photography.

• Jan. 23 Airey Neave

  British politician assassinated by car bomb at the Palace of Westminster by the Irish National Liberation Army.

• Jan. 23 David Duncan

  American journalist and photographer specializing in war documentation.

• Jan. 24 Rafael Caldera

  Venezuelan lawyer and politician who served as the 65th President of Venezuela, playing a significant role in the country's democratic history.

• Jan. 25 Pop Ivy

  Prominent American football coach and player who made significant contributions to the sport during the mid-20th century.

• Jan. 31 Frank Parker

  Frank Parker was a prominent American tennis player who won multiple US Open championships in the 1940s, known for his exceptional skill on the court.

• Jan. 31 Rina Gigli

  Rina Gigli was a renowned Italian soprano, daughter of famous singer Beniamino Gigli, who had a distinguished 35-year career performing in major operas like La Traviata and La Bohème.