Famous people and celebrities born in January 1917

Welcome to our dedicated page for celebrating the notable individuals born in January 1917! 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 Jule Charney

  Jule Charney was a pioneering meteorologist who revolutionized weather prediction through advanced numerical modeling techniques. He made significant contributions to understanding atmospheric dynamics and climate science. His work fundamentally transformed modern meteorological research and forecasting.

• Jan. 2 Vera Zorina

  Renowned German-Norwegian ballet dancer and actress who was prominent in the mid-20th century, known for her performances in ballet and Hollywood films.

• Jan. 3 Roger Williams Straus

  Prominent American book publisher who co-founded the prestigious Farrar, Straus and Giroux publishing company.

• Jan. 3 Vernon Walters

  Distinguished American diplomat and military general who served as the 17th United States Ambassador to the United Nations.

• Jan. 3 Pierre Dervaux

  French classical music conductor and composer known for his significant contributions to opera and musical education.

• Jan. 5 Jane Wyman

  Jane Wyman was a prominent Hollywood actress who won an Oscar and was famously married to Ronald Reagan before he became president. She had a successful film career spanning several decades, particularly in the 1940s.

• Jan. 7 Ulysses Kay

  Ulysses Kay was a prominent African American classical composer and music educator who significantly contributed to 20th-century contemporary classical music. He composed numerous orchestral works, chamber music, and operas, and was an influential figure in academic music circles.

• Jan. 8 Peter Matthew Hillsman Taylor

  Renowned American writer known for his significant contributions to Southern literature, exploring complex family dynamics and social nuances through his novels and short stories.

• Jan. 9 Herbert Lom

  Czech-born British actor best known for playing Chief Inspector Dreyfus in the Pink Panther film series, opposite Peter Sellers. He was a versatile character actor who appeared in numerous films and television productions throughout his long career.

• Jan. 10 Jerry Wexler

  Legendary music producer who played a pivotal role in the development of rhythm and blues and rock and roll, working with iconic artists like Aretha Franklin and Bob Dylan.

• Jan. 11 John Robarts

  John Robarts was a prominent Canadian politician who served as the 17th Premier of Ontario from 1961 to 1971. He was a key Progressive Conservative leader who significantly influenced Ontario's political landscape during the 1960s. His tenure was marked by economic development and educational reforms.

• Jan. 12 Maharishi Yogi

  Indian spiritual leader who founded Transcendental Meditation and attracted many celebrities like The Beatles, attracting significant cultural attention in the 1960s and 1970s.

• Jan. 12 Maharishi Mahesh Yogi

  Renowned Indian spiritual leader who popularized Transcendental Meditation globally, influencing numerous celebrities and introducing meditation techniques to the Western world.

• Jan. 12 Ilya Prigogine

  Nobel Prize-winning Belgian physical chemist who made groundbreaking contributions to nonequilibrium thermodynamics, significantly advancing scientific understanding of complex systems.

• Jan. 14 Billy Butterfield

  Renowned American jazz musician celebrated for his exceptional skills on flugelhorn and trumpet. He was the bandleader of the 1968 'Greatest Jazz Band' and made significant contributions to jazz music.

• Jan. 16 Carl Karcher

  Influential American fast-food entrepreneur who co-founded Carl's Jr., a major restaurant chain that transformed the fast-food industry in the United States.

• Jan. 17 M. G. Ramachandran

  Legendary Indian actor, film producer, and politician who served as the 5th Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, widely regarded as a cultural icon in South Indian cinema and politics.

• Jan. 21 Erling Persson

  Swedish entrepreneur who founded H&M (Hennes & Mauritz), transforming the global fashion retail industry with an innovative business model of affordable, trendy clothing.

• Jan. 22 Jean-Louis Crémieux-Brilhac

  Jean-Louis Crémieux-Brilhac was a prominent French Resistance fighter during World War II, later becoming a senior government official and respected historian.

• Jan. 22 Bruce Shand

  Bruce Shand was a British Army officer and the father of Camilla, Queen Consort of the United Kingdom. He played a significant role in the British aristocratic society of the mid-20th century.

• Jan. 24 Ernest Borgnine

  Legendary American actor with a remarkable six-decade career, winning an Academy Award for 'Marty' in 1955 and starring in iconic TV series like McHale's Navy and Airwolf. He was nominated for an Emmy at 92, showcasing his enduring talent and versatility.

• Jan. 25 Ilya Romanovich Prigogine

  Nobel Prize laureate for his contributions to non-equilibrium thermodynamics, particularly the theory of dissipative structures

• Jan. 25 Jânio Quadros

  Brazilian lawyer and politician who served as the 22nd president of Brazil, known for his short and tumultuous political career.

• Jan. 26 Louis Zamperini

  Louis Zamperini was an extraordinary American athlete and World War II hero, known for his incredible survival story as a prisoner of war and his remarkable resilience. His life was immortalized in the bestselling book 'Unbroken' by Laura Hillenbrand and later adapted into a film directed by Angelina Jolie.

• Jan. 29 John Raitt

  John Raitt was a prominent Broadway musical star known for his powerful baritone voice and leading roles in classic musicals during the 1940s and 1950s. He was a significant figure in American musical theater, performing in notable productions like 'Carousel' and 'The Pajama Game'. His daughter Bonnie Raitt is also a well-known musician.

• Jan. 30 Paul Frère

  Paul Frère was a renowned Belgian motorsport journalist and racing driver who competed in Formula One and won the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1952. He was known for his technical expertise and contributions to automotive journalism.