Famous people and celebrities born in January 1918

Welcome to our dedicated page for celebrating the notable individuals born in January 1918! 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 Jaja Wachuku

  Prominent Nigerian politician who played a crucial role in Nigeria's early diplomatic representation as the first Nigerian Ambassador to the United Nations.

• Jan. 1 Patrick Anthony Porteous

  Indian-Scottish colonel who was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military decoration for valor in the British armed forces.

• Jan. 3 Maxene Andrews

  Maxene Andrews was a prominent American singer and member of the famous Andrews Sisters vocal group, known for their iconic World War II-era performances and hit song 'Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy'.

• Jan. 6 Eugene Locke

  Prominent American diplomat, lawyer, and politician who served as ambassador to Pakistan and deputy ambassador to South Vietnam, and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1967.

• Jan. 7 Bernard Finch

  American doctor involved in a notorious criminal case, convicted of homicide after having an affair with his young clinic employee Carole Tregoff in the mid-1950s.

• Jan. 10 Arthur Chung

  First president of Guyana who served from 1970 to 1980, playing a crucial role in the country's post-independence political landscape. He was a prominent lawyer and politician who helped shape Guyana's early years as a sovereign nation.

• Jan. 12 Maharishi Yogi

  Influential spiritual leader who popularized Transcendental Meditation worldwide and significantly impacted Western understanding of Eastern spirituality. He founded the Transcendental Meditation movement and was a prominent guru who advised celebrities and world leaders.

• Jan. 15 Abdel Gamal Nasser

  Gamal Abdel Nasser was a pivotal Egyptian leader who transformed the Arab world through his revolutionary politics and pan-Arab nationalism. He led Egypt's 1952 revolution, nationalized the Suez Canal, and became a symbol of anti-colonial resistance in the Middle East.

• Jan. 15 João Baptista de Oliveira Figueiredo

  João Figueiredo was a Brazilian military leader who played a crucial role in Brazil's transition from military dictatorship to democracy during his presidency from 1979 to 1985.

• Jan. 16 Stirling Silliphant

  Renowned American screenwriter and producer known for his significant contributions to film and television, including Academy Award-winning work.

• Jan. 17 Keith Joseph

  Prominent English lawyer and Conservative Party politician who served as Secretary of State for Education, known for his significant political influence.

• Jan. 17 George M. Leader

  American politician who served as the 36th Governor of Pennsylvania from 1955 to 1959, with a distinguished political career and military service.

• Jan. 17 Carole McDonald

  American singer and passionate astrologer who performed with her husband's band from 1938-1983 and amassed a significant 10,000-volume collection of astrology literature, which she sold to NCGR in 1979.

• Jan. 17 Francesca Snethlage

  Dutch researcher and author specializing in astrology and data collection.

• Jan. 18 Gustave Gingras

  Canadian-English physician and educator who made significant contributions to medical research and academic medicine in Canada.

• Jan. 19 John H. Johnson

  Pioneering African American publisher who founded Johnson Publishing Company and transformed Black media representation through iconic magazines like Ebony and Jet. His entrepreneurial journey began with a $500 loan and grew into a multimillion-dollar media and cosmetics empire.

• Jan. 20 Nevin Scrimshaw

  Renowned American nutrition scientist and professor emeritus at MIT who made significant contributions to global nutrition research and public health strategies.

• Jan. 21 Richard Winters

  American military officer who led Easy Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment during World War II, famously portrayed in the HBO miniseries 'Band of Brothers'. He was a highly respected leader known for his exceptional courage and strategic skills.

• Jan. 22 Elmer Lach

  Elmer Lach was a legendary Canadian ice hockey player who played for the Montreal Canadiens during the 1940s and 1950s. He was a key member of the team's dynasty and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the sport.

• Jan. 23 Gertrude Elion

  Gertrude Elion was a pioneering Nobel Prize-winning biochemist who revolutionized drug development. She developed crucial treatments for leukemia, malaria, and herpes, significantly advancing medical science. Her groundbreaking work earned her the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1988.

• Jan. 24 Oral Roberts

  Prominent American televangelist and founder of Oral Roberts University who significantly influenced pentecostal Christianity in the 20th century. He was known for his faith healing ministries and pioneering religious broadcasting. His ministry was controversial but highly influential in spreading charismatic Christian teachings.

• Jan. 26 Nicolae Ceaușescu

  Nicolae Ceaușescu was a controversial communist leader who ruled Romania with an iron fist from 1965 to 1989. He was ultimately overthrown and executed during the Romanian Revolution, marking the end of his oppressive regime.

• Jan. 27 Elmore James

  Legendary blues musician who significantly influenced electric blues guitar, known for his powerful slide guitar technique and iconic recordings like 'Dust My Broom'.

• Jan. 28 Harry Corbett

  Famous British actor and puppeteer known for creating the beloved children's puppet character Sooty. He was a pioneering entertainer who brought joy to generations of children through his television performances.

• Jan. 28 Suzanne Flon

  Renowned French actress with a distinguished career in cinema, known for her roles in films like 'One Deadly Summer' and 'Moulin Rouge'. A significant figure in French cinema of the 20th century.

• Jan. 29 John Forsythe

  John Forsythe was a renowned American actor best known for his roles in television series like 'Dynasty' and 'Charlie's Angels'. He had a distinguished career spanning several decades in film, television, and voice acting.

• Jan. 30 David Opatoshu

  American actor known for his roles in notable films and TV series like 'Torn Curtain' and 'Raid on Entebbe', who had a significant career spanning several decades.