Famous people and celebrities born in January 1929

Welcome to our dedicated page for celebrating the notable individuals born in January 1929! 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 Haruo Nakajima

  Legendary Japanese actor and stuntman who portrayed Godzilla in 12 classic films from 1954 to 1972, becoming an iconic figure in Japanese cinema.

• Jan. 3 Sergio Leone

  Legendary Italian film director renowned for revolutionizing the Western genre with his iconic 'Spaghetti Westerns' like 'The Good, the Bad and the Ugly', which significantly influenced global cinema and launched Clint Eastwood's career.

• Jan. 3 Gordon Moore

  Co-founder of Intel Corporation and author of Moore's Law, which predicted the exponential growth of computing power. A pivotal figure in the development of modern microprocessors and the personal computer revolution.

• Jan. 4 Günter Schabowski

  German journalist and politician famously known for his pivotal role in the fall of the Berlin Wall, accidentally announcing the opening of border crossings during a press conference in 1989.

• Jan. 7 Terry Moore

  Terry Moore was a prominent Hollywood actress in the 1950s, known for her fresh-faced beauty and early success. She was a popular pin-up model and magazine cover girl, famously photographed by Tom Kelly, who also shot Marilyn Monroe's iconic calendar. Her career spanned film, radio, and modeling.

• Jan. 8 Saeed Jaffrey

  Renowned Indian-English actor who had a significant career in film, television, and theater, bridging Indian and Western cinema.

• Jan. 8 Gerry Spence

  Legendary American trial lawyer known for defending high-profile clients and advocating for civil rights, famous for landmark cases like the Silkwood lawsuit and Randy Weaver's defense.

• Jan. 9 Heiner Müller

  Renowned German dramatist, poet, and writer considered one of the most significant playwrights of the 20th century, known for his postmodern and postdramatic theatrical works.

• Jan. 9 Dorothea Puente

  Notorious American serial killer who ran a boarding house in Sacramento and murdered multiple tenants for financial gain.

• Jan. 12 Alasdair MacIntyre

  Prominent Scottish-American philosopher renowned for his work in moral and political philosophy, particularly his critique of modern liberal individualism.

• Jan. 13 Joseph Anthony Pass

  Joseph Pass was a legendary jazz guitarist renowned for his exceptional improvisational skills and significant contributions to bebop and cool jazz genres.

• Jan. 15 Martin Luther King

  American civil rights activist and leader who fought against racial segregation, advocating for equality through nonviolent resistance. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for his pivotal role in the civil rights movement.

• Jan. 16 Allard Lowenstein

  Influential American civil rights lawyer, politician, and activist who played a crucial role in progressive political movements during the 1960s, including the anti-Vietnam War efforts.

• Jan. 16 Francesco Scavullo in Staten Island

  Renowned New York celebrity photographer who significantly influenced fashion and portrait photography in the 20th century.

• Jan. 17 Jacques Plante

  Legendary NHL goaltender who revolutionized hockey by popularizing the goalie mask. He played 19 seasons with the Montreal Canadiens, winning five consecutive Stanley Cup championships and transforming the goaltender position.

• Jan. 20 Arte Johnson

  Renowned American comedian and actor best known for his comedic roles in 'Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In' and numerous comedy films.

• Jan. 22 Petr Eben

  Petr Eben was a renowned Czech composer, organist, and choral conductor known for his significant contributions to 20th-century classical music. He composed numerous works for organ, choir, and orchestra, often drawing inspiration from his experiences during World War II and his Christian faith. Eben was particularly celebrated for his ability to blend modern compositional techniques with traditional musical forms.

• Jan. 23 Phillip Knightley

  Renowned Australian investigative journalist and media critic known for his insightful work on intelligence services and propaganda. He was a respected visiting professor of journalism at the University of Lincoln in England.

• Jan. 23 John Polanyi

  Nobel Prize-winning German-Canadian physical chemist who made pioneering contributions to chemical reaction dynamics. His research led to significant advancements in laser technology and he is also known for his activism in nuclear disarmament.

• Jan. 26 Jules Feiffer

  Pulitzer Prize-winning American cartoonist, playwright, screenwriter, and educator known for his satirical and influential work.

• Jan. 26 M R Turner

  Renowned publisher known for innovative strategies and successful publications in the media industry.

• Jan. 27 Mohamed Al-Fayed

  Wealthy Egyptian-Swiss businessman famous for owning Harrods department store and being involved in the controversial circumstances surrounding Princess Diana's death.

• Jan. 27 Ingrid Thulin

  Renowned Swedish actress famous for her powerful performances in Ingmar Bergman films, particularly in 'Cries and Whispers'.

• Jan. 27 Gastón Suárez

  Prominent Bolivian playwright and author known for his significant contributions to Latin American literature during the mid-20th century.

• Jan. 28 Claes Oldenburg

  Renowned Swedish-American pop artist famous for large-scale public sculptures that transform everyday objects into monumental artworks, significantly influencing contemporary art.

• Jan. 29 Elio Petri

  Renowned Italian film director and screenwriter known for politically charged cinema exploring social issues and class struggle.

• Jan. 30 Isamu Akasaki

  Renowned Japanese physicist and engineer who made groundbreaking contributions to LED technology, particularly blue LED development, which earned him a Nobel Prize in Physics.

• Jan. 31 Jean Simmons

  Renowned British actress who rose to international fame in the 1940s and 1950s. She was nominated for Academy Awards for her roles in 'Hamlet' and 'The Happy Ending'. Simmons was a versatile performer who successfully transitioned between British and Hollywood cinema.

• Jan. 31 Rudolf Mössbauer

  PHY - German physicist and academic, nobel prize laureate (d. 2011)