Famous people and celebrities born in January 1933

Welcome to our dedicated page for celebrating the notable individuals born in January 1933! 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 Joe Orton

  Joe Orton was a groundbreaking British playwright who revolutionized theater with his provocative, darkly comedic works that challenged societal conventions. His plays like 'Entertaining Mr. Sloane' and 'Loot' were known for their sharp satire and subversive humor. Tragically, his promising career was cut short when he was murdered by his partner in 1967.

• Jan. 4 Ilia II

  Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, the spiritual leader of the Georgian Orthodox Church since 1977.

• Jan. 9 Wilbur Smith

  Renowned South African novelist famous for his adventure and historical fiction novels, particularly those set in Africa. He wrote over 40 books that have been translated into multiple languages and sold over 140 million copies worldwide.

• Jan. 11 Goldie Hill

  Pioneering American country music singer who helped break gender barriers in the music industry during the 1950s and 1960s.

• Jan. 12 Michael Aspel

  British television and radio presenter known for hosting popular shows like 'This is Your Life' and 'Aspel and Company'. He was a prominent media personality in the UK during the 1960s-1980s, with a smooth and charming presenting style.

• Jan. 12 Liliana Cavani

  Renowned Italian film director known for her provocative and politically charged documentaries. Her work often explores complex historical and psychological themes, challenging viewers with intense and profound narratives.

• Jan. 14 Stan Brakhage

  Pioneering experimental filmmaker who revolutionized avant-garde cinema through innovative non-narrative techniques and personal, poetic visual approaches.

• Jan. 15 Ernest J. Gaines

  Acclaimed African American novelist known for powerful works exploring the African American experience in Louisiana, including 'The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman'.

• Jan. 16 Susan Sontag

  Susan Sontag was an influential American intellectual, writer, and cultural critic who significantly shaped 20th-century thought through her essays, novels, and political activism. She was known for her profound insights on art, culture, media, and politics, challenging conventional perspectives.

• Jan. 17 Shari Lewis

  Renowned American puppeteer, ventriloquist, and children's television host famous for her puppet characters Lamb Chop and Charlie Horse.

• Jan. 17 Sheree North

  Versatile American actress and dancer who appeared in numerous films and television shows during the 1950s and 1960s.

• Jan. 17 Dalida

  Legendary singer and performer who transcended cultural and linguistic boundaries in the music world.

• Jan. 17 Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan

  Influential French-Pakistani diplomat who made significant contributions to international humanitarian efforts.

• Jan. 18 John Boorman

  Renowned film director and producer known for critically acclaimed movies like 'Deliverance', 'Excalibur', and 'The Emerald Forest'.

• Jan. 18 David Bellamy

  Prominent English botanist, conservationist, and television presenter known for his passionate environmental advocacy.

• Jan. 18 Ray Dolby

  Pioneering American engineer who founded Dolby Laboratories and revolutionized audio technology worldwide.

• Jan. 19 George Coyne

  Renowned Jesuit priest, astronomer, and theologian who served as director of the Vatican Observatory and made significant contributions to the dialogue between science and religion.

• Jan. 20 Gérard Hernandez

  Gérard Hernandez is a prominent French actor with a long career in comedy and television, known for his distinctive humor and memorable performances in popular French sitcoms.

• Jan. 21 William Wrigley

  Prominent American businessman who founded the Wrigley Company, a global chewing gum and confectionery manufacturer. He transformed a small soap company into a massive global brand known for chewing gum.

• Jan. 23 Chita Rivera

  Legendary Broadway performer and dancer, known for groundbreaking roles in West Side Story and other iconic musicals. She was a trailblazing Latina artist who significantly influenced American theater.

• Jan. 25 Corazon Aquino

  Corazon Aquino was a pivotal political figure in the Philippines who became president after the fall of Ferdinand Marcos, leading the country's transition to democracy. She was known for her gentle demeanor and moral leadership during a critical period of Philippine history. Her presidency symbolized the power of peaceful resistance against authoritarian rule.

• Jan. 26 Ercole Baldini

  Italian professional cyclist who won the Olympic gold medal in road race in 1956 and the World Championship in the same year, becoming a legendary figure in Italian cycling history.

• Jan. 27 Jerry Buss

  Jerry Buss was a renowned American businessman and owner of the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team, who transformed the franchise into a legendary NBA dynasty during his ownership.

• Jan. 28 Susan Sontag in New York City

  Susan Sontag was a renowned American writer, filmmaker, philosopher, and political activist known for her influential essays on culture, art, and politics.

• Jan. 28 Jack Hill

  Jack Hill is an influential American film director and screenwriter known for his work in exploitation and genre cinema, particularly in the 1960s and 1970s.

• Jan. 29 Sacha Distel

  Renowned French singer, guitarist, and composer who was a prominent figure in French music during the 1960s and 1970s. He was a versatile artist known for his jazz guitar skills and international hit 'Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head'.

• Jan. 30 Louis Rukeyser

  Renowned financial journalist and host of 'Wall Street Week', Louis Rukeyser was a prominent media figure who made complex financial topics accessible to mainstream audiences. He was known for his witty commentary and influential financial reporting from the 1970s through the early 2000s.

• Jan. 31 Bernardo Provenzano

  Notorious Sicilian Mafia boss who led the Corleonesi faction and was considered the de facto 'boss of bosses' until his arrest in 2006. Known as 'Binnie the Tractor' for his ruthless approach to eliminating rivals, he was a key figure in the Cosa Nostra's violent history.