Famous people and celebrities born in January 1939

Welcome to our dedicated page for celebrating the notable individuals born in January 1939! 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 Michèle Mercier

  Michèle Mercier is a renowned French actress famous for her iconic role as Angélique in the popular 'Angélique' film series during the 1960s, which made her an international star.

• Jan. 3 Bobby Hull

  Legendary Canadian hockey player known as the 'Golden Jet', who revolutionized the sport with his powerful slapshot and exceptional playing skills in both NHL and WHA.

• Jan. 3 Michel Siffre

  French underground explorer and scientist who founded the French Institute of Speleology in 1962, pioneering research in cave exploration and human isolation studies.

• Jan. 4 Jon Appleton

  Jon Appleton is a renowned American composer and electronic music pioneer who significantly contributed to the development of electronic and experimental music through innovative compositions blending electronic and traditional instruments.

• Jan. 5 Peter Stuychen

  Dutch artist and computer art pioneer who explored innovative intersections between technology and artistic expression.

• Jan. 6 Murray Rose

  Murray Rose was an exceptional Australian Olympic swimmer who won three gold medals at ages 16 and 20, becoming the youngest triple gold medalist of his time. He later transitioned to entertainment, working as a stuntman and television commentator, and remained an iconic figure in Australian sports history.

• Jan. 6 Valeriy Lobanovskyi

  Valeriy Lobanovskyi was a legendary Ukrainian footballer and manager who significantly influenced modern football tactics and coaching strategies. He was particularly renowned for his innovative approach to team management and tactical play.

• Jan. 8 Carolina Herrera

  Carolina Herrera is a renowned Venezuelan fashion designer celebrated for her sophisticated and elegant designs, particularly her iconic white shirts and luxurious evening gowns that have dressed celebrities and royalty worldwide.

• Jan. 9 Susannah York

  Acclaimed British actress known for her powerful performances in over 60 films, including her Oscar-nominated role in 'They Shoot Horses, Don't They?' and her groundbreaking performance in 'The Killing of Sister George'. She was also a talented author of screenplays and children's books.

• Jan. 10 Sal Mineo

  Iconic American actor known for his roles in 'Rebel Without a Cause' and 'Exodus', who was part of a tragic group of young Hollywood stars and was murdered at the age of 37.

• Jan. 10 David Horowitz

  Prominent American political commentator who transitioned from left-wing activism to conservative thought, authoring influential books about political ideology and personal transformation.

• Jan. 11 Anne Heggtveit

  Canadian alpine ski champion who won gold medal in slalom at the 1960 Winter Olympics, representing Canada and becoming a national sports icon.

• Jan. 12 William Lee Golden in Brewton

  Country singer from Brewton, Alabama, known for being a member of the legendary Oak Ridge Boys.

• Jan. 15 Per Ahlmark

  Duplicate of Per Ahlmark record

• Jan. 17 Maury Povich

  Famous American television talk show host known for his long-running show 'Maury' featuring sensational personal stories and paternity tests.

• Jan. 18 Bo Gritz

  Bo Gritz is a former U.S. Army Special Forces officer known for his military service, CIA involvement, and later advocacy for Vietnam War POWs. He was a highly decorated soldier who became a controversial political activist and conservative figure. After his military career, he became an outspoken critic of government policies regarding missing soldiers.

• Jan. 19 Phil Everly

  Phil Everly was a legendary American rock and roll and country singer, best known as one half of the influential Everly Brothers duo. Their harmonies profoundly influenced rock music, inspiring artists like The Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel. Their hit song "Cathy's Clown" was a landmark in 1960s popular music.

• Jan. 21 Steve Paxton

  Pioneering American choreographer and dancer who founded contact improvisation, a revolutionary dance form exploring physical interaction and movement principles.

• Jan. 21 Wolfman Jack [Bob Smith] in Brooklyn

  Legendary radio disc jockey known professionally as Wolfman Jack, famous for his distinctive voice and influential role in popular music broadcasting.

• Jan. 21 Viacheslav Platonov

  Renowned Russian volleyball player and coach who made significant contributions to the sport during his lifetime.

• Jan. 22 Sonny Chiba

  Legendary Japanese actor and martial artist famous for his iconic roles in martial arts films, particularly the 'Street Fighter' series.

• Jan. 24 Ray Stevens

  Ray Stevens is a renowned American country music singer, comedian, and songwriter known for his humorous novelty songs and musical comedy.

• Jan. 25 Angela Thorne

  British actress known for her compelling personal history, born in Karachi during the colonial era to a military family with complex family dynamics.

• Jan. 25 Giorgio Gaber

  Renowned Italian singer-songwriter and actor who was a significant figure in the Italian cultural scene, known for his poetic and politically engaged music.

• Jan. 27 Julius Lester

  Prominent African American author, academic, photographer, and musician who made significant contributions to literature and education at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

• Jan. 27 Brugh Joy

  American spiritual author and teacher known for exploring consciousness, self-healing techniques, and metaphysical phenomena through his writings and workshops.

• Jan. 28 John M. Fabian

  NASA astronaut and US Air Force colonel who participated in multiple space shuttle missions, including STS-7 and STS-51G.

• Jan. 28 Cornelia Wallace

  Former Miss Alabama who was married to a prominent political figure. She was a water skier at Cypress Gardens before her marriage and had two children during her first marriage.

• Jan. 29 Germaine Greer

  Prominent Australian-born feminist, academic, and writer who revolutionized feminist thought with her groundbreaking book 'The Female Eunuch' in 1970, challenging traditional views on women's roles in society.

• Jan. 30 Frank R. Wolf

  A prominent Republican politician from Virginia who served as a U.S. Representative, known for his long congressional career and advocacy work.