Famous people and celebrities born in January 1945

Welcome to our dedicated page for celebrating the notable individuals born in January 1945! 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 Jacky Ickx

  Legendary Belgian racing driver who won multiple Formula One and Le Mans races during the late 1960s and 1970s.

• Jan. 1 Awad Hamed al-Bandar

  Iraqi judge who was controversially involved in the trial of Saddam Hussein and subsequently executed in 2007.

• Jan. 2 Santo Versace

  Italian businessman and key executive in the Versace fashion empire, managing the company alongside his sister Donatella after the tragic death of their brother Gianni Versace.

• Jan. 3 Stephen Stills

  Stephen Stills is a legendary American rock musician, founding member of Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills & Nash. He was twice inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on the same night in 1997, recognizing his significant contributions to rock music. His innovative guitar work and songwriting have influenced generations of musicians.

• Jan. 4 Richard R. Schrock

  Distinguished American chemist who won the Nobel Prize for his groundbreaking work in organometallic chemistry, making significant contributions to scientific research.

• Jan. 4 Vesa-Matti Loiri

  Renowned Finnish multi-talented entertainer who was a prominent actor, musician, and comedian, known for his versatile performances across various media.

• Jan. 6 Barry John

  Prominent Welsh rugby player known for his significant contributions to the sport during the mid-20th century.

• Jan. 7 Raila Odinga

  Prominent Kenyan opposition leader and former Prime Minister who played a significant role in Kenya's political landscape, advocating for democratic reforms and social justice.

• Jan. 9 John Doman

  American actor known for roles in television series like 'The Wire' and 'Oz'.

• Jan. 9 Levon Ter-Petrosyan

  First President of Armenia, a prominent Syrian-Armenian politician and scholar who played a crucial role in Armenia's independence and early post-Soviet governance.

• Jan. 9 Harun Farocki

  Renowned German filmmaker and video artist known for experimental documentaries exploring media, politics, and social issues.

• Jan. 10 Rod Stewart

  Legendary British rock and pop singer who rose to fame in the 1970s, known for his distinctive raspy voice and hits like 'Maggie May' and 'Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?'. He was a key member of bands like Faces and has had a successful solo career spanning decades.

• Jan. 11 Christine Kaufmann

  Acclaimed German-Austrian actress who won the Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year in 1961, becoming the first German performer to receive this honor. She was a prominent film actress in European cinema during the 1960s and 1970s.

• Jan. 16 Kabir Bedi

  Renowned Indian actor known for his work in Bollywood, international cinema, and television, with a significant career spanning multiple decades.

• Jan. 16 Wim Suurbier

  Legendary Dutch footballer who played as a right-back for Ajax and the Netherlands national team during the 1970s, part of the iconic Total Football era.

• Jan. 17 Claude Guéant

  A prominent French political figure who served as Nicolas Sarkozy's chief of staff and Minister of Interior from 2011-2012. Known for his influential role in French government and nicknamed 'the cardinal' and 'prime minister bis'.

• Jan. 18 Rocco Forte

  Prominent English businessman known for his significant contributions in the hospitality industry, particularly through the Rocco Forte Hotels group. He comes from a distinguished business family and has been recognized for his philanthropic efforts.

• Jan. 19 Rod Evans

  Original lead vocalist of the legendary rock band Deep Purple, who performed with the band during their early years before being replaced.

• Jan. 20 Eric Stewart

  Renowned English musician, guitarist, and producer known for his significant contributions to rock bands 10cc, Hotlegs, Mandalaband, and The Mindbenders. A key figure in the British pop and rock music scene of the 1960s and 1970s.

• Jan. 20 Christopher Martin-Jenkins

  Respected English cricket journalist and broadcaster who was a prominent voice in sports commentary. He worked for BBC Test Match Special and wrote extensively about cricket.

• Jan. 21 Martin Shaw

  Renowned British actor famous for starring in the popular TV series 'The Professionals' and for his notable theater work, including playing Hamlet in America during 1969-1970.

• Jan. 24 Subhash Ghai

  Renowned Indian film director known as the 'Showman of Bollywood', famous for directing numerous critically acclaimed and commercially successful movies in the Hindi film industry.

• Jan. 25 Leigh Taylor-Young

  Prominent American actress known for her roles in television and film during the late 1960s and early 1970s, particularly recognized for her performances in 'Peyton Place' and other notable productions.

• Jan. 26 Jacqueline du Pré

  Jacqueline du Pré was a legendary British cellist who revolutionized classical music performance with her extraordinary emotional depth and technical brilliance. She was particularly renowned for her interpretations of Elgar's Cello Concerto and her tragically short career due to multiple sclerosis.

• Jan. 27 Nicholas Berkeley Mason drummer (Pink Floyd - "The Wall"

  Legendary drummer of Pink Floyd, a founding member of one of the most influential rock bands in history, known for iconic albums like 'The Wall'.

• Jan. 27 Nick Mason

  Drummer of Pink Floyd

• Jan. 27 Henri Texier

  Renowned French jazz double bassist known for his innovative collaborations with Don Cherry and leading the influential Transatlantik Quartet featuring notable jazz musicians.

• Jan. 29 Tom Selleck

  Iconic American actor best known for his starring role in 'Magnum P.I.' from 1980-1988. He won an Emmy Award and was named People Magazine's 'Sexiest Man' in 1987, becoming a major television and cultural icon.

• Jan. 30 Meir Dagan

  Meir Dagan was a highly influential Israeli intelligence officer who served as Mossad director from 2002 to 2011, known for his strategic approach to national security.

• Jan. 31 Brenda Hale

  Brenda Hale is a prominent British jurist who made significant contributions to legal history as the first female President of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, serving from 2017 to 2020. She is known for her landmark rulings and advocacy for judicial independence and human rights.