Famous people and celebrities born in 1946
We celebrate the remarkable individuals born in 1946. This year gave rise to a new generation of talent, including actors, musicians, athletes, politicians and more who have significantly impacted our world. Dive into the stories of these famous personalities, explore their journeys, and see how they've shaped culture and society since their birth year. Join us as we take a nostalgic trip back to 1946 and honor the stars who continue to shine brightly today.
- Jan. 5 Diane Keaton
Acclaimed American actress known for her iconic roles in Woody Allen films like 'Annie Hall', for which she won an Academy Award, and her memorable performances in 'The Godfather' series.
- Jan. 11 Naomi Judd
Renowned country music singer who formed the legendary duo 'The Judds' with her daughter Wynonna, winning multiple Grammy Awards and selling over 15 million albums before retiring due to hepatitis.
- Jan. 19 Dolly Parton
Iconic American country music singer, songwriter, actress, and philanthropist who rose from poverty to become a global entertainment legend. She is known for her hit songs, successful film career, and her famous Dollywood theme park in Tennessee.
- Feb. 5 Charlotte Rampling
Renowned British actress known for provocative and challenging roles in international cinema. She gained significant recognition for her performance in 'The Night Porter' and has been a prominent figure in art house and mainstream films since the 1960s.
- Feb. 14 Gregory Hines
Gregory Hines was a legendary African American tap dancer, choreographer, actor, and singer who revolutionized tap dancing in the 20th century. He starred in numerous films like 'White Nights' and brought tap dance to mainstream entertainment. His innovative style and passionate performances made him an iconic figure in dance and performing arts.
- Feb. 21 Alan Rickman
Alan Rickman was a critically acclaimed British actor famous for iconic roles in Harry Potter as Severus Snape and as Hans Gruber in Die Hard. He was also a respected stage actor and director with a distinguished career in theater and film.
- March 12 Frank Welker
Renowned voice actor famous for numerous cartoon and film character voices, including roles in Transformers, Scooby-Doo, and many animated series.
- April 5 Jane Asher
Renowned British actress, writer, and multi-talented personality who began her career as a child actor and later became successful in literature and theatre. She gained critical acclaim in several films and television productions, and published multiple books including cookbooks and novels.
- April 12 Ed O'Neill
Ed O'Neill is an acclaimed American actor famous for his iconic roles as Al Bundy in 'Married... with Children' and Jay Pritchett in 'Modern Family', two highly successful sitcoms that defined television comedy in different eras.
- April 13 Al Green
Al Green is a legendary soul and R&B singer known for his smooth, passionate vocal style and influential hits from the 1970s. He later became a reverend and continued to perform gospel music, bridging secular and religious musical traditions.
- April 19 Tim Curry
Iconic British actor, singer, and voice artist renowned for his legendary performance in 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show' and numerous memorable character roles in film and television.
- April 25 Talia Shire
Talia Shire is an acclaimed American actress known for her iconic roles as Adrian in the Rocky series and Connie Corleone in The Godfather films, establishing herself as a significant figure in 1970s and 1980s cinema.
- April 28 Nour El-Sherif
Prominent Egyptian actor and film producer who was a significant figure in the Arab cinema industry, known for his versatile acting and influential career.
- May 1 Joanna Lumley
Renowned British actress and television personality known for her iconic roles in 'The New Avengers', 'Absolutely Fabulous', and her elegant, intelligent public persona. Born in Kashmir, she has been a prominent figure in British entertainment since the late 1960s.
- May 2 Lesley Gore
Lesley Gore was an influential American pop singer of the 1960s, best known for her iconic hit songs 'It's My Party' and 'You Don't Own Me', which became anthems of female empowerment.
- May 2 David Suchet
David Suchet is a renowned British actor famous worldwide for his definitive portrayal of Agatha Christie's detective Hercule Poirot in the long-running television series, considered the most authentic interpretation of the character.
- May 13 Tim Pigott-Smith
Renowned British actor known for his powerful performances in television, film, and theater, particularly famous for his roles in 'The Jewel in the Crown' and numerous stage productions.
- May 19 André the Giant
André the Giant was a legendary French professional wrestler and actor, famous for his extraordinary size and memorable role in 'The Princess Bride'.
- June 2 Brian Cox
Brian Cox is a renowned Scottish actor with a distinguished career in film and television, known for memorable roles in 'Braveheart', 'X2: X-Men United', and numerous critically acclaimed performances.
- June 5 Stefania Sandrelli
Renowned Italian actress who has starred in over 50 films, known for her versatility in portraying both innocence and sensuality. She worked with notable directors like Bertolucci and Scola, and has won multiple prestigious awards.
- June 15 Demis Roussos
Famous Greek singer who rose to international fame as a member of progressive rock band Aphrodite's Child and later as a successful solo artist, selling over 60 million albums worldwide.
- June 28 Gilda Radner
Iconic comedian and original Saturday Night Live cast member who pioneered comedic character work and was known for her memorable characters like Roseanne Roseannadanna. She was married to actor Gene Wilder and was a beloved figure in comedy before her untimely death.
- July 10 Sue Lyon
American actress famous for her controversial role as Lolita at age 14, who later starred in notable films like 'The Night of the Iguana' and struggled with personal challenges.
- July 13 Cheech Marin
Iconic Mexican-American comedian and actor, famous for the comedy duo 'Cheech and Chong' who revolutionized counter-culture comedy in the 1970s and 1980s. Their groundbreaking humor and films like 'Up in Smoke' made them legendary in comedy history.
- Aug. 30 Peggy Lipton
Iconic American actress known for her roles in groundbreaking TV series 'Mod Squad' and 'Twin Peaks', representing the counterculture and hippie aesthetic of the late 1960s and early 1990s.
- Sept. 1 Barry Gibb
Legendary pop musician and member of the Bee Gees, a groundbreaking musical group that dominated the disco era and pop music scene. He co-wrote numerous global hit songs and significantly influenced popular music in the 1960s and 1970s.
- Sept. 15 Tommy Lee Jones
Acclaimed American actor known for his intense performances in critically acclaimed films like 'The Fugitive', 'Men in Black', and 'No Country for Old Men'. He won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1993 for 'The Fugitive'.
- Sept. 15 Oliver Stone
Renowned American filmmaker and five-time Academy Award winner known for provocative and politically charged films that challenge historical narratives. His most famous works include 'Platoon', 'JFK', and 'Wall Street'.
- Sept. 25 Felicity Kendal
Felicity Kendal is a renowned British actress famous for her iconic role in the beloved sitcom 'The Good Life' and her extensive stage performances in theater.
- Oct. 4 Susan Sarandon
Acclaimed American actress known for her powerful performances in films like 'Thelma & Louise' and 'Dead Man Walking', for which she won an Academy Award for Best Actress in 1996.
- Oct. 16 Suzanne Somers
American actress best known for her roles in 'Three's Company' and 'Step by Step', who became a popular television personality and later a health and wellness author.
- Oct. 20 Richard Loncraine
Acclaimed English film director known for his work in cinema and television, with notable adaptations and original productions.
- Oct. 22 Deepak Chopra
Renowned Indian-American physician, author, and alternative medicine advocate who has written extensively on holistic health, spirituality, and mind-body connection. He transformed public understanding of wellness by bridging Eastern philosophy with Western medical practices.
- Oct. 27 Ivan Reitman
Renowned film director, producer, and screenwriter known for comedy classics like 'Ghostbusters' and 'Stripes', who significantly influenced Hollywood comedy in the 1980s and 1990s.
- Nov. 4 Tom Savini
Tom Savini is a legendary special effects makeup artist and actor who revolutionized horror film gore and practical effects in the 1970s and 1980s, working on iconic films like 'Dawn of the Dead' and 'Friday the 13th'.
- Nov. 30 Marina Abramovic
Marina Abramović is a pioneering Serbian performance artist renowned for her groundbreaking and often physically and emotionally challenging works that explore the limits of human endurance, perception, and interpersonal relationships.
- Dec. 8 Sharmila Tagore
Renowned Indian actress who was a leading figure in Bollywood during the 1960s and 1970s, known for her elegance and significant contributions to Indian cinema.
- Dec. 14 Jane Birkin
French-British actress, singer, and model who became an iconic figure in French cinema and culture. She was known for her collaboration with Serge Gainsbourg and her influential role in the entertainment industry.
- Dec. 17 Eugene Levy
Renowned Canadian comedian, actor, and writer best known for his work on SCTV and in comedy films like American Pie and Best in Show.
- Dec. 30 Patti Smith
Pioneering punk rock poet and musician who revolutionized the New York music scene in the 1970s. Her debut album 'Horses' became a landmark in punk and alternative rock, blending poetry with raw musical energy. Smith is considered a significant influence on punk and alternative music genres.
What happened in 1946?
Discover what the world looked like in 1946: