Famous people and celebrities born in 1947

We celebrate the remarkable individuals born in 1947. 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 1947 and honor the stars who continue to shine brightly today.

Jan. 8 David Bowie
Legendary British rock musician, singer-songwriter, and cultural icon who revolutionized popular music through innovative sound, theatrical performances, and constant reinvention of his artistic persona.
Jan. 18 Takeshi Kitano
Takeshi Kitano is a renowned Japanese filmmaker, actor, comedian, and artist known for his distinctive avant-garde cinema and influential 'Beat Takeshi' persona in Japanese popular culture.
Jan. 24 Michio Kaku
Renowned theoretical physicist, futurist, and popularizer of science. Author of multiple bestselling books exploring advanced physics, parallel universes, and future technologies.
Jan. 26 Patrick Dewaere
Prominent French actor of the 1970s who became famous for his roles in groundbreaking films like 'Going Places' alongside Gerard Depardieu. He was a talented performer who started in improvisational theater and quickly rose to prominence in French cinema.
Feb. 3 Paul Auster
Acclaimed postmodern novelist and filmmaker known for experimental narratives exploring identity, chance, and metafiction. His New York Trilogy revolutionized contemporary literature by blending detective fiction with philosophical inquiry.
Feb. 4 Dan Quayle
Dan Quayle was the 44th Vice President of the United States under George H.W. Bush from 1989 to 1993. Known for his controversial public speaking and gaffes, he became a notable figure in American political humor during his tenure.
March 19 Glenn Close
Acclaimed American actress with a distinguished family background, Glenn Close is a multiple award-winning performer known for her versatile roles in film and theater. Born into a prominent New England family, she decided early on to pursue acting and became one of Hollywood's most respected talents.
March 22 James Patterson
James Patterson is a prolific and bestselling American author renowned for his crime and thriller novels, particularly the famous Alex Cross detective series.
April 8 Robert Kiyosaki
Renowned American entrepreneur, author, and financial educator best known for his bestselling book 'Rich Dad Poor Dad'. He founded Cashflow Technologies and is a prominent speaker on financial literacy and investment strategies.
April 16 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
One of the most dominant basketball players in NBA history, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar played 20 seasons and is the league's all-time leading scorer. He was known for his signature 'skyhook' shot and won six NBA championships with the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers.
April 18 James Woods
Acclaimed American actor known for playing complex, often villainous characters. He received an Academy Award nomination for his role in 'Salvador' and portrayed a racist killer in 'Ghosts of Mississippi'.
May 4 Richard Jenkins
Acclaimed American actor known for versatile roles in films like 'The Shape of Water' and 'Spotlight', with multiple award nominations.
June 5 Laurie Anderson
Pioneering avant-garde artist known for her innovative multimedia performances, experimental music, and significant contributions to contemporary art and music.
June 6 Robert Englund
Iconic horror actor best known for playing Freddy Krueger in the 'Nightmare on Elm Street' franchise. He transformed from a character actor to a pop culture legend through his memorable horror role. He also made his directorial debut in 1988.
June 19 Salman Rushdie
Renowned British-Indian novelist who became internationally famous after the controversial publication of 'The Satanic Verses', which led to a fatwa calling for his assassination by Ayatollah Khomeini in 1989. He survived multiple assassination attempts and became a global symbol of free speech and literary resistance.
July 2 Larry David
Renowned comedian, writer, and creator of the iconic sitcom Seinfeld and the HBO series Curb Your Enthusiasm. A pioneering figure in comedy known for his unique observational and self-deprecating humor.
July 3 Betty Buckley
Acclaimed Broadway actress and singer best known for her Tony Award-winning performance as Grizabella in 'Cats', whose powerful rendition of 'Memory' made her a legendary musical theatre performer.
July 30 Arnold Schwarzenegger
Iconic Austrian-American bodybuilder, actor, and politician who became a global superstar. He transformed from a champion bodybuilder to a Hollywood action hero and later served as Governor of California from 2003 to 2011. His remarkable life journey includes success in multiple fields, from fitness to entertainment and public service.
Aug. 22 Cindy Williams
Iconic American actress famous for her role as Shirley Feeney in the beloved sitcom 'Laverne & Shirley', which ran from 1976 to 1983. She was a key figure in 1970s and 1980s television comedy, bringing humor and charm to millions of viewers.
Sept. 14 Sam Neill
Acclaimed New Zealand actor known for iconic roles in Jurassic Park, Dead Calm, and The Piano, with a distinguished international film career spanning several decades.
Sept. 21 Stephen King
Stephen King is a prolific American horror novelist and screenwriter who has published over 40 novels, with 26 adapted into films. His breakthrough novel 'Carrie' was published in 1974, and he has sold over 100 million books in 33 languages.
Sept. 25 Cheryl Tiegs
Iconic American supermodel who defined beauty standards in the 1970s and 1980s, known for her natural, wholesome blonde look and numerous magazine covers.
Sept. 27 Meat Loaf
Iconic rock singer known for his theatrical performances and epic album 'Bat Out of Hell'. A larger-than-life performer who blended rock opera with passionate storytelling and incredible vocal range.
Oct. 16 David Zucker
David Zucker is a renowned American comedy filmmaker famous for pioneering parody films like 'Airplane!' and 'The Naked Gun' series. He was a key member of the Zucker Brothers comedy team that revolutionized comedy filmmaking in the 1980s and 1990s.
Oct. 17 Michael McKean
Renowned American comedian, actor, and musician best known for his roles in 'Laverne & Shirley', 'This Is Spinal Tap', and 'Better Call Saul'.
Oct. 24 Kevin Kline
Versatile American actor renowned for his exceptional range across comedy, drama, and musical theater. Winner of an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 'A Fish Called Wanda' and two Tony Awards. Known as the 'American Olivier' for his remarkable ability to seamlessly transition between different acting styles.
Oct. 26 Hillary Clinton
Hillary Clinton is an American lawyer, politician, and former First Lady who served as the 67th United States Secretary of State. She was a pioneering figure in American politics, becoming the first woman nominated for president by a major political party. Her career spans law, public service, and advocacy for women's and children's rights.
Oct. 29 Richard Dreyfuss
Acclaimed American actor known for iconic roles in 'Jaws', 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind', and 'The Graduate'. He won an Oscar for Best Actor in 'The Goodbye Girl' in 1977, becoming the youngest recipient at the time.
Dec. 1 Alain Bashung
Renowned French singer, songwriter, and actor who was a significant figure in French contemporary music, known for his poetic lyrics and distinctive musical style.
Dec. 29 Ted Danson
Renowned American actor best known for his iconic role as Sam Malone in the beloved sitcom 'Cheers', which ran for 11 seasons and became a cultural phenomenon. His portrayal of the charming, womanizing bartender earned him multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.