Famous people and celebrities born in 1948

We celebrate the remarkable individuals born in 1948. 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 1948 and honor the stars who continue to shine brightly today.

Jan. 14 Carl Weathers
Famous actor known for playing Apollo Creed in the Rocky film series and starring in action movies like Predator.
Jan. 16 John Carpenter
Renowned American film director famous for pioneering horror and science fiction films. He directed iconic movies like 'Halloween' and 'The Thing', revolutionizing independent cinema with low-budget, high-impact productions.
Jan. 27 Mikhail Baryshnikov
Mikhail Baryshnikov is a legendary Russian-American ballet dancer, choreographer, and actor who revolutionized modern dance through his exceptional technical skills and artistic innovation. [bio]
Jan. 28 Charles Taylor
Liberian politician who served as the 22nd President of Liberia from 1997 to 2003, known for his role in the Sierra Leone Civil War and later convicted of war crimes by the International Criminal Court.
Feb. 1 Rick James
Legendary funk and R&B singer known for hits like 'Super Freak' and his influential role in 1980s music. A Grammy-nominated artist who significantly impacted popular music and influenced many future musicians.
Feb. 2 Ina Garten
Renowned American cookbook author and television personality known as the 'Barefoot Contessa', famous for her cooking shows and bestselling cookbooks.
Feb. 4 Alice Cooper
Legendary rock musician known for theatrical shock rock performances, pioneering a dramatic and provocative style in 1970s rock music. He is famous for hits like 'School's Out' and innovative stage shows featuring props like snakes and dramatic makeup.
Feb. 5 Barbara Hershey
Accomplished American actress known for her diverse roles in notable films like 'The Natural', 'Hannah and Her Sisters', and 'Last Temptation of Christ'. She was a prominent figure in Hollywood during the 1960s and 1970s, known for her distinctive hippie aesthetic.
Feb. 17 José José
Renowned Mexican singer-songwriter known as 'El Príncipe de la Canción' (The Prince of Song), who significantly influenced Latin American popular music during the 1970s and 1980s.
Feb. 18 Sinéad Cusack
Renowned Irish-English actress known for her distinguished stage and screen performances in theater and film.
Feb. 20 Jennifer O'Neill
Prominent American actress and model known for her iconic role in 'Summer of '42' and numerous magazine covers. Her life has been marked by personal challenges including multiple marriages and personal struggles.
Feb. 24 Dennis Waterman
Renowned English actor and singer famous for TV series like 'Minder' and 'The Sweeney', known for his distinctive cockney charm and musical talents.
Feb. 28 Bernadette Peters
Renowned Broadway and film actress, known for her exceptional performances in theater, film, and voice acting. She was the youngest inductee into the Theater Hall of Fame and has been nominated for multiple prestigious awards including Golden Globes, Tony Awards, and Grammy Awards.
Feb. 28 Mercedes Ruehl
Accomplished American actress known for her versatile roles in film, television, and theater. She has won a Tony Award and an Academy Award for her powerful performances.
March 14 Billy Crystal
Renowned American comedian, actor, and filmmaker known for his exceptional comedic skills, memorable film roles, and multiple hosting gigs at the Academy Awards.
March 26 Steven Tyler
Steven Tyler is the iconic lead singer of the legendary rock band Aerosmith, known for his distinctive voice and flamboyant stage presence. He co-founded the band in 1970 and was also a co-owner of the House of Blues restaurant-club in West Hollywood.
March 29 Bud Cort
American actor known for his iconic roles in cult classic films like Harold and Maude, notable for his distinctive comedic and dramatic performances.
March 31 Rhea Perlman
Emmy Award-winning actress best known for her iconic role as Carla Tortelli in the popular sitcom 'Cheers'.
April 6 Philippe Garrel
Renowned French filmmaker known for his significant contributions to French cinema, particularly in the experimental and art film genres. His works have been critically acclaimed and recognized at major international film festivals like Cannes and Venice.
April 18 Régis Wargnier
Acclaimed French film director known for his critically acclaimed international films, particularly those exploring complex cultural and historical narratives.
April 21 Claire Denis
Renowned French film director known for her distinctive and innovative cinematic style, particularly in art house and independent cinema.
May 14 Robert Zemeckis
Acclaimed film director known for iconic movies like 'Forrest Gump' and 'Back to the Future' trilogy. [bio]
May 19 Grace Jones
Grace Jones is a pioneering Jamaican-American singer, actress, and model who revolutionized pop culture with her avant-garde style and powerful music in the 1980s. She is known for her groundbreaking performances, iconic androgynous look, and influential hits in the new wave and disco genres.
June 1 Powers Boothe
Acclaimed American actor known for roles in films like 'Tombstone' and TV series such as 'Deadwood', with a career spanning several decades.
June 21 Ian McEwan
Acclaimed British novelist and screenwriter known for his literary works. Published his first short story collection in 1975 and has won numerous prestigious awards. Renowned for novels like 'Atonement' and works exploring complex human psychology.
June 28 Kathy Bates
Acclaimed Oscar-winning actress known for powerful performances in films like 'Misery' and 'Fried Green Tomatoes'. She has won both an Academy Award and multiple Emmy Awards throughout her distinguished career. Her versatility spans film, television, and stage productions. [bio]
July 6 Nathalie Baye
Renowned French actress known for her versatile roles in critically acclaimed films like François Truffaut's 'Day for Night' and 'The Return of Martin Guerre'.
July 28 Georgia Engel
Beloved American actress known for her distinctive soft-spoken voice and comedic roles in classic television sitcoms, particularly in 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show' and 'Everybody Loves Raymond'.
July 30 Jean Reno
Renowned French actor famous for his roles in international cinema, particularly in Luc Besson films like 'The Professional'. Born in Morocco, he moved to Paris as a teenager, becoming one of the most recognizable French actors globally.
July 30 Carel Struycken
Dutch actor known for distinctive tall stature and memorable roles in cult classics like 'The Addams Family' and 'Star Trek'. He has been a distinctive character actor in film and television.
Aug. 19 Jim Carter
Acclaimed English actor best known for his role as Mr. Carson in the popular TV series 'Downton Abbey'.
Aug. 30 Lewis Black
Lewis Black is a renowned stand-up comedian known for his angry, satirical comedy style, critically acclaimed comedy specials, and appearances on The Daily Show.
Sept. 2 Terry Bradshaw
Terry Bradshaw was a legendary NFL quarterback who led the Pittsburgh Steelers to four Super Bowl victories during the 1970s. He is considered one of the most successful quarterbacks in NFL history and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Beyond football, he has been a popular sports commentator and media personality.
Sept. 17 John Ritter
Beloved American television actor known for his comedic roles in 'Three's Company' and 'Hooperman', who won multiple awards including Golden Globe and Emmy, and was part of a renowned theatrical family.
Sept. 19 Jeremy Irons
Acclaimed British actor known for his distinctive voice and versatile performances in film, television, and theater. He won an Academy Award for his role in 'Reversal of Fortune' and is renowned for his compelling portrayals of complex characters.
Sept. 24 Phil Hartman
Legendary comedian and actor known for his versatile character work on Saturday Night Live and NewsRadio. He was tragically murdered by his wife in 1998, cutting short a brilliant comedy career.
Sept. 26 Olivia Newton-John
Iconic Australian-British singer, actress, and activist best known for her role in 'Grease' and her successful music career. She was a prominent cancer awareness advocate and philanthropist.
Oct. 2 Avery Brooks
Avery Brooks is a renowned American actor, director, and professor, best known for his iconic role as Captain Benjamin Sisko in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and as Hawk in the detective series Spenser: For Hire.
Oct. 2 Persis Khambatta
Persis Khambatta was an acclaimed Indian actress and model who gained international recognition for her striking beauty and memorable role as the bald navigator Lieutenant Ilia in Star Trek: The Motion Picture.
Oct. 8 Claude Jade
Renowned French actress of the New Wave cinema, famous for her iconic collaborations with François Truffaut in his Antoine Doinel trilogy, including 'Stolen Kisses' and 'Bed and Board'.
Oct. 16 Hema Malini
Hema Malini is a legendary Bollywood actress, dancer, and politician known as the 'Dream Girl' of Indian cinema, who starred in numerous iconic films and later became a Member of Parliament. [bio]
Oct. 17 George Wendt
George Wendt is an iconic American actor and comedian best known for his role as Norm Peterson on the legendary sitcom Cheers. He became a beloved television personality during the 1980s.
Oct. 17 Margot Kidder
Margot Kidder was a renowned Canadian-American actress famous for her portrayal of Lois Lane in the Superman film series starring Christopher Reeve. She was a significant figure in Hollywood during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Oct. 29 Kate Jackson
Kate Jackson is an iconic American television actress best known for her starring role as Sabrina Duncan in the groundbreaking 1970s television series Charlie's Angels, which made her a pop culture icon.
Nov. 9 Bille August
Renowned Danish film director known for award-winning international films like 'Pelle the Conqueror' and 'The House of the Spirits'.
Nov. 14 Charles
British royalty, the first son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip; heir to the throne of the United Kingdom. Known for his charitable work and environmental activism, he became King Charles III in 2022. [bio]
Nov. 27 James Avery
Best known for playing Uncle Phil in the iconic TV series 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air', James Avery was a beloved American actor with a significant television and theater career.
Nov. 28 Agnieszka Holland
Renowned Polish film director known for critically acclaimed movies like 'Europa Europa', a powerful exploration of Jewish identity during the Holocaust.
Dec. 12 Tom Wilkinson
Acclaimed English actor known for his versatile roles in film and theater, including notable performances in 'The Full Monty' and 'Shakespeare in Love'.
Dec. 27 Gérard Depardieu
Iconic French actor renowned for his versatility, charismatic screen presence, and significant contributions to international cinema. He has starred in over 170 films across multiple genres, winning numerous awards and becoming a global film ambassador.