Famous people and celebrities born in August 1949

Welcome to our dedicated page for celebrating the notable individuals born in August 1949! 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.

  • Aug. 2 James Fallows

    James Fallows is a renowned American journalist, political commentator, and author who has written extensively for The Atlantic and served as a presidential speechwriter for Jimmy Carter. He is widely respected for his in-depth analysis of American politics, technology, and social issues.

  • Philip Casnoff
    Aug. 3 Philip Casnoff

    American actor known for roles in television series and stage productions, with a career spanning multiple decades.

  • Aug. 4 John Riggins

    John Riggins is a legendary NFL running back who played primarily for the Washington Redskins, known for his powerful running style and memorable performances, including a famous Super Bowl touchdown.

  • Keith Carradine
    Aug. 8 Keith Carradine

    Keith Carradine is an accomplished American actor from a renowned acting family. He comes from a complex family background, being the son of actor John Carradine and half-brother to actors David and Robert Carradine. His early life was marked by challenging family dynamics, including custody battles and periods of separation.

  • Eric Carmen
    Aug. 11 Eric Carmen

    Eric Carmen is an American rock musician, best known as the lead singer of the power pop band Raspberries and for his successful solo career, including the hit song 'All By Myself'.

  • Aug. 11 Ian Charleson

    Ian Charleson was a Scottish actor renowned for his powerful performance in the Oscar-winning film 'Chariots of Fire', which significantly defined his acting career.

  • Aug. 12 Julien Lepers

    French TV presenter known for hosting 'Questions of Champions', he is the son of an architect and jazzman, with a background in law and initial political aspirations.

  • Aug. 13 Philippe Petit

    A legendary French high-wire artist renowned for his extraordinary and illegal tightrope walk between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in 1974, considered one of the most daring artistic performances of the 20th century.

  • Aug. 13 Mark Knopfler

    Legendary guitarist and lead singer of the iconic rock band Dire Straits, known for his distinctive guitar style and numerous hit songs.

  • Aug. 16 Scott Asheton

    Scott Asheton was a pioneering rock drummer and founding member of the influential proto-punk band The Stooges, known for his raw and energetic drumming style alongside Iggy Pop.

  • Julian Fellowes
    Aug. 17 Julian Fellowes

    Renowned English screenwriter, director, actor, and politician best known for creating the critically acclaimed TV series Downton Abbey and winning an Oscar for screenwriting.

  • Aug. 19 Altan Erkekli

    Prominent Turkish actor renowned for his versatility and significant contributions to Turkish cinema and television, with a career spanning multiple decades and diverse dramatic roles.

  • Aug. 20 Phil Lynott

    Legendary lead singer and bassist of the rock band Thin Lizzy, a pivotal figure in rock music during the 1970s and early 1980s.

  • Loretta Devine
    Aug. 21 Loretta Devine

    Renowned American actress and singer known for her roles in television series like Grey's Anatomy and films such as Waiting to Exhale. She has won multiple awards including an Emmy Award.

  • Shelley Long
    Aug. 23 Shelley Long

    Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actress best known for her role as Diane Chambers in the iconic sitcom 'Cheers'. She was a prominent television and film actress in the 1980s and 1990s.

  • Rick Springfield
    Aug. 23 Rick Springfield

    Australian-American rock musician and actor who rose to fame in the 1980s with hit single 'Jessie's Girl' and role in 'General Hospital'. He sold over 18 million albums and became a teen idol and pop culture icon.

  • Aug. 23 Leslie van Houten

    Former Manson Family cult member convicted for her role in the notorious Tate-LaBianca murders in 1969. She was sentenced to life in prison for her involvement in these heinous crimes.

  • Pia Degermark
    Aug. 24 Pia Degermark

    Swedish actress known for her role in the film 'Elvira Madigan', for which she won the Best Actress award at Cannes Film Festival in 1967.

  • Martin Amis
    Aug. 25 Martin Amis

    Prominent British novelist, essayist, and literary critic known for his postmodern style and satirical works.

  • John Savage
    Aug. 25 John Savage

    American actor and producer known for his roles in significant films like 'The Deer Hunter'.

  • Aug. 25 Gene Simmons

    Co-founder of the legendary rock band KISS, known for his distinctive stage persona, bass playing, and entrepreneurial ventures.

  • Aug. 25 Salif Keïta

    Malian musician known as the 'Golden Voice of Africa', pioneering world music by blending traditional West African sounds with modern genres.

  • Aug. 26 Leon Redbone

    Eccentric and nostalgic folk musician known for his vintage jazz and blues style, performing covers and original songs with a unique vocal approach.

  • Peter Maffay
    Aug. 30 Peter Maffay

    Renowned German rock and pop singer-songwriter of Romanian origin, known for his influential music career spanning several decades.

  • Richard Gere
    Aug. 31 Richard Gere

    Iconic Hollywood actor known for romantic leads and humanitarian work. He rose to fame in the 1980s with memorable roles in 'American Gigolo' and 'Pretty Woman'. Gere is also a prominent Buddhist activist and human rights advocate.