Famous people and celebrities born in 1951
We celebrate the remarkable individuals born in 1951. 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 1951 and honor the stars who continue to shine brightly today.
- Jan. 1 Nana Patekar
Nana Patekar is a renowned Indian actor known for his powerful and intense performances in both Bollywood mainstream cinema and art house films, with a career spanning several decades.
- Jan. 8 John McTiernan
Renowned Hollywood film director famous for directing iconic action movies like Die Hard, Predator, and The Hunt for Red October.
- Jan. 12 Rush Limbaugh
Rush Limbaugh was a highly influential conservative radio host who dominated political talk radio for decades. His controversial and polarizing show shaped conservative media discourse in the United States.
- Jan. 12 Kirstie Alley
Kirstie Alley was an Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actress best known for her comedic roles in 'Cheers' and the 'Look Who's Talking' film series. She was a prominent television and film actress during the 1980s and 1990s.
- Jan. 23 Chesley Sullenberger
American commercial airline pilot who heroically landed US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River in 2009, saving all 155 passengers and crew through extraordinary skill and composure during an emergency landing.
- Feb. 15 Jane Seymour
Jane Seymour is a renowned English-American actress known for her versatile roles in film and television, including the popular series 'Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman'.
- Feb. 15 Melissa Manchester
Melissa Manchester is an accomplished American singer-songwriter known for her powerful vocals and hit songs like 'Don't Cry Out Loud'.
- Feb. 16 William Katt
American actor known for his role in 'Carrie' and TV series 'The Greatest American Hero', born to film actors Bill Williams and Barbara Hale. He served in the US Air Force from 1971 to 1975 before launching his acting career.
- Feb. 19 Stephen Nichols
American actor known for his roles in television series like 'Santa Barbara' and 'Days of Our Lives', with a diverse career spanning comedy, drama, science-fiction, and action genres.
- Feb. 20 Gordon Brown
British politician who served as Chancellor of the Exchequer and later Prime Minister. He was a key figure in the Labour Party, working closely with Tony Blair and playing a significant role in UK politics during the late 1990s and 2000s.
- Feb. 23 Patricia Richardson
Patricia Richardson is an American actress best known for her iconic role as Jill Taylor in the popular 1990s sitcom Home Improvement, starring alongside Tim Allen.
- Feb. 24 Helen Shaver
Canadian-American actress known for her versatile performances in theater, film, and television. She gained recognition for her roles in critically acclaimed films like 'Desert Hearts' and 'The Color of Money'.
- March 10 Gloria Diaz
Gloria Diaz is a renowned Filipino actress and beauty queen who won the Miss Universe title in 1969, becoming the first Filipino to achieve this international recognition.
- March 17 Kurt Russell
Kurt Russell is a renowned American actor who began his career as a child actor with Disney and later transitioned to successful film roles. He received an Emmy nomination for his portrayal of Elvis Presley and has starred in numerous iconic movies. Russell also briefly pursued minor league baseball before fully committing to acting.
- April 7 Janis Ian
Grammy-winning singer-songwriter known for her introspective folk music and powerful song 'At Seventeen'. She has had a significant career spanning multiple decades, winning awards in both music and literature.
- April 17 Olivia Hussey
Argentinean-British actress famous for her iconic role as Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli's 1968 film adaptation of 'Romeo and Juliet'. She became an international star at a very young age, captivating audiences with her youthful beauty and emotional performance.
- April 21 Tony Danza
Tony Danza is an iconic American actor and television personality, famous for his starring roles in popular sitcoms 'Taxi' and 'Who's the Boss?' during the 1970s and 1980s.
- May 3 Christopher Cross
Grammy-winning musician known for soft rock and pop hits in the late 1970s and early 1980s, including the iconic songs 'Sailing' and 'Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)'.
- May 4 Jackie Jackson
Prominent American musician and singer, key member of the legendary Jackson 5 family music group, known for his significant contribution to pop and R&B music.
- May 21 Al Franken
Al Franken is an American comedian, writer, and former US Senator who gained fame through Saturday Night Live and later became a political satirist and progressive politician.
- June 5 Suze Orman
Renowned financial expert and bestselling author who has significantly influenced personal finance education through her books, television shows, and motivational speaking, helping millions of Americans understand money management.
- June 13 Stellan Skarsgård
Stellan Skarsgård is a renowned Swedish actor known for his versatile roles in international cinema, including critically acclaimed films like 'Good Will Hunting', 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo', and the popular musical 'Mamma Mia!'
- June 16 Roberto Durán
Legendary Panamanian boxer known as 'Hands of Stone', one of the greatest boxers in history who dominated multiple weight classes during his career.
- June 17 Joe Piscopo
American comedian and actor famous for his memorable Saturday Night Live performances in the 1980s, particularly his iconic impressions of Frank Sinatra and other celebrities. He was a prominent cast member during the show's golden era and also appeared in comedy films.
- July 6 Geoffrey Rush
Geoffrey Rush is an acclaimed Australian actor known for his versatile performances in film and theater. He won an Academy Award for his role in 'Shine' and gained international recognition as Captain Barbossa in the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' franchise. Rush is considered one of Australia's most talented and respected actors.
- July 8 Anjelica Huston
Acclaimed American actress from a legendary film family, Anjelica Huston is an Oscar-winning performer known for her powerful roles in films like 'Prizzi's Honor' and 'Enemies, A Love Story'. She comes from a distinguished lineage of filmmakers, being the daughter of renowned director John Huston and granddaughter of actor Walter Huston.
- July 12 Brian Grazer
Brian Grazer is a renowned Hollywood film and television producer who co-founded Imagine Entertainment with Ron Howard, producing numerous critically acclaimed films and TV shows.
- July 12 Cheryl Ladd
Cheryl Ladd is an iconic American actress and singer best known for her role as Kris Munroe in the popular 1970s television series 'Charlie's Angels'.
- July 13 Didi Conn
Didi Conn is an American actress best known for her iconic role as Frenchy in the classic musical film Grease, which has become a significant part of pop culture history.
- July 15 Jesse Ventura
Jesse Ventura is a multifaceted American personality known for his diverse career as a professional wrestler, Navy SEAL, politician, and governor of Minnesota. He served as Minnesota's governor from 1999 to 2003, representing the Reform Party and bringing an unconventional approach to state politics. His unique background and outspoken personality made him a notable figure in American public life.
- July 17 Lucie Arnaz
Lucie Arnaz is an American actress from a famous entertainment family, daughter of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. She appeared on 'Here's Lucy' and had her own brief television show in the 1980s.
- July 19 Abel Ferrara
Influential independent film director known for provocative and gritty urban dramas like 'Bad Lieutenant' and 'King of New York'.
- July 21 Robin Williams
Legendary comedian and actor who rose to fame through his improvisational comedy and iconic TV series 'Mork and Mindy'. He was a versatile performer known for his rapid-fire comedy, dramatic roles, and profound comedic genius, winning an Academy Award and touching millions of hearts worldwide. [bio]
- July 24 Lynda Carter
Lynda Carter is an iconic American actress and singer best known for her groundbreaking portrayal of Wonder Woman in the popular 1970s television series, which made her a cultural symbol of female empowerment.
- July 25 Jack Thompson
Acclaimed Australian actor known for powerful performances in critically acclaimed films like 'Breaker Morant' and 'Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence'. He is recognized for his versatile acting and significant contributions to Australian cinema.
- Sept. 2 Mark Harmon
Renowned American actor from a notable entertainment family, best known for his long-running role in the TV series NCIS and appearances in multiple films and television shows.
- Sept. 5 Michael Keaton
Michael Keaton is an acclaimed American actor known for his versatile roles in iconic films like Batman, Beetlejuice, and Birdman, winning critical acclaim and demonstrating remarkable range across comedy and drama.
- Sept. 7 Chrissie Hynde
Iconic rock musician and lead singer of The Pretenders, known for her influential role in punk and new wave music during the late 1970s and 1980s. She founded the band and wrote many of their hit songs, becoming a significant figure in rock music history.
- Sept. 12 Joe Pantoliano
Well-known American character actor famous for roles in 'The Sopranos', 'The Matrix', and 'Memento', known for his versatile and memorable performances.
- Sept. 13 Jean Smart
Emmy Award-winning actress known for her roles in television series like 'Designing Women', 'Frasier', and 'Hacks', with a career spanning comedy and drama.
- Sept. 17 Cassandra Peterson
Cassandra Peterson is an iconic American actress and performer best known for her character Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, a horror hostess who became a pop culture phenomenon in the 1980s.
- Sept. 25 Mark Hamill
Iconic American actor best known for playing Luke Skywalker in the original Star Wars trilogy. He has had a diverse career in acting, voice acting, and has been a significant figure in pop culture since the late 1970s.
- Oct. 5 Bob Geldof
Irish musician, activist, and humanitarian who co-founded Band Aid and organized Live Aid, a groundbreaking global charity concert to raise funds for African famine relief in 1985.
- Oct. 5 Karen Allen
Acclaimed American actress best known for her iconic role as Marion Ravenwood in 'Raiders of the Lost Ark' and memorable performances in films like 'Starman' and 'Malcolm X'.
- Oct. 26 Julian Schnabel
Renowned American artist, painter, and filmmaker known for his distinctive Neo-expressionist style and critically acclaimed films like 'Basquiat' and 'The Diving Bell and the Butterfly'.
- Oct. 30 Harry Hamlin
Prominent American actor known for his role in the popular 1980s legal drama 'L.A. Law', where he played attorney Michael Kuzak. He was named People Magazine's 'Sexiest Man Alive' in 1987 and has maintained a steady acting career since his film debut in 1978.
- Nov. 19 Zeenat Aman
Zeenat Aman is a prominent Bollywood actress and model who was a major sex symbol and influential figure in Indian cinema during the 1970s and 1980s, known for her bold and glamorous roles.
- Nov. 26 Ilona Staller
Hungarian-Italian pornographic actress and politician who was elected to the Italian Parliament, known for her provocative political style and controversial claims about espionage.
What happened in 1951?
Discover what the world looked like in 1951: