Famous people and celebrities born in January 1951

Welcome to our dedicated page for celebrating the notable individuals born in January 1951! 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.

• 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. 1 Prospero Gallinari

  Prospero Gallinari was a notorious Italian Red Brigades terrorist who was directly involved in the kidnapping and murder of Italian politician Aldo Moro in 1978, a pivotal event in Italian political history.

• Jan. 2 Andre Aciman

  Renowned Egyptian-American writer and professor known for his critically acclaimed novel 'Call Me by Your Name', which was later adapted into an Oscar-winning film. He is a distinguished professor of comparative literature at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York.

• Jan. 3 Luc Ferry

  Prominent French philosopher and intellectual who significantly contributed to secular humanist thought and was a member of the influential Saint-Simon Foundation think-tank.

• Jan. 5 Jagathy Sreekumar

  Jagathy Sreekumar is a renowned Malayalam cinema actor with an extensive career spanning over 1,100 films, known for his versatile performances and significant contribution to Indian cinema.

• Jan. 5 Christian De Sica

  Christian De Sica is a prominent Italian actor, director, and scriptwriter, son of legendary director Vittorio De Sica and Spanish actress Maraa Mercader, known for his significant contributions to Italian cinema and comedy.

• Jan. 6 Kim Wilson

  Kim Wilson is a renowned blues rock musician, best known as the lead singer and harmonica player of the influential blues-rock band The Fabulous Thunderbirds. He has been a significant figure in the blues and rock music scene since the late 1970s.

• 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. 9 Crystal Gayle

  Renowned country-western singer known for her crossover success and being Loretta Lynn's sister. She was the first country artist to tour China in 1979 and had multiple chart-topping hits like 'Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue'.

• Jan. 9 Michel Barnier

  Prominent French politician who served as Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries and was a key figure in European politics. He played a significant role in organizing the 1992 Albertville Olympic Games.

• 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. 13 Bernard Loiseau

  Renowned French chef who tragically committed suicide after facing potential loss of his prestigious three-star Michelin restaurant rating, symbolizing the intense pressure in haute cuisine.

• Jan. 15 Catherine Trautmann

  Prominent French socialist politician who served as Minister of Culture from 1997 to 2000 and was a long-standing member of the European Parliament between 1989 and 2014.

• Jan. 16 Richard Thompson

  Renowned British folk rock guitarist and songwriter, known for his innovative work with Fairport Convention and his influential solo career.

• Jan. 17 Rolando Thoeni

  Italian alpine ski racer who won a bronze medal in slalom at the 1972 Winter Olympics and was a prominent figure in Italian skiing during the 1970s.

• Jan. 18 Elijah Cummings

  Elijah Cummings was a prominent African American politician and civil rights advocate who served in the U.S. House of Representatives for Maryland's 7th congressional district from 1996 until his death in 2019. He was known for his powerful speeches, commitment to social justice, and leadership during critical congressional investigations.

• Jan. 20 Ian Hill

  Founding member and bass guitarist of the legendary heavy metal band Judas Priest, a key figure in the development of heavy metal music.

• Jan. 20 Iván Fischer

  Renowned Hungarian conductor and composer, known for his innovative interpretations and significant contributions to classical music.

• Jan. 21 Eric Holder

  Eric Holder served as the 82nd United States Attorney General from 2009 to 2015, making history as the first African American to hold this position. He was a key legal figure during the Obama administration, known for his progressive stance on civil rights and criminal justice reform.

• Jan. 22 Alveda King

  Alveda King is a prominent civil rights activist and niece of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., known for her pro-life advocacy and conservative political stance. She has been a vocal member of the anti-abortion movement and continues to be an influential figure in social and political discourse.

• Jan. 22 Ondrej Nepela

  Ondrej Nepela was a renowned Slovak figure skater who won multiple international championships, including Olympic and World titles. He was a significant figure in European figure skating during the 1960s and 1970s before his untimely death in 1989.

• 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.

• Jan. 24 Yakov Smirnoff

  Yakov Smirnoff is a renowned Russian-American comedian famous for his witty observations about cultural differences between the Soviet Union and the United States during the Cold War era. His comedic style often involved humorous 'Russian Reversal' jokes that played on stereotypes and linguistic misunderstandings. He became a popular stand-up comedian and actor in the 1980s and 1990s.

• Jan. 25 Steve Prefontaine

  Steve Prefontaine was an iconic American long-distance runner who revolutionized track and field in the 1970s. He was known for his aggressive racing style and became a cultural symbol of athletic determination. Despite not winning Olympic gold, he significantly influenced running culture and helped launch Nike's brand.

• Jan. 26 Andy Hummel

  American bass player and founding member of the influential power pop band Big Star, known for their significant impact on alternative rock music.

• Jan. 27 Alexander (magician)

  Alexander is a renowned magician known for his captivating stage performances and innovative illusions, making significant contributions to the world of magic entertainment.

• Jan. 27 Brian Downey

  Brian Downey is a rock drummer best known for his work with the legendary band Thin Lizzy, particularly famous for the hit song 'The Boys Are Back in Town'.

• Jan. 30 Charles Dutton

  Renowned African American actor and director known for powerful performances in film, television, and theater, including roles in 'Alien 3' and the TV series 'Roc'.

• Jan. 30 Phil Collins

  Legendary British musician, singer, and drummer, famous for his work with Genesis and successful solo career, known for hits like 'In the Air Tonight' and 'Another Day in Paradise'.