Famous people and celebrities born in 1955

We celebrate the remarkable individuals born in 1955. 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 1955 and honor the stars who continue to shine brightly today.

Jan. 6 Rowan Atkinson
Rowan Atkinson is a world-renowned British comedian and actor famous for creating iconic characters like Mr. Bean and Edmund Blackadder. He is considered one of the most influential comedic performers of his generation, known for his exceptional physical comedy and expressive facial humor. [bio]
Jan. 18 Kevin Costner
Acclaimed Hollywood actor known for iconic films like 'Dances with Wolves', 'Field of Dreams', and 'The Bodyguard'. He is an Oscar-winning director and performer with a significant impact on American cinema in the 1980s and 1990s.
Jan. 26 Eddie Van Halen
Eddie Van Halen was a legendary Dutch-American guitarist and co-founder of the iconic rock band Van Halen, revolutionizing rock guitar playing with his innovative techniques and electrifying performances. Together with his brother Alex, David Lee Roth, and Michael Anthony, he transformed the rock music landscape in the late 1970s and 1980s. He is widely considered one of the most influential … [bio]
Feb. 8 John Grisham
Renowned American novelist and former lawyer who revolutionized legal thrillers, with over 110 million books printed and multiple film adaptations of his works.
Feb. 16 Margaux Hemingway
Margaux Hemingway was a prominent American model and actress from the famous Hemingway literary family. She gained international fame in the 1970s with a groundbreaking $1 million Fabergé perfume contract and graced the cover of Time magazine. Her striking 6-foot height and beauty made her an iconic figure in the fashion world.
Feb. 19 Jeff Daniels
Jeff Daniels is an acclaimed American actor and playwright known for comedic roles in 'Dumb and Dumber' and dramatic performances in films like 'The Squid and the Whale' and TV series 'The Newsroom'.
Feb. 21 Kelsey Grammer
Renowned American actor famous for his iconic role as Frasier Crane in 'Cheers' and its spin-off 'Frasier'. His personal life has been marked by significant challenges, including family tragedies and public controversies. Despite personal struggles, he has maintained a successful acting career spanning several decades.
Feb. 24 Steve Jobs
Legendary technology entrepreneur who co-founded Apple and Pixar, revolutionizing personal computing, mobile technology, and digital animation. [bio]
Feb. 28 Gilbert Gottfried
Gilbert Gottfried was a renowned American stand-up comedian, actor, and voice artist famous for his distinctive high-pitched voice, edgy comedy, and memorable roles in animated films like Aladdin and live-action comedies.
March 5 Penn Jillette
Penn Jillette is a renowned American magician, comedian, and skeptic famous for his comedy-magic duo Penn & Teller. He is known for his outspoken libertarian views, critical thinking, and debunking pseudoscience through entertaining performances.
March 9 Ornella Muti
Renowned Italian actress who rose to international fame in the 1970s and 1980s, known for her beauty and versatile acting skills in both comedy and dramatic roles.
March 17 Gary Sinise
Gary Sinise is a renowned American actor, director, and musician, famous for his powerful performances in films like Forrest Gump and Apollo 13, and his lead role in the TV series CSI: NY.
March 19 Bruce Willis
Iconic Hollywood actor known for action movies like Die Hard and comedy series Moonlighting. He rose to fame in the 1980s and became a major box office star, winning an Emmy in 1992. His charismatic tough-guy persona defined action cinema for decades. [bio]
March 28 Reba McEntire
Reba McEntire is a legendary country music singer, actress, and entertainer who has significantly influenced the country music genre with her powerful vocals and charismatic performances.
March 29 Brendan Gleeson
Brendan Gleeson is a renowned Irish actor known for his versatile roles in critically acclaimed films like Braveheart, Gangs of New York, and the Harry Potter series.
April 22 Johnnie To
Renowned Hong Kong film director known for stylish action and crime movies, a significant figure in contemporary Asian cinema who has influenced global film culture.
April 23 Judy Davis
Acclaimed Australian actress known for her powerful performances in films like 'Husbands and Wives' and 'My Brilliant Career'.
April 27 Eric Schmidt
Prominent technology executive who played a crucial role in Google's growth and global expansion, serving as CEO and later executive chairman of Alphabet Inc.
April 30 Nicolas Hulot
Prominent French environmental activist, television presenter, and influential ecological advocate who founded the Nicolas Hulot Foundation and served in political roles promoting environmental causes.
May 9 Kevin Peter Hall
Actor known for 'Harry and the Hendersons', who tragically died from AIDS at age 35. He was also notable for his roles in 'Predator' and other films.
May 16 Debra Winger
Acclaimed American actress known for her powerful performances in 'Urban Cowboy', 'An Officer and a Gentleman', and 'Terms of Endearment', for which she received an Academy Award nomination.
May 17 Bill Paxton
Renowned American actor and filmmaker known for roles in 'Titanic', 'Aliens', and 'Twister', who directed and starred in numerous films before his untimely death in 2017.
May 20 Anton Corbijn
Renowned Dutch photographer and music video director famous for iconic images of bands like Depeche Mode and U2.
June 6 Sandra Bernhard
Sandra Bernhard is an iconic American comedian known for her sharp, provocative stand-up comedy and performances in television and film. She rose to prominence in the mid-1980s with her unique comedic style, blending social commentary with personal storytelling. Bernhard is particularly famous for her recurring role on the TV series 'Roseanne'.
June 8 Tim Berners-Lee
Computer scientist who invented the World Wide Web, fundamentally transforming global communication and information sharing. Considered a pioneer of the internet age. [bio]
June 16 Laurie Metcalf
Emmy-winning actress best known for her iconic role as Jackie Harris in the groundbreaking sitcom 'Roseanne'. She began her career with the renowned Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago and has since become a respected stage and television performer.
June 27 Isabelle Adjani
Renowned French actress who was accepted into the prestigious Comédie-Française at just 15 years old. She gained international acclaim for her powerful performances in films like 'The Story of Adele H.' and 'Camille Claudel', winning multiple awards and establishing herself as a major cinematic talent.
July 9 Jimmy Smits
Jimmy Smits is a renowned American actor known for his Emmy-winning roles in critically acclaimed TV series like 'NYPD Blue' and 'The West Wing', as well as his work in films such as 'Star Wars' prequels.
July 22 Willem Dafoe
Critically acclaimed American actor known for his versatile and intense performances in films like 'Platoon', 'The Last Temptation of Christ', and numerous independent movies. He has been nominated for multiple Academy Awards and is renowned for choosing artistically challenging roles over commercial blockbusters.
July 29 Jean-Hugues Anglade
Prominent French actor known for his iconic role in Jean-Jacques Beineix's critically acclaimed film 'Betty Blue'. He is a significant figure in French cinema during the 1980s and 1990s.
Aug. 2 Muriel Robin
Muriel Robin is a renowned French comedian, actress, and singer known for her Emmy-winning performance in Marie Besnard. She has successfully realized her childhood dream through one-woman shows and diverse performances.
Aug. 4 Billy Bob Thornton
Billy Bob Thornton is an acclaimed American actor, filmmaker, and musician, best known for his Oscar-winning performance in 'Sling Blade' and critically acclaimed roles in films like 'Monster's Ball'.
Aug. 7 Wayne Knight
Wayne Knight is a renowned American character actor famous for comedic roles in Seinfeld as Newman and memorable film appearances in Jurassic Park and Toy Story 2.
Aug. 13 Paul Greengrass
Renowned British film director known for the Bourne film series and critically acclaimed movies like United 93. He is recognized for his distinctive documentary-style cinematography and intense storytelling.
Sept. 1 Billy Blanks
Renowned fitness expert and creator of Tae Bo, a popular cardio-kickboxing exercise program that gained massive popularity in the 1990s. He is also a martial artist and actor known for his fitness videos and motivational persona.
Sept. 15 Brendan O'Carroll
Brendan O'Carroll is an Irish comedian, actor, and writer best known for creating and starring in the popular sitcom 'Mrs. Brown's Boys', which has gained significant popularity in Ireland and the UK.
Sept. 21 François Cluzet
Renowned French actor known for his compelling performances in films like 'Tell No One' and 'Intouchables'. He has established himself as a versatile actor in both theatre and cinema, working with notable directors like Guillaume Canet.
Oct. 8 Darrell Hammond
Famous Saturday Night Live comedian known for his extensive impressions and long-running cast membership from 1995 to 2009.
Oct. 12 Brigitte Lahaie
French radio host and actress known for her pioneering work in adult films during the late 1970s, who later transitioned to mainstream media and radio broadcasting.
Oct. 17 Smita Patil
Iconic Indian actress who significantly contributed to parallel cinema and was known for her powerful, socially conscious performances in both Hindi and Marathi films before her untimely death at 31. [bio]
Oct. 20 Thomas Newman
Renowned film composer known for scoring movies like 'American Beauty' and 'Skyfall', who unfortunately passed away prematurely.
Oct. 29 Bill Gates
Co-founder of Microsoft, philanthropist, and one of the world's most influential technology entrepreneurs. He has significantly impacted global computing and charitable giving through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. [bio]
Nov. 6 Maria Shriver
Maria Shriver is a prominent American journalist, author, and member of the Kennedy family. She has had a distinguished career in broadcast journalism and is known for her philanthropic work and political activism. As a Kennedy family member, she has been influential in media and social causes.
Nov. 10 Roland Emmerich
Renowned German film director and producer famous for blockbuster disaster and science fiction movies.
Nov. 13 Whoopi Goldberg
Renowned comedian, actress, and television host who overcame significant personal challenges to become a celebrated entertainer. She is an Academy Award winner known for groundbreaking roles in films like 'Ghost' and 'Sister Act'. Goldberg has also been a prominent advocate for social justice and diversity in entertainment.
Nov. 27 Bill Nye
Bill Nye is a renowned science communicator, comedian, and television presenter who made science education entertaining and accessible through his popular TV show 'Bill Nye the Science Guy'.
Nov. 29 Howie Mandel
Howie Mandel is a well-known Canadian comedian, television host, and actor famous for his stand-up comedy, game show hosting on 'Deal or No Deal', and judging on 'America's Got Talent'. He is recognized for his unique comedic style and work in entertainment spanning several decades.
Nov. 30 Billy Idol
Iconic English rock musician who rose to fame during the punk rock era with Generation X and later became an MTV star with hit music videos like 'White Wedding' and 'Rebel Yell'.
Dec. 1 Kevin Conroy
Legendary voice actor best known for portraying Batman in animated series and video games, defining the character's voice for generations.
Dec. 16 Xander Berkeley
Xander Berkeley is a prolific American character actor known for memorable roles in TV series like '24' and films such as 'Terminator 2' and 'Air Force One'.