Famous people and celebrities born in January 1956

Welcome to our dedicated page for celebrating the notable individuals born in January 1956! 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 Christine Lagarde

  Prominent French lawyer and economist who served as Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and later became the first woman to lead the European Central Bank.

• Jan. 1 Mark Hurd

  Prominent technology executive who served as CEO of Oracle Corporation and previously Hewlett-Packard, known for his strategic leadership in the tech industry.

• Jan. 3 Mel Gibson

  Mel Gibson is an acclaimed American-Australian actor and filmmaker known for iconic roles in 'Mad Max' and 'Lethal Weapon'. He has also won multiple awards as a director, including Oscars for 'Braveheart'. His career spans several decades with significant contributions to both acting and filmmaking.

• Jan. 4 Bernard Sumner

  Influential English musician known for his pivotal roles in iconic bands Joy Division and New Order, pioneering post-punk and electronic music genres.

• Jan. 4 Nels Cline

  Innovative guitarist renowned for his groundbreaking work in experimental, jazz, and avant-garde music scenes.

• Jan. 5 Frank-Walter Steinmeier

  German politician who served as the 14th Vice-Chancellor of Germany and later became President of Germany.

• Jan. 5 Gérard Berliner

  French composer and actor known for his contributions to music and performing arts.

• Jan. 6 Rowan Atkinson

  Internationally acclaimed comedian and actor, best known for iconic characters like Mr. Bean and his work in comedy series and films.

• Jan. 7 David Caruso

  David Caruso is an American actor best known for his iconic role as Lieutenant Horatio Caine in the popular TV series CSI: Miami, which significantly boosted his fame in the early 2000s.

• Jan. 9 Imelda Staunton

  Imelda Staunton is an acclaimed British actress known for her powerful performances in film, television, and theater, including her Oscar-nominated role in 'Vera Drake' and her portrayal of Dolores Umbridge in the Harry Potter film series.

• Jan. 10 Antonio Muñoz Molina

  Renowned Spanish novelist, member of the Royal Spanish Academy, and former director of the Instituto Cervantes in New York, known for his significant contributions to contemporary Spanish literature.

• Jan. 11 Phyllis Logan

  Acclaimed Scottish actress famous for her iconic roles in 'Downton Abbey' as Mrs. Hughes/Carson and in 'Lovejoy' as Lady Jane Felsham.

• Jan. 11 Roger Auque

  French diplomat and journalist who was kidnapped in Beirut in 1987 and later released, highlighting the dangerous political climate of the time.

• Jan. 11 Philippe Chevallier

  French comedian and actor known for his comedic partnership with Régis Laspales, a prominent figure in French entertainment.

• Jan. 12 Marie Colvin

  Renowned American war correspondent known for her courageous reporting from conflict zones, particularly in the Middle East. She was killed while covering the Syrian Civil War in Homs, becoming a symbol of journalistic bravery and dedication.

• Jan. 14 Etienne Daho

  Etienne Daho is a prominent French pop singer and songwriter who significantly influenced the French music scene from the 1980s onwards, known for his innovative and sophisticated musical style.

• Jan. 15 Mayawati

  Prominent Indian politician and social activist who served as the 23rd Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, known for her advocacy for Dalit rights.

• Jan. 15 Marc Trestman

  Prominent American football coach known for coaching in the NFL and CFL, with significant experience in professional football leagues.

• Jan. 19 Susan Solomon

  Susan Solomon is a renowned atmospheric scientist who made groundbreaking discoveries about the ozone layer and significantly contributed to understanding climate change mechanisms.

• Jan. 20 Bill Maher

  Renowned American comedian and political commentator known for his provocative and satirical television shows 'Politically Incorrect' and 'Real Time with Bill Maher'. He won the Cable ACE Award for best cable talk show host in 1995.

• Jan. 21 Geena Davis

  Acclaimed American actress known for her Oscar-winning role in 'The Accidental Tourist' and her iconic performance in 'Thelma and Louise'. A Mensa member and former fashion model, she graduated from Boston University and has had a diverse and accomplished career in film and television.

• Jan. 22 John Wesley Shipp

  American actor best known for his role as Barry Allen/The Flash in the original 1990 TV series and later as Henry Allen in the CW's modern Flash series.

• Jan. 27 Mimi Rogers

  Mimi Rogers is an accomplished American actress known for her roles in 'Someone to Watch Over Me' and 'The Rapture', with a career spanning film and television.

• Jan. 29 Irlene Mandrell

  Member of the famous Mandrell Sisters country music group, known for her musical talent and entertainment career.

• Jan. 29 Éric Woerth

  French politician who served as a deputy for Oise and was treasurer of the UMP political party until his resignation in July 2010.

• Jan. 30 Ann Dowd

  Emmy Award-winning actress renowned for her powerful performances in critically acclaimed TV series like 'The Handmaid's Tale' and films such as 'Compliance'. She is known for portraying complex, nuanced characters across drama and thriller genres.

• Jan. 31 John Lydon

  Same person as Johnny Rotten, lead singer of the Sex Pistols.

• Jan. 31 Johnny Rotten

  Iconic lead singer of the Sex Pistols, a pioneering punk rock band that revolutionized music and youth culture in the late 1970s. He was a key figure in the British punk movement, known for his rebellious attitude and provocative performances.