Famous people and celebrities born in 1959

We celebrate the remarkable individuals born in 1959. 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 1959 and honor the stars who continue to shine brightly today.

Jan. 22 Linda Blair
Linda Blair is an American actress best known for her iconic role as Regan MacNeil in 'The Exorcist', for which she received an Oscar nomination at just 12 years old. Her breakthrough performance launched her career in film and television, making her a notable child actress of the 1970s.
Jan. 25 Toni Servillo
Renowned Italian actor and director known for critically acclaimed films like 'The Great Beauty' and his powerful theatrical performances across Italy.
Feb. 4 Lawrence Taylor
Legendary NFL linebacker for the New York Giants, widely considered one of the most dominant defensive players in football history, who revolutionized the linebacker position.
Feb. 4 Pamelyn Ferdin
Accomplished child actress who specialized in voice acting for animated films and television series, contributing significantly to children's entertainment during the 1970s and 1980s.
Feb. 10 John Calipari
Renowned American basketball coach, currently leading the University of Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball program and known for his successful NCAA coaching career.
Feb. 14 Renée Fleming
Renée Fleming is a world-renowned American soprano who has performed in major opera houses globally. She overcame significant stage fright and vocal challenges to become one of the most celebrated opera singers of her generation. Her musical journey included diverse influences, including jazz training.
Feb. 16 John McEnroe
Legendary American tennis player known for his exceptional skills and volatile on-court personality. He was a top-ranked player who revolutionized tennis in the late 1970s and early 1980s with his aggressive playing style and memorable outbursts.
Feb. 22 Kyle MacLachlan
Acclaimed American actor known for iconic roles in David Lynch films like 'Blue Velvet' and TV series 'Twin Peaks', with a career spanning film, television, and theater.
March 8 Aidan Quinn
Aidan Quinn is a prominent Irish-American actor known for his compelling performances in critically acclaimed films like 'Legends of the Fall' and 'Benny & Joon', with a career spanning several decades.
March 18 Luc Besson
Renowned French film director known for visually stunning and innovative movies like 'The Big Blue' and 'Nikita'. He is a prominent figure in French cinema with a distinctive storytelling style and international recognition.
March 22 Matthew Modine
Acclaimed American actor known for iconic roles in films like Full Metal Jacket, Pacific Heights, and Stranger Things, with a career spanning multiple decades in film and television.
April 15 Emma Thompson
Acclaimed British actress known for her versatility in comedy and drama, Emma Thompson is an Oscar-winning performer who rose to prominence in the 1980s through stage and screen performances. She collaborated extensively with Kenneth Branagh and became a prominent figure in British cinema and theater. Her career spans multiple genres, including period dramas, comedies, and literary adaptations.
April 17 Sean Bean
Sean Bean is a renowned English actor famous for his iconic roles in 'The Lord of the Rings' as Boromir and in 'Game of Thrones' as Ned Stark, known for his intense performances and distinctive Yorkshire accent.
May 4 Randy Travis
Legendary country music singer who dominated the 1980s and 1990s, winning numerous awards and selling over 8 million albums. He was a pivotal figure in the traditional country music revival, known for hits like 'Forever and Ever, Amen'.
May 12 Ving Rhames
Ving Rhames is a prominent African American actor known for memorable roles in iconic films like Pulp Fiction, Mission: Impossible franchise, and Dawn of the Dead. He has won Golden Globe and Emmy Awards, establishing himself as a versatile and respected performer in Hollywood.
May 14 Patrick Bruel
Renowned French-Algerian singer, actor, and musician known for his successful music career and film roles.
June 11 Hugh Laurie
Renowned English actor, comedian, writer, and musician best known for his iconic role as Dr. Gregory House in the medical drama 'House MD' and his comedy partnership with Stephen Fry. He has won multiple awards and is recognized for his versatile talents across television, comedy, and music.
July 1 Vincent D'Onofrio
Vincent D'Onofrio is a versatile American actor known for his intense performances in films like Full Metal Jacket, Men in Black, and Law & Order: Criminal Intent. He has demonstrated remarkable range across dramatic and comedic roles throughout his career.
July 4 Victoria Abril
Renowned Spanish actress known for her iconic roles in Pedro Almodóvar's films, particularly in 'Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down' and 'Lovers'. She is a prominent figure in Spanish cinema with international recognition.
July 26 Kevin Spacey
Renowned American actor known for his Oscar-winning performance and significant contributions to film and theater. He gained critical acclaim for roles in movies like 'American Beauty' and 'The Usual Suspects'. Despite later controversies, he remains a notable figure in Hollywood.
July 29 Sanjay Dutt
Prominent Bollywood actor known for his versatile roles and controversial legal history, Sanjay Dutt is a significant figure in Indian cinema who has appeared in numerous successful films across multiple genres.
Aug. 10 Rosanna Arquette
Renowned American actress from a multi-generational acting family, known for her roles in films like 'Desperately Seeking Susan' and her significant contributions to independent cinema.
Aug. 14 Magic Johnson
Legendary NBA player who revolutionized basketball with his exceptional skills, winning five NBA titles and becoming a global icon. He courageously transformed public understanding of HIV after his 1991 diagnosis, becoming an influential advocate and philanthropist.
Aug. 17 Jonathan Franzen
Jonathan Franzen is a prominent contemporary American novelist known for his critically acclaimed and bestselling novels that explore complex family dynamics and modern American life.
Sept. 23 Jason Alexander
Jason Alexander is an American actor best known for his iconic role as George Costanza in the legendary sitcom 'Seinfeld'. His comedic portrayal of the neurotic character became a pop culture phenomenon and significantly contributed to the show's massive success.
Oct. 21 Ken Watanabe
Ken Watanabe is a renowned Japanese actor famous for his powerful performances in international films like 'The Last Samurai' and Christopher Nolan's 'Inception'. He has successfully bridged Hollywood and Japanese cinema with his exceptional acting skills.
Oct. 23 Sam Raimi
Sam Raimi is a renowned American film director, producer, and screenwriter, best known for directing the Spider-Man trilogy and cult horror films like The Evil Dead.
Nov. 19 Allison Janney
Academy Award-winning actress known for her roles in 'I, Tonya' and the TV series 'The West Wing', where she portrayed press secretary C.J. Cregg. She has received multiple Emmy and Screen Actors Guild Awards.
Nov. 20 Sean Young
Prominent American actress known for iconic roles in 'Blade Runner' and 'No Way Out', famous for her striking beauty and occasional on-set controversies during the 1980s and 1990s.
Dec. 29 Patricia Clarkson
Patricia Clarkson is an acclaimed American actress known for her versatile roles in independent films and Hollywood productions, with multiple award nominations including Emmy and Golden Globe recognitions.