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. 6 Kapil Dev
Legendary Indian cricketer who led the Indian national cricket team to its first Cricket World Cup victory in 1983, transforming the sport's landscape in India and becoming a national sporting icon. [bio]
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. 24 Vic Reeves
A renowned British comedian and television presenter famous for his surreal comedy duo with Bob Mortimer, known for their unique and absurdist humor style.
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.
Jan. 30 Jody Watley
Grammy Award-winning R&B and dance music artist who rose to prominence in the 1980s as a member of Shalamar and later as a successful solo performer.
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. [bio]
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 18 Irene Cara
Talented American singer and actress who rose to fame in the 1980s with hit songs and movies like 'Fame' and 'Flashdance'. She won both a Golden Globe and an Oscar for her musical achievements.
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.
May 23 Bob Mortimer
British comedian, writer, and television personality known for panel shows and comedy partnerships with Vic Reeves.
May 29 Rupert Everett
Rupert Everett is a renowned British actor known for his charismatic performances, witty personality, and versatile acting skills. Born into a military family, he became a prominent figure in film and theater, particularly celebrated for his roles in romantic comedies and independent films.
May 29 Adrian Paul
Adrian Paul is a British actor best known for his starring role in the popular television series 'Highlander', where he played Duncan MacLeod, an immortal protagonist. His performance in the series significantly boosted his international recognition.
June 6 Colin Quinn
American comedian, actor, and television personality known for his work on MTV's 'Remote Control' and later as a cast member of Saturday Night Live.
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 12 Charlie Murphy
Charlie Murphy was an American comedian and actor known for his work on Chappelle's Show and his hilarious comedy routines.
July 15 Vincent Lindon
Vincent Lindon is a renowned French actor and filmmaker, known for his powerful performances in critically acclaimed movies like 'Measure of a Man' and 'Titane'. He has won multiple awards, including the Best Actor prize at the Cannes Film Festival.
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. 14 Morten Harket
Norwegian singer and lead vocalist of the iconic 1980s pop-rock band A-ha, best known for their global hit 'Take On Me'.
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. 10 Bradley Whitford
Acclaimed American actor best known for his Emmy-winning role as Josh Lyman in the critically acclaimed political drama series The West Wing.
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.
Oct. 23 Nancy Grace
Nancy Grace is a prominent American legal commentator and former prosecutor, known for her passionate and confrontational style on television crime shows.
Nov. 14 Paul McGann
British actor best known for playing the Eighth Doctor in the Doctor Who television movie and as a prominent film and television actor.
Nov. 18 Ulrich Noethen
Ulrich Noethen is a renowned German actor known for his powerful performances in historical films, particularly his portrayals of Heinrich Himmler in 'Downfall' and 'My Führer'. He has won multiple prestigious awards including the German Film Award and the Adolf Grimme Award.
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.
Nov. 23 Dominique Dunne
Actress known for her role in 'Poltergeist' who tragically was murdered by her ex-boyfriend, becoming a symbol of domestic violence awareness.
Nov. 28 Judd Nelson
Judd Nelson is an iconic American actor best known for his breakthrough role as John Bender in the classic 1980s teen film 'The Breakfast Club', which became a defining movie of the Brat Pack era.
Nov. 30 Cherie Currie
American rock musician and actress known for being a founding member of The Runaways, an influential all-female hard rock band of the late 1970s that launched the careers of Joan Jett and Lita Ford.
Dec. 21 Corinne Touzet
French actress, comedian, and producer of West Indian descent, known for her prominent role in the television series 'Une Femme d'Honneur'. She studied literature at Aix-en-Provence University and has had a significant career in French media.
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.
Dec. 31 Val Kilmer
Renowned American actor famous for iconic roles in 'The Doors', 'Top Gun', and 'Batman Forever'. He is known for his versatile acting skills and memorable performances across multiple genres.