Famous people and celebrities born in January 1959

Welcome to our dedicated page for celebrating the notable individuals born in January 1959! 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 Michel Onfray

  Prominent French philosopher known for his critical approach to religion and advocacy of hedonistic and anarchist philosophies. He has authored over 50 books exploring various philosophical and cultural themes.

• Jan. 2 Kirti Azad

  Former Indian cricket player who transitioned into sports journalism, known for his insightful commentary and analysis of cricket.

• Jan. 2 Kim Coates

  Canadian actor known for his roles in films and television series, particularly recognized for his performances in 'Sons of Anarchy' and various Hollywood productions.

• Jan. 4 Denise Matthews

  Denise Matthews, known professionally as Vanity, was a prominent Canadian entertainer who rose to fame in the 1980s as a singer, actress, and model. She was a member of the musical group Vanity 6 and starred in films like 'The Last Dragon', becoming an iconic figure of the era's pop culture.

• Jan. 4 Yoshitomo Nara

  Yoshitomo Nara is a renowned Japanese contemporary artist known for his distinctive pop art style featuring childlike characters with complex emotional expressions. His work has been exhibited internationally and is highly influential in the contemporary art world.

• Jan. 5 Clancy Brown

  Versatile American actor known for distinctive deep voice and memorable roles in 'The Shawshank Redemption', 'Highlander', and as the voice of Mr. Krabs in 'SpongeBob SquarePants'.

• 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.

• Jan. 8 Paul Hester

  Australian musician and drummer known for his work with iconic bands Crowded House, Split Enz, Deckchairs Overboard, and Tarmac Adam. Tragically died by suicide in 2005.

• Jan. 9 Rigoberta Menchú Tum

  Nobel Prize laureate for her struggle for social justice and ethno-cultural reconciliation based on respect for the rights of indigenous peoples

• Jan. 10 Fran Walsh

  Acclaimed screenwriter and film producer best known for co-writing 'The Lord of the Rings' film trilogy with Peter Jackson and Philippa Boyens. She has won multiple Academy Awards for her work.

• Jan. 12 Blixa Bargeld

  Influential German experimental musician known for his work with industrial band Einstürzende Neubauten and as a longtime member of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. A pioneering avant-garde artist who significantly impacted alternative and experimental music scenes.

• Jan. 14 Geoff Tate

  Lead vocalist of the progressive metal band Queensrÿche, known for his distinctive voice and significant contributions to the progressive metal genre.

• Jan. 15 Pete Trewavas

  Renowned bass player known for his work with progressive rock bands Marillion, Transatlantic, and Edison's Children.

• Jan. 16 Sade Adu

  Sade Adu is a renowned British-Nigerian singer, songwriter, and lead vocalist of the band Sade, known for her smooth jazz and soul music. She rose to international fame in the 1980s with iconic hits like 'Smooth Operator' and 'The Sweetest Taboo'. Her distinctive voice and elegant style have made her a significant figure in contemporary music.

• Jan. 20 R. A. Salvatore

  Renowned fantasy author famous for his Forgotten Realms novels, particularly those featuring the dark elf character Drizzt Do'Urden.

• Jan. 20 Tami Hoag

  Bestselling American novelist known for crime fiction and suspense thrillers, with numerous New York Times bestsellers.

• 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. 23 Didier Bourdon

  Prominent French comedian and multi-talented entertainer known for his comedic work in film, television, and music, being a key member of the famous comedy trio Les Inconnus.

• 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. 24 Nastassja Kinski

  A renowned German actress who gained international fame in the 1980s, known for her striking beauty and memorable roles in art house and mainstream films.

• 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. 26 Salvador Sanchez

  Salvador Sanchez was a legendary Mexican boxer who dominated the featherweight division in the late 1970s and early 1980s. He was known for his exceptional technical skills and was considered one of the greatest boxers in his weight class. Tragically, his promising career was cut short when he died in a car accident at the young age of 23.

• Jan. 27 Keith Olbermann

  Prominent American television host, political commentator, and sports journalist known for his passionate and often controversial political analysis on networks like MSNBC and Current TV.

• Jan. 28 Frank Darabont

  Renowned film director, screenwriter, and producer known for critically acclaimed movies like 'The Shawshank Redemption' and 'The Green Mile'. He has been nominated for multiple Academy Awards and is highly respected in the film industry.

• Jan. 29 Ismail Haniyeh

  Senior political leader of Hamas who served as Prime Minister of the Palestinian National Authority, playing a significant role in Palestinian politics and the Gaza Strip governance.

• 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.

• Jan. 31 Kelly Lynch

  American actress and model

• Jan. 31 Anthony LaPaglia

  Acclaimed Australian actor and producer known for his versatile roles in film and television, including notable performances in TV series and movies.