Famous people and celebrities born in August 1961

Welcome to our dedicated page for celebrating the notable individuals born in August 1961! 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.

• Aug. 1 Bart Conner

  Olympic gold medalist gymnast known for his exceptional performance on parallel bars during the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, representing the United States.

• Aug. 2 Pete de Freitas

  Influential drummer and producer for the post-punk band Echo & the Bunnymen, known for his significant contribution to the alternative rock scene of the 1980s. Tragically died in a motorcycle accident in 1989.

• Aug. 3 Molly Hagan

  American actress known for her roles in television and film, with a career spanning several decades.

• Aug. 4 Barack Obama

  44th President of the United States, Barack Obama made history as the first African American president. He served two terms from 2009 to 2017, implementing significant healthcare reform and leading the country through economic recovery. A Harvard-educated lawyer and civil rights activist, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009.

• Aug. 5 Janet McTeer

  Janet McTeer is an acclaimed British actress known for her powerful performances in film and theater, including Oscar-nominated roles in 'Tumbleweeds' and 'Albert Nobbs'.

• Aug. 7 Carlos Vives

  Renowned Colombian singer-songwriter known for popularizing vallenato music globally and blending traditional Colombian folk music with contemporary pop and rock styles.

• Aug. 8 The Edge (U2)

  The Edge is a legendary guitarist and founding member of the iconic rock band U2, known for his distinctive guitar sound and innovative musical style.

• Aug. 9 The Edge

  The Edge is a renowned guitarist and founding member of the iconic rock band U2, known for his distinctive guitar sound and innovative musical style.

• Aug. 9 John Key

  John Key served as the 38th Prime Minister of New Zealand from 2008 to 2016, leading the National Party and significantly influencing the country's political landscape during his tenure.

• Aug. 12 Roy Hay

  Roy Hay is a renowned English keyboard player and composer, best known as a member of the iconic 1980s pop band Culture Club.

• Aug. 13 Sunil Shetty

  Popular Bollywood actor and film producer known for his work in action and comedy movies during the 1990s and 2000s.

• Aug. 13 Sam Champion

  Well-known American television meteorologist and media personality, primarily associated with ABC's Good Morning America.

• Aug. 13 Koji Kondo

  Legendary Japanese video game composer who created iconic music for Nintendo's Super Mario and The Legend of Zelda franchises.

• Aug. 15 Sarah Brightman

  Sarah Brightman is a world-renowned classical crossover soprano, famous for her unique voice and international musical career.

• Aug. 18 Timothy Geithner

  Prominent American economist and political figure who served as the 75th United States Secretary of the Treasury during the Obama administration, playing a crucial role in managing the 2008 financial crisis.

• Aug. 18 Bob Woodruff

  Respected ABC News journalist who gained significant recognition for his courageous reporting, especially after surviving a serious injury while covering the Iraq War.

• Aug. 20 Jonathan Coe

  Renowned British novelist known for his satirical and insightful contemporary fiction.

• Aug. 21 Stephen Hillenburg

  American marine biologist, cartoonist, animator, and creator of SpongeBob SquarePants, who revolutionized children's animation and entertainment.

• Aug. 22 Roland Orzabal

  Roland Orzabal is a renowned British musician, best known as the co-founder and primary songwriter of the iconic 80s band Tears for Fears. He has been a significant figure in the new wave and pop rock music scene, also working as a successful music producer and recently venturing into novel writing.

• Aug. 24 Jared Harris

  Jared Harris is a critically acclaimed British actor known for powerful performances in television series like 'Mad Men' and the Emmy-winning miniseries 'Chernobyl'. He is the son of renowned actor Richard Harris and has established himself as a versatile character actor in film and television.

• Aug. 25 Billy Ray Cyrus

  Billy Ray Cyrus is an American country music singer and actor who rose to international fame with his hit single 'Achy Breaky Heart' and gained further popularity through his role in the Disney Channel series 'Hannah Montana'.

• Aug. 26 Daniel Lévi

  Renowned French-Algerian singer-songwriter and pianist known for his significant contributions to musical theater, particularly in the musical 'Les Dix Commandements'. He passed away in 2022, leaving a lasting legacy in French music.

• Aug. 27 Tom Ford

  Tom Ford is a renowned American fashion designer who transformed Gucci in the 1990s and later launched his own luxury brand. He revolutionized fashion with his bold, sensual aesthetic and became a prominent figure in the global fashion industry.

• Aug. 27 Yolanda Adams

  Yolanda Adams is a Grammy Award-winning gospel singer known for her powerful vocals and significant contributions to contemporary gospel music. She is considered one of the most influential gospel artists of her generation.

• Aug. 28 Deepak Tijori

  Prominent Bollywood director and actor known for his contributions to Indian cinema in the 1990s and 2000s.

• Aug. 28 Jennifer Coolidge

  Renowned American actress famous for comedic roles in films like 'American Pie' and TV series 'The White Lotus'.