Famous people and celebrities born in January 1961

Welcome to our dedicated page for celebrating the notable individuals born in January 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.

Jan. 1 Marcia Cross
Actress famous for her role in the popular TV series Melrose Place.
Jan. 3 Lynn Hill
Lynn Hill is a pioneering rock climber who made history by being the first person to free climb the challenging Nose route on El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, revolutionizing the sport of rock climbing.
Jan. 4 Graham McTavish
Scottish actor known for roles in 'Outlander', 'The Hobbit' film series, and voice acting in video games. Versatile performer with extensive work in film, television, and voice performance.
Jan. 5 Frédéric Taddeï
French journalist and television host known for his popular talk show 'Ce Soir ou Jamais' on France 3. Of Italian descent, he was a prominent media personality in French television during the early 2000s.
Jan. 6 Georges Jobé
Renowned Belgian motocross champion who was a significant figure in the sport during the 1980s and early 1990s. He tragically passed away in 2012, leaving a lasting legacy in motocross racing.
Jan. 9 Xavier Dupont de Ligonnès
Infamous French criminal suspected of murdering his entire family in Nantes in 2011, leading to one of France's most sensational unsolved criminal cases. He disappeared after the murders and his whereabouts remain unknown, sparking extensive media coverage and public speculation.
Jan. 9 Yannick Stopyra
Prominent French football striker who had a distinguished 17-year career in Ligue 1, playing for multiple teams and scoring 130 goals in 455 matches. He was particularly notable for his performances with Sochaux and Toulouse.
Jan. 10 Janet Jones
American actress known for her roles in films and television, particularly in sports-related movies.
Jan. 11 Albert Dupontel
French actor, comedian, and film director known for his unique comedic style and critically acclaimed films. He has performed numerous one-man shows and directed several notable French actresses.
Jan. 12 Simon Russell Beale
Renowned British actor and historian known for his exceptional stage performances and scholarly work, particularly in classical theater and historical research.
Jan. 12 Andrea Carnevale
Italian soccer player who was part of the 1987 Italian soccer championship, known for his performance among a group of eight notable players.
Jan. 13 Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actress best known for her iconic roles in 'Seinfeld' and 'Veep'. She is one of the most successful comedic actresses in American television history, with multiple awards and critical acclaim.
Jan. 13 Julia Louis-Dreyfus in New York City
Renowned comedienne from New York City, famous for her roles in Saturday Night Live, Seinfeld, and other comedy shows.
Jan. 13 Wayne Coyne
Lead singer and guitarist of the alternative rock band The Flaming Lips, known for their experimental and psychedelic music. A significant figure in indie rock since the 1980s.
Jan. 14 Rob Hall
Renowned New Zealand mountaineer famous for his tragic death during the 1996 Mount Everest disaster, which was documented in Jon Krakauer's book 'Into Thin Air'.
Jan. 17 Brian Helgeland
Oscar-winning screenwriter and director known for films like 'L.A. Confidential' and 'A Knight's Tale', who has made significant contributions to Hollywood cinema.
Jan. 18 Mark Messier
Legendary NHL player who played for Edmonton Oilers and New York Rangers, winning six Stanley Cup championships and known as one of the greatest leaders in hockey history.
Jan. 18 Mark Rylance
Acclaimed English actor and playwright, known for his stage work and Oscar-winning film performances.
Jan. 19 Paul McCrane
Paul McCrane is a versatile American actor known for roles in television series like 'ER' and films such as 'Fame'. He has also worked as a director and singer, demonstrating his multifaceted artistic talents.
Jan. 21 Cornelia Pröll
Renowned Austrian alpine ski racer who competed at the highest international levels during the 1980s, known for her exceptional downhill and super-G performances.
Jan. 22 Daniel Johnston
Influential underground musician and artist known for his raw, outsider art and deeply personal lo-fi music that gained significant cult status in alternative music scenes.
Jan. 24 Nastassja Kinski
Renowned German actress famous for her iconic roles in 1980s cinema, including the critically acclaimed 'Tess' and her memorable Richard Avedon snake photograph that became a cultural phenomenon.
Jan. 26 Wayne Gretzky
Canadian-American hockey legend known as 'The Great One', who revolutionized professional hockey with his exceptional skills and played for multiple NHL teams between 1979 and 1999.
Jan. 26 Tom Keifer
American rock musician, lead singer and guitarist of the band Cinderella, known for his distinctive voice and rock performances during the 1980s and 1990s.
Jan. 27 Dina Bonnevie
Prominent Filipino actress known for her significant contributions to Philippine cinema and television.
Jan. 27 Gillian Gilbert
English musician, keyboard player for the influential post-punk and electronic band New Order.
Jan. 27 Narciso Rodriguez
Acclaimed American fashion designer known for minimalist and elegant designs worn by celebrities and public figures.
Jan. 27 Zarganar
Prominent Burmese comedian, actor, and director known for his satirical work and political activism.
Jan. 29 Strive Masiyiwa
Prominent Zimbabwean entrepreneur who founded Econet Wireless and is known for his significant telecommunications investments across Africa and philanthropic work through the Masiyiwa Foundation.
Jan. 30 Dexter Scott King
Civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.'s son, who has been a prominent activist and president of the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change.