Famous people and celebrities born in 1966
We celebrate the remarkable individuals born in 1966. 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 1966 and honor the stars who continue to shine brightly today.
- Jan. 13 Patrick Dempsey
Patrick Dempsey is a renowned American actor best known for his role as Dr. Derek Shepherd in the popular medical drama 'Grey's Anatomy'. He is also a passionate race car driver who competed in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2014.
- Jan. 17 Shabba Ranks
Jamaican dancehall artist who significantly influenced reggae music in the late 1980s and early 1990s, known for his energetic performances and hit songs.
- Jan. 20 Rainn Wilson
Rainn Wilson is an Emmy-nominated American actor, comedian, and producer best known for his iconic role as Dwight Schrute in the critically acclaimed television series 'The Office'.
- Feb. 20 Cindy Crawford
Cindy Crawford is an iconic American supermodel who dominated fashion runways and magazine covers during the 1980s and 1990s. Known for her distinctive facial mole, she became a global symbol of beauty and successfully transitioned into television, film, and entrepreneurial ventures.
- March 1 Zack Snyder
Zack Snyder is a prominent American film director known for his distinctive visual style in superhero and action movies, particularly within the DC Extended Universe.
- March 26 Michael Imperioli
Emmy Award-winning actor and screenwriter best known for his iconic role as Christopher Moltisanti in HBO's 'The Sopranos' and his work in film and television.
- April 9 Cynthia Nixon
Cynthia Nixon is an acclaimed American actress, best known for her Emmy-winning role as Miranda Hobbes in HBO's Sex and the City and her political activism in New York.
- April 9 Robin Wright
Robin Wright is an accomplished actress renowned for her powerful performances in House of Cards and the classic film The Princess Bride, establishing herself as a versatile Hollywood talent.
- April 11 Lisa Stansfield
Renowned British pop and soul singer known for her distinctive voice and international hit songs like 'All Around the World'.
- April 15 Samantha Fox
British model, singer, and media personality who rose to fame in the 1980s as a Page 3 model and pop star, known for her iconic status in British popular culture.
- May 16 Janet Jackson
Iconic American pop singer and performer who revolutionized music and entertainment in the 1980s and 1990s. She is a member of the famous Jackson family and has won numerous awards for her innovative music and dance performances.
- May 24 Eric Cantona
Eric Cantona was a legendary French soccer player known for his exceptional skills and passionate playing style. He played primarily for Manchester United and became an iconic figure in English football during the 1990s. His career was marked by both brilliance on the field and controversial moments.
- May 26 Helena Bonham Carter
Helena Bonham Carter is a renowned English actress known for her distinctive and eccentric roles in critically acclaimed films like 'Fight Club', 'The King's Speech', and the 'Harry Potter' series. She is celebrated for her versatility and unique acting style, often collaborating with directors like Tim Burton.
- June 8 Julianna Margulies
Emmy Award-winning actress best known for her iconic roles in medical drama 'ER' and legal drama 'The Good Wife', establishing herself as a prominent television actress in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
- June 28 John Cusack
John Cusack is a prominent American actor known for his iconic roles in 80s and 90s romantic comedies and independent films. He gained widespread recognition for his performances in 'Say Anything', 'High Fidelity', and 'Being John Malkovich'.
- June 30 Marton Csokas
Marton Csokas is a prominent New Zealand actor known for his versatile roles in major film franchises like The Lord of the Rings and action movies such as The Equalizer.
- June 30 Mike Tyson
Mike Tyson is a legendary heavyweight boxing champion known for his extraordinary power, speed, and dominance in the ring during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
- July 25 Wataru Takagi
Prominent Japanese voice actor renowned for his extensive work in anime and video game dubbing, with notable roles in popular franchises.
- Aug. 14 Halle Berry
Oscar-winning actress known for her groundbreaking roles in films like Monster's Ball and X-Men. She was the first African American woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress in 2002.
- Sept. 2 Salma Hayek
Salma Hayek is a renowned Mexican-American actress, producer, and director known for her versatile roles in Hollywood films and her advocacy for Latin representation in cinema.
- Sept. 9 Adam Sandler
Adam Sandler is a renowned American comedian, actor, and producer known for his comedic roles in numerous Hollywood films. He rose to fame through Saturday Night Live and has since starred in blockbuster comedies like 'Happy Gilmore', 'The Waterboy', and 'Big Daddy'.
- Oct. 11 Luke Perry
Luke Perry was an iconic American actor who rose to fame in the 1990s through his role as Dylan McKay in the popular teen drama Beverly Hills, 90210. He was a teen idol who later transitioned to more mature acting roles, including Fred Andrews in Riverdale. Perry tragically passed away in 2019 after suffering a stroke.
- Oct. 19 Jon Favreau
Renowned Hollywood filmmaker known for directing blockbuster films like Iron Man and The Mandalorian, and acting in numerous popular movies.
- Oct. 29 Andy Richter
Andy Richter is a prominent American comedian, writer, and actor best known for his long-standing collaboration with Conan O'Brien on late-night television. He served as Conan's sidekick and announcer for many years, becoming a beloved comedic figure in American entertainment.
- Nov. 2 David Schwimmer
David Schwimmer is an American actor best known for his iconic role as Ross Geller in the globally popular sitcom 'Friends', which ran from 1994 to 2004. He has also appeared in numerous films and stage productions.
- Nov. 17 Sophie Marceau
Renowned French actress who gained international recognition through her role in 'Braveheart' and numerous critically acclaimed French films. She is a prominent figure in European cinema with a successful acting and directing career.
- Nov. 17 Jeff Buckley
Legendary musician known for his extraordinary vocal range and iconic cover of Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah'. His tragic death by drowning in 1997 cut short a promising musical career, leaving a lasting legacy in alternative music.
- Nov. 21 Troy Aikman
Legendary NFL quarterback who led the Dallas Cowboys to three Super Bowl victories in the 1990s. He was a key player in one of the most dominant offensive teams in NFL history, forming a powerful trio with Emmitt Smith and Michael Irvin. Aikman was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006.
- Nov. 23 Vincent Cassel
Renowned French actor from a prestigious acting family, Vincent Cassel began his artistic journey in circus school before becoming a prominent figure in French cinema. He gained international recognition with the groundbreaking film 'La Haine' and has since become one of France's most celebrated actors.
- Nov. 25 Rupa Ganguly
Acclaimed Bengali actress and performer known for her significant contributions to Indian cinema, particularly in regional film industries.
What happened in 1966?
Discover what the world looked like in 1966: