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. 12 Olivier Martinez
Olivier Martinez is a renowned French actor known for his charismatic roles and 'French lover' persona. He won the César Award for 'Most Promising Actor' in 1994 and appeared in international films like 'Before Night Falls'. He has been romantically linked to several high-profile actresses, including Kylie Minogue and Halle Berry.
- 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'.
- Jan. 24 Karin Viard
Karin Viard is a renowned French actress who has won two César Awards, including best actress for 'Haut les cœurs' and best supporting actress for 'Embrassez qui vous voudrez'.
- Feb. 8 Sean Harris
Critically acclaimed English actor known for intense character roles in films like 'Hunger', 'Macbeth', and 'Rogue Nation'.
- 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.
- Feb. 22 Rachel Dratch
American comedian and actress best known for her work on Saturday Night Live and various comedy films.
- 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 6 Alan Davies
Alan Davies is a prominent English comedian, actor, and screenwriter known for his work in comedy panel shows and television series.
- 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.
- April 22 Jeffrey Dean Morgan
Jeffrey Dean Morgan is a prominent American actor known for his intense and charismatic roles in popular TV series like 'The Walking Dead' and 'Supernatural', where he notably portrayed the complex character of Negan.
- 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. [bio]
- May 22 Johnny Gill
Johnny Gill is a prominent R&B singer known for his successful solo career and as a key member of the influential group New Edition.
- 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 22 Emmanuelle Seigner
Renowned French actress, model, and singer, known for her collaborations with director Roman Polanski, her husband. She has won two César Awards for her outstanding performances in French cinema.
- June 26 Dany Boon
Renowned French comedian, actor, and film director famous for blockbuster movies like 'Welcome to the Sticks' and 'Joyeux Noël', known for his Algerian Kabyle roots and unique comedic style.
- 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 11 Greg Grunberg
American actor and producer known for roles in TV series like 'Heroes' and 'Star Wars'.
- 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.
- July 31 Dean Cain
Dean Cain is an American actor best known for portraying Superman in the popular TV series 'Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman' during the 1990s, which significantly boosted his career and made him a recognizable television star.
- 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.
- Aug. 14 David Hallyday
French singer and musician, son of legendary French rock star Johnny Hallyday. He has been a prominent figure in the French music scene since the 1980s.
- 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. [bio]
- 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'. [bio]
- 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. [bio]
- 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. 22 Valeria Golino
Prominent Italian actress and director who gained international recognition for her memorable performances in Hollywood films like Rain Man and Hot Shots!, showcasing her versatility across comedy and drama.
- 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. 6 Paul Gilbert
Paul Gilbert is a renowned American guitarist and singer, famous for his virtuosic guitar skills in rock bands Racer X and Mr. Big. He is considered one of the most technically proficient guitarists in the hard rock and metal genres.
- 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. 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. [bio]
- 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. [bio]
- Nov. 22 Anne Brochet
Renowned French actress who won a César Award for her memorable performance in Alain Corneau's film 'Tous les matins du monde', establishing herself as a significant figure in French cinema.
- 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.
- Dec. 1 Andrew Adamson
New Zealand film director, producer, and screenwriter best known for directing the 'Shrek' and 'Chronicles of Narnia' film series.
- Dec. 1 Edouard Baer
French comedian, actor, and film director known for his work in television and cinema, with roots in Alsatian Jewish culture. He has been a prominent master of ceremonies for notable events like the Nuit des Césars.
- Dec. 4 Fred Armisen
Renowned comedian, actor, and musician best known for his work on Saturday Night Live and Portlandia, with significant contributions to comedy and television.
- Dec. 21 Kiefer Sutherland
Renowned actor known for his iconic role in '24' and numerous film performances. Son of actors Donald Sutherland and Shirley Douglas, with a distinguished acting career spanning decades.
What happened in 1966?
Discover what the world looked like in 1966: