Famous people and celebrities born in 1981

We celebrate the remarkable individuals born in 1981. 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 1981 and honor the stars who continue to shine brightly today.

Jan. 25 Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys is a Grammy Award-winning R&B singer, songwriter, and actress who rose to fame with her debut album 'Songs in a Minor'. She has sold over 12 million albums and is considered one of the most influential artists of her generation.
Jan. 29 Elijah Wood
Acclaimed American actor globally recognized for his iconic role as Frodo Baggins in Peter Jackson's 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy, with a successful acting career since childhood. [bio]
Jan. 31 Justin Timberlake
Globally renowned pop singer, actor, and former member of the iconic boy band NSYNC. He has successfully transitioned from teen pop star to a respected solo artist and Hollywood actor. [bio]
Feb. 9 Tom Hiddleston
Tom Hiddleston is a renowned British actor famous for his portrayal of Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, known for his charismatic performances in film and television.
Feb. 10 Stephanie Beatriz
Stephanie Beatriz is an American actress best known for her role as Detective Rosa Diaz in the critically acclaimed comedy series Brooklyn Nine-Nine, which aired from 2013 to 2021.
Feb. 10 Uzo Aduba
Uzo Aduba is an Emmy Award-winning American actress best known for her powerful performance as Suzanne 'Crazy Eyes' Warren in the Netflix series Orange Is the New Black.
Feb. 11 Kelly Rowland
Kelly Rowland is a Grammy Award-winning R&B singer, songwriter, actress, and television personality, best known as a member of the iconic girl group Destiny's Child alongside Beyoncé Knowles and Michelle Williams.
Feb. 17 Paris Hilton
Prominent American media personality, socialite, and businesswoman from the famous Hilton hotel family. She rose to fame in the early 2000s through reality TV, modeling, and entrepreneurial ventures. Known for her influential role in pop culture and reality entertainment.
Feb. 17 Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Acclaimed American actor known for diverse roles in television and film. He gained early fame in the sitcom '3rd Rock from the Sun' and later became a critically respected film actor in movies like '500 Days of Summer' and 'Inception'.
Feb. 25 Shahid Kapoor
Shahid Kapoor is a prominent Bollywood actor known for his versatile performances in romantic and action films, establishing himself as a leading contemporary Indian cinema star.
March 25 Casey Neistat
Casey Neistat is a prominent YouTube content creator and filmmaker who revolutionized vlogging with his innovative storytelling and creative video production techniques. [bio]
March 28 Julia Stiles
Julia Stiles is a prominent American actress known for her breakthrough roles in teen movies and action films, including '10 Things I Hate About You', 'Save the Last Dance', and the Bourne film series.
April 8 Taylor Kitsch
Taylor Kitsch is a Canadian actor known for his breakthrough role in the TV series Friday Night Lights and subsequent film roles in X-Men Origins: Wolverine and Battleship.
April 10 Michael Pitt
American actor, singer, and guitarist known for his work in independent films and the band Pagoda.
April 15 Anita Hassanandani Reddy
Anita Hassanandani Reddy is a prominent Indian actress who has made significant contributions to Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil entertainment industries, known for her versatile acting in both films and television shows.
April 19 Hayden Christensen
Hayden Christensen is a Canadian actor best known for portraying Anakin Skywalker in the Star Wars prequel trilogy, which significantly defined his acting career.
April 28 Jessica Alba
Jessica Alba is an acclaimed American actress and entrepreneur who gained fame through her breakthrough role in the sci-fi television series 'Dark Angel' and subsequent successful film career. She has starred in numerous movies and co-founded The Honest Company, a consumer goods company focused on safe, effective products. [bio]
May 5 Danielle Fishel
Danielle Fishel is an American actress best known for her iconic role as Topanga Lawrence in the popular 90s sitcom 'Boy Meets World' and its sequel series 'Girl Meets World'.
May 5 Craig David
Craig David is a British pop and R&B singer known for his chart-topping hits in the early 2000s, including '7 Days' and 'Fill Me In'.
May 12 Rami Malek
Rami Malek is an acclaimed American actor who rose to international fame for his lead role in the critically acclaimed TV series Mr. Robot and his Oscar-winning portrayal of Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody.
May 13 Sunny Leone
Canadian-American actress, model, and former adult film performer who successfully transitioned to mainstream Bollywood cinema and entertainment.
May 29 Laura Bailey
Laura Bailey is a renowned voice actress with extensive work in video games and animation, particularly famous for her performances in 'The Last of Us Part II' and as a key member of the 'Critical Role' web series.
May 29 Kelen Coleman
Kelen Coleman is an accomplished American actress known for her notable roles in HBO's 'The Newsroom' and CBS's 'The Big Bang Theory', showcasing her versatility in television comedy and drama.
June 1 Amy Schumer
Amy Schumer is a prominent American comedian, actress, writer, and producer known for her bold, satirical stand-up comedy and roles in films like 'Trainwreck'. She has been a significant voice in comedy, addressing social issues with her unique humor style.
June 9 Natalie Portman
Acclaimed actress and Harvard graduate known for her roles in Star Wars prequels and multiple award-winning films. She has successfully balanced her academic pursuits with a distinguished acting career, winning an Oscar for Black Swan.
June 13 Chris Evans
American actor best known for his iconic roles in Marvel superhero films, including Captain America and the Fantastic Four. He rose to international fame through his performances in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and has established himself as a leading Hollywood actor.
July 4 Tahar Rahim
Acclaimed French-Algerian actor who won the César Award for his powerful performance in 'A Prophet', a critically acclaimed film by Jacques Audiard.
July 15 Taylor Kinney
Taylor Kinney is a prominent American actor best known for his leading roles in the popular TV series Chicago Fire and his appearance in The Vampire Diaries. He has established himself as a recognizable face in television drama.
July 17 Mélanie Thierry
French actress known for her versatile roles in cinema and theater, particularly recognized for her performance in the science fiction film 'Babylon A.D.' starring alongside Vin Diesel.
July 21 Romeo Santos
Romeo Santos is a globally renowned bachata singer, famous for leading the group Aventura and establishing a highly successful solo career in Latin music.
July 29 Fernando Alonso
Two-time Formula 1 World Champion with Renault, widely considered one of the most talented drivers in modern racing history. [bio]
Aug. 4 Meghan Markle
Meghan Markle is a former American actress who became the Duchess of Sussex after marrying Prince Harry in 2018. She is a prominent humanitarian and advocate for gender equality and social justice. Her marriage to Prince Harry and subsequent departure from the British Royal Family has been widely publicized globally. [bio]
Aug. 8 Roger Federer
Roger Federer is a legendary Swiss professional tennis player widely considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time, with 20 Grand Slam singles titles. [bio]
Aug. 24 Chad Michael Murray
Chad Michael Murray is an American actor and former fashion model, best known for his breakthrough role in the popular teen drama series One Tree Hill and his starring role in the romantic comedy film A Cinderella Story.
Aug. 25 Rachel Bilson
Rachel Bilson is an American actress known for her breakthrough role as Summer Roberts in the popular teen drama 'The O.C.' and later starring in the TV series 'Hart of Dixie'. She has appeared in several films including 'Jumper' and 'The Last Kiss'.
Sept. 4 Beyoncé Knowles
Globally renowned singer, songwriter, actress, and cultural icon known for her groundbreaking music and performances. [bio]
Sept. 8 Jonathan Taylor Thomas
Jonathan Taylor Thomas is an American actor who rose to fame as Randy Taylor on the popular 90s sitcom 'Home Improvement', becoming a teen idol during that era.
Sept. 12 Jennifer Hudson
Jennifer Hudson is a Grammy and Academy Award-winning singer and actress who rose to fame through American Idol and achieved critical acclaim for her powerful performances in music and film. [bio]
Sept. 16 Bingbing Fan
Bingbing Fan is a prominent Chinese actress who has gained international recognition for her roles in both Chinese and Hollywood films, including 'X-Men: Days of Future Past' and 'Iron Man 3'.
Sept. 16 Alexis Bledel
Alexis Bledel is an American actress best known for her iconic role as Rory Gilmore in the critically acclaimed TV series 'Gilmore Girls' and her performance in 'The Handmaid's Tale'.
Sept. 26 Serena Williams
Legendary American tennis player, considered one of the greatest athletes of all time, who revolutionized women's tennis with her powerful playing style and numerous Grand Slam victories. [bio]
Sept. 26 Christina Milian
Successful American R&B singer, actress, and dancer known for hit songs and roles in films and television.
Oct. 3 Zlatan Ibrahimović
Zlatan Ibrahimović is a world-renowned Swedish professional footballer, considered one of the most skilled and charismatic strikers of his generation. He has played for top clubs like Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, and AC Milan, and is known for his extraordinary goal-scoring abilities and acrobatic techniques. [bio]
Nov. 7 Anushka Shetty
Anushka Shetty is a prominent Indian actress who rose to national fame through her powerful performances in Telugu and Tamil cinema, particularly her iconic roles in the Baahubali film series.
Dec. 2 Britney Spears
Iconic pop singer who revolutionized dance-pop music in the late 1990s and early 2000s. She began her career as a child performer on the Mickey Mouse Club and quickly rose to global stardom. Her music and performances significantly influenced pop culture. [bio]
Dec. 16 Krysten Ritter
Well-known American actress famous for her roles in 'Breaking Bad', 'Jessica Jones', and 'Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23'. She is also an accomplished author and model.
Dec. 27 Emilie de Ravin
Australian actress known for her roles in TV series 'Lost' and the film 'Remember Me' alongside Robert Pattinson.
Dec. 28 Sienna Miller
Sienna Miller is a prominent British-American actress known for her versatile roles in films like 'Layer Cake', 'Factory Girl', and 'American Sniper'.