Famous people and celebrities born on April 17

Welcome to our celebration of remarkable individuals born on April 17! On this day, we recognize the birth of various influential celebrities who have left their mark on the world. From acclaimed actors and musicians to groundbreaking athletes and leaders, explore the lives and achievements of those who share this special birthday. Join us in honoring these stars and discovering the impact they've made across diverse fields.

• 1756 Dheeran Chinnamalai

  Renowned scientist known for groundbreaking research in the field of physics.

• 1894 Nikita Khrushchev

  At age 77, dies from a heart attack.

• 1918 William Holden

  William Holden was a prominent American actor who won an Academy Award and starred in iconic films like 'Sunset Boulevard' and 'The Bridge on the River Kwai'. He was a leading Hollywood actor during the mid-20th century, known for his versatile performances and charismatic screen presence.

• 1919 Chavela Vargas

  Legendary Costa Rican-Mexican ranchera singer known for her powerful, emotional performances and significant influence in Latin American music. She was a muse to filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar and received a Latin Grammy for her extraordinary musical contributions.

• 1923 Lon McCallister

  American child actor who transitioned to adult roles, known for films like 'Stage Door Canteen' and 'Home in Indiana'. He briefly interrupted his film career to serve in the army during World War II.

• 1927 Pope Benedict XVI

  Pope of the Catholic Church from 2005 to 2013, who became the first pope in nearly 600 years to resign from the papacy.

• 1928 Cynthia Ozick

  Cynthia Ozick is a renowned American writer who has significantly contributed to contemporary literature through her profound explorations of Jewish identity, culture, and intellectual discourse.

• 1929 James Last

  Renowned German musician and bandleader famous for his easy listening and instrumental pop music arrangements, who significantly influenced popular music in the 20th century.

• 1937 Ferdinand Piech

  Austrian-German executive and automotive engineer who led Volkswagen Group's transformation.

• 1939 Dusty Springfield

  Iconic English pop singer known for her distinctive voice and influential contributions to 1960s music, particularly in soul and pop genres.

• 1940 Billy Fury

  Influential British rock and roll singer of the late 1950s and early 1960s, known for his dynamic performances and chart-topping hits.

• 1942 David Bradley

  British actor known for roles in Harry Potter and Game of Thrones, portraying memorable characters like Argus Filch and Walder Frey.

• 1947 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

  Legendary NBA basketball player, considered one of the greatest players of all time, who played for the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers.

• 1951 Olivia Hussey

  Argentinean-British actress famous for her iconic role as Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli's 1968 film adaptation of 'Romeo and Juliet'. She became an international star at a very young age, captivating audiences with her youthful beauty and emotional performance.

• 1954 Roddy Piper

  Professional wrestler famous for his iconic WWE performances and legendary feud with Hulk Hogan, known for his charismatic personality and memorable wrestling career.

• 1955 Kristine Sutherland

  Kristine Sutherland is an American actress best known for her iconic role as Joyce Summers in the cult TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, which aired from 1997 to 2003.

• 1959 Sean Bean

  Sean Bean is a renowned English actor famous for his iconic roles in 'The Lord of the Rings' as Boromir and in 'Game of Thrones' as Ned Stark, known for his intense performances and distinctive Yorkshire accent.

• 1964 Rachel Notley

  Rachel Notley served as the Premier of Alberta, Canada, leading the New Democratic Party from 2015 to 2019 and making significant political contributions to the province.

• 1968 Adam McKay

  Acclaimed comedy film director and screenwriter known for satirical comedies like Anchorman, Step Brothers, and The Big Short, who has also won an Academy Award for his work.

• 1969 Alexander McQueen

  Legendary British fashion designer known for his avant-garde and revolutionary designs that challenged traditional fashion norms. He was a creative genius who transformed haute couture with his dramatic and provocative runway shows. McQueen was awarded British Designer of the Year four times and was a significant influence in the fashion world.

• 1972 Jennifer Garner

  Acclaimed American actress and film producer best known for her starring role in the spy-action thriller 'Alias'. She won a Screen Actors Guild Award and Golden Globe for her performance as Sydney Bristow, a CIA officer.

• 1972 Muttiah Muralitharan

  Legendary Sri Lankan spin bowler who holds the world record for most wickets in international cricket. Considered one of the greatest bowlers in the history of the sport.

• 1974 Victoria Beckham

  Victoria Beckham is a renowned British fashion designer, former Spice Girls member, and global style icon who successfully transitioned from pop music to the fashion industry.

• 1976 Monet Mazur

  American actress and musician known for her roles in films and television series.

• 1980 Nicholas D'Agosto

  American film and television actor known for roles in comedy and drama series like 'Heroes' and 'Masters of Sex'.

• 1982 Lee Jun Ki

  Lee Jun Ki is a renowned South Korean actor and model famous for his versatile performances in Korean dramas and films, known for his exceptional acting skills and striking looks.

• 1985 Rooney Mara

  Rooney Mara is an acclaimed American actress known for her powerful performances in critically acclaimed films like 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' and 'Carol', for which she received numerous award nominations.

• 1990 Gia Mantegna

  Gia Mantegna is an American actress known for her roles in independent films and television series, daughter of actor Joe Mantegna.

• 1993 Chance The Rapper

  Chance the Rapper is a Grammy-winning hip-hop artist known for his innovative musical style, independent approach to music, and significant philanthropic work in Chicago, particularly in education and youth support.