Famous people and celebrities born on August 17

Welcome to our celebration of remarkable individuals born on August 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.

• 1888 Monty Woolley

  American actor known for his role in 'The Man Who Came to Dinner.'

• 1893 Mae West

  Iconic actress and comedian known for her wit and glamour during the Golden Age of Hollywood.

• 1911 Mikhail Botvinnik

  Legendary Soviet chess grandmaster who dominated world chess for decades and was a three-time world champion. He significantly influenced chess theory and was a pioneer in computer chess research.

• 1920 Maureen O'Hara

  A legendary Irish-American actress known for her vibrant screen presence in classic Hollywood films, particularly in romantic comedies and westerns. She starred in iconic movies like 'The Quiet Man' and 'Miracle on 34th Street', working with directors like John Ford and becoming a symbol of strong, spirited female characters.

• 1935 Oleg Tabakov

  Renowned Russian theater and film actor, director, and pedagogue who significantly influenced Soviet and Russian performing arts. He was the artistic director of the Moscow Art Theatre and trained numerous prominent actors. Tabakov was a People's Artist of the USSR and received multiple state awards.

• 1943 Robert De Niro

  Legendary American actor, director, and producer known for iconic roles in films like 'Taxi Driver', 'Raging Bull', and 'Goodfellas'. He won two Academy Awards and is considered one of the greatest actors of his generation.

• 1944 Larry Ellison

  Larry Ellison is a renowned technology entrepreneur who co-founded Oracle Corporation, one of the world's largest software companies. He played a pivotal role in the development of enterprise database technology and was a key figure in Silicon Valley's tech revolution. Ellison is also known for his significant wealth and competitive business strategies.

• 1949 Julian Fellowes

  Renowned English screenwriter, director, actor, and politician best known for creating the critically acclaimed TV series Downton Abbey and winning an Oscar for screenwriting.

• 1951 Robert Joy

  Canadian actor known for roles in films like 'Big Shots' and 'Suicide Club', with a notable career in film and television.

• 1952 Nelson Piquet

  Legendary Brazilian Formula One racing driver who won three World Championships (1981, 1983, 1987). He is considered one of the most talented and successful drivers in the history of motorsport.

• 1954 James Cameron

  Acclaimed film director, screenwriter, and producer known for groundbreaking films like Titanic, Avatar, and Terminator.

• 1958 Belinda Carlisle

  Iconic American pop singer who founded the groundbreaking all-female band The Go-Go's, pioneering women in new wave and punk rock music during the late 1970s and early 1980s.

• 1958 Madonna Ciccone

  Global pop icon and cultural phenomenon who revolutionized music, fashion, and entertainment throughout multiple decades, known for her constant reinvention.

• 1959 Jonathan Franzen

  Jonathan Franzen is a prominent contemporary American novelist known for his critically acclaimed and bestselling novels that explore complex family dynamics and modern American life.

• 1960 Sean Penn

  Sean Penn is an acclaimed American actor, director, and political activist known for his powerful performances in films like 'Mystic River' and 'Milk', for which he won Academy Awards. He has also been recognized for his humanitarian work and political engagement.

• 1963 Steve Carell

  Steve Carell is a highly acclaimed American actor, comedian, and producer, best known for his roles in 'The Office' and numerous comedy films.

• 1965 Roberto Clemente

  Legendary Puerto Rican baseball player and broadcaster, known for his exceptional skills and humanitarian work before his tragic death.

• 1968 Helen McCrory

  Renowned British actress known for her roles in Harry Potter, Peaky Blinders, and numerous stage productions. She was a highly respected performer in film, television, and theater.

• 1969 Donnie Wahlberg

  American musician, actor, and member of the iconic boy band New Kids on the Block, who later became a successful actor in film and television.

• 1969 Christian Laettner

  Legendary college basketball player for Duke University who became an NBA player, famous for his iconic game-winning shot in the 1992 NCAA Tournament.

• 1977 Thierry Henry

  Thierry Henry is a legendary French soccer player widely considered one of the greatest strikers in football history. He played for top clubs like Monaco, Juventus, Arsenal, and Barcelona, and was a key player in France's 1998 World Cup victory.

• 1985 Yû Aoi

  Yû Aoi is a prominent Japanese actress known for her versatile performances in critically acclaimed films and television series, with notable roles in Japanese cinema.

• 1988 Brady Corbet

  Brady Corbet is an acclaimed independent filmmaker and actor known for his critically praised directorial works like 'The Childhood of a Leader' and 'Vox Lux'.

• 1988 Erika Toda

  Erika Toda is a prominent Japanese actress known for her roles in popular films and television series, particularly in the Japanese entertainment industry.

• 1990 Rachel Hurd-Wood

  British actress known for her roles in 'Peter Pan' (2003) and 'Perfume: The Story of a Murderer' (2006), who has worked in film and television since childhood.

• 1991 Austin Butler

  Austin Butler is an acclaimed American actor known for his breakout role as Elvis Presley in the 2022 biopic 'Elvis', for which he won a Golden Globe Award.

• 1991 Young Thug

  Young Thug is a highly influential rapper and songwriter from Atlanta, known for his innovative musical style and significant impact on modern hip-hop.

• 1993 Ederson Moraes

  Ederson Moraes is a world-renowned Brazilian goalkeeper who plays for Manchester City and the Brazilian national team, known for his exceptional goalkeeping skills and ability to play with his feet.

• 1994 Taissa Farmiga

  Taissa Farmiga is an American actress known for her prominent roles in the horror anthology series 'American Horror Story' and the supernatural film 'The Nun'. She is the younger sister of actress Vera Farmiga and has established herself as a notable performer in horror and drama genres.