Famous people and celebrities born on December 17

Welcome to our celebration of remarkable individuals born on December 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.

• 1905 Simo Häyhä

  Legendary Finnish sniper known as 'White Death' during the Winter War, credited with over 500 confirmed kills, making him the deadliest sniper in recorded military history.

• 1905 Mohammad Hidayatullah

  Prominent Indian jurist who served as the 11th Chief Justice of India and the 6th Vice President of India, playing a significant role in the country's legal and political landscape.

• 1911 André Claveau

  Renowned French actor and singer who was a prominent figure in mid-20th century French entertainment, known for his melodic voice and versatile performances.

• 1917 Arthur C. Clarke

  Legendary science fiction author and futurist, best known for '2001: A Space Odyssey', who profoundly influenced modern science fiction and technological imagination.

• 1929 William Safire

  Pulitzer Prize-winning political columnist for The New York Times, renowned for his sharp political commentary and work as a speechwriter for President Nixon.

• 1930 Armin Mueller-Stahl

  Renowned German actor and artist known for his versatile performances in international cinema and his accomplished painting career. He has appeared in numerous critically acclaimed films and is respected for his artistic talents both on screen and canvas.

• 1936 Tommy Steele

  British rock 'n roll pioneer who emerged in the 1950s, transforming from a merchant seaman to a chart-topping musician. His hit 'Singing the Blues' sparked teenage hysteria and helped define early British rock music.

• 1936 Pope Francis

  Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church since 2013, known for his humble approach and progressive stance on social issues. He is the first Pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit Pope in history.

• 1938 Liv Ullmann

  Internationally acclaimed Norwegian actress and director, famous for her collaborations with Ingmar Bergman. She is considered one of the most significant actresses of the 20th century.

• 1939 Eddie Kendricks

  Legendary Motown singer and founding member of The Temptations, known for his distinctive falsetto and contributions to soul music during the 1960s and 1970s.

• 1944 Bernard Hill

  Renowned English actor famous for roles in 'Titanic' and 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy, playing Captain Edward Smith and King Théoden respectively.

• 1945 Ernie Hudson

  American actor known for his roles in Ghostbusters and numerous other films, a prominent figure in Hollywood since the 1980s.

• 1945 Jacqueline Wilson

  Renowned British author celebrated for her influential and beloved children's literature, winning multiple literary awards.

• 1946 Eugene Levy

  Renowned Canadian comedian, actor, and writer best known for his work on SCTV and in comedy films like American Pie and Best in Show.

• 1947 Wes Studi

  Prominent Native American actor known for roles in films like 'Dances with Wolves' and 'The Last of the Mohicans', recognized for portraying authentic Native American characters.

• 1953 Bill Pullman

  Versatile American actor known for iconic roles in blockbuster films like 'Independence Day' and critically acclaimed series 'The Sinner'. He has been a prominent figure in Hollywood since the 1980s.

• 1958 Mike Mills

  Mike Mills is a renowned American musician and bassist, best known as a founding member of the influential alternative rock band R.E.M. He played a crucial role in the band's success from their formation in Athens, Georgia in 1980 until their disbandment in 2011.

• 1959 Gregg Araki

  Gregg Araki is an influential independent American filmmaker known for his provocative queer cinema, exploring themes of sexuality, youth, and identity in films like 'Mysterious Skin' and 'The Doom Generation'.

• 1969 Chuck Liddell

  Legendary UFC Light Heavyweight Champion who revolutionized mixed martial arts and became one of the most recognizable fighters in the sport's history.

• 1970 Sean Patrick Thomas

  American actor known for roles in films like 'Save the Last Dance' and TV series 'The District'.

• 1972 John Abraham

  Prominent Indian film actor and producer known for his work in Bollywood and action movies.

• 1972 Laurie Holden

  Versatile American-Canadian actress and producer known for roles in television series and films.

• 1973 Rian Johnson

  American film director, screenwriter, and producer known for innovative films like Knives Out and Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

• 1974 Sarah Paulson

  Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actress known for her versatile roles in television series like American Horror Story and The People v. O. J. Simpson, where she portrayed Marcia Clark. She has established herself as a prominent figure in both dramatic and comedic performances.

• 1974 Giovanni Ribisi

  Versatile character actor known for roles in films like Ted, Avatar, and Saving Private Ryan. He has built a reputation for playing complex, often eccentric characters across various genres.

• 1974 Marissa Ribisi

  Actress and sister of Giovanni Ribisi, known in the entertainment industry but with less prominent roles compared to her brother.

• 1975 Milla Jovovich

  Internationally renowned Ukrainian-American actress and model, famous for her roles in action films like 'Resident Evil' and 'The Fifth Element'. She has had a successful career in both modeling and acting since the 1990s.

• 1977 Katheryn Winnick

  Canadian actress known for her prominent roles in television series like Vikings and Big Sky, with significant acting career in film and TV.

• 1986 Emma Bell

  American actress known for roles in horror and thriller films like 'Final Destination 5' and 'The Walking Dead' TV series.

• 1993 Stephan James

  Canadian actor recognized for his performances in films like 'If Beale Street Could Talk' and 'Race'.