Famous people and celebrities born on December 21

Welcome to our celebration of remarkable individuals born on December 21! 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.

• 1911 Junie Astor

  French actress who performed on stage and in cinema during the mid-20th century.

• 1912 Paul Meurisse

  Renowned French actor and former partner of Edith Piaf, Paul Meurisse was a significant figure in mid-20th century French cinema. His film career spanned several decades, starting in 1941 and establishing him as a prominent performer.

• 1917 Heinrich Böll

  Prominent German novelist and Nobel Prize in Literature laureate who critically examined post-World War II West German society through his powerful and minimalist literary works.

• 1922 Paul Winchell

  Renowned American ventriloquist, voice actor, and inventor who created the famous puppet characters Jerry Mahoney and Knucklehead Smiff, and was also a pioneering voice actor for numerous cartoon characters.

• 1926 Joe Paterno

  Legendary Penn State football coach who led the team for 46 years and became one of the most successful coaches in college football history, though later controversial due to the Jerry Sandusky scandal.

• 1935 Phil Donahue

  Pioneering American television talk show host who revolutionized audience interaction and daytime television. His groundbreaking show ran for 29 seasons, aired on over 200 stations, and won 20 Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award.

• 1937 Jane Fonda

  Iconic American actress, activist, and cultural icon who has reinvented herself multiple times throughout her career, spanning film, fitness, political activism, and philanthropy.

• 1940 Frank Zappa

  Legendary avant-garde musician and composer who revolutionized rock music with his innovative and eclectic style. He was a multi-instrumentalist known for his complex compositions, satirical lyrics, and genre-defying musical approach. Zappa was a prolific artist who challenged musical and cultural norms throughout his career.

• 1942 Hu Jintao

  Former General Secretary of the Communist Party of China and President of the People's Republic of China from 2003 to 2013, who played a significant role in China's economic development and global diplomacy.

• 1946 Carl Wilson

  Legendary guitarist and vocalist of The Beach Boys, a pioneering rock band that defined the California surf music sound and became one of the most influential groups in music history.

• 1946 Dick Wolf

  Renowned television producer, creator of the highly successful 'Law & Order' franchise and multiple popular TV series.

• 1947 Paco de Lucía

  Legendary Spanish flamenco guitarist who revolutionized the genre by blending traditional flamenco with jazz and classical music, becoming a global icon of Spanish musical culture.

• 1948 Samuel L Jackson

  Renowned American actor known for iconic roles in numerous blockbuster films across multiple genres, including Pulp Fiction and Star Wars.

• 1949 Thomas Sankara

  Revolutionary leader and president of Burkina Faso from 1983 to 1987, known as 'Africa's Che Guevara'. He implemented radical social and economic reforms aimed at reducing poverty and promoting gender equality before being assassinated in a coup.

• 1953 Betty Wright

  Influential R&B and soul singer known for her powerful vocals and hit songs in the 1970s and 1980s.

• 1954 Chris Evert

  Legendary American tennis player who dominated women's tennis in the 1970s and 1980s, winning 18 Grand Slam singles titles and revolutionizing the women's game with her powerful baseline play and mental toughness.

• 1955 Jane Kaczmarek

  Emmy Award-nominated actress best known for her role as Lois in the popular sitcom 'Malcolm in the Middle'.

• 1957 Ray Romano

  Ray Romano is an acclaimed American comedian and actor, best known for his iconic sitcom 'Everybody Loves Raymond'. He rose to fame after years of stand-up comedy, becoming a beloved television personality with his distinctive comedic style.

• 1959 Corinne Touzet

  French actress, comedian, and producer of West Indian descent, known for her prominent role in the television series 'Une Femme d'Honneur'. She studied literature at Aix-en-Provence University and has had a significant career in French media.

• 1959 Florence Griffith Joyner

  Legendary Olympic sprinter who set world records in the 100- and 200-meter races during the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games. Known for her exceptional speed, style, and iconic fashion sense on the track.

• 1961 Francis Ng

  Prominent Hong Kong actor and film director known for his versatile roles in action and drama films.

• 1965 Andy Dick

  Controversial American comedian and actor known for his provocative comedy and appearances in various TV shows and films.

• 1966 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.

• 1969 Julie Delpy

  Renowned French actress and filmmaker known for her roles in critically acclaimed films like 'Before Sunrise' and 'Before Sunset'. She is also a talented director, screenwriter, and musician.

• 1977 Emmanuel Macron

  Current President of France, leading the country since 2017 and known for his centrist political approach and pro-European stance.

• 1982 Mahira Khan

  Popular Pakistani television and film actress with significant recognition in South Asian entertainment industry.

• 1983 Steven Yeun

  South Korean-American actor best known for his breakthrough role in 'The Walking Dead' and subsequent successful film and television career.

• 1984 Andrea Jeremiah

  Prominent Indian playback singer and actress known for her work in Tamil and Malayalam cinema, with a versatile musical and acting career.

• 1985 Tom Sturridge

  English stage and screen actor known for roles in 'Pirate Radio', 'On the Road', and Broadway productions.

• 1989 Tamannaah Bhatia

  Popular Indian actress known for her work in Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi cinema, with numerous film awards and significant box office success.