Famous people and celebrities born on December 23
Welcome to our celebration of remarkable individuals born on December 23! 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.
- 1900 Marie Bell
Renowned French actress and resistance fighter who had a remarkable career spanning from 1924 to 1973. She began as a dancer at age 13 and was a courageous member of the French Resistance during World War II.
- 1902 Charan Singh
Indian hockey player who led the national team to its historic first Olympic gold medal in 1928, marking a significant milestone in Indian sports history.
- 1908 Yousuf Karsh
Renowned Armenian-Canadian photographer famous for his iconic portraits of world leaders, artists, and celebrities during the 20th century. His dramatic black and white portraits captured the essence of his subjects with remarkable depth and emotion.
- 1911 Niels Kaj Jerne
Niels Kaj Jerne was a renowned immunologist who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his groundbreaking work in immunology.
- 1919 Kenneth M. Taylor
American lieutenant and pilot who played a significant role during World War II, particularly known for his heroic actions during the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941.
- 1923 Bob Barker in Darrington
Legendary American television game show host, best known for hosting The Price is Right.
- 1923 James Stockdale
Renowned American naval aviator and Medal of Honor recipient who was a prisoner of war in Vietnam and later became a respected military leader and philosopher.
- 1926 Robert Bly
Influential American poet, translator, and key figure in the men's movement who wrote the groundbreaking book 'Iron John', exploring masculine psychology through Jungian and mythological perspectives.
- 1929 Chet Baker
Legendary jazz musician known for his innovative trumpet playing and distinctive vocal style, who was a key figure in the West Coast jazz movement of the 1950s.
- 1933 Akihito
Emperor of Japan from 1989 to 2019, known for modernizing the imperial institution and promoting peace. He was the first Japanese monarch to marry a commoner and abdicated the throne in favor of his son, breaking centuries-old tradition.
- 1935 Esther Phillips
Esther Phillips was a renowned American R&B singer known for her versatile musical style, spanning genres like pop, country, blues, and soul. Her powerful vocals and emotional performances made her a significant figure in mid-20th century music.
- 1938 Robert Kahn
Robert Kahn is a pioneering computer scientist who co-invented the TCP/IP protocols, fundamental to the modern internet's communication infrastructure.
- 1943 Harry Shearer
Renowned comedian, actor, and voice artist famous for his work on Saturday Night Live, This Is Spinal Tap, and The Simpsons. He is a versatile performer known for his satirical writing and radio hosting.
- 1943 Elizabeth Hartman
American actress known for her critically acclaimed performance in 'A Patch of Blue', for which she received an Oscar nomination. Tragically, she died by suicide at the age of 45.
- 1943 Mikhail Gromov
Renowned Russian-French mathematician and academic, known for his groundbreaking contributions to geometry and dynamical systems. He is a Fields Medal winner and one of the most influential mathematicians of the 20th century.
- 1945 Diane Sawyer
Renowned American journalist and news anchor, one of the most prominent figures in broadcast journalism.
- 1947 Bill Rodgers
Legendary American long-distance runner who dominated marathon running in the late 1970s. He won 22 consecutive races in 1978 and set numerous age-group records, becoming an iconic figure in the running world. Rodgers was instrumental in popularizing marathon running in the United States.
- 1949 Robin Gibb
Legendary Bee Gees member and influential pop music singer-songwriter who significantly shaped the disco and pop music landscape of the 1970s.
- 1949 Maurice Gibb
Bee Gees member and musician who was integral to the group's international success and musical innovation.
- 1950 Vicente del Bosque
Legendary Spanish football manager who led Spain's national team to World Cup and European Championship victories, transforming Spanish football's global reputation.
- 1955 Carol Ann Duffy
Renowned British poet and playwright who became the first female Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom, breaking significant ground in British literary history.
- 1958 Joan Severance
American actress and model known for her roles in action and erotic thriller films during the 1980s and 1990s, including 'Black Scorpion' and 'See No Evil, Hear No Evil'.
- 1961 Lorna Tolentino
Prominent Filipino actress and producer known for her significant contributions to Philippine cinema and television.
- 1962 Ralph Fiennes
Ralph Fiennes is an acclaimed English actor known for his versatile roles in film and theater, including memorable performances in 'Schindler's List', 'The English Patient', and the Harry Potter series.
- 1963 Donna Tartt
Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist known for critically acclaimed works like 'The Secret History' and 'The Goldfinch'. She is a prominent contemporary American literary figure.
- 1964 Eddie Vedder
Lead vocalist of the iconic grunge rock band Pearl Jam, Eddie Vedder is widely recognized as one of the most influential rock musicians of the 1990s. He is known for his powerful, distinctive baritone voice and profound songwriting that often addresses social and political issues.
- 1970 Ted Cruz
Ted Cruz is a prominent Republican U.S. Senator from Texas, known for his conservative political stance and national prominence.
- 1971 Corey Haim
Corey Haim was a prominent Canadian actor who rose to fame in the 1980s, particularly known for his iconic role in the vampire film 'The Lost Boys' and his contributions to teen cinema.
- 1978 Estella Warren
Canadian actress and model known for her roles in films like 'Planet of the Apes' and her successful modeling career.
- 2002 Finn Wolfhard
Finn Wolfhard is a young Canadian actor who rose to fame for his role as Mike Wheeler in the popular Netflix series Stranger Things. He has also appeared in films like IT and has pursued music with his band, Calpurnia.
What Is special about December 23?
Discover what makes December 23 a memorable date