Famous people and celebrities born on January 17

Welcome to our celebration of remarkable individuals born on January 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.

  • 1899 Al Capone

    Al Capone was a notorious American gangster who became the boss of the Chicago Outfit during the Prohibition era.

  • Patsy Ruth Miller
    1904 Patsy Ruth Miller

    American actress known for her work in silent films during the 1920s, who had a long career in entertainment and lived to be 91 years old.

  • Betty White
    1922 Betty White

    Beloved American actress and television icon who was a pioneer in comedy and entertainment, best known for her roles in 'The Golden Girls' and 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show'. She won multiple Emmy Awards and was a beloved public figure known for her wit, humor, and advocacy for animal rights.

  • Moira Shearer
    1926 Moira Shearer

    A renowned Scottish ballerina and actress, Moira Shearer was a principal dancer with Sadler's Wells Ballet and gained international fame through her iconic role in the film 'The Red Shoes'.

  • Eartha Kitt
    1927 Eartha Kitt

    Eartha Kitt was a legendary African American singer, actress, and activist known for her distinctive voice, iconic Catwoman role, and powerful civil rights advocacy.

  • 1930 Thomas P Stafford in Oklahoma

    NASA astronaut who flew on Gemini 6, Gemini 9, and Apollo 10 missions, making significant contributions to the US space program.

  • James Earl Jones
    1931 James Earl Jones

    James Earl Jones is a legendary American actor renowned for his distinctive deep voice and iconic roles in Star Wars as Darth Vader and in The Lion King as Mufasa. He is a highly respected performer with a career spanning theater, film, and television.

  • Shari Lewis
    1933 Shari Lewis

    Renowned American puppeteer, ventriloquist, and children's television host famous for her puppet characters Lamb Chop and Charlie Horse.

  • Sheree North
    1933 Sheree North

    Versatile American actress and dancer who appeared in numerous films and television shows during the 1950s and 1960s.

  • 1933 Dalida

    Internationally renowned French-Egyptian singer who recorded in multiple languages and became a global music icon with 55 gold records.

  • 1942 Muhammad Ali

    Legendary boxer, activist, and global cultural icon who transcended sports and became a symbol of civil rights and social justice.

  • Françoise Hardy
    1944 Françoise Hardy

    Renowned French singer, actress, and multi-talented artist known for her influential music in the 1960s and 1970s. She was a prominent figure in the French chanson genre and released several notable albums. Hardy was also intellectually diverse, exploring interests in astronomy and graphology.

  • Jane Elliot
    1947 Jane Elliot

    Jane Elliot is an American actress best known for her long-running role as Tracy Quartermaine on the popular soap opera General Hospital, which she has portrayed since 1978.

  • Andy Kaufman
    1949 Andy Kaufman

    Iconic comedian and performance artist known for his surreal, avant-garde comedy style. He gained fame through Saturday Night Live and the sitcom Taxi, blurring lines between comedy and performance art.

  • 1949 Indio Solari

    Influential Argentine rock musician and founding member of Patricio Redonditos de Ricota, a legendary rock band in Latin American alternative music scene.

  • Ryuichi Sakamoto
    1952 Ryuichi Sakamoto

    Renowned Japanese composer, pianist, and record producer, best known for his work with Yellow Magic Orchestra and his influential film scores, including the Oscar-winning soundtrack for 'The Last Emperor'.

  • 1957 Steve Harvey

    Renowned American comedian, actor, and television host known for his stand-up comedy, radio shows, and popular TV programs like 'Family Feud'.

  • Brian Helgeland
    1961 Brian Helgeland

    Oscar-winning screenwriter and director known for films like 'L.A. Confidential' and 'A Knight's Tale', who has made significant contributions to Hollywood cinema.

  • Jim Carrey
    1962 Jim Carrey

    Iconic Canadian-American comedian and actor renowned for his exaggerated physical comedy and memorable roles in comedies like 'Ace Ventura', 'The Mask', and dramatic films like 'The Truman Show'.

  • Sebastian Junger
    1962 Sebastian Junger

    Award-winning American journalist, author, and documentarian known for his compelling non-fiction works about extreme human experiences, particularly 'The Perfect Storm' and war reporting.

  • Michelle Obama
    1964 Michelle Obama

    Michelle Obama is a lawyer, author, and former First Lady of the United States, known for her advocacy of healthy living, education, and social causes.

  • Shabba Ranks
    1966 Shabba Ranks

    Jamaican dancehall artist who significantly influenced reggae music in the late 1980s and early 1990s, known for his energetic performances and hit songs.

  • Sylvie Testud
    1971 Sylvie Testud

    Versatile French artist known for her work as an actress, writer, director, and amateur painter, with notable contributions to French cinema.

  • François Damiens
    1973 François Damiens

    Belgian comedian and actor famous for his television pranks and comedic roles, particularly in the comedy series 'La Famille Bélier' where he portrayed a humorous family man.

  • Zooey Deschanel
    1980 Zooey Deschanel

    Acclaimed actress and singer known for quirky comedy roles in films like 'Elf' and 'Almost Famous', and the TV series 'New Girl'. She is part of a talented entertainment family and has established herself as a versatile performer.

  • 1982 Dwyane Wade

    Dwyane Wade is a legendary NBA basketball player who played primarily for the Miami Heat, winning three NBA championships and becoming one of the most iconic shooting guards of his generation.

  • 1984 Calvin Harris

    Scottish DJ and record producer who is a global electronic dance music superstar, known for hit songs like 'Summer' and 'This Is What You Came For' featuring major artists like Rihanna.

  • 1987 Oleksandr Usyk

    Oleksandr Usyk is a world-renowned Ukrainian professional boxer who has won world championships in both cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions. He is an Olympic gold medalist and considered one of the most skilled boxers of his generation.

  • 1997 Jake Paul

    Jake Paul is a controversial internet celebrity, YouTuber, and social media influencer known for his viral content, boxing career, and provocative public persona.

What Is special about January 17?

Discover what makes January 17 a memorable date