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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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'.
- 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.
- 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.
- 1933 Shari Lewis
Renowned American puppeteer, ventriloquist, and children's television host famous for her puppet characters Lamb Chop and Charlie Horse.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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'.
- 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.
- 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'.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 1971 Sylvie Testud
Versatile French artist known for her work as an actress, writer, director, and amateur painter, with notable contributions to French cinema.
- 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.
- 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