Famous people and celebrities born on January 31

Welcome to our celebration of remarkable individuals born on January 31! 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.

• 1902 Tallulah Bankhead

  Iconic American actress known for her powerful stage performances and flamboyant personality. She was a prominent figure in theater and film during the early to mid-20th century. Her autobiography 'Tallulah' provided insights into her remarkable life and career.

• 1915 Thomas Merton

  Thomas Merton was a prominent Trappist monk, writer, poet, and social critic who significantly influenced 20th-century spiritual and intellectual thought. He entered the Abbey of Gethsemani in Kentucky in 1941 and became a renowned contemplative author exploring themes of spirituality, social justice, and inner peace.

• 1915 Garry Moore

  Garry Moore was a popular American television personality and game show host who was prominent in the mid-20th century entertainment industry. He was best known for hosting shows like 'I've Got a Secret' and 'To Tell the Truth'.

• 1919 Jackie Robinson

  Jackie Robinson was a groundbreaking baseball player who broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball, becoming the first African American to play in the modern era. His courage and exceptional athletic skills with the Brooklyn Dodgers transformed American sports and civil rights. Robinson's legacy extends far beyond baseball, symbolizing racial integration and social progress.

• 1921 Carol Channing

  Iconic Broadway and Hollywood actress known for her distinctive voice and comedic roles. She was a Tony Award winner famous for her performances in 'Hello, Dolly!' and 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes'.

• 1921 John Agar

  American actor primarily known for his marriage to Shirley Temple and his roles in science fiction and western films during the 1950s.

• 1922 Joanne Dru

  American actress known for her roles in Western and film noir movies during the 1940s and 1950s, including 'Red River' and 'All the King's Men'.

• 1929 Jean Simmons

  Renowned British actress who rose to international fame in the 1940s and 1950s. She was nominated for Academy Awards for her roles in 'Hamlet' and 'The Happy Ending'. Simmons was a versatile performer who successfully transitioned between British and Hollywood cinema.

• 1931 Ernie Banks

  Baseball player

• 1934 James Franciscus

  American television and film actor known for roles in 'Mr. Novak' and 'Longstreet', who passed away from emphysema at age 57.

• 1935 Kenzaburō Ōe

  Japanese Nobel Prize laureate, renowned academic and author who significantly contributed to contemporary Japanese literature.

• 1937 Philip Glass

  Groundbreaking American composer who revolutionized contemporary classical music through his distinctive minimalist style, influencing generations of musicians worldwide.

• 1938 Beatrix

  Queen of the Netherlands from 1980 to 2013, daughter of Queen Juliana and Prince Bernhard, who was well-educated and earned a law degree from the University of Leiden.

• 1942 Daniela Bianchi

  Italian actress famous for her role as Tatiana Romanova in the James Bond film 'From Russia with Love'. She was first runner-up in the 1960 Miss Universe contest and voted Miss Photogenic.

• 1945 Brenda Hale

  Brenda Hale is a prominent British jurist who made significant contributions to legal history as the first female President of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, serving from 2017 to 2020. She is known for her landmark rulings and advocacy for judicial independence and human rights.

• 1947 Jonathan Banks

  Acclaimed American actor best known for his roles in 'Breaking Bad' and 'Better Call Saul' as Mike Ehrmantraut.

• 1957 Shirley Babashoff

  Shirley Babashoff is a legendary American Olympic swimmer who dominated competitive swimming in the 1970s, winning multiple gold and silver medals in the 1972 and 1976 Olympics. She was a world-class athlete who won five world championships and 27 national titles, and was inducted into both the Swimming and Olympic Halls of Fame.

• 1959 Kelly Lynch

  American actress and model

• 1959 Anthony LaPaglia

  Acclaimed Australian actor and producer known for his versatile roles in film and television, including notable performances in TV series and movies.

• 1966 Dexter Fletcher

  British actor and director known for his roles in 'Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels' and later directing films like 'Rocketman'. He has successfully transitioned between acting and directing in the film industry.

• 1970 Minnie Driver

  Acclaimed British actress and singer-songwriter known for her Oscar-nominated role in 'Good Will Hunting' and her versatile performances in film and television.

• 1973 Portia de Rossi

  Australian-American actress known for her roles in 'Ally McBeal' and 'Arrested Development', and her marriage to comedian Ellen DeGeneres.

• 1974 Ary Abittan

  Popular French comedian and actor known for his stand-up comedy and film roles, with North African Jewish heritage.

• 1975 Preity Zinta

  Prominent Bollywood actress known for her vibrant performances in numerous hit films, who also ventured into film production and television hosting.

• 1977 Kerry Washington

  Acclaimed American actress known for her powerful roles in films like Ray, Django Unchained, and the TV series Scandal. She has received multiple awards and is recognized for her versatile acting and social activism.

• 1979 Daniel Tammet

  Daniel Tammet is a renowned English autistic savant known for his extraordinary mental capabilities, particularly in mathematics and language learning. He has written several books about his unique experiences with autism and synesthesia, becoming an influential advocate for neurodiversity.

• 1981 Justin Timberlake

  Globally renowned pop singer, actor, and former member of the iconic boy band NSYNC. He has successfully transitioned from teen pop star to a respected solo artist and Hollywood actor.

• 1991 Amy Jackson

  British actress and model who gained significant popularity in South Indian cinema, particularly in Tamil and Telugu films. She has appeared in several successful Bollywood movies and is known for her modeling career.

• 1996 Joel Courtney

  American actor known for his breakthrough role in the film 'Super 8' and subsequent roles in movies like 'The Kissing Booth' series.