Famous people and celebrities born on May 17

Welcome to our celebration of remarkable individuals born on May 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.

• 1889 Dorothy Gibson

  American singer and actress (d. 1946).

• 1900 Ayatullah Ruhollah Khomeini

  Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini was a prominent Iranian Shia Muslim religious and political leader who led the Iranian Revolution in 1979, overthrowing the Shah and establishing an Islamic Republic. He served as the Supreme Leader of Iran from 1979 until his death in 1989, fundamentally transforming Iran's political and social landscape.

• 1905 Henry Fonda

  Legendary Hollywood actor known for iconic roles in films like '12 Angry Men' and 'On Golden Pond', and father of actress Jane Fonda.

• 1909 Magda Schneider

  German actress and singer who was prominent in musicals and operatic films during the mid-20th century. She was the mother of famous actress Romy Schneider, who became an international cinema icon.

• 1911 Maureen O'Sullivan

  Maureen O'Sullivan was a prominent Irish-American actress famous for her iconic role as Jane in the classic Tarzan film series, appearing alongside Johnny Weissmuller in multiple movies during the 1930s and 1940s.

• 1919 Antonio Aguilar

  Renowned Mexican actor, screenwriter, and producer who significantly influenced Mexican music and cinema during the mid-20th century.

• 1936 Dennis Hopper

  Iconic American actor and filmmaker known for his rebellious roles and counterculture persona. He was a key figure in New Hollywood cinema, starring in landmark films like 'Easy Rider' and 'Apocalypse Now'. His career spanned decades, marked by intense performances and personal struggles with addiction.

• 1940 Adel Imam

  Adel Imam is a renowned Egyptian comedian and actor who has been a prominent figure in Middle Eastern cinema and television for decades, known for his satirical comedy and social commentary.

• 1955 Bill Paxton

  Renowned American actor and filmmaker known for roles in 'Titanic', 'Aliens', and 'Twister', who directed and starred in numerous films before his untimely death in 2017.

• 1956 Sugar Ray Leonard

  Sugar Ray Leonard is a legendary professional boxer who was an Olympic gold medalist and won world titles in multiple weight classes, revolutionizing boxing with his exceptional speed and charismatic style.

• 1956 Bob Saget

  Bob Saget was a beloved American comedian and actor, best known for his role as Danny Tanner on 'Full House' and as the original host of 'America's Funniest Home Videos'.

• 1958 Paul Whitehouse

  British comedian, actor, and writer known for comedy shows like 'The Fast Show' and collaborations with Harry Enfield. A prominent figure in British comedy since the 1990s.

• 1962 Craig Ferguson

  Scottish-American comedian, late-night TV host, and multi-talented entertainer who gained fame through 'The Drew Carey Show' and later hosted 'The Late, Late Show' from 2004 to 2014.

• 1964 David Eigenberg

  American actor known for his role as Steve Brady in the TV series 'Sex and the City' and as Christopher Herrmann in 'Chicago Fire'.

• 1965 Paige Turco

  American actress known for her role as April O'Neil in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and as Abigail Griffin in a television series.

• 1965 Corrado Guzzanti

  Italian comedian, actor, and satirist known for his absurdist comedy alongside his sister Sabina Guzzanti.

• 1965 Trent Reznor

  Legendary musician, lead singer of Nine Inch Nails, known for his innovative industrial rock and complex musical style.

• 1966 Hill Harper

  Hill Harper is an accomplished American actor, author, and philanthropist known for his prominent roles in television series like 'CSI: NY' and 'The Good Doctor', and for his impactful social activism and best-selling books.

• 1966 Janet Jackson

  Janet Jackson is a globally renowned pop icon, singer, songwriter, dancer, and actress who has significantly influenced the music and entertainment industry.

• 1966 Qusay Hussein

  Qusay Hussein was the son of Saddam Hussein, a prominent figure in the Iraqi regime who was killed during the Iraq War in 2003 alongside his father.

• 1967 Cameron Bancroft

  Actor known for his role in the popular teen drama series Beverly Hills 90210.

• 1973 Sasha Alexander

  Sasha Alexander is an American television actress best known for her prominent roles in popular TV series NCIS and Rizzoli & Isles.

• 1974 Andrea Corr

  Irish singer, musician, and actress, best known as a member of the popular folk-rock band The Corrs, which achieved international success in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

• 1984 Lena Waithe

  Lena Waithe is an Emmy Award-winning screenwriter, actress, and producer known for her groundbreaking work in television, particularly in creating diverse and inclusive narratives through shows like 'The Chi' and her work on 'Master of None'.

• 1985 Derek Hough

  Derek Hough is a renowned professional dancer, choreographer, and television personality best known for his multiple Emmy Award-winning performances on 'Dancing with the Stars'.

• 1986 Megan Fox

  Megan Fox is a globally recognized Hollywood actress known for her roles in blockbuster films like 'Transformers' and her significant impact on pop culture.

• 1988 Nikki Reed

  Nikki Reed is an American actress, screenwriter, and model who rose to international fame through her role in the Twilight film franchise. She co-wrote the screenplay for the film 'Thirteen' at just 14 years old, showcasing her early talent in the entertainment industry.

• 1988 Karrueche Tran

  Karrueche Tran is an American model, actress, and television personality known for her work in fashion and her high-profile relationship with singer Chris Brown.

• 1989 Ross Butler

  Ross Butler is an American actor known for his prominent roles in popular teen drama series '13 Reasons Why' and 'Riverdale', gaining significant recognition in the entertainment industry.

• 1990 Leven Rambin

  Leven Rambin is an accomplished American actress known for her prominent roles in major film franchises like The Hunger Games and the television series Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles.