Famous people and celebrities born on October 17

Welcome to our celebration of remarkable individuals born on October 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.

• 1886 Spring Byington

  Spring Byington was an American actress known for her role in the TV series 'December Bride'.

• 1900 Jean Arthur

  Jean Arthur was a prominent Hollywood actress of the 1930s and 1940s, known for her distinctive voice and comedic talents. She starred in classic films like 'Mr. Smith Goes to Washington' and 'Shane', and was considered one of the most popular actresses of her era.

• 1903 Irene Ryan

  Beloved actress best known for her iconic role as Granny in the popular TV sitcom 'The Beverly Hillbillies', a comedy series that ran from 1962 to 1971.

• 1909 Cozy Cole

  American drummer (d. 1981)

• 1913 Marian Marsh

  Marian Marsh was a notable Trinidadian-American actress active in Hollywood during the Golden Age of cinema, known for her environmental activism later in life.

• 1915 Arthur Miller

  Arthur Miller was a renowned American playwright who revolutionized modern theater with his powerful social critiques. He won the Pulitzer Prize for 'Death of a Salesman' and wrote seminal works like 'The Crucible' that explored complex human and societal themes. His plays continue to be performed and studied worldwide as masterpieces of 20th-century drama.

• 1917 Marsha Hunt

  American actress who made her Broadway debut in 1948, appearing in over 60 films. She began her career as a model at 17 and made her screen debut in 'The Virginia Judge' in 1935.

• 1918 Rita Hayworth

  Iconic Hollywood actress and pin-up model who was a major sex symbol during World War II, known for her stunning beauty and memorable film performances.

• 1920 Montgomery Clift

  Montgomery Clift was a groundbreaking American actor known for his intense method acting style and iconic roles in classic films like 'From Here to Eternity' and 'A Place in the Sun'. He was a significant influence on Hollywood acting and was nominated for multiple Academy Awards during his career.

• 1920 Zully Moreno

  Zully Moreno was a notable Argentine actress who was prominent in Latin American cinema during the mid-20th century.

• 1926 Beverly Garland

  Versatile American actress and businesswoman who had a successful career in film and television. She was particularly known for her roles in 'My Three Sons' and as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.

• 1938 Evel Knievel

  Legendary American motorcycle stuntman who became a cultural icon through his death-defying motorcycle jumps and spectacular performances. He attempted numerous dangerous stunts, including jumping over buses and canyons, and was known for his fearless approach to extreme sports.

• 1942 Gary Puckett

  American pop rock musician known for his band Gary Puckett and the Union Gap, famous in the late 1960s with hits like 'Young Girl' and 'Woman, Woman'.

• 1947 Michael McKean

  Renowned American comedian, actor, and musician best known for his roles in 'Laverne & Shirley', 'This Is Spinal Tap', and 'Better Call Saul'.

• 1948 Margot Kidder

  Margot Kidder was a renowned Canadian-American actress famous for her portrayal of Lois Lane in the Superman film series starring Christopher Reeve. She was a significant figure in Hollywood during the late 1970s and early 1980s.

• 1948 George Wendt

  George Wendt is an iconic American actor and comedian best known for his role as Norm Peterson on the legendary sitcom Cheers. He became a beloved television personality during the 1980s.

• 1950 Howard Rollins

  American actor known for his roles in 'Amos & Andrew' and the TV series 'In the Heat of the Night', who received an Oscar nomination for 'A Soldier's Story'.

• 1955 Smita Patil

  Iconic Indian actress who significantly contributed to parallel cinema and was known for her powerful, socially conscious performances in both Hindi and Marathi films before her untimely death at 31.

• 1960 Rob Marshall

  Renowned American film and theater director known for Broadway musicals and Hollywood films like 'Chicago' and 'Into the Woods'.

• 1962 Mike Judge

  Renowned American animator, filmmaker, and voice actor famous for creating 'Beavis and Butt-Head', 'King of the Hill', and 'Silicon Valley'.

• 1966 Mark Gatiss

  Prominent British actor, writer, and comedian known for his significant work in television, including roles in 'Doctor Who', 'Sherlock', and as a writer for multiple BBC productions.

• 1971 Andy Whitfield

  Andy Whitfield was a Welsh actor best known for his breakthrough role as Spartacus in the critically acclaimed Starz television series. Tragically, he passed away from non-Hodgkin lymphoma at the young age of 39, cutting short a promising acting career.

• 1972 Wyclef Jean

  Wyclef Jean is a Grammy Award-winning Haitian-American musician, rapper, and actor, best known as a founding member of the influential hip-hop group The Fugees and for his successful solo music career.

• 1974 Matthew Macfadyen

  Matthew Macfadyen is a renowned English actor known for his critically acclaimed performances in 'Pride & Prejudice', 'Anna Karenina', and the HBO series 'Succession'.

• 1975 Vina Morales

  Popular Filipino singer and actress known for her successful music and television career in the Philippines.

• 1978 Erin Karpluk

  Canadian television actress known for her roles in popular TV series like 'Being Erica' and 'Rookie Blue'.

• 1979 Sharon Leal

  Sharon Leal is an accomplished American actress known for her standout performances in films like 'Dreamgirls' and the 'Why Did I Get Married?' franchise.

• 1979 Deanna Russo

  Deanna Russo is an American actress known for her roles in television series and films, with notable appearances in various TV shows and movies.

• 1983 Felicity Jones

  Felicity Jones is an acclaimed English actress known for her powerful performances in critically acclaimed films like The Theory of Everything and Star Wars' Rogue One, where she portrayed Jyn Erso.