Famous people and celebrities born on September 17

Welcome to our celebration of remarkable individuals born on September 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.

• 1901 Francis Chichester

  Renowned English aviator and sailor who became famous for being the first person to sail single-handedly around the world, making a significant contribution to maritime exploration.

• 1902 Esther Ralston

  Esther Ralston was a prominent American silent film actress who rose to fame in the early 20th century. She began her career in vaudeville and became a notable Hollywood star, particularly known for her role in 'The American Venus'. Despite career challenges, she remained a resilient figure in entertainment.

• 1907 Warren E. Burger

  Warren E. Burger served as the 15th Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court from 1969 to 1986, playing a significant role in shaping American jurisprudence during a pivotal period.

• 1916 Mary Stewart

  Renowned British novelist known for her romantic suspense and historical fiction, particularly her Merlin trilogy. She was a highly respected author who significantly influenced the romantic thriller genre during the mid-20th century.

• 1920 Dinah Sheridan

  Dinah Sheridan was a prominent British actress with a remarkable seven-decade career spanning theatre, television, and film. She began her stage career in 1932 and gained significant popularity through her television series 'Don't Wait Up', which ran from 1983 to 1990.

• 1923 Hank Williams

  Legendary country music pioneer who revolutionized the genre with his raw, emotional songwriting and distinctive vocal style. He wrote approximately 125 songs without formal musical training and profoundly influenced modern country music. His short but impactful career established him as one of the most important musicians of the 20th century.

• 1925 B. B. King

  B.B. King was a legendary blues musician, widely regarded as the 'King of the Blues' and one of the most influential electric guitarists in music history.

• 1928 Roddy McDowall

  Renowned British-American actor who successfully transitioned from child star to accomplished adult performer, known for versatile roles in film and television, including notable appearances in Planet of the Apes.

• 1929 Stirling Moss

  Legendary British racing driver considered one of the greatest Formula One drivers who never won a world championship. He was known for his exceptional skill and sportsmanship during the 1950s and early 1960s.

• 1931 Anne Bancroft

  Anne Bancroft was an acclaimed American actress who won an Oscar for her iconic role in 'The Miracle Worker' and was nominated for her performances in 'The Graduate' and 'The Pumpkin Eater'. She was a versatile performer who excelled in film, theater, and television, winning multiple awards including a Tony and recognition from the British Film Academy.

• 1931 Jean-Claude Carrière

  Jean-Claude Carrière was a prominent French screenwriter and intellectual, renowned for his extensive collaborations with surrealist filmmaker Luis Buñuel. He wrote screenplays for numerous critically acclaimed films and was considered a significant figure in French cinema. Carrière was also a playwright, novelist, and academic.

• 1937 Orlando Cepeda

  Orlando Cepeda was a legendary Puerto Rican baseball player inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Known as 'Baby Bull', he was a key player for the San Francisco Giants and played a crucial role in Major League Baseball during the 1960s.

• 1938 Paul Benedict

  Paul Benedict was an accomplished American character actor known for his distinctive comedic roles, particularly as Harry on the popular sitcom 'The Jeffersons'.

• 1945 Phil Jackson

  Legendary NBA player and coach who won multiple championships with the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers, transforming modern basketball coaching strategies.

• 1948 John Ritter

  Beloved American television actor known for his comedic roles in 'Three's Company' and 'Hooperman', who won multiple awards including Golden Globe and Emmy, and was part of a renowned theatrical family.

• 1950 Narendra Modi

  Prominent Indian politician who served as the Prime Minister of India from 2014 to 2024, leading the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and transforming India's political landscape. He is known for his strong nationalist policies, economic reforms, and significant international diplomatic efforts.

• 1951 Cassandra Peterson

  Cassandra Peterson is an iconic American actress and performer best known for her character Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, a horror hostess who became a pop culture phenomenon in the 1980s.

• 1960 Kevin Clash

  American puppeteer best known as the voice and performer of Elmo on Sesame Street, a beloved children's television character.

• 1962 Baz Luhrmann

  Baz Luhrmann is an acclaimed Australian film director known for his visually spectacular and innovative cinematic style, creating landmark films like 'Romeo + Juliet' and 'Moulin Rouge!'

• 1965 Bryan Singer

  Prominent American film director and producer known for critically acclaimed movies like 'The Usual Suspects' and several X-Men franchise films.

• 1965 Kyle Chandler

  Emmy Award-winning American actor best known for his iconic role as Coach Eric Taylor in the critically acclaimed TV series 'Friday Night Lights'.

• 1967 Malik Yoba

  American actor best known for his role as Detective JC Williams in the TV series NY Undercover, a groundbreaking police drama that aired in the 1990s.

• 1968 Cheryl Strayed

  Cheryl Strayed is an acclaimed American author whose memoir 'Wild' chronicles her transformative solo hiking journey along the Pacific Crest Trail, which was later adapted into an Oscar-nominated film starring Reese Witherspoon.

• 1969 Matthew Settle

  American actor known for roles in television series like Gossip Girl and Band of Brothers.

• 1969 Marc Anthony

  Prominent Roman statesman and military commander who was instrumental in transforming the Roman Republic into the Roman Empire.

• 1971 Bobby Lee

  American stand-up comedian and actor known for his work on MADtv and various comedy podcasts.

• 1971 Amy Poehler

  Acclaimed comedian, actress, writer, producer, and director, best known for her work on Saturday Night Live and Parks and Recreation.

• 1973 Ada Choi

  Prominent Hong Kong actress known for her work in television and film, with a significant career in Asian entertainment.

• 1983 Aiza Seguerra

  Filipino actor, singer-songwriter, and transgender activist known for versatile entertainment career and advocacy work.

• 1995 Patrick Mahomes

  Star quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs who revolutionized modern NFL play with his exceptional passing skills and mobility. He led the Chiefs to multiple Super Bowl victories and is widely considered one of the most talented quarterbacks of his generation.