Famous people and celebrities born in August 1949

Welcome to our dedicated page for celebrating the notable individuals born in August 1949! This month and year saw the birth of many influential figures who have made significant contributions to various fields, including entertainment, sports, politics, and more. Explore the biographies and achievements of these famous personalities and see how their talents have shaped the world. Join us in honoring the stars born in this memorable time.

• Aug. 2 James Fallows

  James Fallows is a renowned American journalist, political commentator, and author who has written extensively for The Atlantic and served...

• Aug. 3 Philip Casnoff

  Philip Casnoff is an American actor, director, and singer best known for his work in television, film, and stage productions. He has appeared in notable TV miniseries such as 'North and South' and 'Sinatra,' and has an extensive career on Broadway and in musical theater. [bio]

• Aug. 4 John Riggins

  John Riggins is a legendary NFL running back who played primarily for the Washington Redskins, known for his powerful running style and...

• Aug. 8 Keith Carradine

  Keith Carradine is an American actor, singer, and songwriter best known for his work in films such as 'Nashville', 'Southern Comfort', and for his television roles including 'Deadwood' and 'Dexter'. An Oscar and Golden Globe winner, Carradine is a member of the esteemed Carradine acting family. [bio]

• Aug. 10 Jonathan Kellerman

  Jonathan Kellerman is a renowned clinical psychologist and bestselling crime novelist, famous for his Alex Delaware series of psychological...

• Aug. 11 Eric Carmen

  Eric Carmen was an American singer, songwriter, guitarist, and keyboardist best known for his work as a solo artist and as a member of the pop rock band Raspberries. He achieved success with hit singles like 'All by Myself' and 'Hungry Eyes.' [bio]

• Aug. 11 Ian Charleson

  Ian Charleson was a Scottish actor renowned for his powerful performance in the Oscar-winning film 'Chariots of Fire', which significantly...

• Aug. 12 Julien Lepers

  French TV presenter known for hosting 'Questions of Champions', he is the son of an architect and jazzman, with a background in law and...

• Aug. 13 Philippe Petit

  A legendary French high-wire artist renowned for his extraordinary and illegal tightrope walk between the Twin Towers of the World Trade...

• Aug. 13 Mark Knopfler

  Legendary guitarist and lead singer of the iconic rock band Dire Straits, known for his distinctive guitar style and numerous hit songs.

• Aug. 16 Malcolm McFee

  Malcolm McFee was a British actor best known for his role as Peter Craven in the popular television sitcom 'Please Sir!' and its spin-off 'The Fenn Street Gang.' His career spanned television, film, and stage performances during the 1960s and 1970s. [bio]

• Aug. 16 Scott Asheton

  Scott Asheton was a pioneering rock drummer and founding member of the influential proto-punk band The Stooges, known for his raw and...

• Aug. 17 Julian Fellowes

  Julian Fellowes is an English actor, novelist, film director, screenwriter, and producer, best known as the creator, writer, and executive producer of the acclaimed television series 'Downton Abbey.' He has also won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for his work on the film 'Gosford Park.' Fellowes is recognized for his contributions to period dramas and his expertise in … [bio]

• Aug. 19 Altan Erkekli

  Prominent Turkish actor renowned for his versatility and significant contributions to Turkish cinema and television, with a career spanning...

• Aug. 20 Phil Lynott

  Legendary lead singer and bassist of the rock band Thin Lizzy, a pivotal figure in rock music during the 1970s and early 1980s.

• Aug. 21 Loretta Devine

  Loretta Devine is an acclaimed American actress and singer, known for her distinctive voice and powerful presence on stage and screen. With a career spanning over four decades, she has made significant contributions to film, television, and theater, earning prestigious awards for her performances. [bio]

• Aug. 23 Shelley Long

  Shelley Long is an American actress and comedian best known for her role as Diane Chambers on the hit television sitcom 'Cheers.' She has received critical acclaim and awards for her performances in both television and film. [bio]

• Aug. 23 Rick Springfield

  Rick Springfield is an Australian-American musician, singer-songwriter, actor, and author, best known for his 1981 hit single 'Jessie's Girl' and his role as Dr. Noah Drake on the soap opera 'General Hospital.' [bio]

• Aug. 23 Leslie van Houten

  Former Manson Family cult member convicted for her role in the notorious Tate-LaBianca murders in 1969.

• Aug. 24 Pia Degermark

  Pia Degermark is a Swedish actress best known for her breakthrough role in the 1967 film 'Elvira Madigan,' for which she won the Best Actress Award at the Cannes Film Festival. Although her acting career was brief, she remains an iconic figure in Swedish cinema of the 1960s. [bio]

• Aug. 25 Martin Amis

  Martin Amis was a renowned British novelist, essayist, and critic, celebrated for his sharp wit, stylistic innovation, and satirical portraits of contemporary society. He became a major figure in late 20th-century English literature, known for such influential works as 'Money', 'London Fields', and 'The Rachel Papers'. [bio]

• Aug. 25 John Savage

  John Savage is an American actor known for his work in film, television, and theater. He gained prominence in the 1970s and was particularly acclaimed for his performances in movies such as 'The Deer Hunter' and 'Hair.' [bio]

• Aug. 25 Gene Simmons

  Co-founder of the legendary rock band KISS, known for his distinctive stage persona, bass playing, and entrepreneurial ventures.

• Aug. 25 Salif Keïta

  Malian musician known as the 'Golden Voice of Africa', pioneering world music by blending traditional West African sounds with modern...

• Aug. 28 Hugh Cornwell

  Founding member and lead singer of the influential British punk rock band The Stranglers, known for hits like 'Golden Brown' and significant...

• Aug. 30 Peter Maffay

  Peter Maffay is a Romanian-born German musician, singer, and songwriter, best known for his contributions to rock and pop music in Germany. He is one of the most successful recording artists in German chart history. [bio]

• Aug. 31 Richard Gere

  Richard Gere is an acclaimed American actor and humanitarian known for his roles in romantic dramas and comedies such as 'Pretty Woman,' 'An Officer and a Gentleman,' and 'Chicago.' Over his multi-decade career, he has received multiple awards and is recognized for both his on-screen performances and his activism, particularly in advocating for human rights in Tibet. [bio]