Famous people and celebrities born in January 1959

Welcome to our dedicated page for celebrating the notable individuals born in January 1959! 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.

• Jan. 1 Michel Onfray

  Prominent French philosopher known for his critical approach to religion and advocacy of hedonistic and anarchist philosophies.

• Jan. 2 Kirti Azad

  Former Indian cricket player who transitioned into sports journalism, known for his insightful commentary and analysis of cricket.

• Jan. 2 Kim Coates

  Canadian actor known for his roles in films and television series, particularly recognized for his performances in 'Sons of Anarchy' and...

• Jan. 4 Yoshitomo Nara

  Yoshitomo Nara is a renowned Japanese contemporary artist known for his distinctive pop art style featuring childlike characters with...

• Jan. 4 Denise Matthews

  Denise Matthews, known professionally as Vanity, was a prominent Canadian entertainer who rose to fame in the 1980s as a singer, actress,...

• Jan. 5 Clancy Brown

  Clancy Brown is an American actor and voice actor best known for his roles in 'The Shawshank Redemption,' 'Highlander,' and as the voice of Mr. Krabs on 'SpongeBob SquarePants.' [bio]

• Jan. 6 Kapil Dev

  Kapil Dev is a legendary Indian cricketer widely regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders in the history of the sport. He captained the Indian national cricket team to its first-ever Cricket World Cup victory in 1983, a milestone that transformed cricket in India and established him as a national icon. [bio]

• Jan. 8 Paul Hester

  Australian musician and drummer known for his work with iconic bands Crowded House, Split Enz, Deckchairs Overboard, and Tarmac Adam.

• Jan. 9 Rigoberta Menchú

  Rigoberta Menchú is a renowned Guatemalan indigenous rights activist who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1992 for her work defending indigenous...

• Jan. 10 Fran Walsh

  Acclaimed screenwriter and film producer best known for co-writing 'The Lord of the Rings' film trilogy with Peter Jackson and Philippa...

• Jan. 12 Blixa Bargeld

  Influential German experimental musician known for his work with industrial band Einstürzende Neubauten and as a longtime member of Nick...

• Jan. 14 Geoff Tate

  Lead vocalist of the progressive metal band Queensrÿche, known for his distinctive voice and significant contributions to the progressive...

• Jan. 15 Pete Trewavas

  Renowned bass player known for his work with progressive rock bands Marillion, Transatlantic, and Edison's Children.

• Jan. 16 Sade Adu

  Sade Adu is a renowned British-Nigerian singer, songwriter, and lead vocalist of the band Sade, known for her smooth jazz and soul music.

• Jan. 20 R. A. Salvatore

  Renowned fantasy author famous for his Forgotten Realms novels, particularly those featuring the dark elf character Drizzt Do'Urden.

• Jan. 20 Tami Hoag

  Bestselling American novelist known for crime fiction and suspense thrillers, with numerous New York Times bestsellers.

• Jan. 22 Linda Blair

  Linda Blair is an American actress best known for her iconic role as Regan MacNeil in the horror film 'The Exorcist' (1973), for which she received an Academy Award nomination and won a Golden Globe Award. [bio]

• Jan. 23 Didier Bourdon

  Prominent French comedian and multi-talented entertainer known for his comedic work in film, television, and music, being a key member of...

• Jan. 24 Vic Reeves

  Vic Reeves is an English comedian, actor, artist, and television presenter best known as one half of the comedy double act Reeves and Mortimer, alongside Bob Mortimer. [bio]

• Jan. 24 Nastassja Kinski

  A renowned German actress who gained international fame in the 1980s, known for her striking beauty and memorable roles in art house and...

• Jan. 25 Toni Servillo

  Toni Servillo is an acclaimed Italian actor and theater director, renowned for his powerful performances in contemporary Italian cinema. He is particularly known for his collaborations with director Paolo Sorrentino, including his leading roles in internationally recognized films such as 'The Great Beauty' and 'Il Divo.' [bio]

• Jan. 26 Nuri Bilge Ceylan

  Nuri Bilge Ceylan is an acclaimed Turkish film director, screenwriter, photographer, and actor, widely recognized for his visually striking and contemplative films. He is celebrated for his unique style, which often explores themes of isolation, existentialism, and the human condition, frequently set against the backdrop of rural Turkey. [bio]

• Jan. 26 Salvador Sanchez

  Salvador Sanchez was a legendary Mexican boxer who dominated the featherweight division in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

• Jan. 27 Keith Olbermann

  Prominent American television host, political commentator, and sports journalist known for his passionate and often controversial political...

• Jan. 28 Frank Darabont

  Renowned film director, screenwriter, and producer known for critically acclaimed movies like 'The Shawshank Redemption' and 'The Green...

• Jan. 29 Ismail Haniyeh

  Senior political leader of Hamas who served as Prime Minister of the Palestinian National Authority, playing a significant role in...

• Jan. 30 Jody Watley

  Jody Watley is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer recognized as a pioneer in pop, R&B, and dance music. Rising to fame as a member of the group Shalamar, she later achieved solo success with hits in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Watley is known for her influential style and sound, earning accolades including a Grammy Award. [bio]

• Jan. 31 Anthony LaPaglia

  Anthony LaPaglia is an acclaimed Australian actor known for his versatile work in both television and film. He is best recognized for his role as Jack Malone in the TV series 'Without a Trace' and has received accolades including a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe. [bio]

• Jan. 31 Kelly Lynch

  Kelly Lynch is an American actress and model best known for her work in film and television, particularly for her roles in the movies 'Cocktail', 'Road House', and 'Drugstore Cowboy'. Lynch has been recognized for her intense and varied performances, often portraying complex, strong-willed characters. [bio]