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.

• 1886 Alfonso XIII

  Alfonso XIII was King of Spain from his birth in 1886 until the abolition of the monarchy in 1931. He played a crucial role in Spanish politics during a period marked by social unrest, military conflict, and shifting political alliances. His reign saw Spain’s loss of its last colonies in the Spanish-American War and was characterized by political instability, which … [bio]

• 1889 Dorothy Gibson

  Dorothy Gibson was an American actress, artist's model, and one of the first film stars. She is notably recognized for surviving the sinking of the RMS Titanic and subsequently starring in 'Saved from the Titanic,' a film based on her real-life experience. [bio]

• 1909 Magda Schneider

  Magda Schneider was a German actress and singer, known for her work in films during the 1930s and 1940s, as well as for being the mother of the renowned actress Romy Schneider. [bio]

• 1911 Maureen O'Sullivan

  Maureen O'Sullivan was an Irish-American actress best known for playing Jane Parker in the Tarzan film series of the 1930s and 1940s. With a career spanning over six decades, she appeared in more than 60 films and was regarded as one of the era's prominent leading ladies. [bio]

• 1914 Sammy Baugh

  Sammy Baugh was an American football quarterback, coach, and Hall of Famer widely considered one of the most influential players in the history of the National Football League (NFL). He revolutionized the forward pass and set numerous records during his stellar career. [bio]

• 1919 Antonio Aguilar

  Antonio Aguilar was a renowned Mexican singer, actor, equestrian, film producer, and screenwriter, celebrated for popularizing traditional Mexican music and starring in numerous films. Known as 'El Charro de México,' he became one of the most influential figures in Mexican entertainment, bridging music and cinema for decades. [bio]

• 1936 Dennis Hopper

  Dennis Hopper was an influential American actor, filmmaker, photographer, and artist, known for his intense performances and for directing and starring in the countercultural classic 'Easy Rider'. He had a dynamic and eclectic career in Hollywood, marked by both critical acclaim and periodic controversy. [bio]

• 1940 Adel Imam

  Adel Imam is a renowned Egyptian actor and comedian, considered one of the most influential figures in the Arab entertainment industry. With a prolific career spanning over six decades, he is known for his distinctive comedic style and has starred in numerous films, television series, and plays. [bio]

• 1955 Bill Paxton

  Bill Paxton was an American actor and filmmaker best known for his roles in blockbuster films such as 'Aliens' (1986), 'Twister' (1996), and 'Titanic' (1997), as well as the HBO series 'Big Love.' He built a versatile career in both action-packed and dramatic roles across film and television. [bio]

• 1956 Sugar Ray Leonard

  Sugar Ray Leonard is an American former professional boxer, motivational speaker, and occasional actor. He is regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time, having won world titles in five weight divisions and being named the undisputed welterweight champion. [bio]

• 1956 Bob Saget

  Bob Saget was an American stand-up comedian, actor, and television host, best known for his role as Danny Tanner on the sitcom 'Full House' and as the original host of 'America's Funniest Home Videos.' He also had a prolific stand-up career and narrated the sitcom 'How I Met Your Mother.' [bio]

• 1958 Paul Whitehouse

  Paul Whitehouse is a Welsh actor, comedian, and writer best known for his sketch comedy work on BBC shows such as 'The Fast Show' and collaborations with Harry Enfield. Whitehouse has been recognized for his ability to portray a wide range of comic characters and has received multiple awards for his contributions to British television comedy. [bio]

• 1962 Craig Ferguson

  Craig Ferguson is a Scottish-American comedian, actor, writer, and television host, best known for hosting CBS's 'The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson' from 2005 to 2014. He is also recognized for his stand-up comedy, acting roles, and voice work. [bio]

• 1964 David Eigenberg

  David Eigenberg is an American actor best known for his roles as Steve Brady on the HBO series 'Sex and the City' and as Christopher Herrmann on the NBC drama 'Chicago Fire.' [bio]

• 1965 Paige Turco

  Paige Turco is an American actress best known for her roles in teenage and family-oriented films and TV dramas, particularly as April O'Neil in the 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' film series and as a main cast member on shows like 'The 100' and 'Party of Five.' [bio]

• 1965 Claudia Koll

  Claudia Koll is an Italian actress who gained widespread recognition in the early 1990s for her leading role in the erotic film 'Così fan tutte.' She later turned towards television, stage, and religious activities, sharing her journey of faith conversion. [bio]

• 1965 Corrado Guzzanti

  Corrado Guzzanti is an Italian satirist, actor, director, and comedian known for his influential work in television, theater, and film. Renowned for his sharp political and social satire, Guzzanti has become a prominent figure in Italian entertainment, with a career spanning several decades. [bio]

• 1966 Hill Harper

  Hill Harper is an American actor and author best known for his roles in the television series 'CSI: NY' and 'The Good Doctor'. In addition to his acting career, he is also a noted author and activist. [bio]

• 1966 Cynda Williams

  Cynda Williams is an American actress and singer, best known for her film debut in 'Mo' Better Blues' (1990), as well as her roles in 'One False Move' (1992) and 'Diary of a Hitman' (1991). She has also made appearances in television series and stage productions, and has released music over her career. [bio]

• 1967 Cameron Bancroft

  Cameron Bancroft is a Canadian actor best known for his roles in television series such as "Beverly Hills, 90210" and "Code Name: Eternity." He has built a career with a variety of appearances in both Canadian and American film and television. [bio]

• 1973 Sasha Alexander

  Sasha Alexander is an American actress best known for her roles in television series such as 'NCIS' and 'Rizzoli & Isles.' [bio]

• 1974 Andrea Corr

  Andrea Corr is an Irish singer, songwriter, musician, and actress, best known as the lead vocalist of the Celtic folk rock and pop band The Corrs. Alongside her siblings, she achieved international success in the late 1990s and early 2000s, blending pop rock with traditional Irish themes. [bio]

• 1984 Lena Waithe

  Lena Waithe is an American screenwriter, producer, and actress known for her poignant storytelling and groundbreaking contributions to television. She gained widespread recognition for her work on the series 'Master of None,' becoming the first Black woman to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series. [bio]

• 1985 Derek Hough

  Derek Hough is an American professional dancer, choreographer, actor, and singer. He is best known for his work on 'Dancing with the Stars,' where he has won a record six seasons, and for his performances in stage productions and television. [bio]

• 1986 Erin Richards

  Erin Richards is a Welsh actress, director, and writer, best known for her roles on television series such as 'Gotham' and 'Breaking In.' She has gained notable recognition for her portrayal of Barbara Kean in the Fox TV drama 'Gotham.' [bio]

• 1988 Nikki Reed

  Nikki Reed is an American actress, screenwriter, and singer-songwriter best known for her role as Rosalie Hale in 'The Twilight Saga' film series. She first gained recognition for co-writing and starring in the 2003 film 'Thirteen.' [bio]

• 1988 Karrueche Tran

  Karrueche Tran is an American actress and model best known for her role as Virginia Loc on the TNT series 'Claws' and for her modeling work. She first came to public attention due to her high-profile relationship with singer Chris Brown and later established a successful acting career. [bio]

• 1989 Ross Butler

  Ross Butler is an American actor known for his roles in popular teen dramas and Netflix series. [bio]

• 1989 Olivia Luccardi

  Olivia Luccardi is an American actress and producer, best known for her roles in horror and drama films, as well as for notable appearances in television series such as 'Orange Is the New Black' and 'The Deuce.' [bio]

• 1990 Leven Rambin

  Leven Rambin is an American actress best known for her roles in popular TV series such as 'All My Children', 'Grey's Anatomy', and 'Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles', as well as films like 'The Hunger Games'. [bio]