Famous People Born Today

Karen Gillan is one of the most popular and successful actresses from Scotland. She is best known for playing Nebula and Ruby Roundhouse in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films and Jumanji film series respectively. Also a filmmaker, she wrote and directed The Party's Just Beginning, apart from acting in the film. She is also a philanthropist.

Films like Sky High, Black Christmas, Death Proof, Grindhouse and Live Free or Die Hard established Mary Elizabeth Winstead in the movie world in the 2000s. Though she’s had her share of setbacks along the way, she received critical acclaim for films like Smashed and Birds of Prey. She has been also commended for her performance in television series like The Returned and Fargo. 

Aimee Garcia is an American writer and actress best known for her portrayal of television roles, such as Yvonne Sanchez in Vegas, Veronica Palmero in George Lopez's eponymous sitcom, and Jamie Batista in Dexter. Her performance in Dexter was honored with a Special Achievement in Television award at the 2013 American Latino Media Arts Award.

Judd Nelson is an American actor known for playing important roles in popular films, such as The Breakfast Club, New Jack City, and St. Elmo's Fire. Although he left Haverford College during his sophomore year, he did not give up on acting, which he studied under Stella Adler. Also an author, Nelson has written four books, including The Power of Speech.

Jon Stewart is an American actor, writer, political commentator, television host, and filmmaker. He is credited with popularizing Comedy Central's satirical news program The Daily Show. Also a prominent comedian, Jon Stewart has influenced and inspired several other comedians like Stephen Colbert, Trevor Noah, John Oliver, Larry Wilmore, Hasan Minhaj, Jordan Klepper, Samantha Bee, and Bassem Youssef.

Known as The African King of Comedy, the Ghanaian-Liberian-American comedian Michael Blackson considers Eddie Murphy one of his greatest inspirations. An encounter with Ice Cube at The Comedy Store, turned Blackson’s future around. He is also known for his hit films Next Friday and Meet the Blacks.

Richard Osman is an English writer, television presenter, comedian, and producer. He is credited with creating the popular British TV quiz show Pointless. He is also renowned for his work as creative director of the famous TV production company Endemol UK. Also an influential writer, Richard Osman's novel The Thursday Murder Club is expected to be adapted into a film.

Best known as the band leader in Late Night with David Letterman and the Late Show with David Letterman, Paul Shaffer is a Grammy Award-winning Canadian multi-instrumentalist and singer. He co-wrote the 1980s’ hit It's Raining Men sung by the Weather Girls and later revived by Geri Halliwell.

Alfonso Cuarón is a Mexican filmmaker who works in a wide range of genres. He has multiple romantic, action, drama, and fantasy movies to his credit. The son of a doctor and a biochemist, he chose an unconventional profession for himself. After completing his studies, he began working as a director. He has received four Academy Awards. 

Stefan Zweig was an Austrian novelist, playwright, journalist, and biographer. He was one of the most widely translated and most popular writers in the world at the height of his career. His best-known work is Sternstunden der Menschheit, in which he wrote about decisive historical events. His later years were very difficult and he died by suicide in 1942.

French social anthropologist Claude Lévi-Strauss is remembered for his contribution to structural anthropology. His book Tristes Tropiques was based on his research deep in the Brazilian Amazon. While he left France for the U.S. during World War II, he later returned to Paris and received his doctorate.

Racing driver Chase Elliott made history when he became the third-youngest driver to secure a NASCAR Cup Series win. His non-profit Chase Elliott Foundation offers financial help to charities. One of Elliott’s first odd jobs was washing dishes at a restaurant, and he began racing at age 8.

Anna Nicole Smith was one of those Playboy Playmates whose personal lives gained more attention than their professional achievements. She made headlines at the age of 27 when she married the 89-year old J. Howard Marshall. Despite denying media speculation that she married him for his money, she was involved in a legal battle over his property after Howard's death. She died of drug overdose at the age of 39.

Born to Italian parents, Jean-Baptiste Lully grew up to be a legendary composer who ruled the French courts. He started his journey as a violinist in Louis XIV’s band and later came to be known for his tragic operas. He had also apparently invented the French overture.

apl.de.ap is a Filipino-American singer, rapper, and record producer. He is best known as a founding member of the popular American musical group, Black Eyed Peas. apl.de.ap is also a renowned philanthropist; he established the Apl Foundation in 2008 to help children and various communities throughout Asia.

Yami Gautam is an Indian actress who came into prominence after being chosen as the face of the popular skin-lightening cosmetic product Fair & Lovely. Also known for her good looks, Yami Gautam frequently appears on lists, such as Times of India's Most Desirable Woman.

Born to the 2nd Baron Redesdale, Nancy Mitford and her siblings were all homeschooled. Known as one of the brightest of the Mitford sisters, she became famous for writing semi-autobiographical novels such as The Pursuit of Love. She pioneered the use of language to distinguish between social classes in books.

Born to a Persian father and a Scottish mother, actor Emun Mohammedi, better known as Emun Elliott, had dropped out of a literature degree course to join the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. He later soared to fame with series such as Paradox and movies such as Prometheus.