Famous People Born Today

Known as the queen of Tejano music, Selena became the most famous Mexican-American entertainers during the late 20th century, thanks to her contributions to fashion and music. She is one of the most influential Latin artists ever. Her rags-to-riches story, which includes struggle, fame, and finally death at the age of 23, was showcased in the 1997 film, Selena.

Cinema lovers around the world hold Charlie Chaplin in high esteem. One of the biggest stars of the silent film era and an icon, he left the audience in splits with his comedic performances. Even today, his performances in movies like Modern Times and The Gold Rush are considered classic. The legendary actor was also a writer, director and producer.

Retired basketball player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is a legendary NBA champion and its all-time leading scorer. Known for his trademark skyhook shot, he achieved remarkable feats during his career. Later, he pursued a successful writing and acting career and was even selected U.S. global cultural ambassador. The NBA star is also the proud recipient of the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Sadie Sink is an American actress best known for playing Maxine Mayfield in the popular horror mystery-thriller television series Stranger Things, for which she received nominations at MTV Movie & TV Awards and Screen Actors Guild Awards. In 2018, she was honored with the Award of Excellence for Narration for her contribution to an animal rights documentary titled Dominion.

Martin Lawrence is a German born-American actor and comedian. Despite being traumatized after witnessing his parents' divorce at the age of eight, Lawrence went on to succeed as a comedian and later as a leading Hollywood actor. After a problematic 1990s, which included episodes of arrests, lawsuits, and health problems, he bounced back with several hit films.

A former mixed martial artist, Gina Carano went on to become an actress; she uses her martial arts skills to perform stunts in popular action movies. Before becoming an actress, she was quite popular in the MMA scene, being termed the face of women's MMA. In 2008, she was named in a Top 10 Influential Women list.

Akon is one of the most successful R&B, hip hop and rap singers in the world. His albums Trouble, Konvicted, Freedom, El Negreeto and Akonda have many chartbusters songs. He has also founded record labels Akonik Label Group, KonLive Distribution and Konvict Mizik. He courted controversy in 2007 for an onstage act involving simulated sex with a 15-year-old girl.

Shu Qi is a Taiwanese-Hong Kong model and actress best known for playing Nie Yinniang in the critically acclaimed 2015 film, The Assassin, for which she received the prestigious Asian Film Award. Starting from 2013, Shu Qi was named in three successive Forbes China Celebrity 100 lists. She is also one of the highest-paid Taiwanese-Hong Kong actresses.

Nate Diaz is an American mixed martial artist with experience of competing in several promotions, such as Strikeforce, World Extreme Cagefighting, and Pancrase. He is currently signed with the UFC and is tied with Joseph Edward Lauzon Jr. for the second-most bonus awards. In 2007, Nate Diaz took part in the fifth season of the reality TV series Ultimate Fighter.

Peter Ustinov was a British actor, writer, and filmmaker. An intellectual, Ustinov held several academic posts and served as the president of the World Federalist Movement. Over the course of his illustrious career, Peter Ustinov won many prestigious awards, such as the Golden Globes, Emmy Awards, Academy Awards, Grammy Awards, and BAFTA Awards.

Peter Billingsley was a popular child actor, famous for his portrayal of Messy Marvin in Hershey's chocolate syrup ads. He also delivered a Young Artist Award-winning performance as Jack Simmons in The Dirt Bike Kid. He later directed and produced shows such as Sullivan & Son and played minor roles.

Spike Milligan was a British-Irish actor, writer, poet, comedian, and playwright. He is credited with co-creating and writing the popular radio comedy program, The Goon Show. His comic novel Puckoon has been adapted into a film and stage play. In August 1999, BBC conducted a poll, according to which Spike was voted the funniest person of the last millennium.

Lorraine Nicholson, daughter of actors Jack Nicholson and Rebecca Broussard, is best known as Alana Blanchard from the biographical film Soul Surfer. She started her career as a child actor in Something's Gotta Give, which also stared her father. She has also directed short films such as Life Boat.

Phoebe Fox is an English actress known for playing Marial in the comedy-drama television series The Great. The daughter of Prue Clarke and Stuart Fox, Phoebe Fox followed in the footsteps of her parents to establish herself in the entertainment industry. Apart from playing important roles in films and TV series, Fox is also known for her work in theatre.

Peter Garrett is an Australian musician, activist, environmentalist, and former politician. Renowned for his eccentric dance style and signature bald head, Garrett is best known for his association with the popular rock band Midnight Oil where he performs as the lead singer. A football fan, Peter Garrett supports the Essendon Bombers of the AFL.

K'naan is the stage name of Keinan Abdi Warsame, a Somali Canadian rapper, singer-songwriter, and instrumentalist. He rose to fame when his single Wavin' Flag was chosen as Coca-Cola's promotional anthem for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He is committed to his Somali roots and is considered a spokesperson for the Toronto Somali community.