January 13 marks the birth of an extraordinary mix of cultural trailblazers—actors who brought fantasy and drama to life on screen, writers who reshaped literature, musicians whose voices resonate across genres, and visionaries who redefined television storytelling. From Julia Louis-Dreyfus’s timeless comedic brilliance to Shonda Rhimes’s empire of modern drama, from Orlando Bloom’s swashbuckling adventures to Annie Ernaux’s Nobel Prize–winning words, this date has given us artists and innovators whose influence stretches far beyond their fields, inspiring generations worldwide.
- Orlando Bloom (1977) – Renowned for his roles as Legolas in The Lord of the Rings trilogy and Will Turner in Pirates of the Caribbean, Bloom is a celebrated actor with a global fanbase.
- Julia Louis-Dreyfus (1961) – An Emmy-winning actress and comedian, best known for her iconic roles in Seinfeld and Veep, redefining television comedy.
- Patrick Dempsey (1966) – Beloved as Dr. Derek Shepherd in Grey’s Anatomy, Dempsey is also a race car enthusiast and People’s 2023 Sexiest Man Alive.
- Shonda Rhimes (1970) – A powerhouse television producer and writer, creator of Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, and Bridgerton, shaping modern TV drama.
- Liam Hemsworth (1990) – Known for his role as Gale Hawthorne in The Hunger Games series, Hemsworth is a prominent Australian actor.
- Ruth Wilson (1982) – Acclaimed for her roles in Jane Eyre, Luther, and His Dark Materials, Wilson is a versatile actress with Golden Globe and Olivier Awards.
- Trace Adkins (1962) – A country music star with a deep baritone, known for hits like “You’re Gonna Miss This” and his acting roles in films like The Lincoln Lawyer.
- Michael Peña (1976) – A versatile actor recognized for his roles in Crash, Ant-Man, and End of Watch, delivering powerful performances across genres.
- Natalia Dyer (1995) – Best known as Nancy Wheeler in Stranger Things, Dyer has become a standout in modern television drama.
- William B. Davis (1938) – Iconic as the Cigarette Smoking Man in The X-Files, Davis is a memorable figure in sci-fi television.
- Beau Billingslea (1944) – A prolific voice actor, notably Jet Black in Cowboy Bebop, with a strong presence in anime and animation.
- Lee Seung-gi (1987) – A South Korean “Triple Threat” entertainer, excelling as a singer, actor, and host, with hit dramas and music awards.
- Jill Wagner (1979) – Known for co-hosting Wipeout and roles in Teen Wolf, Wagner is a dynamic television personality and actress.
- Bill Bailey (1965) – A British comedian and musician, famous for Never Mind the Buzzcocks and his unique blend of humor and music.
- Joachim Winterscheidt (1979) – A German TV host and actor, known for Circus HalliGalli and Joko & Klaas gegen ProSieben.
- Alice Winocour (1976) – A French filmmaker known for critically acclaimed films like Mustang and Proxima.
- Tim Hardaway (1966) – A former NBA All-Star and Olympic gold medalist, known for his time with the Golden State Warriors and Miami Heat.
- Edmund White (1940) – An acclaimed American author known for A Boy’s Own Story, a seminal work in gay literature.
- Martha Wells (1964) – A celebrated sci-fi author, best known for The Murderbot Diaries series.
- Annie Ernaux (1940) – A French writer and Nobel Prize laureate, renowned for her autobiographical works like The Years.