January 16 resonates with artistry, courage, and reinvention. From Kate Moss redefining the image of fashion, to Lin-Manuel Miranda rewriting the rules of musical theater, and Sade’s soulful voice echoing across decades, this day marks the birth of visionaries who shaped sound, screen, stage, and style. It’s also the day we honor icons like Aaliyah, whose influence endures beyond her years, and John Carpenter, who reimagined the language of horror. Whether through sport, literature, performance, or design, the stars born on this day remind us that creativity knows no borders, and brilliance continues to ripple across generations.
- Kate Moss (1974) – A transformative supermodel whose waifish elegance redefined fashion, iconic for her Calvin Klein campaigns and enduring influence as a style icon.
- Sade Adu (1959) – The soulful voice behind the band Sade, known for timeless hits like “Smooth Operator” and her enigmatic, reclusive persona.
- Lin-Manuel Miranda (1980) – A visionary composer and playwright, celebrated for revolutionizing musical theater with Hamilton and In the Heights.
- Aaliyah (1979) – The late R&B icon whose smooth vocals and innovative style in hits like “Try Again” continue to influence music.
- FKA Twigs (1988) – A genre-defying artist blending electronic, R&B, and avant-garde sounds, known for her innovative music and striking visuals.
- Jennie Kim (1996) – A member of K-pop sensation Blackpink, captivating global audiences with her powerful performances and charisma.
- Albert Pujols (1980) – A baseball legend, known as “The Machine” for his exceptional hitting and multiple MVP awards in Major League Baseball.
- Debbie Allen (1950) – An acclaimed actress, dancer, and choreographer, iconic for her work on Fame and contributions to dance and theater.
- John Carpenter (1948) – A legendary filmmaker known for horror classics like Halloween and influential work in sci-fi and action genres.
- Ethel Merman (1908) – A Broadway legend with a powerful voice, celebrated for starring roles in Annie Get Your Gun and Gypsy.
- Susan Sontag (1933) – A prolific writer and critic, renowned for her influential essays like On Photography and Notes on ‘Camp’.
- Roy Jones Jr. (1969) – A boxing icon, widely regarded as one of the greatest for his speed, athleticism, and unorthodox style.
- Sidharth Malhotra (1985) – A Bollywood star known for his roles in films like Student of the Year and his charismatic screen presence.
- Vijay Sethupathi (1978) – A versatile Tamil cinema actor, celebrated for his compelling performances and contributions to South Indian films.
- Caroline Munro (1949) – An English actress known for her roles in horror and action films like The Spy Who Loved Me.
- Nick Valensi (1981) – The guitarist for The Strokes, contributing to their influential rock sound and later founding the band CRX.
- Scott Speedman (1975) – A Canadian actor known for his roles in Felicity and the Underworld film series.
- Alyssa Edwards (1980) – A celebrated drag performer and reality TV star, known for RuPaul’s Drag Race and her web series Alyssa’s Secret.
- Gabi Butler (1998) – A prominent cheerleader and TV personality, gaining fame through Netflix’s Cheer and her WWE involvement.
- Marilyn Horne (1934) – A legendary opera singer, renowned for her powerful mezzo-soprano voice and performances in major opera houses.