50+ Celebrities Born on January 9

Jules Burke
May 13, 2024 60 items

January 9th isn't just another day on the calendar—it's a date that has given the world some of its most beloved celebrities and historical figures both living and deceased. From silver screen legends, such as Nina Dobrev, to chart-topping musicians, like Dave Matthews, this list celebrates those stars who first stepped into the world on this special day.

Why focus on their birthdays? Well, it's fascinating to see who shares this birthday and how each has made their unique mark in their respective fields. Whether they're captivating audiences with gripping performances, such as J.K. Simmons, or enchanting listeners with melodious tunes, like Joan Baez, these celebrities have more in common than just their birth date. Here’s a look at some famous faces born on January 9.

  • Nina Dobrev, born as Nikolina Konstantinova Dobreva on January 9, 1989, in Sofia, Bulgaria, is a notable actress and model. She moved to Toronto, Canada with her family when she was two years old and it was here that she discovered her passion for the performing arts. After demonstrating her talent in rhythmic gymnastics, dance, visual arts, and music theatre, she chose to fully devote herself to acting, a decision that would soon place her on an international stage. Dobrev's acting career took flight when she landed the role of Mia Jones on Degrassi: The Next Generation, a well-known Canadian teen drama series. Her performance on the show laid a strong foundation for her future in the industry. However, it was her double role as Elena Gilbert and Katherine Pierce, in the supernatural drama series The Vampire Diaries, that catapulted her to global fame. The series ran for eight successful seasons, during which Dobrev's nuanced portrayal of the two contrasting characters earned her critical acclaim and a loyal fan base. Off-screen, Dobrev is known for her philanthropic endeavors. She has been involved in several charitable causes including Puma's Project Pink initiative, which raises funds for breast cancer research. A passionate environmentalist, she also supports organizations that work towards ocean and wildlife conservation. Despite her demanding career, Dobrev has always found time to give back to society, making her not just a talented actress but also a role model.
  • Kate Middleton holds the title of Princess of Wales, a position she assumed after her marriage to Prince William, Duke of Cambridge. Born on January 9, 1982, in Reading, Berkshire, England, she hails from a family with ties to British aristocracy. Her parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, own Party Pieces, a successful party supply company. Catherine's early life was fairly normal, with her education beginning at St. Andrew's School in Pangbourne and later continuing at Marlborough College in Wiltshire. Catherine first crossed paths with Prince William in 2001 while attending the University of St Andrews in Scotland. Their friendship blossomed into romance, making headlines across the globe due to William's royal lineage. After a brief split in 2007, the couple reconciled and announced their engagement in November 2010. The world watched as they exchanged vows in a grand ceremony at Westminster Abbey in April 2011, following which Catherine officially became the Duchess of Cambridge. As the Duchess of Cambridge, Catherine quickly became a public figure admired for her grace, style, and commitment to charitable causes. She works closely with organizations addressing mental health issues, addiction, and child development, demonstrating a deep dedication to improving lives. As a mother of three - Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis - she balances her public duties with a private life, reflecting an image of modern royalty. Despite the pressures and scrutiny that come with her role, Catherine continues to navigate her path with poise and dignity, contributing to her enduring appeal.
  • Born on January 9, 1913, in Yorba Linda, California, Richard Milhous Nixon was the 37th President of the United States, serving from 1969 to 1974. He was also the only president in U.S. history to resign from office. Nixon's early life was marked by hardship, and he later referred to his childhood as being as poor as a church mouse. Despite these challenges, he excelled acadically, graduating from Whittier College and Duke University Law School before embarking on a political career that would make him one of the most influential figures in modern American politics. Nixon's political journey began when he was elected to the House of Representatives in 1946 and then to the Senate in 1950. His relentless pursuit of alleged communist infiltration in the U.S. government made him a national figure. This notoriety propelled him to the vice presidency under Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1952. As Vice President, Nixon took on major duties in the Eisenhower administration and became known for his aggressive anti-communist stance, further increasing his prominence in the political landscape. However, Nixon's tenure as President was marred by controversy. Despite significant achievements, including the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency and diplomatic openings with China and the Soviet Union, his presidency is often overshadowed by the Watergate scandal. In 1972, five men were arrested for breaking into the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate complex in Washington, D.C. Subsequent investigations revealed a web of political spying, sabotage, and bribery that implicated Nixon and his closest aides. Facing almost certain impeachment, Nixon resigned on August 8, 1974. Despite this tumultuous end to his political career, Nixon remained an important voice in American public affairs until his death in 1994. His legacy continues to provoke intense debate and discussion about politics, ethics, and leadership in America.
  • Born Jonathan Kimble Simmons on January 9, 1955, in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, J.K. Simmons kick started his acting journey with Broadway before transitioning to screens big and small. Simmons spent his early years refining his craft, performing in stage productions and TV shows while gradually establishing himself in Hollywood. His body of work spans genres and mediums, demonstrating his ability as a performer who can slip into any role seamlessly. Simmons' breakthrough came with his portrayal of neo-Nazi Vernon Schillinger in the HBO series Oz, a role that showcased his ability to tackle complex characters with gusto. The actor's versatility was further celebrated when he voiced the yellow M&M in the popular candy's commercials, a testament to his wide-ranging talents. However, his most acclaimed performance came in the form of Terence Fletcher in the 2014 film Whiplash. The role, which earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, unveiled yet another facet of Simmons' multifaceted talent and solidified his status as one of the finest character actors of his generation. Beyond his success on screen, J.K. Simmons is also recognized for his philanthropic efforts. He has lent his voice and influence to several charitable causes, including the Stand Up To Cancer campaign. Despite his fame, he remains rooted in his love for acting, continually seeking roles that challenge and inspire him.
  • Chad Ochocinco Johnson (born Chad Javon Johnson; January 9, 1978), known from 2008 to 2012 as Chad Ochocinco, is a former American football wide receiver. He played college football for Santa Monica College and Oregon State University, and played 11 seasons in the National Football League (NFL) for the Cincinnati Bengals, New England Patriots, and the Miami Dolphins. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League (NFL) in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft, and played for the Bengals for 10 seasons. In 2011, Johnson was traded to the New England Patriots, for whom he played in Super Bowl XLVI. In 2012, Johnson played for the Miami Dolphins during preseason but was released following his arrest for domestic violence. He played for the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League (CFL) from 2014 to 2015, and played one game in 2017 for Mexican team Monterrey Fundidores of the Liga de Fútbol Americano Profesional.
  • For the cattleman and politician from Alberta, Canada, see Archibald J. McLean. Alexander James McLean (born January 9, 1978) is an American singer, songwriter, actor, dancer, composer, and model. He is a member of the vocal group the Backstreet Boys. McLean is also a contributor for the It Gets Better Project.
  • Nicola Anne Peltz (born January 9, 1995) is an American actress. Her breakthrough role came when she played Katara in the 2010 film The Last Airbender. From 2013 to 2015, she co-starred as Bradley Martin in the A&E drama series Bates Motel. In 2014, she starred as Tessa Yeager in the fourth Transformers film, Transformers: Age of Extinction.
  • Jimmy Page stands out as one of the most influential guitarists in the annals of rock music. Born James Patrick Page on January 9, 1944, in Heston, England, his journey to stardom began at an early age when he picked up a guitar for the first time. He honed his skill and passion for the instrument, leading him to become a pivotal figurehead in British blues revival scenes of the mid-1960s. Before reaching international fame with Led Zeppelin, Page was a highly sought-after studio guitarist, contributing to numerous songs by various artists. His unique style, a fusion of blues and hard rock, set him apart from his contemporaries. In 1968, Page formed the legendary rock band, Led Zeppelin, alongside Robert Plant, John Paul Jones, and John Bonham. As the band's lead guitarist and principal songwriter, Page played an integral role in shaping their groundbreaking sound. The band's eponymous first album, released in 1969, showcased Page's innovative guitar techniques, including his use of droning strings and alternate tunings. Over the next decade, Led Zeppelin made a series of successful albums, with Page's distinctive playing style becoming synonymous with the band's heavy, yet melodic, sound. Despite Led Zeppelin's disbandment following the tragic death of drummer John Bonham in 1980, Page's music career continued to flourish. He embarked on various solo projects and collaborations with artists like The Yardbirds and The Firm. In recognition of his contributions to music, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, once as a member of The Yardbirds in 1992 and again as a member of Led Zeppelin in 1995.
  • Joan Baez, born on January 9, 1941, in Staten Island, New York, has long been recognized as a legendary figure in American folk music. A singer, songwriter, and social activist, Baez's musical career is marked by her passionate dedication to political and social justice, which often intertwines with her songs' themes. Raised in a Quaker household, her early exposure to pacifism and social activism greatly influenced her musical path and public persona. Baez's career took off during the 1960s folk revival scene. She first gained attention at the 1959 Newport Folk Festival, leading to her debut album, Joan Baez, in 1960. Her angelic voice and pure soprano tone quickly captivated audiences, making her one of the leading folk artists of the era. While her initial focus was on traditional folk songs, she soon began to use her music as a tool for social change. This resulted in her performing and writing songs about numerous societal issues such as civil rights, war, and environmental concerns. Throughout her career, Baez has released over 30 albums, primarily in English and Spanish, showcasing her bilingual abilities. Notable works include Diamonds & Rust, a 1975 album featuring an acclaimed title track widely believed to be about her relationship with Bob Dylan. Baez's commitment to activism extended beyond her music; she co-founded Humanitas International Human Rights Committee in the late 1970s and has been arrested multiple times during peaceful protests. In recognition of her enormous contribution to music and activism, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017. Joan Baez, a symbol of unwavering dedication to both music and justice, continues to inspire generations with her life's work.
  • Dave Matthews, born on January 9, 1967, in Johannesburg, South Africa, is a renowned musician known for his unique blend of rock, jazz, and folk genres. Matthews' musical journey began at a young age, with his first guitar lesson at nine years old. His early exposure to various cultures and music, due to his family's frequent travels, significantly influenced his eclectic style. However, it was in Charlottesville, Virginia, where he established his most profound musical roots. In 1991, Matthews formed the Dave Matthews Band (DMB), a group that would go on to reshape the American rock scene. The band, known for its high-energy performances and complex musical arrangements, quickly gained a loyal following. Their debut album, Under the Table and Dreaming, released in 1994, achieved multi-platinum status, cementing their place in the music industry. Over the years, DMB has produced multiple chart-topping albums, including Crash, Before These Crowded Streets, and Everyday. Aside from his success with DMB, Matthews has also made significant strides as a solo artist and actor. He released his solo album, Some Devil, in 2003, which won a Grammy for the single "Gravedigger." In the film industry, Matthews has appeared in several movies, including Because of Winn-Dixie and Just Go With It. Despite his fame, Matthews remains committed to philanthropy, co-founding the Bama Works Fund, which supports numerous charitable programs.
  • Joely Kim Richardson (born 9 January 1965) is an English actress, known for her role as Julia McNamara in the FX drama series Nip/Tuck (2003–10), and Queen Catherine Parr in the Showtime series The Tudors (2010). She has also appeared in films such as 101 Dalmatians (1996), Event Horizon (1997), The Patriot (2000), Return to Me (2000), Anonymous (2011), the Hollywood film adaptation of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011), the remake of Endless Love (2014), and the thriller Red Sparrow (2018).
  • Lucas Pezzini Leiva (born 9 January 1987), known as Lucas or Lucas Leiva, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Italian club Lazio and the Brazil national team. Lucas began his career as a box-to-box midfielder at Grêmio where he won the Campeonato Gaúcho in 2006 and 2007. In July 2007 he moved to Liverpool, where he played 347 professional matches over the course of a decade, winning the League Cup in 2012. Between 2010 and 2016 Lucas led the Premier League in tackles per game five times in six seasons. He joined Lazio in 2017. A full international since 2007, he has earned 24 caps and represented Brazil at the 2008 Olympics and 2011 Copa América, winning a bronze medal at the former. He also captained the under-20 team to victory in the 2007 South American Youth Championship.
  • Clarence Leroy Van Cleef Jr. (January 9, 1925 – December 16, 1989), was an American actor best known for his roles in Spaghetti Westerns such as For A Few Dollars More and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. Hatchet-faced with piercing eyes, he declined to have his nose altered to play a sympathetic character in his film debut, High Noon, and was relegated to a non-speaking outlaw as a result. For a decade he was typecast as a minor villain, his "sinister" features overshadowing his acting skills. After suffering serious injuries in a car crash, Van Cleef had begun to lose interest in his declining career by the time Sergio Leone gave him a major role in For a Few Dollars More. The film made him a box-office draw, especially in Europe.
  • Bryan Bartlett Starr (January 9, 1934 – May 26, 2019) was a professional American football quarterback and coach. Starr played college football at the University of Alabama, and was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 17th round of the 1956 NFL draft, where he played for them until 1971. Starr was the only quarterback in NFL history to lead a team to three consecutive league championships (1965–1967). Starr led his team to victories in the first two Super Bowls: I and II. As the Packers' head coach, he was less successful, compiling a 52–76–3 (.408) record from 1975 through 1983. Starr was named the Most Valuable Player of the first two Super Bowls and during his career earned four Pro Bowl selections. He won the league MVP award in 1966. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Packers Hall of Fame in 1977. Starr has the highest postseason passer rating (104.8) of any quarterback in NFL history and a postseason record of 9–1. His career completion percentage of 57.4 was an NFL best when he retired in 1972. Starr also held the Packers' franchise record for games played (196) for 32 years, through the 2003 season.
  • Imelda Staunton, a British actress of unparalleled versatility and high acclaim, has had a career in show business that spans several decades. Born on January 9, 1956, in London, England, she attended the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, from which her talent shone through early on when she was cast in the National Theatre's production of The Beggar's Opera - a clear indication of the illustrious career that awaited her. Staunton's performances across stage, film, and television have distinguished her as one of the most respected actors in the industry. Her extraordinary range has seen her portray a vast array of characters - from the hilariously comical Dolores Umbridge in the Harry Potter series, to her profoundly moving portrayal of Vera Drake in Mike Leigh's film for which she received an Academy Award nomination. Her work is further punctuated with multiple BAFTA, Olivier, and Emmy nominations and wins, solidifying her place as a powerhouse performer. In addition to her significant contributions to the performing arts, Staunton is also known for her philanthropic endeavors. She has been particularly instrumental in supporting causes related to children's welfare and education. Her remarkable combination of talent, dedication, and compassionate spirit has not only made Imelda Staunton a household name but also a beloved figure in the entertainment industry and beyond.
  • Joey Lauren Adams (born January 9, 1968) is an American actress and director who has appeared in more than 40 films. She appeared in several Kevin Smith View Askewniverse films, including Chasing Amy, for which she was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy.
  • Wen Jie Huang (born January 9, 1986) better known as Wengie, is a Chinese Australian YouTube personality, vlogger, singer, and voice actress. As of 2018, her YouTube channel had over 10 million subscribers, making her the most popular YouTuber in Australia. Her channel was the 6th most subscribed "how-to and style" channel on YouTube, as of January 2018.
  • Alba Giselle Blondet Gomez (born January 9, 1964) is a Puerto Rican actress and TV host. She also founded the non-profit organization "Fundación Arte por La Paz".
  • Susannah Yolande Fletcher (9 January 1939 – 15 January 2011), known professionally as Susannah York, was an English actress. Her appearances in various films of the 1960s, including Tom Jones (1963) and They Shoot Horses, Don't They? (1969), formed the basis of her international reputation. An obituary in The Telegraph characterised her as "the blue-eyed English rose with the china-white skin and cupid lips who epitomised the sensuality of the swinging sixties", who later "proved that she was a real actor of extraordinary emotional range".York's early films included The Greengage Summer (1961) and a Golden Globe-nominated role in Freud (1962). She went on to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress and win the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for They Shoot Horses, Don't They? She also won the 1972 Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actress for Images. Her other film appearances included Sands of the Kalahari (1965), The Killing of Sister George (1968), Battle of Britain (1969), Jane Eyre (1970), Zee and Co. (1972), Gold (1974), The Maids (1975), Conduct Unbecoming (1975), Eliza Fraser (1976), The Shout (1978), The Silent Partner (1978), and Superman (1978). She was appointed an Officier de L'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 1991.
  • Mark Anthony Martin (born January 9, 1959) is a retired American stock car racing driver. He last drove the No. 14 Chevrolet SS for Stewart-Haas Racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series as a relief driver in every Cup race (except for Talladega) from Bristol in August of 2013 until the end of the season. He has the second most wins all time in what is now the Xfinity Series with 49. He finished second in the Sprint Cup Series standings five times, and has been described by ESPN as "The best driver to never win a championship." Martin, with five IROC Championships, has more than any other driver. Also, during the 2005 season, Martin took over the all-time record for IROC wins, with 13.
  • Simone Lucie Ernestine Marie Bertrand de Beauvoir (UK: , US: , French: [simɔn də bovwaʁ] (listen); 9 January 1908 – 14 April 1986) was a French writer, intellectual, existentialist philosopher, political activist, feminist and social theorist. Though she did not consider herself a philosopher, she had a significant influence on both feminist existentialism and feminist theory.De Beauvoir wrote novels, essays, biographies, autobiography and monographs on philosophy, politics, and social issues. She was known for her 1949 treatise The Second Sex, a detailed analysis of women's oppression and a foundational tract of contemporary feminism; and for her novels, including She Came to Stay and The Mandarins. She was also known for her lifelong relationship with French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre.
  • Dorothea Helen Puente (January 9, 1929 – March 27, 2011) was an American convicted serial killer. In the 1980s, Puente ran a boarding house in Sacramento, California, and murdered her elderly and mentally disabled boarders before cashing their Social Security checks. Her total count reached nine confirmed murders, and six unconfirmed. Newspapers dubbed Puente the "Death House Landlady".
  • Omari Latif Hardwick (born January 9, 1974) is an American actor, known for his roles in the TV series Saved and Dark Blue, in Spike Lee's Miracle at St. Anna (2008), The A-Team (2010), Kick-Ass (2010), Tyler Perry's For Colored Girls (2010) and as Andre in BET Network's Being Mary Jane. He currently stars as James "Ghost" St. Patrick in Starz's Power.
  • Michael Paul Beasley Jr. (born January 9, 1989) is an American professional basketball player who plays for the Detroit Pistons of the National Basketball Association. He played college basketball for Kansas State University for one year before declaring for the NBA draft in 2008. He is regarded as one of the best freshman college basketball players of the 2000s. Though he is ambidextrous, he shoots left-handed.
  • Maggie Rizer (born January 9, 1978 in Staten Island, New York) is an American model, and an activist for AIDS-related causes as well as for Operation Smile.
  • Robert Osbourne Denver (January 9, 1935 – September 2, 2005) was an American comedic actor, widely known for portraying Gilligan on the 1964-1967 television series Gilligan's Island and beatnik Maynard G. Krebs on the 1959–1963 series The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis.
  • Angela "Angie" Martinez (born January 9, 1971) is an American radio personality, rapper, and actress of Puerto Rican, Cuban and Dominican heritage. Nicknamed “The Voice of New York”, her afternoon radio show has consistently been ranked #1 with more young listeners than any other radio program in the country.
  • Kerris Lilla Dorsey is an American actress and singer. She is known for her role as Paige Whedon on the television series Brothers & Sisters from 2006 to 2011 and for playing Billy Beane's daughter, Casey Beane, in the 2011 film Moneyball. She plays Bridget, daughter of the titular character on the Showtime series Ray Donovan.
  • Tyrone Curtis "Muggsy" Bogues (born January 9, 1965) is a retired American basketball player. The shortest player ever to play in the National Basketball Association, the 5 ft 3 in (1.60 m) Bogues played point guard for four teams during his 14-season career in the NBA. Although best known for his ten seasons with the Charlotte Hornets, Bogues also played for the Washington Bullets, Golden State Warriors, and Toronto Raptors. After his NBA career, he served as head coach of the now-defunct WNBA team Charlotte Sting.
  • Deon Cole (born January 9, 1972) is an American actor, comedian and screenwriter. He is best known for his role in the sitcom Black-ish (2014–present), which earned him nominations for two NAACP Image Awards and two SAG Awards. On June 25, 2020, he became the second panelist to win the Dorris Award on the ABC version of To Tell the Truth. Cole was nominated for two Primetime Emmy Awards for co-writing the late-night talk shows The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien and Conan. For the latter, he was also nominated for three Writers Guild of America Awards.