50+ Celebrities Born on August 18

Jules Burke
May 20, 2024 62 items

August 18 shines bright on the celebrity birthday calendar! This list celebrates stars from various walks of fame who share this summer birthdate. Whether they've made their mark in Hollywood, such as Edward Norton and Robert Redford, stirred up the music charts, like G-Dragon, or influenced popular culture in other ways, like Miesha Tate, these celebrities and historical figures both living and deceased all have one thing in common: their August 18th birthday. Curious to see which of your favorite personalities are blowing out candles today? Read on to find out who shares this special date and discover some fun facts about each one!

  • American actor Edward Harrison Norton was born on August 18, 1969 in Boston, Massachusetts. Raised in Maryland, he developed a passion for theatre from a young age and pursued his interests at Yale University where he studied history. Post-graduation, Norton moved to Japan to work for his grandfather's company, but soon returned to New York to pursue acting, marking the start of an extraordinary career. Norton shot to fame with his debut film, Primal Fear (1996), where his riveting performance as an altar boy accused of murder earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. His talent didn't stop there. In 1998, his role in American History X saw him nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor. He has since starred in numerous critically acclaimed films including Fight Club (1999), 25th Hour (2002), The Illusionist (2006), and Birdman (2014). Beyond acting, Norton has showcased versatility by stepping into roles as a director and producer, notably directing the romantic comedy Keeping the Faith (2000) and producing the documentary My Own Man (2014). Despite his prominent position in Hollywood, Norton is equally known for his dedication to social and environmental causes. A committed philanthropist, he has been involved in several initiatives such as fundraising for affordable housing and clean water projects. He is also a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador for Biodiversity, highlighting his commitment to conservation and sustainable development.
  • Robert Redford is an internationally acclaimed actor, director, and producer. Born as Charles Robert Redford Jr. in 1936 in Santa Monica, California, Redford's early life was steeped in sports and arts, both of which played a significant role in shaping his career. Despite facing academic struggles, he found solace in painting, sketching, and sports, which eventually led him to the University of Colorado on a baseball scholarship. However, his journey took a dramatic turn when he lost his scholarship due to excessive alcohol consumption, leading to his drop out and a subsequent journey to Europe and then New York, where he studied art and acting. Redford's acting career kicked off in the late 1950s with television roles and Broadway appearances, but it wasn't until the 1960s that he rose to prominence. His breakthrough role came in 1967 with Barefoot in the Park, opposite Jane Fonda, followed by Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid in 1969, which catapulted him to stardom. Redford's cinematic genius is not confined to acting alone; he proved his mettle as a director with his debut film, Ordinary People, which won him an Academy Award for Best Director in 1980. Beyond his on-screen endeavors, Redford's commitment to independent cinema is remarkable. In 1981, he established the Sundance Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to the discovery and development of independent filmmakers and theater artists. The institute's annual Sundance Film Festival has become a pivotal event in showcasing independent films from around the globe. Whether as an actor, director, or advocate for independent cinema, Robert Redford's contributions have undeniably shaped and enriched the landscape of American and global cinema.
  • Christian Slater, renowned for his captivating performances in both film and television, has carved a distinctive path in the entertainment industry. Born on August 18, 1969, in New York City to a casting executive mother and an actor father, Slater was destined for a career in the spotlight. He made his acting debut at the tender age of eight on the soap opera One Life to Live, marking the start of an enduring and successful career that would span over four decades. Slater's breakthrough came in 1988 with his role in the cult classic Heathers, where he displayed his knack for portraying edgy, unconventional characters. His portrayal of the sociopathic high school student JD won him critical acclaim and solidified his status as a rising star. Over the years, Slater continued to demonstrate his versatility with roles in films like True Romance, Broken Arrow, and Hard Rain. His charismatic screen presence and unique blend of intensity and charm made him a mainstay in Hollywood. Not limited to the silver screen, Slater has also made significant contributions to the world of theater and television. He garnered rave reviews for his performance in the stage adaptation of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest in London's West End, highlighting his ability to transition seamlessly between mediums. On the small screen, he achieved notable success with his role in Mr. Robot, earning a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor. Christian Slater's remarkable career is a testament to his talent, versatility, and enduring appeal in the ever-evolving landscape of entertainment.
  • Born in Houston, Texas, Patrick Swayze was a versatile and passionate artist whose contributions to the world of entertainment spanned over three decades. His journey began with a love for dance, nurtured by his mother who ran her own dance school. This foundation in movement and expression served him well as he transitioned into a successful acting career, becoming one of Hollywood's most beloved stars. Swayze's breakthrough role came in 1987 when he starred in the hit film Dirty Dancing. His portrayal of Johnny Castle, a dance instructor working at a summer resort, captivated audiences worldwide and earned him a Golden Globe nomination. This was followed by another iconic performance in the supernatural romantic drama Ghost alongside Demi Moore, further cementing his status as a leading man in Hollywood. His performances often displayed a unique blend of strength and sensitivity, making him a favorite among audiences and critics alike. Although faced with personal challenges, including a battle with alcohol addiction and a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, Swayze continued to work tirelessly in his craft. He demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his art, using his fame to raise awareness about issues close to his heart. His legacy lives on through his memorable performances, his dedication to his craft, and his enduring impact on popular culture. Patrick Swayze passed away in 2009, but his influence in the entertainment industry continues to be felt to this day.
  • Andy Samberg, an accomplished actor, comedian, writer, and producer, has built a distinguished career in the entertainment industry, primarily known for his comedic skills. Born on August 18, 1978, in Berkeley, California, his interest in comedy began at a young age, leading him to pursue a degree in experimental film from the New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. Samberg's rise to prominence began with his involvement in The Lonely Island, a comedy trio he formed with friends Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone. Their unique brand of humor, portrayed through humorous music videos and songs, eventually caught the attention of Saturday Night Live producers, catapulting them to fame. Samberg joined SNL's cast in 2005, where he spent seven seasons contributing significantly to the show's digital shorts segments. The trio's "Lazy Sunday" and "D*** in a Box", among others, became cultural phenomena, demonstrating their knack for blending comedy with popular music trends. Following his stint on SNL, Samberg transitioned into acting roles, including lead parts in films like Hot Rod and That's My Boy. However, it was his role as Detective Jake Peralta in the television series Brooklyn Nine-Nine that solidified his status as one of today's leading comedic actors. His performance earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor - Television Series Musical or Comedy. His multifaceted talent also extends to voice acting, having lent his voice to characters in popular animated films such as Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and Hotel Transylvania.
  • Madeleine Marie Stowe (born August 18, 1958) is an American actress. She appeared mostly on television before her breakthrough role in the 1987 crime-comedy film Stakeout. She went on to star in the films Revenge (1990), Unlawful Entry (1992), The Last of the Mohicans (1992), Blink (1993), Bad Girls (1994), China Moon (1994), 12 Monkeys (1995), The General's Daughter (1999), and We Were Soldiers (2002). For her role in the 1993 independent film Short Cuts, she won the National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Supporting Actress. As of 2019, Stowe's most recent film appearance was in the 2003 thriller Octane. From 2011 to 2015, she starred as Victoria Grayson, the main antagonist of the ABC drama series Revenge. For this role, she was nominated for the 2012 Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Drama.
  • Kwon Ji-yong (born August 18, 1988), also known by his stage name G-Dragon, is a South Korean singer-songwriter, rapper, record producer, entrepreneur and fashion icon, often dubbed as the king of K-Pop. From age twelve, G-Dragon trained for six years at South Korean entertainment label YG Entertainment before debuting in 2006 as the leader of the hip hop boy band Big Bang, which went on to become one of the best-selling boy bands in the world. Widely recognized for his influence on youth culture, fashion trends, and music in South Korea, G-Dragon was named by Forbes in 2016 as the most influential person under 30 in Asia's entertainment and sports. Producing not only for his band but also for his and his bandmates' solo releases, G-Dragon has written or co-written 23 number one songs on the Gaon Digital Chart (equivalent to the Billboard Hot 100), most of which he has also co-produced.
  • Rajmund Roman Thierry Polański (born 18 August 1933) is a French-Polish film director, producer, writer, and actor. Since 1978, he has been a fugitive from the U.S. criminal justice system, having fled the country while awaiting sentencing in his sexual abuse case, in which he pleaded guilty to statutory rape.Polanski was born in Paris, and his Polish-Jewish parents moved the family back to Poland in 1936. Three years later, Poland was invaded by Nazi Germany starting World War II and the Polanskis found themselves trapped in the Kraków Ghetto. After his mother and father were taken in raids, Polanski spent his formative years in foster homes under an adopted identity, trying to survive the Holocaust. Polanski's first feature-length film, Knife in the Water (1962), was made in Poland and was nominated for a United States Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. He has since received five more Oscar nominations, along with two BAFTAs, four Césars, a Golden Globe Award and the Palme d'Or of the Cannes Film Festival in France. In the United Kingdom he directed three films, beginning with Repulsion (1965). In 1968, he moved to the United States and cemented his status by directing the horror film Rosemary's Baby (1968). A turning point in his life took place in 1969, when his pregnant wife, Sharon Tate, and four friends were brutally murdered by members of the Manson Family. Following her death, Polanski returned to Europe and eventually continued directing. He made Macbeth (1971) in England and back in Hollywood, Chinatown (1974), which was nominated for eleven Academy Awards.In 1977, Polanski was arrested and charged with drugging and raping a 13-year-old girl. He subsequently pled guilty to the lesser offence of unlawful sex with a minor. After spending 42 days undergoing psychiatric evaluation in prison in preparation for sentencing, Polanski, who had expected to be put on probation, fled to Paris after learning that the judge planned to reject his plea deal and impose a prison term.In Europe, Polanski continued to make films, including Tess (1979), starring Nastassja Kinski. It won France's César Awards for Best Picture and Best Director, and received three Oscars. He later produced and directed The Pianist (2002), a drama about a Jewish-Polish musician escaping Nazi persecution, starring Adrien Brody and Emilia Fox. The film won three Academy Awards including Best Director, along with numerous international awards. He also directed Oliver Twist (2005), a story which parallels his own life as a "young boy attempting to triumph over adversity". He was awarded Best Director for The Ghost Writer (2010) at the 23rd European Film Awards. He also received Best Screenwriter nomination at the aforementioned awards for Carnage (2011). In 2018, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences voted to expel Polanski from its membership, an action taken more than 40 years after he had pled guilty in the statutory rape case. This was understood to have happened because of awareness raised by the #MeToo Movement.
  • Miesha Theresa Tate ( MEE-shə; born August 18, 1986) is an American mixed martial arts pundit and former mixed martial artist who competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and is a former UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion. Primarily known for her grappling ability, Tate became a wrestler while attending Franklin Pierce High School in Tacoma, Washington and won a state championship during her senior year in 2005. She began her professional mixed martial arts (MMA) career in 2007, and won the bantamweight championship of the Freestyle Cage Fighting promotion in 2009. Tate gained increased recognition in 2011, when she won the Strikeforce Women's Bantamweight Championship. She has also won a silver medal in the FILA Grappling Championships. Outside of MMA, Tate has modeled for numerous websites and publications, including ESPN The Magazine and Fitness Gurls. In 2015, Tate was announced as a cast member in the feature film Fight Valley. Her fighting style, which focused on wrestling and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, has earned praise from multiple peers and media outlets. Ultimate Fighting Championship president Dana White has credited Tate's fight with Ronda Rousey on March 3, 2012 as the key factor in the creation of women's divisions in the UFC.Tate's final victory in MMA came on March 5, 2016, when she won the UFC Women's Bantamweight Championship after beating Holly Holm via technical submission. On July 9, 2016, she lost the UFC title to Amanda Nunes at UFC 200. In November 2016, she announced her retirement from MMA after a loss by decision to Raquel Pennington at UFC 205.Post retirement, Tate has shown interest in competing in no-gi grappling matches, the first of which was against former MMA opponent Jessica Eye at Submission Underground 2, which Tate won in overtime.
  • Denis Leary, a prominent figure in the world of comedy, has carved out an enduring legacy through his extensive career as a stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and producer. Born and raised in Worcester, Massachusetts, Leary found his passion for comedy at Emerson College in Boston, where he founded the Emerson Comedy Workshop. This was a clear indication of his innate talent and dedication to the comedic arts, which would go on to shape his professional trajectory. Leary's breakthrough came in 1990 when he appeared on The Rascals Comedy Hour on MTV. His acerbic wit and signature rapid-fire delivery quickly garnered attention, leading to his own stand-up special, No Cure for Cancer, in 1993. This special solidified Leary's place in pop culture, with his satirical song Asshole becoming a runaway hit. However, Leary's talents weren't confined to the stage; he branched out into acting, starring in critically acclaimed films such as The Ref and Two If by Sea. Notably, he also lent his voice to animated characters in popular films like Ice Age and A Bug's Life. In addition to his work in front of the camera, Leary showcased his adeptness behind the scenes as well. He co-created the television series Rescue Me, where he portrayed a troubled firefighter grappling with post-9/11 trauma. The series was praised for its raw depiction of firefighters' lives, earning Leary Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor and Outstanding Writing. Beyond his professional achievements, Leary has made significant contributions to society with the Leary Firefighters Foundation, established after the loss of his cousin and a close friend in a devastating fire. Despite his fame and success, Denis Leary remains a dedicated artist and philanthropist, continuing to influence the entertainment industry through his distinctive comedic style and unwavering commitment to his craft.
  • Eleanor Rosalynn Carter ( August 18, 1927 – November 19, 2023) was an American writer and activist who served as the first lady of the United States from 1977 to 1981, as the wife of President Jimmy Carter. For the decades she was in public service, she was a leading advocate for numerous causes, including mental health.
  • Shelley Winters, a name that resonates mightily within the realm of Hollywood, was an American actress whose illustrious career spanned over five decades. Born Shirley Schrift on August 18, 1920, in St. Louis, Missouri, she quickly discovered her love for performing arts. After gaining experience acting in high school plays and various summer stock productions, Winters made a brave move to Hollywood, where she began her journey to stardom in the early 1940s. Winters's acting prowess shone through her diversity of roles, ranging from comedic to dramatic to antagonistic, displaying an incredible versatility that set her apart in the industry. She won two Academy Awards for her memorable performances in The Diary of Anne Frank (1959) and A Patch of Blue (1965), showcasing her ability to captivate audiences with emotionally-driven characters. Further adding to her accolades, Winters also received nominations for her roles in A Place in the Sun (1951) and The Poseidon Adventure (1972). Despite her success on screen, Winters also harbored a penchant for literature, writing two tell-all memoirs detailing her experiences in Hollywood. She was known for her forthrightness, often openly discussing her romantic relationships with famous figures like Marlon Brando and Burt Lancaster. Her audacity, combined with her exceptional talent, cemented Shelley Winters as a unique figure in the world of entertainment. Even after her passing in January 2006, her legacy continues to inspire future generations of actors and actresses, making her a timeless icon in the film industry.
  • Roberto Enrique Clemente Walker (Spanish pronunciation: [roˈβeɾto enˈrike kleˈmente (g)walˈkeɾ]; August 18, 1934 – December 31, 1972) was a Puerto Rican professional baseball right fielder who played 18 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1973, becoming both the first Latin American and Caribbean player to be enshrined. His untimely death established the precedent that, as an alternative to the five-year retirement period, a player who has been deceased for at least six months is eligible for entry into the Hall of Fame. Clemente was an All-Star for 12 seasons, playing in 15 All-Star Games. He was the National League (NL) Most Valuable Player in 1966, the NL batting leader in 1961, 1964, 1965, and 1967, and a Gold Glove Award winner for 12 consecutive seasons from 1961 through 1972. His batting average was over .300 for 13 seasons and he had 3,000 hits during his major league career. He also played in two World Series championships. Clemente is the first Latin American and Caribbean player to help win a World Series as a starting position player (1960), to receive an NL MVP Award (1966), and to receive a World Series MVP Award (1971). Clemente was involved in charity work in Latin American and Caribbean countries during the off-seasons, often delivering baseball equipment and food to those in need. On December 31, 1972, he died in a plane crash while en route to deliver aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. He was 38 years old. The following season, the Pirates retired his uniform number 21, and MLB renamed its annual Commissioner's Award in his honor; now known as the Roberto Clemente Award, it is given to the player who "best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement and the individual's contribution to his team".
  • Mika (, born Michael Holbrook Penniman Jr.; 18 August 1983), stylised as MIKA, is an English recording artist and singer-songwriter. After recording his first extended play, Dodgy Holiday, Mika was named the number-one predicted breakthrough act of 2007 in an annual BBC poll of music critics, Sound of 2007. Mika released his first full-length studio album, Life in Cartoon Motion, on Island Records in 2007, which sold more than 5.6 million copies worldwide and helped Mika win a Brit Award—winning Best British Breakthrough act, and receive a Grammy Award nomination. He topped the UK Singles Chart in January 2007 with "Grace Kelly". Two years later Mika released his second extended play, Songs for Sorrow, of which limited edition copies are now sold out worldwide. In 2009 Mika released his second studio album, The Boy Who Knew Too Much. Finishing his worldwide tour, Mika recorded his third album, The Origin of Love, stating it would be "more simplistic pop, less layered than the last one". The album was released internationally on 16 September 2012 and in the UK on 8 October 2012.His latest album, No Place in Heaven, was released 15 June 2015.
  • Maia Mitchell (born 18 August 1993) is an Australian actress and singer. She is known for her roles as Brittany Flune in the children's television series Mortified for the Nine Network, and as Natasha Ham in the Seven Network's teen drama Trapped. For American audiences, since 2013, she has played the role of Callie Adams Foster in the Freeform drama The Fosters (2013–2018) and its sequel series Good Trouble. She also co-starred with Ross Lynch in the Disney Channel original films Teen Beach Movie (2013) and Teen Beach 2 (2015) as McKenzie.
  • Carole Bouquet (born 18 August 1957) is a French actress and fashion model, who has appeared in more than 50 films since 1977. She played Bond girl Melina Havelock in the 1981 James Bond film For Your Eyes Only. In 1990, she was awarded the César Award for Best Actress for her role in Too Beautiful for You.
  • Kimberly Marie Glass (born August 18, 1984) is an American indoor volleyball player and model. She is 6 ft 2.5 in (189.2 cm) and plays as an outside hitter. She currently plays for Rabita Baku. She joined the U.S. national team on May 23, 2007. Glass made her first Olympic appearance at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, helping Team USA to a silver medal.
  • Aimee Kaitlin Willow Olson (born August 18, 1975) is an American actress, producer and comedian. She began her career in the Groundlings, an improvisational group in Los Angeles, California, and had minor roles in several television series before being cast as Deandra "Sweet Dee" Reynolds on the FX comedy series It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia in 2005. She has also appeared in film, with roles in Leap Year (2010), The Heat (2013), and also provided the voice for Destiny in Finding Dory (2016). She also portrayed the lead role of Mackenzie "Mickey" Molng for two seasons on the Fox comedy series The Mick.
  • Malcolm-Jamal Warner

    Malcolm-Jamal Warner

    Malcolm-Jamal Warner (born August 18, 1970) is an American actor, director, producer, musician, and writer. He is best known for his roles as Theo Huxtable on the NBC sitcom The Cosby Show and as Malcolm McGee on the UPN sitcom Malcolm & Eddie. He also starred as Dr. Alex Reed in the sitcom Reed Between the Lines. He currently stars as Dr. AJ Austin on the FOX medical drama The Resident.
  • Frances Bean Cobain (born August 18, 1992) is an American visual artist and model. She is the only child of Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain and Hole frontwoman Courtney Love.
  • Morgan Smith Goodwin is an American actress and model. Morgan Smith entered Birmingham-Southern College to study musical theater. After receiving her degree there, she moved to New York City, where she had performed in concerts, readings, and benefits. She was an original cast member of the Off-Broadway production, Freckleface Strawberry. Smith appeared as the lead in the Birmingham, Alabama production of Sweet Charity during September and October 2012. She is currently based in New York City. She gained national attention when she was selected to be the face of Wendy's Restaurants' current advertising campaign, titled Now That's Better. Television commercials carrying that theme began airing in April 2012. Smith is married, and acts under the name Morgan Smith Goodwin.
  • Martin Eugene Mull (born August 18, 1943) is an American actor and comedian who has appeared in many television and film roles. He is also a painter and recording artist. As an actor, he first became known in his role on Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman and its spin-off Fernwood 2 Night. Among his other notable roles are Colonel Mustard in the 1985 film Clue, Leon Carp on Roseanne, Willard Kraft on Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, Vlad Plasmius on Danny Phantom, and Gene Parmesan on Arrested Development. He had a recurring role on Two and a Half Men as Russell, the drug-using, humorous pharmacist.
  • Richard David James, better known by his stage name Aphex Twin, is a British musician who has left an indelible mark on the electronic music landscape. Born in Limerick, Ireland, in 1971, he was raised in Cornwall, England. His early fascination with electronics and technology laid the groundwork for what would become a prolific career in music. Aphex Twin's first album, Selected Ambient Works 85-92, released in 1992, revolutionized the genre of ambient techno. The innovative use of soundscapes, combined with complex beat structures, set him apart from his contemporaries. His seminal work also includes the Windowlicker EP and Drukqs, both of which showcased his ability to blend disparate elements into harmonious compositions. James' creativity wasn't only confined to the studio; his live performances and music videos have also been noted for their originality and distinctiveness. Aphex Twin has consistently pushed boundaries throughout his career, continually exploring new musical territories and challenging conventional norms. Known for his idiosyncratic approach to creating music, he often builds custom instruments and software. Despite his reputation for being enigmatic and elusive, his influence on electronic music is undeniable. From chart-topping hits to underground releases, Aphex Twin's legacy is a testament to his dedication to innovation and his commitment to his craft.
  • Robert Harper (born August 18, 1965) is an American personal trainer and author. He appears on the American television series The Biggest Loser. On September 8, 2015, Harper was announced as new host of The Biggest Loser, succeeding Alison Sweeney. He was an advisor on The New Celebrity Apprentice.
  • Timothy Franz Geithner (; born August 18, 1961) is a former American central banker who served as the 75th United States Secretary of the Treasury under President Barack Obama, from 2009 to 2013. He was the President of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York from 2003 to 2009, following service in the Clinton administration. Since March 2014, he has served as president and managing director of Warburg Pincus, a private equity firm headquartered in New York City.As President of the New York Fed and Secretary of the Treasury, Geithner had a key role in government efforts to recover from the financial crisis of 2007–08 and the Great Recession. At the New York Fed, Geithner helped manage crises involving Bear Stearns, Lehman Brothers, and the American International Group; as Treasury Secretary, he oversaw allocation of $350 billion under the Troubled Asset Relief Program, enacted during the previous administration in response to the subprime mortgage crisis. Geithner also managed the administration's efforts to restructure regulation of the nation's financial system; attempts to spur recovery of the mortgage market and the automobile industry; demands for protectionism; tax reform; and negotiations with foreign governments on global finance issues.
  • Craig Philip Bierko (born August 18, 1964) is an American actor and singer.
  • Bartholomew Edward Scott (born August 18, 1980) is a former American football player and current radio personality. Scott was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for eleven seasons. After playing college football for Southern Illinois University, he was signed by the NFL's Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2002. Scott was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2006. After playing his first seven years with Ravens, Scott signed with New York Jets in 2009. He would play his final four seasons for the Jets.He was employed as an NFL analyst for CBS television from 2013 to 2017. Scott is currently employed as the co-host of a sports talk radio show on WFAN in New York City.
  • Amy Willerton is a British model, actress and presenter who won the title of Miss Universe Great Britain 2013 and represented Great Britain at the Miss Universe 2013 pageant.
  • Meriwether Lewis

    Meriwether Lewis

    Meriwether Lewis (August 18, 1774 – October 11, 1809) was an American explorer, soldier, politician, and public administrator, best known for his role as the leader of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, also known as the Corps of Discovery, with William Clark. Their mission was to explore the territory of the Louisiana Purchase, establish trade with, and sovereignty over the natives near the Missouri River, and claim the Pacific Northwest and Oregon Country for the United States before European nations. They also collected scientific data, and information on indigenous nations. President Thomas Jefferson appointed him Governor of Upper Louisiana in 1806. He died of gunshot wounds in what was either a murder or suicide, in 1809.
  • Robert Warren Woodruff (born August 18, 1961) is an American television journalist.