Discover the most famous people born in 1947. The list includes people like Hillary Clinton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, David Bowie, O. J. Simpson, Stephen King and many more. This list of celebrities is loosely sorted by popularity. People featured on this list, include political leaders, guitarists, composers and hard rock musicians born in 1947. This list includes people from United States, United Kingdom, Canada & France and many more countries.
Vote for Your Favourite Person
Right IconThis ranking is based on an algorithm that combines various factors, including the votes of our users and search trends on the internet.
Birthdate: 30th July
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Thal, Austria
Former professional bodybuilder, actor, and politician, Arnold Schwarzenegger, needs no introduction! One of the most popular figures in the entertainment industry in the 20th century, he is a much-admired Hollywood star. Rising to international fame despite hailing from a humble background, he is an epitome the quintessential American dream that many youngsters hold close to their hearts.
2
David Bowie(Regarded as One of the Most Influential Musicians of the 20th Century)
Birthdate: 8th January
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: London, England, United Kingdom
Died: January 10, 2016
English singer-songwriter and actor David Bowie is regarded as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. Dubbed "The Greatest Rock Star Ever" by Rolling Stone magazine, he rose to international prominence in the 1970s with his innovative style of music. Deeply dedicated to his profession, he remained musically active until his death in 2016.
3
Elton John(Singer, Pianist and Composer- One of the Best-Selling Artists of All Time)
Birthdate: 25th March
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Pinner, England
The supremely gifted English singer, songwriter, pianist and composer, Elton John has entertained music lovers globally since the 1970s. His phenomenal talent make him one of the best-selling music artists in the world. Not to forget his tribute to Princess Diana, Candle in the Wind 1997, which till date is one of the best-selling singles in the UK and the US.
Recommended Lists:4
Stephen King(A Prolific & Immensely Popular Author of Horror Fiction)
Birthdate: 21st September
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Portland, Maine, United States
One of the most popular American authors, Stephen King has sold over 350 million copies of his works. Many of his books have been adapted into television series, miniseries, and films. One of the most decorated authors, King believes in giving back to society as he and his wife are noted philanthropists.
Recommended Lists:Birthdate: 16th April
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: New York, New York, United States
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.
6
Farrah Fawcett(Best Known for Her Role as ‘Jill Munroe’ in the TV Series ‘Charlie's Angels’)
Birthdate: 2nd February
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Corpus Christi, Texas, United States
Died: June 25, 2009
Farrah Fawcett is best remembered for posing for the iconic red swimsuit poster, which sold over 12 million copies and is regarded as a symbol of the late-1970s and a modern icon. Known for her good looks, Farrah was a popular Playboy model. The actress was also named in Men's Health magazine's 100 Hottest Women of All-Time list in 2011.
Recommended Lists:7
Brian May(Lead Guitarist of the Rock Band 'Queen')
Birthdate: 19th July
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Hampton, London, England
Queen guitarist and singer-songwriter Brian May is also a PhD in astrophysics. One of Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time and Guitar World’s second-greatest guitarist, he received a CBE. He was a Chancellor of Liverpool at John Moores University, has worked with NASA, and fights for animal rights.
8
Ted Danson(Best Known for His Roles in the NBC Sitcom ‘Cheers’ and the CBS Sitcom ‘Becker’)
Birthdate: 29th December
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: San Diego, California, United States
Known for his Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning performance as Sam Malone in the sitcom Cheers, Ted Danson has also donated generously to various Democratic campaigns. The actor, who has graced the cover of GQ thrice, is also an environmental activist and has co-founded the American Oceans Campaign and Oceana.org.
Recommended Lists:9
Johan Cruyff(One of the Greatest Football Players & One of the Best Managers Ever)
Birthdate: 25th April
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Died: March 24, 2016
Dutch midfielder/forward Johan Cruyff pioneered the idea of Total Football, along with coach Rinus Michels. The first three-time Ballon d'Or-winner was known for his signature move, the Cruyff Turn. He made it to FIFA 100 and ranked second only to Pele in an official World Player of the Century poll.
Birthdate: 30th December
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Shard End
Jeff Lynne is an English multi-instrumentalist, record producer, singer, and songwriter. He is credited with co-founding the popular rock band Electric Light Orchestra. He is also credited with popularizing the band with his leadership skills following the exit of co-founder Roy Wood in 1972. In the 2020 Birthday Honours, Lynne was appointed OBE for services to music.
Recommended Lists:11
Sam Neill(Actor, Director and Producer Known for His Role as ‘Dr. Alan Grant’ in ‘Jurassic Park’ Film Series)
Birthdate: 14th September
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Omagh, Northern Ireland
Sam Neill is a New Zealand actor, screenwriter, film director, and producer. He is best known for his portrayal of Dr. Alan Grant in the Jurassic Park film series. Sam Neill is also known for his work in TV series like The Simpsons and Peaky Blinders. He is the recipient of several prestigious awards including the New Zealand Film Award.
12
David Letterman(Television Host and Producer Best Known for His Long-Running Talk Show ‘Late Show with David Letterman’)
Birthdate: 12th April
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
Starting off as a radio weatherman, David Letterman has come a long way. He has been the longest-serving American late-night talk-show host and ranked 45th on TV Guide’s 50 Greatest TV Stars of All Time list. He later dabbled in production, with hit sitcoms such as Everybody Loves Raymond.
Recommended Lists:13
Carlos Santana(Mexican-American Guitarist Who was Member of the Rock Band 'Santana')
Birthdate: 20th July
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Autlán, Jalisco, Mexico
Guitarist Carlos Santana rose to fame in the late 1960s and 1970s with his rock band Santana. He introduced elements of Latin American jazz in his rock music to create unique songs. He is the recipient of ten Grammy Awards and three Latin Grammy Awards. Rolling Stone magazine listed him on its list of the 100 greatest guitarists in 2015.
14
Larry David(Best Known as The Cocreator of The Television series 'Seinfeld' & as The Star of 'Curb Your Enthusiasm')
Birthdate: 2nd July
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, United States
Comedian, writer, actor, director, and television producer Larry David is best known as the co-creator of the television series Seinfeld. He discovered his talent for comedy as a college student and began his career as a stand-up performer. After a few years of struggle, he achieved success and went on to become an accomplished actor, director, and producer.
Recommended Lists:Birthdate: 31st January
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Washington, D.C., United States
Jonathan Banks became the first actor to receive nominations for Primetime Emmy Award under the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series category for three different shows, all of which feature him in the main cast. He has also made contributions to a couple of video games, namely Batman: Arkham Knight and Lego The Incredibles.
16
Meat Loaf(American Rock Singer Known for His Powerful, Wide-Ranging Voice and Theatrical Live Shows)
Birthdate: 27th September
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Dallas, Texas, United States
Died: January 20, 2022
Born Marvin Lee Aday, rock singer Meat Loaf was best known for his Bat Out of Hell trilogy. Famous for his wide-ranging voice and theatrical live shows, this Grammy-winning performer also appeared in over 50 movies and television shows.
Recommended Lists:17
Nolan Ryan(One of the Best MLB Pitchers of All Time)
Birthdate: 31st January
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Refugio, Texas, United States
The celebrated former baseball player whose Major League career spanned 27 years, retired with record 5,714 strikeouts and seven no-hitters. Nicknamed Ryan Express, Nolan Ryan played as a pitcher and had long stints with Houston Astros and California Angels. A member of the American National Baseball Hall of Fame, he is the principal owner of Ryan Sanders Sports and Entertainment.
18
Tom Clancy(American Author Best Known for His Novel ‘The Hunt for Red October’)
Birthdate: 12th April
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Died: October 1, 2013
Tom Clancy is best remembered for his espionage- and war-themed novels, many of which, such as The Hunt for Red October, The Sum of All Fears, and Clear and Present Danger, have been made into hit films. He was also a co-owner of the MLB team Baltimore Orioles.
Recommended Lists:Birthdate: 19th March
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Greenwich, Connecticut, United States
Regarded as one of the best actresses of her generation, Glenn Close holds the record for the most Academy Award nominations without a win for a female actor. Also an activist, she has campaigned for issues like mental health, women's rights, and gay marriage. In 2019, she was named in Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world list.
Birthdate: 29th October
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, United States
Veteran actor Richard Dreyfus starred in many popular films during the 1970s and 1980s. In a career spanning over 55 years, he has received many prestigious awards, including one Academy Award for Best Actor. He is Jewish and participated in the historic Papal Concert to Commemorate the Shoah in 1994. Besides acting, he has co-authored a novel.
Recommended Lists:21
Tim Matheson(Actor and Director Best Known for His Role in the TV Series ‘Jonny Quest’)
Birthdate: 31st December
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Glendale, California, United States
Tim Matheson is best known for his Emmy-nominated role of Vice President John Hoynes in The West Wing. He had significant roles in Hart of Dixie and appeared as Ronald Reagan in the TV movie Killing Reagan. He has also voiced characters in the Batman franchise and other animated series.
22
James Woods(Best Known for His Roles in the Films: 'Salvador' and 'Ghosts of Mississippi')
Birthdate: 18th April
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Vernal, Utah, United States
Mostly known for playing real-life characters, Emmy Award-winner James Woods began his career on stage. Fans adore him for his performances in the play Moonchildren, the series Holocaust, and the TV movie Too Big to Fail. He also played a significant voice role in the animated feature Hercules.
Recommended Lists:23
Joe Walsh(Singer and Guitarist Who Was Member of Three Successful Rock Bands: 'The Eagles', 'James Gang' & 'Ringo Starr’)
Birthdate: 20th November
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Wichita, Kansas, United States
Joe Walsh is an American guitarist, songwriter, and singer. Over the years Walsh has contributed to the success of popular rock bands such as Eagles and James Gang. In 1998, he was made an inductee of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 2011, he was ranked 54th on Rolling Stone magazine's 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time list.
24
James Patterson(American Author Known for His Thrillers, Mysteries and Romance Novels)
Birthdate: 22nd March
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Newburgh, New York, United States
One of the highest-earning authors in the contemporary world, James Patterson is the writer of many mystery fictions which sold records copie globally. Born to working-class parents of Irish-origin, the American writer whose thriller novels include Alex Cross and Michael Bennett series is also a philanthropist and contributes to promoting reading. He founded the James Patterson PageTurner Awards.
Recommended Lists:25
Joe Mantegna(Actor)
Birthdate: 13th November
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, United States
26
Iggy Pop(Vocalist and Lyricist of Proto-Punk Band 'The Stooges')
Birthdate: 21st April
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Muskegon, Michigan, United States
Iggy Pop is an American singer-songwriter, actor, musician, and record producer. Nicknamed the Godfather of Punk, Iggy Pop was an important member of the proto-punk band Iggy and the Stooges. One of the first singers to perform stage-dive, Pop is credited with popularizing the activity. A culture icon, Iggy Pop has had a major influence on musicians of various genres.
Recommended Lists:27
Pete Maravich(American Professional Basketball Player and One of the Best Ball Handlers of All Time)
Birthdate: 22nd June
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, United States
Died: January 5, 1988
Pete Maravich, or Pistol Pete, played for three NBA teams till injuries ended his career. He initially played under his father, head coach Press Maravich, for the LSU Tigers. He also became the NCAA Division I top scorer of all time, with 3,667 points and 44.2 points per game.
28
Kevin Kline(Academy Award-Winning Actor, Who Has Also Appeared in Several Productions of Shakespeare's Plays)
Birthdate: 24th October
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: St. Louis, Missouri, United States
Academy Award-winning actor Kevin Kline initially studied the piano and even wished to major in music, before he switched to acting. Known for his stellar performances in films such as A Fish Called Wanda, Silverado, and French Kiss. He has also voiced characters in movies such as The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
Recommended Lists:29
Gregg Allman(Member of the Rock Band 'The Allman Brothers Band')
Birthdate: 8th December
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Died: May 27, 2017
Gregg Allman was an American musician and singer-songwriter. He is credited with co-founding the rock band The Allman Brothers Band along with his brother Duane Allman. Dubbed the Southern rock pioneer, Allman was recognized for his distinctive, soulful voice; Rolling Stone magazine named him in its 100 Greatest Singers of All Time list.
30
Minnie Riperton(American Singer-Songwriter)
Birthdate: 8th November
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, United States
Died: July 12, 1979
Birthdate: 2nd April
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Birmingham, Alabama, United States
Emmylou Harris is an American musician, singer, and songwriter. Apart from being a bandleader, a solo artist, and an interpreter of other artists' works, Harris is also an activist; since 1999, she has been conducting Concerts for a Landmine Free World, an annual benefit tour. She is also an ardent supporter of animal rights organizations, such as PETA.
32
Don Henley(Founding Member, Drummer and Co-Lead Vocalist of the Rock Band 'The Eagles')
Birthdate: 22nd July
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Gilmer, Texas, United States
Don Henley is an American record producer, singer, songwriter, and musician. A founding member of Eagles, Henley contributed immensely to the success of the band. Don Henley has also been successful as a solo artist, selling more than 10 million albums and winning two Grammy Awards. In 2008, Rolling Stone magazine named him among the greatest singers of all time.
33
Salman Rushdie(Indian-born British-American Author Best Known for His Novel ‘The Satanic Verses’)
Birthdate: 19th June
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Salman Rushdie is a British Indian novelist whose work Midnight's Children is widely considered the best novel of all Booker Prize winners. In 2007, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to literature. In 2008, he was ranked 13th in the 50 greatest British writers since 1945 list published by The Times.
34
Michael McKean(Known for Appearing in Television Series Like ‘Better Call Saul’ and ‘Laverne & Shirley’)
Birthdate: 17th October
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: New York, New York, United States
Michael McKean is best known as Lenny Kosnowski from Laverne & Shirley and Chuck McGill from Better Call Saul. A Kiss at the End of the Rainbow, a song he co-wrote for A Mighty Wind, won a Grammy. He has appeared in many projects of writer-director Christopher Guest.
35
Cindy Williams(Actress and Producer Known for Her Role as ‘Shirley Feeney’ on the TV Sitcom ‘Happy Days’)
Birthdate: 22nd August
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States
Died: January 25, 2023
Cindy Williams is best known for her Golden Globe-nominated role of Shirley Feeney in the series Laverne and Shirley. Fans also loved her as Laurie Henderson in the film American Graffiti, a role that earned her a BAFTA nomination. She has authored a memoir and promoted Visiting Angels.
36
Gerald McRaney(Best Known for His Roles in the TV Series ‘Simon & Simon’, ‘Major Dad’ and ‘Promised Land’)
Birthdate: 19th August
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Collins, Mississippi, United States
Gerald McRaney is an American actor best known for contributing to the success of television shows, such as House of Cards, Simon & Simon, Promised Land, and Major Dad. Having played a Marine Corps officer and a veteran on-screen, McRaney has always been supportive of soldiers and veterans. He has also been a part of the Wounded Warrior Project.
Birthdate: 24th August
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Brazilian novelist Paulo Coelho is best known for his iconic novel The Alchemist, which has been translated into about 70 languages. He was once sent to a mental institution by his parents for not following the usual career path. He dropped out of law school and became a hippie later.
Birthdate: 1st June
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Carmel, Flintshire
Jonathan Pryce is one of the most popular Welsh actors of all time. Renowned for his versatility, Pryce has contributed immensely across all the three major acting mediums: movies, television and theatre. Best known for his work in theatre, Pryce is a two-time winner of the prestigious Tony Award. In the 2009 Birthday Honours, Jonathan Pryce was appointed a CBE for services to drama.
Birthdate: 11th December
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Lakewood, Ohio, United States
Teri Garr is best known for her Academy Award-nominated role of Sandra Lester in Tootsie. Fans also loved her in Mr. Mom, One from the Heart, and After Hours. After revealing her long struggle with multiple sclerosis, she began raising awareness about the condition and retired from acting.
40
James Hunt(British Racing Driver Who Won the Formula One World Championship in 1976)
Birthdate: 29th August
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Belmont, Surrey, England
Died: June 15, 1993
James Hunt was a British racing driver who earned the nickname 'Hunt the Shunt'for his action-packed and often reckless exploits on the track. In 1976, he won the Formula One World Championship in his first year with McLaren, which inspired several teenagers to take up motor racing. James Hunt has inspired racers, such as Kimi Räikkönen.
41
John Ratzenberger(Actor who portrayed Cliff Clavin on the comedy series Cheers, for which he earned two Primetime Emmy nominations)
Birthdate: 6th April
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Bridgeport, Connecticut, United States
42
Mick Fleetwood(Musician)
Birthdate: 24th June
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Redruth, Cornwall, England
43
Alan Sugar(British Business Magnate and Founder of Consumer Electronics Company 'Amstrad')
Birthdate: 24th March
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: London Borough of Hackney
Alan Sugar is a British business magnate, politician, author, and media personality. He is credited with founding the popular electronics company, Amstrad. He also co-owned the English football club Tottenham Hotspur from 1991 to 2001. Also a well-known philanthropist, Sugar donated £200,000 to the Labour Party in 2001. He has also donated for charities, such as Great Ormond Street Hospital.
44
Benjamin Orr(Best Known as the Bassist, Co-founder, and Co-lead Vocalist of the Rock Band 'The Cars')
Birthdate: 8th September
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Lakewood, Ohio, United States
Died: October 3, 2000
45
Alan Thicke(Best Known for Playing Dr. Jason Seaver on the 1980s Sitcom ‘Growing Pains’ on ABC)
Birthdate: 1st March
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Kirkland Lake, Canada
Died: December 13, 2016
Best known for his star role in the television sitcom Growing Pains, Alan Thicke was a Canadian actor, songwriter and television host, who began his career as a series regular in It's Our Stuff, eventually appearing in numerous films and television productions. Also a popular game and talk show host, he patronized many NGOs including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
46
John Larroquette(Actor played the role of Dan Fielding on the television series, Night Court before later having his own sitcom.)
Birthdate: 25th November
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Birthdate: 21st June
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: South Pasadena, California
Meredith Baxter is best known for her portrayal of Elyse Keaton in the sitcom Family Ties. She also delivered Emmy-nominated roles in The Young and the Restless and Family. She is a breast-cancer survivor. After three heterosexual marriages, she started a relationship with and married her lesbian partner, Nancy Locke.
48
Anne Archer(Actress and Scientologist Best Known for Her Role as ‘Beth Gallagher’ in the Film ‘Fatal Attraction’)
Birthdate: 24th August
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States
Anne Archer is an American actress best known for playing Beth Rogerson Gallagher in the popular 1987 psychological thriller film Fatal Attraction, for which she received the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress nomination. A member of the Church of Scientology, Anne Archer served as a spokeswoman for Applied Scholastics, a literacy training organization created by L. Ron Hubbard.
49
Robert Englund(Actor)
Birthdate: 6th June
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Glendale, California, United States
50
Afeni Shakur(American Political Activist and Member of the ‘Black Panther Party’)
Birthdate: 22nd January
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Lumberton, North Carolina, United States
Died: May 2, 2016
Afeni Shakur was a political activist best known as the mother of legendary rapper Tupac Shakur. Afeni Shakur was an important member of the popular political organization Black Panther Party where she mentored new members like Jamal Joseph, Dhoruba Bin-Wahad, and Cleo Silvers.
