Famous people born on April 23rd
April 23 brings together an unusually wide-ranging set of birthdays, spanning political leaders, trailblazing scientists, genre-defining artists, and modern voices in film and comedy. The date reflects both public service and cultural invention, from diplomatic achievements to enduring works in music, literature, and fashion. It is a lineup that links 18th-century statecraft with 20th-century pop stardom and contemporary commentary.
Notable highlights
- William Shakespeare (1564) - Tradition places his birth on April 23, a date closely tied to his legacy in English literature.
- James Buchanan (1791) - The only U.S. president from Pennsylvania, he led the nation on the eve of the Civil War.
- Max Planck (1858) - Introduced the quantum hypothesis, helping launch quantum theory and modern physics.
- Lester B. Pearson (1897) - Nobel Peace Prize laureate whose diplomacy helped resolve the Suez Crisis and shaped modern peacekeeping.
- Sergei Prokofiev (1891) - A bold modernist composer whose works include "Peter and the Wolf" and major ballets and symphonies.
- Roy Orbison (1936) - Known for his soaring tenor and signature hits like "Oh, Pretty Woman", blending rock with operatic emotion.
- Shirley Temple (1928) - A defining child star of the 1930s who later served as a U.S. diplomat.
- Halston (1932) - Influenced American fashion with sleek, minimalist silhouettes and a mass-cultural runway presence.
- Michael Moore (1954) - Documentary filmmaker and activist recognized for provocative, populist critiques of U.S. institutions.
- George Lopez (1961) - Comedian and actor who brought Latino family life to prime-time audiences through stand-up and television.
On this day
- 1564 - William Shakespeare is traditionally said to have been born on this date in Stratford-upon-Avon.
- 1616 - William Shakespeare died in Stratford-upon-Avon, cementing April 23 as a landmark date in literary history.
- 1920 - The Grand National Assembly of Turkey convened in Ankara, a foundational step in the creation of the modern Turkish state.
- 1985 - Coca-Cola introduced "New Coke" in the United States, one of the most famous product-launch backlashes in marketing history.
- 2005 - The first video was uploaded to YouTube, marking an early milestone in the platform that reshaped online media.