Famous people born on April 9th
April 9 is a surprisingly wide-ranging birthday on the calendar, spanning poets and publishers, engineers and entertainers, and public figures who shaped policy and culture. The date brings together voices known for sharp wit, social impact, and standout craft across literature, music, film, and design. From 19th-century innovation to contemporary screen and stage, April 9 captures a vivid cross-section of modern history.
Notable highlights
- Charles Baudelaire (1821) - His groundbreaking poetry collection Les Fleurs du mal helped redefine modern lyricism with its urban, psychological edge.
- Isambard K. Brunel (1806) - A giant of the Industrial Revolution, he engineered landmark railways, bridges, and ocean-going steamships that reshaped travel and trade.
- Paul Robeson (1898) - An acclaimed actor and singer who also became an international symbol of civil rights advocacy and political controversy.
- J. William Fulbright (1905) - He lent his name to the Fulbright Program, one of the world's most influential international educational exchanges.
- Hugh Hefner (1926) - He transformed magazine publishing and American pop culture by launching Playboy and building a multimedia brand around it.
- Tom Lehrer (1928) - A master of satirical songcraft whose mathematically precise lyrics skewered politics, academia, and the Cold War era.
- Carl Perkins (1932) - A rockabilly pioneer whose "Blue Suede Shoes" became a foundational recording for early rock and roll.
- Marc Jacobs (1963) - Known for bringing a playful, pop-culture-aware sensibility to luxury fashion and helping define modern American style.
- Kristen Stewart (1990) - Expanded beyond blockbuster fame into acclaimed independent roles, earning recognition for bold, understated performances.
- Elle Fanning (1998) - Built a distinctive career blending period dramas and contemporary work, often praised for her emotional clarity on screen.
On this day
- 1865 - Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House, effectively ending the American Civil War.
- 1940 - Germany invaded Denmark and Norway in World War II, launching the campaign known as Operation Weserubung.
- 2003 - Baghdad fell to U.S.-led forces during the Iraq War as coalition troops took control of key parts of the city.