Famous people born on August 24th
August 24 stands out for its remarkable range of storytellers, performers, and public figures whose work spans languages, mediums, and centuries. From modern fiction that shaped pop culture to literature that redefined the short story and the novel, the day is especially rich in literary influence. It also includes major voices in film, television, music, and politics, reflecting a birthday slate with global reach and enduring impact.
Notable highlights
- Jorge Luis Borges (1899) - The Argentine master of labyrinthine fiction helped reshape modern literature with ideas about infinity, mirrors, and invented worlds.
- Paulo Coelho (1947) - The Brazilian novelist behind The Alchemist became one of the most widely read authors in the world through simple, parable-like storytelling.
- Stephen Fry (1957) - A versatile British comic and presenter known for wit-driven storytelling, from sketch comedy to literary adaptations and hosting roles.
- Orson Scott Card (1951) - His science-fiction classic Ender's Game popularized moral complexity and strategy-driven narratives for a mass audience.
- Duke Kahanamoku (1890) - An Olympic swimming champion who also helped popularize surfing internationally, blending athletic greatness with cultural influence.
- Marlee Matlin (1965) - A trailblazing deaf actress who expanded on-screen representation and became a prominent advocate for accessibility in entertainment.
- Ava DuVernay (1972) - The director behind landmark projects such as Selma helped broaden the scope of mainstream historical and social-justice filmmaking.
- Fernand Braudel (1902) - A leading historian of the Annales school who emphasized long-term social and economic forces over event-by-event narratives.
- Alan Walker (1997) - An electronic music producer whose breakout sound brought melodic, minimalist EDM to a vast global online audience.
On this day
- 79 - Mount Vesuvius erupts, burying Pompeii and Herculaneum and preserving a vivid snapshot of Roman life for future archaeology.
- 1814 - British forces burn the White House and other public buildings during the War of 1812 after capturing Washington, D.C.
- 1991 - Ukraine declares independence from the Soviet Union, a pivotal step in the USSR's dissolution later that year.