Famous people born on February 13th
February 13 gathers an unusually broad mix of public figures, from culture-shaping musicians and screen icons to strategists in politics, law, and sport. The date links voices that changed popular entertainment with thinkers and leaders who influenced policy and public debate. Across centuries, February 13 birthdays reflect both headline fame and long-lasting institutional impact.
Notable highlights
- Jerry Springer (1944) - Rose from politics to become a defining face of tabloid daytime TV, shaping a whole genre of talk-show spectacle.
- Mike Krzyzewski (1947) - Built Duke into a modern dynasty and became one of the most influential coaches in NCAA basketball history.
- Henry Rollins (1961) - Fronted Black Flag and later forged a distinctive career as a spoken-word performer and cultural commentator.
- Peter Hook (1956) - Crafted a signature melodic bass style with Joy Division and New Order that helped define post-punk and synth-pop.
- Thomas Malthus (1766) - His population theory sparked enduring debates about resources, growth, and social policy in economics.
- Chuck Yeager (1923) - Test pilot celebrated for breaking the sound barrier, becoming a symbol of postwar aviation daring.
- Sarojini Naidu (1879) - Poet and Indian independence leader whose oratory and organizing made her a prominent national figure.
- Grant Wood (1892) - American Regionalist painter best known for creating an instantly recognizable image of rural Midwestern life.
- Robbie Williams (1974) - Pop star who translated boy-band fame into a major solo career with chart-dominating anthems.
- Kim Novak (1933) - Classic Hollywood star whose performances and screen presence made her an enduring icon of 1950s cinema.
On this day
- 1633 - Galileo Galilei arrived in Rome to face proceedings that culminated in his trial over heliocentrism.
- 1867 - The waltz "The Blue Danube" by Johann Strauss II premiered in Vienna, later becoming one of the world's best-known pieces of classical music.
- 1945 - The bombing of Dresden began, marking one of the most devastating air raids in Europe during World War II.
- 2000 - The final original "Peanuts" comic strip was published following Charles M. Schulz's retirement and death.