Famous people born on January 25th
January 25 brings together an unusually rich mix of literary innovators, political leaders, and performers whose work spans centuries and continents. From foundational voices in modern fiction to influential heads of state and genre-defining musicians, the day reflects both cultural daring and public service. It is a date that highlights how storytelling, science, and leadership can each shape the public imagination.
Notable highlights
- Virginia Woolf (1882) - A central modernist who helped redefine interior consciousness in fiction through stream-of-thought narration.
- Robert Burns (1759) - Scotland's national poet whose vernacular lyrics and songs remain globally celebrated each Burns Night.
- Volodymyr Zelensky (1978) - Transitioned from screen celebrity to wartime president, becoming a defining communicator of Ukraine's modern era.
- W. Somerset Maugham (1874) - One of the 20th century's most widely read storytellers, famed for crisp prose and sharp social observation.
- Corazon Aquino (1933) - Symbol of the Philippines' People Power movement, restoring democratic institutions after authoritarian rule.
- Alicia Keys (1981) - Grammy-winning singer-songwriter whose piano-driven R&B bridged classical chops with contemporary soul.
- Etta James (1938) - A powerhouse vocalist who moved seamlessly across blues, soul, gospel, and rock with enduring influence.
- Paul Nurse (1949) - Nobel Prize-winning biologist recognized for discoveries that clarified how cells control division.
- Steve Prefontaine (1951) - A U.S. distance-running icon known for fearless front-running and a legacy that reshaped American track culture.
- Robert Boyle (1627) - A pivotal figure in early chemistry and experimental science, associated with Boyle's law of gases.
On this day
- 1533 - Henry VIII secretly marries Anne Boleyn, a pivotal step toward England's break with the Roman Catholic Church.
- 1554 - São Paulo is founded by Jesuit missionaries, later growing into one of the world's largest cities.
- 1755 - Moscow State University is founded, becoming a cornerstone of Russian higher education and research.
- 1858 - Mendelssohn's "Wedding March" is performed at a royal wedding in London, helping popularize it for ceremonies worldwide.
- 1949 - The first Emmy Awards are held, marking a major milestone in the rise of television as a cultural force.