Famous people born on July 23rd
July 23 brings together a wide-ranging set of birthdays spanning literature, film, music, sports, politics, and public life. The date pairs blockbuster pop culture figures with influential thinkers and tastemakers whose work shaped how we read, watch, and listen. From noir fiction to modern architecture and Olympic-level speed, the roster reflects both enduring legacy and contemporary fame.
Notable highlights
- Daniel Radcliffe (1989) - Rose to global fame as Harry Potter and later built a reputation for daring stage roles and offbeat indie films.
- Monica Lewinsky (1973) - Reframed her public story into advocacy, becoming a prominent voice on online harassment and digital resilience.
- Raymond Chandler (1888) - Defined hardboiled detective fiction with Philip Marlowe and helped set the template for modern noir dialogue.
- Slash (1965) - Crafted some of rock's most recognizable guitar riffs and solos as a signature force behind Guns N' Roses.
- Woody Harrelson (1961) - Transitioned from sitcom stardom to acclaimed film performances, often balancing intensity with sharp humor.
- Allison Krauss (1971) - A bluegrass and country powerhouse known for pristine vocals and collaborations that broadened roots music's mainstream reach.
- Richard Rogers (1933) - A key architect of high-tech design whose bold structural expression reshaped late-20th-century skylines.
- M. H. Abrams (1912) - Influential literary critic whose scholarship became foundational for studying Romanticism and critical theory in classrooms.
- Nomar Garciaparra (1973) - A standout MLB shortstop celebrated for his peak hitting years and a memorable era with the Boston Red Sox.
On this day
- 1885 - Ulysses S. Grant, 18th president of the United States, dies in New York, prompting national mourning and a massive public funeral.
- 1914 - Austria-Hungary issues an ultimatum to Serbia, escalating the crisis that soon ignites World War I.
- 1962 - The first Telstar communications satellite transmits the first live transatlantic television signals, transforming global media.
- 1967 - Riots erupt in Detroit, one of the most significant civil disturbances in U.S. history, lasting several days.