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Famous people born on September 11th

September 11 has produced an unusually wide-ranging roster of innovators, storytellers, and public figures. From modernist literature and critical theory to music, sport, and broadcasting, the day links people who shaped how audiences read, think, watch, and compete. The mix spans centuries and continents, reflecting both classic cultural institutions and contemporary pop influence.

Notable highlights

  • D. H. Lawrence (1885) - A major modernist novelist and poet whose candid explorations of emotion and intimacy challenged early 20th-century literary norms.
  • Theodor W. Adorno (1903) - A leading voice of the Frankfurt School, known for influential critiques of mass culture and the "culture industry".
  • O. Henry (1862) - Master of the twist ending, celebrated for short stories that blend humor, urban realism, and sudden reversals.
  • Brad Bird (1957) - Animator-director behind sharply crafted, character-driven blockbusters, including acclaimed work in modern animation.
  • Franz Beckenbauer (1945) - Nicknamed "Der Kaiser", he redefined the sweeper role and became an enduring symbol of German football excellence.
  • Maria Bartiromo (1967) - Business journalist and broadcaster recognized for bringing market coverage into mainstream, high-profile television.
  • Bear Bryant (1913) - Legendary college football coach whose methods and program-building helped define an era of Alabama dominance.
  • Tom Landry (1924) - Iconic NFL coach whose calm sideline presence and tactical rigor became synonymous with the Dallas Cowboys brand.
  • Kygo (1991) - Producer-DJ who helped popularize a melodic, radio-friendly style of tropical house in global pop.

On this day

  • 1777 - The Battle of Brandywine is fought during the American Revolutionary War, a major engagement in the Philadelphia campaign.
  • 1973 - A military coup in Chile overthrows President Salvador Allende, ushering in the Pinochet era.
  • 2001 - Coordinated terrorist attacks in the United States destroy the World Trade Center and damage the Pentagon, reshaping global politics and security.
  • 2012 - The U.S. diplomatic facility in Benghazi, Libya is attacked, leading to significant political and security repercussions.
Author Nationality Profession Quotes Year
Arvo Part Estonia Composer 4 1935
Barry Sheene United Kingdom Celebrity 10 1950 - 2003
Bashar al-Assad Syria Statesman 30 1965
Bear Bryant USA Coach 17 1913 - 1983
Brad Bird USA Cartoonist 24 1957
Brian De Palma USA Director 29 1940
Carl Zeiss Germany Scientist 2 1816 - 1888
Charles Evers USA Activist 34 1922 - 2020
Charles Kelley USA Musician 10 1981
Daniel Akaka USA Politician 9 1924
David Broder USA Journalist 3 1929 - 2011
David Herbert Lawrence England Writer 85 1885 - 1930
Eduard Hanslick Germany Writer 4 1825 - 1904
Franz Beckenbauer Germany Athlete 15 1945
Herbert Lom Czech Republic Actor 6 1917
James Jeans England Physicist 6 1877 - 1946
James McBride USA Writer 6 1957
James Thomson Scotland Musician 13 1700 - 1748
Jessica Mitford USA Journalist 4 1917 - 1996
John Hawkes USA Actor 6 1959
Johnny Vegas United Kingdom Comedian 27 1971
Kygo Norway Musician 7 1991
Leo Kottke USA Musician 31 1945
Maria Bartiromo USA Journalist 23 1967
Mickey Hart USA Musician 4 1943
Nong Duc Manh Vietnam Politician 7 1940
O. Henry USA Writer 22 1862 - 1910
Paul Bryant USA Coach 16 1913 - 1983
Robert Crippen USA Astronaut 15 1937
Scott Patterson USA Actor 5 1958
Svetlana Tikhanovskaya Belarus Politician 9 1982
Ted Olson USA Politician 11 1940
Theodor Adorno Germany Philosopher 62 1903 - 1969
Tim Murphy Canada Politician 18 1952
Tom Landry USA Coach 11 1924 - 2000
Tommy Shaw USA Musician 33 1953
Vinoba Bhave India Educator 22 1895 - 1982
Virginia Madsen USA Actress 7 1963