Famous people born on September 19th
September 19 gathers an unusually wide spectrum of public figures, from Nobel-winning literature and world-changing education to stadium-shaking sport and chart-defining music. The date also bridges eras: Enlightenment science, 19th-century politics, 20th-century journalism, and contemporary public life. Whether you gravitate toward ideas, performance, or leadership, this birthday roster offers a remarkably varied cross-section of influence.
Notable highlights
- William Golding (1911) - The Nobel Prize-winning novelist behind "Lord of the Flies", a modern classic about power and human nature.
- Paulo Freire (1921) - A transformative educator whose "Pedagogy of the Oppressed" reshaped critical teaching and literacy work worldwide.
- Emil Zatopek (1922) - The Czech distance legend who famously won the 5,000m, 10,000m, and marathon at the 1952 Olympics.
- Jeremy Irons (1948) - An Academy Award-winning actor known for intensely precise performances across stage and screen.
- Nile Rodgers (1952) - A defining force in disco and pop as Chic's guitarist/producer, with a signature rhythm style heard across decades of hits.
- Lita Ford (1958) - A trailblazing rock guitarist who helped open mainstream hard rock to a new generation of women performers.
- Jarvis Cocker (1963) - The sharp-tongued frontman of Pulp, celebrated for witty storytelling and a distinctive Britpop voice.
- Tim Scott (1965) - A U.S. Senator from South Carolina who became the first Black senator elected from the American South since Reconstruction.
- Sanaa Lathan (1971) - A film and television actor recognized for charismatic lead roles in major romantic dramas and contemporary comedies.
- Brian Epstein (1934) - The Beatles' influential manager who helped professionalize their image and accelerate their global breakthrough.
On this day
- 1985 - A powerful earthquake strikes Mexico City, causing widespread devastation and a massive rescue and recovery effort.
- 1991 - In Haiti, a military coup removes President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, triggering political turmoil and international condemnation.
- 2017 - Hurricane Maria makes landfall in Puerto Rico as a major hurricane, leading to a prolonged humanitarian and infrastructure crisis.