Today, on April 14, we commemorate the lives and legacies of famous people born on this auspicious day. This diverse group includes the likes of Sir John Gielgud, a celebrated actor, Francois Duvalier, a political figure, Rod Steiger, a talented artist, Paddy Hopkirk, a sports personality, Loretta Lynn, a renowned musician, William Lucas, a notable actor, Julie Christie, a respected actress, Julian Lloyd Webber, a famous composer, Robert Carlyle, a versatile actor, and many more. These individuals have left an indelible mark on history and continue to inspire us today.
We invite you to explore and discover more about the famous people celebrating their birthdays on April 14.
Who Are The Famous Peoples Celebrating Their Birthday on April 14?
Get ready to scroll down and uncover the fascinating lives of the famous people celebrating their birthdays today, April 14:
Sir John Gielgud will have been 120 years old today.
Sir John Gielgud was a renowned English actor and theater director. He was born on April 14, 1904, in South Kensington, London, England, and died on May 21, 2000, at the age of 96.
John’s journey into the world of theater began at a young age, sparked by his father’s love for the art. His father’s frequent visits to the theaters with John exposed him to the magic of the stage. This early exposure, coupled with his enrollment as a day student at Westminster School, ignited a passion for acting that would shape his life. He further developed his skills and pursued his theatrical ambitions at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), and his talent soon graced both the West End and Broadway stages.
His first paid job was as a member of Phyllis Neilson-Terry in 1922. After graduating from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, John worked at a repertory company at the Oxford Playhouse. He later joined the Old Vic company, appearing in several of Shakespeare’s plays. Gielgud appeared in classic plays such as “Hamlet,” “Richard II,” and “Macbeth.”
After a successful career on the Broadway and West End stages, John ventured into the world of film. His transition was seamless, and he made his film debut in 1924. His talent and versatility shone through in movies like “Julius Caesar”(1953), “The Good Companions” (1933), “Elizabeth” (1998), “Arthur” (1981), and “Shine” (1996).
Throughout his illustrious career, Sir John Gielgud was famous for his immense contributions to the arts. His talent and dedication were acknowledged with numerous awards and honors. In 1953, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to the theater. In 1977, he was awarded Member of the Order of the Companions of Honor and Member of the Order of Merit. His achievements extended beyond the theater, as he also won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony.
Quick Fact About Sir John Gielgud
- Sir John Gielgud was born in South Kensington, London, England.
- John studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA).
- He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1953
- John died at the age of 96.
François Duvalier will have been 117 years old today.
On Today’s Famous People’s Birthday, we celebrate François Duvalier, an iconic Haitian politician who served as president from 1957 until his death in 1971. He was born on April 14, 1907, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
Duvalier began his professional career as a physician, earning a medical degree from the University of Haiti in 1934. He later studied public health at the University of Michigan.
Duvalier’s entry into politics came in 1957 when he was elected president of Haiti in a controversial election marred by violence and intimidation. Despite his initial promises of reform and social justice, Duvalier soon consolidated power through political maneuvering, repression, and violence. He established a paramilitary force known as the Tonton Macoutes, which became notorious for its brutal tactics and human rights abuses and was used as a vehicle to attack his political opponents.
François Duvalier married Simone Ovide in 1939 and had four children together. His reign as the president of Haiti came to an end after his 64th birthday when he died of heart disease and diabetes. He was succeeded by his 19-year-old son, Jean-Claude Duvalier.
Quick Fact About François Duvalier
- François Duvalier was nicknamed “Papa Doc” because of his exceptional medical skills.
- He served as the president of Haiti for 14 years.
- His son, Jean-Claude Duvalier, who was 19 years old then, succeeded him.
- He died at the age of 64.
Rod Steiger will have been 99 years old today.
Rod Steiger was born in Westhampton, New York, U.S., on April 14, 1925,., and is a celebrated American actor renowned as one of Hollywood’s most dynamic and charismatic stars. He died at the age of 77 on July 9, 2002.
Steiger, born in Westhampton, New York, on April 14, 1925, was the son of a vaudevillian and a concert pianist. His interest in acting was sparked at a very young age, and he appeared in several plays during his high school days at West Side High School in Newark. At 16, he left home to join the United States Navy, where he saw active service during the Second World War, including the Battle of Iwo Jima.
After leaving the Navy, he joined the Civil Service Little Theater group and later published and developed his acting skills at the New School for Social Research. He made his stage debut in 1946 at the Civic Repertory Theatre of Newark in the play “Curse you, Jack Dalton!” and his film debut in 1951 in “Teresa.”
Steiger’s talent shone brightly in the film industry, with his breakthrough performance coming in 1954 when he starred alongside Marlon Brando in “On the Waterfront.” He continued to impress with his roles in numerous hit films and stage productions, including “The Big Knife’ (1955)”, “Jubal” (1956), “Across the Bridge” (1957), “Seagulls Over Sorrento” (1952), “Clifford Odets’s Night Music” (1951), “An Enemy of the People” (1950), and “Rashomon” (1959). His versatility was evident in films like ‘In the “Heat of the Night” (1967), “Oklahoma!” (1955), and “Al Capone” (1959).
Steiger’s personal life was as eventful as his career. He was married five times, each relationship a unique chapter in his life. His partners included Sally Gracie, actress Claire Bloom, secretary Sherry Nelson, and actress Joan Benedict Steiger. He was also a father, with two children.
Quick Fact About Rod Steiger
- Rod Steiger left the house at the age of 16 to join the US Navy during the Second World War.
- Steiger married five times in his life.
- He died at the age of 77.
- Rod made his stage debut in 1946 and his film debut in 1951.
Paddy Hopkirk will have been 91 years old today.
Paddy Hopkirk was a legendary Northern Ireland rally driver. He was renowned as one of the greatest rally drivers ever emerging from the United Kingdom. Hopkirk was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, on April 14, 1933, and died at 89 on July 21, 2022.
Paddy Hopkirk, born into a Catholic family in Belfast, Northern Ireland, on April 14, 1933, began his journey towards becoming a legendary rally driver at a young age. His education at Clongowes Wood College and Trinity College, Dublin, laid the foundation for his future success. It was at the age of nine that his love for cars was ignited, as he learned the basics of car control. Following his father’s advice, he transitioned to a motorcycle with a sidecar, further fueling his passion for speed and control.
Paddy Hopkirk’s journey to becoming a professional rally driver was far from conventional. He chose to leave his studies and immerse himself in the world of cars, finding his place in Dublin’s Volkswagen assembler’s retail operation in Ballsbridge. It was here, in the late 1950s, that his professional racing career took flight, marking his debut in the rally world. His first taste of victory came in 1953 at the Cairncastle Hillclimb, where he triumphed at the wheel of a V.W. Beetle, setting the stage for his future successes.
However, his iconic win in 1964 truly etched his name in the annals of racing history. Steering a Mini Cooper S to victory at the Monte Carlo Rally, Paddy catapulted himself into the international racing scene, Leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
Even after retiring from professional racing, Paddy’s passion for cars and his desire to make a difference in the industry did not wane. He established a driving school, sharing his expertise and passion with aspiring drivers. His influence extended beyond the school, as he became an ambassador and consultant for renowned car manufacturing companies, including BMW and Toyota. Paddy’s contributions were not limited to the automotive industry. He was actively involved in charity work, and his role as the IAM RoadSmart Mature Drivers Ambassador was a testament to his commitment to advocating for safe and responsible driving.
Paddy’s personal life was as rich and fulfilling as his professional one. In 1969, he married Jennifer Manser, and together they built a family. They were blessed with three children, a testament to the love and joy that Paddy brought into his personal life.
Quick Fact About Paddy Hopkirk
- Paddy Hopkirk was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 2016.
- His most famous win was at the Monte Carlo Rally in 1964.
- He died at the age of 89.
- His full name is Patrick Barron Hopkirk.
Loretta Lynn will have been 92 years old today.
Loretta Lynn was a renowned American country music singer and songwriter born in Butcher Hollow, Kentucky, U.S., on April 14, 1932, and died at 90 on October 4, 2022.
Lynn started his career in the late 1950s when she started singing at clubs around her. She later formed her band, ” The Trailblazers”. She signed a contract with Zero Records in 1960. Her debut singles were “I’m a Honky Tonk Girl,” “Heartache Meet Mister Blues,” “Whispering Sea,” and “New Rainbow.”
Loretta wants on to record hits such as “Hey Loretta”, “Blue Kentucky Girl,” “Love Is the Foundation,” “The Pill,” “You’re Lookin’ at Country,” “I’m a Honky Tonk Girl,” “You Ain’t Woman Enough,” “One’s on the Way,” “Fist City,” “Don’t Come Home A-Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ on Your Mind),” and “Coal Miner’s Daughter.”
Her career spanned over six decades, and she won several awards and honors like, three Grammy Awards, eight Broadcast Music Incorporated awards, seven American Music Awards, 13 Academy of Country Music, Songwriters Hall of Fame, and induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
She married Oliver “Doolittle” Lynn in 1948 at 15. The couple had six children.
Quick Fact About Loretta Lynn
- Loretta Lynn’s career spanned more than six decades, had 160 songs, and released 60 albums
- She received 18 Grammy Nominations and won three.
- Lynn was the first woman to receive a certified gold album in Country music history.
- She married at the age of 15 and had six children.
More Famous People Celebrating Their Birthday Today.
William Lucas will have been 99 years old today.
Birth Year: 1925
Place of Birth: Manchester, Lancashire, England
Profession: Film, theatre, radio and television actor
Julie Christie is 84 years old today.
Birth Year: 1940
Place of Birth: Chabua, Assam, British India
Profession: Actress
Julian Lloyd Webber is 73 years old today.
Birth Year: 1951
Place of Birth: London, England
Profession: Solo cellist, conductor and broadcaster
Robert Carlyle is 63 years old today.
Birth Year: 1961
Place of Birth: Maryhill, Glasgow, Scotland
Profession: Actor
Sarah Michelle Gellar is 47 years old today.
Birth Year: 1977
Place of Birth: Long Island, New York, US
Profession: Actress
