On Today’s Famous People’s Birthday: April 23, we celebrate and honor famous people born on this particular day, including William Shakespeare, J.M. Turner, J.P. Donleavey, Shirley Temple Black, Sir Bill Cotton, Roy Orbison, Lee Majors, Ed Stewart, Mike Smith, and more. These famous personalities, with their diverse fields of endeavor, have left an indelible mark on the World. Their legacies and achievements continue to inspire generations and generations yet unborn, a testament to their enduring impact.
Join The Ne News God Team to discover and explore the famous people born today: April 23. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn more about these influential figures.
Who Are The Famous People’s Born Today: April 23?
Today, we celebrate the birthdays of famous people who contributed significantly to their respective fields. Scroll down to discover and explore the famous people born on this day, April 23:
William Shakespeare will have been 460 years old today.
William Shakespeare is one of the famous people born on April 23. He was a renowned English playwright, poet, and actor. Shakespeare is revered as one of the greatest writers in the English language. He was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, on April 23, 1564.
Shakespeare‘s career as a playwright and poet began in the late 16th century, during Queen Elizabeth I’s reign. He moved to London in the early 1580s, where he quickly gained recognition for his talent as an actor, writer, and playwright. He became a prominent member of the theatrical company known as the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, which later became the King’s Men when King James VI ascended to the throne.
Throughout his active career (1585–1613), Shakespeare wrote 39 plays, three long narrative poems, and 154 sonnets, many of which are considered masterpieces of world literature. His works, such as Othello, Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Macbeth, and King Lear, continue to be studied and performed today, demonstrating their enduring relevance and universal appeal. Shakespeare’s plays are known for their complex characters, rich language, and exploration of timeless themes, making them a cornerstone of both English literature and the global theatrical tradition.
In addition to his work as a playwright, Shakespeare was also a successful businessman. He invested in the Globe Theatre, where many of his plays were performed, and he was a partner in the company that owned the theater.
Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway, a woman from Stratford-upon-Avon, in 1582, when he was 18. Anne was eight years older than him, and they had three children together: Susanna and twins Judith and Hamnet. Hamnet, their only son, died at the age of 11. Like his works, Shakespeare’s family life was marked by joy and tragedy, adding depth to our understanding of the man behind the plays.
Shakespeare retired from the theater at the age of 49 in 1613 and returned to Stratford-upon-Avon, where he lived until his death on April 23, 1616, at the age of 52.
Quick Fact About William Shakespeare
- William was born and raised in Stratford-upon-Avon, England.
- He married Anne Hathaway, who was 26 at the time.
- William retired at the age of 49 and died at the age of 52.
- His famous works include Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, Othello, and King Lear.
J. M. W. Turner will have been 249 years old today.

J. M. W. Turner, an iconic English Romantic painter, printmaker, and watercolorist, was known for his unique artistic style characterized by his innovative use of light and color. He was born to a working-class family on April 23, 1775, in Covent Garden, London, England.
Turner’s prodigious talent was evident from a tender age. At 14, he embarked on his artistic journey, enrolling at the Royal Academy of Arts in London. A mere year later, in 1790, his first watercolor, A View of the Archbishop’s Palace, Lambeth, was accepted for the Royal Academy summer exhibition, a testament to his exceptional skill and promise.
In 1802, Turner opened his own gallery and became a professor at the Royal Academy of Arts, where he taught perspective. He traveled extensively throughout England and Europe, sketching and painting scenes of natural beauty and architectural marvels, often capturing the sublime power of nature and the grandeur of historical buildings.
Some of Turner’s most famous works are “Dort or Dordrecht: The Dort packet-boat from Rotterdam becalmed,” a painting that captures the tranquility and stillness of a boat in calm waters; “The Angler,” a depiction of a fisherman in a serene landscape; “Clare Hall and King’s College Chapel, Cambridge, from the Banks of the River Cam,” a view of a historic site from a unique perspective; and “The Departure of the Fleet,” a dramatic portrayal of a fleet setting sail.
Turner never married but was rumored to be in a relationship with Sarah Danby, his housekeeper. He had two children. He died on December 19, 1851, at 76, leaving a legacy as one of the greatest painters of the Romantic era.
Quick Fact About J. M. W. Turner
- J. M. W. Turner’s full name is Joseph Mallord William Turner.
- He entered the Royal Academy of Arts at 14 and became a professor at the academy in 1807.
- Turne was never married and had two children.
- He died at the age of 76.
J.P. Donleavy will have been 98 years old today.

J.P. Donleavy was an American-Irish author, novelist, short story writer, and playwright. He was born on April 23, 1926, in Brooklyn, New York, making him one of the famous people born today. Donleavy passed away on September 11, 2017, at 91.
Donleavy’s journey to becoming a renowned author began with his service in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After the war, he took advantage of the G.I. Bill to pursue higher education at Trinity College Dublin, where he studied bacteriology. It was during this time in Ireland that he found the inspiration for his most famous work, “The Ginger Man” (1955), a novel that would catapult him to literary fame.
Throughout his illustrious career, Donleavy penned numerous other novels, plays, and works of nonfiction, each a shining example of his literary prowess. Among his notable masterpieces are the evocative “A FairyTale of New York” (1973), the thought-provoking “The Onion Eaters” (1971), and the charming “That Darcy, That Dancer, That Gentleman” (1990), each offering a unique insight into the human condition.
Donleavy’s contributions to literature were widely recognized, earning him several awards and accolades. His unique writing style and the themes he explored left a lasting impact on the literary world. His notable achievements are the Bord Gáis Lifetime Achievement Award and an honorary doctorate at Trinity College Dublin.
Two marriages marked Donleavy’s personal life. His first marriage was to Valerie Heron in 1949, a union that lasted until 1969. In 1970, he found love again and married Mary Wilson Price. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 1989. Donleavy was a father to two biological children.
Quick Fact About J.P. Donleavy
- J.P. Donleavy’s full name is James Patrick Donleavy.
- He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
- His famous works are “A FairyTale of New York” and “The Ginger Man.”
- He married twice and died at the age of 91.
Shirley Temple Black will have been 96 years old today.

Shirley Temple was a legendary American actress, singer, dancer, and diplomat. She was born in Santa Monica, California, U.S., on April 23, 1928,. She died at the age of 85 on February 10, 2014.
Shirley Temple’s journey in the film industry began in 1932 with the short film ‘War Babies.’ However, her performance in the movie “Bright Eyes” truly showcased her talent and made her a household name. Legend has it that her iconic song and dance number in the film, “On the Good Ship Lollipop,” was so popular that it became her signature tune. This success led to Shirley signing a contract with Fox Film Corporation, which later merged with Twentieth Century Pictures to become 20th Century Fox.
During the 1930s, Shirley Temple starred in a series of successful films that not only entertained but also left a lasting impact on the audience. Her films, including “The Little Colonel” (1935), “Curly Top” (1935), “Our Little Girl” (1935), and “Heidi” (1937), were not just box office hits but also showcased her versatility as an actress. Her exceptional contributions to screen entertainment were recognized in 1935 when she received a special Juvenile Academy Award.
At the age of 22, Shirley Temple decided to retire from acting and dedicate herself to public service and diplomacy. Her commitment and dedication were evident when President Richard Nixon appointed her in 1969 as a delegate to the United Nations General Assembly. Her service continued as the U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, appointed by President Gerald Ford in 1974. She served as the U.S. Ambassador to Czechoslovakia from 1989 to 1992, a significant period following the fall of communism in Eastern Europe.
Shirley Temple’s personal life was as eventful as her professional one. She was married twice, first to John Agar at the tender age of 17 in 1945. Her second marriage was to Charles Alden Black, a businessman. Their union lasted until his death in 2005. Shirley was a loving mother and had three children.
Quick Fact About Shirley Temple
- She made her acting debut at the age of three.
- She became the first female Chief of Protocol of the United States.
- Temple retired from acting at the age of 22 in 1950.
- His first marriage was in 1945 at the age of 17.
- She died at the age of 85.
More Famous People’s Birthday Today: April 23.
Roy Orbison will have been 88 years old today.

Birth Year: 1936
Place of Birth: Hendersonville, Tennessee, U.S.
Profession: Singer, songwriter, and guitarist
Lee Majors is 85 years old today.

Birth Year: 1939
Place of Birth: Wyandotte, Michigan, U.S.
Profession: Actor
Ed Stewart will have been 83 years old today.

Birth Year: 1941
Place of Birth: Bournemouth, Dorset, England
Profession: Radio broadcaster and TV presenter.
Mike Smith is 42 years old today.

Birth Year: 1982
Place of Birth: Kingston, Ontario, Canada
Profession: Professional ice hockey goaltender
John Cena is 47 years old today.

Birth Year: 1977
Place of Birth: West Newbury, Massachusetts, U.S.
Profession: Professional wrestler, actor, and former rapper
Gigi Hadid is 29 years old today.

Birth Year: 1995
Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, U.S..
Profession: Fashion model and television personality
Valerie Bertinelli is 64 years old today.

Birth Year: 1960
Place of Birth: Wilmington, Delaware, U.S.
Profession: Actress and television personality
Dev Patel is 34 years old today.

Birth Year: 1990
Place of Birth: Harrow, London, England
Profession: Actor and filmmaker.
George Lopez is 63 years old today.

Birth Year: 1961
Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Profession: Stand-up comedian and actor
Charlie Rowe is 28 years old today.

Birth Year: 1996
Place of Birth: London, England
Profession: Film and television actor
John Oliver is 47 years old today.

Birth Year: 1977
Place of Birth: Birmingham, West Midlands, England
Profession: Comedian, writer, producer, political commentator, actor, and television host
Kal Penn is 47 years old today.

Birth Year: 1977
Place of Birth: Montclair, New Jersey, U.S.
Profession: Actor, author, and former White House staff member
Jaime King is 45 years old today.

Birth Year: 1979
Place of Birth: Omaha, Nebraska, U.S.
Profession: Actress and model
Chloe Kim is 24 years old today.

Birth Year: 2000
Place of Birth: Long Beach, California, U.S.
Profession: Snowboarder and two-time Olympic gold medalist