Today, September 21, is filled with birthdays and birth anniversary celebrations of famous people who have contributed immensely to society and the World.
These include the first president of Ghana and African Man of the Millennium, Dr Kwamw Nkrumah; celebrated author Stephen King, often referred to as the “King of Horror;” actor, filmmaker, and comedian Bill Murray; singer, songwriter, and dancer Jason Derulo; and more.
The contribution of the famous people born today to the World can never be underestimated, and it is only prudent that we celebrate them on this special day of their birth anniversary.
This article will provide all the information about famous people born on September 21.
Who Are The Famous Peoples’s Born Today?
Please scroll down as you read the details of the famous people’s births today:
H. G Wells will have been 158 years old today.

H. G. Wells was a renowned English writer who wrote over fifty-five novels and dozens of short stories in many genres. Known as the “father of science fiction,” his contributions to nonfiction include works on politics, social commentary, history, popular science, biography, satire, and autobiography.
He was born in Bromley, Kent, England, on September 21, 1866, to Joseph Wells, a former domestic gardener and professional cricketer, and Sarah Neal, a former domestic servant. Well was involved in an accident at the age of 8 that left him bedridden with a broken leg. He started reading books his father brought from the local library during that time.
Wells attended Thomas Morley’s Commercial Academy and later became an unsuccessful apprentice as a draper at Hyde’s Drapery Emporium. Following the dismissal of Arthur Williams, a distant relative, he joined the National School as a pupil–teacher. He returned to Uppark and apprenticed as a chemist. Wells earned a scholarship to study biology at the Normal School of Science.
His first successful novel, The Time Machine, was published in 1895 in the journal The Chronic Argonauts. His other notable works include “The World Set Free,” “The Outline of History,” “The Red Room,” “The Country of the Blind,” “The Island of Doctor Moreau,” “The Invisible Man,” “When the Sleeper Wakes,” “Ann Veronica,” “The First Men in the Moon,” “The Shape of Things to Come,” and “The War of the Worlds.”
Wells married twice. His first marriage was to his cousin Isabel Mary Wells in 1891devorced 1895. He later married Amy Catherine Robbins (known as “Jane”) in 1895, with whom he had two sons, George Philip and Frank Richard Wells, until his death on August 13, 1946 at the age of 79. Despite being married to Jane, Wells was known for his extramarital relationships, including with writers Rebecca West, with whom he had a son, Anthony West, born in 1914, Elizabeth von Arnim, and Margaret Sanger.
Wels was also nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature four times, though he never won.
Quick Fact About H. G Wells
- H. G Wells’s full name is Herbert George Wells.
- He was involved in an accident that left him bedridden with a broken leg at age 8.
- Wells became the first novelist to employ them in terms of time travel.
- He married twice but was known for his extramarital affairs.
- Wells died at age 79.
Gustav Holst will have been 150 years old today.

Gustav Holst was a composer and writer. He was born in Pittville, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England, on September 21, 1874, to Adolph von Holst and Clara Cox Lediard. His mother died when Gustav was eight years old. Gustav’s father married again to Mary Thorley Stone.
He learned to play the piano, the violin, and the trombone. Holst attended Cheltenham Grammar School and later studied at the Royal College of Music.
Unable to support himself through his composition career, he became a trombonist and later a music teacher at Morley College (where he was music director) and later at St Paul’s Girls’ School.
His first success and breakthrough came with his composition “The Planets,” a seven-movement orchestral suite inspired by the astrological characters of the planets. Some of his famous works include St. Paul’s Suite (1913), The Hymn of Jesus (1917), and Egdon Heath (1927).
Gustav Holst returned to teaching and taught composition at the Royal College of Music and the University of Reading. He also performed with the New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and City of Birmingham Orchestra.
Gustav Holst married Isobel Harrison in 1901, and the couple had one daughter, Imogen Holst. He died on May 25, 1934, in Ealing, Middlesex, London, England, due to complications following his ulcer surgery.
Quick Fact About Gustav Holst
- Gustav Holst’s full name is Gustavus Theodore von Holst.
- He lost his mother at age 8.
- Gustav taught composition at St Paul’s Girls’ School, the Royal College of Music, Morley College, and the University of Reading.
- He died at age 59 due to complications following his ulcer surgery.
Sir Jimmy Young will have been 103 years old today.

Sir Leslie Ronald Young, professionally known as Sir Jimmy Young, is one of the famous personalities born September 21.He was born on September 21, 1921, to his parents in Cinderford, Gloucestershire, England. Young would have been 103 years old as of 2024, but unfortunately, he joined the Heavenly Choir at 95 on November 7 2016. He was also known as JY or Jimbo.
Young experienced challenging times as a child. He nearly died from bronchitis, double pneumonia, and pleurisy. Before gaining fame, Young excelled at boxing and rugby. Sir Jimmy played for Cinderford RFC but turned down a place with Wigan’s rugby league team. He also worked as an electrician and later joined the Royal Air Force (RAF).
Young was a famous English broadcaster, singer and disc jockey. During his career as a singer, he had two numbers in 1955, namely “Unchained Melody” and “The Man from Laramie”, and he also had several hits in the top 10 categories of the UK chart. Along the line, he transitioned to radio presenting, where he became known for his long-running show on BBC Radio 2. JY started his broadcasting on BBC Radio1 before moving to BBC Radio 2. His show, The JY Prog, ran from 1973 to 2002.
During his career as a broadcaster, Young interviewed many dignities, including every British Prime Minister from Alec Douglas-Home to Tony Blair. Young has proven his ability to blend entertainment shows and serious journalism. He was also an author, and he authored two books.
Sir Jimmy Young’s work speaks for itself, and his numerous awards and achievements testify to his greatness. Some of his major achievements include a CBE awarded in 1979 for his contribution to the media and entertainment industry. Sir Jimmy Young was also knighted in 2002 for his contribution to British Radio.
Regarding Young’s personal life, he was married thrice and had a daughter from his first marriage. Sir Jimmy Young is gone but not forgotten. His career left a lasting impact on the music and broadcasting industries.
Quick Facts about Sir Jimmy Young
- Sir Jimmy Young died at 95 on November 7, 2016.
- Sir Jimmy Young was knighted in 2002
- He interviewed every British prime minister, from Alec Douglas-Home to Tony Blair.
- He authored two books.
- Sir Jimmy Young was also known as JY or Jimbo.
Shirley Conran will have been 92 years old today.

Dame Shirley Ida Conran DBE, widely known as Shirley Conran, was a prominent British author, journalist, designer, and social entrepreneur. She is best remembered for the Steamy ‘Lace.’ Born on September 21, 1932, in Middlesex, England, as Shirley Ida Pearce to Ida and Thirlby Pearce, Shirley received her education from St Paul’s Girls’ School and then a finishing school in Switzerland.
At age 19, she was forced out of home to earn a living since her father was violent when drunk, although he was a prosperous dry cleaner. Shirley began working as an artist’s model and used the income to train as a sculptor at Portsmouth College of Art and as a painter at Chelsea Polytechnic.
In 1995, she married Terence Conran, who ran a cafe in Chelsea. The couple had two children, Jasper and Sebastian. Following her marriage, Shirley was a designer and sales director at Conran Fabrics. However, the pair divorced since her husband was unfaithful and refused to reform.
Shirley became a women’s editor of The Observer and the Daily Mail, launching its Femail section. Following a severe illness that left her with ME, it became difficult for her to work. As an author, she wrote best-selling books such as the feminist self-help Superwoman (1975) and the bonkbuster Lace (1982).
During her later life, Shirley campaigned and established charities to encourage maths education for women. Thanks to this project, she was made Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire. Shirley died from pneumonia at a hospital in London on May 9 2024, at the age of 91
Quick Facts About Shirley Conran
- She is mainly known for her book “Superwoman.”
- Shirley is also the author of “Crimson” and “Savages.”
- She had two children, Jasper and Sebastian Conran.
- She was married to Terence Conran (1955–1962).
- Shirley died on May 9, 2024, in London, England, UK.
More Famous People’s Birthday: September 21.
Dr. Kwame Nkrumah will have been 115 years old today.

BirthYear: 1909
Place Of Birth: Nkroful, Ghana
Profession: First President of Ghana
Larry Hagman will have been 93 years old today.

BirthYear: 1931
Place Of Birth: Fort Worth, Texas, United States
Profession: American film actor and television director
Stephen King is 77 years old today.

BirthYear: 1947
Place Of Birth: Portland, Maine, United States
Profession: American author
Bill Murray is 74 years old today.

BirthYear: 1950
Place Of Birth: Evanston, Illinois, United States
Profession: American actor and comedian
Simon Mayo is 66 years old today.

BirthYear: 1958
Place Of Birth: London, United Kingdom
Profession: Radio presenter and author
Rikki Lake is 56 years old today.

BirthYear: 1968
Place Of Birth: Hudson, New York, United States
Profession: American television host and actress
Liam Gallagher is 52 years old today.

BirthYear: 1972
Place Of Birth: Burnage, Manchester, United Kingdom
Profession: English singer-songwriter
Jason Derulo is 35 years old today.

BirthYear: 1989
Age: 35
Place Of Birth: Miramar, Florida, United State
Profession: Singer, songwriter, and dancer
Chris Gayle is 45 years old today.

BirthYear: 1979
Place Of Birth: Kingston, Jamaica
Profession: Former cricketer