What famous people were born today, January 1st?

  1. J. Edgar Hoover (Born on January 1, 1895) – Born on January 1, 1895, J. Edgar Hoover was the first Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). He is known for shaping the modern FBI and its crime-fighting methods.
  2. Hank Williams (Died on January 1, 1923) – Born on January 1, 1923, Hank Williams was a legendary American country singer and songwriter. He is best known for his contributions to the country music genre with hits like “Your Cheatin’ Heart” and “Hey, Good Lookin’.”
  3. J. D. Salinger (Born on January 1, 1919) – Born on January 1, 1919, J. D. Salinger was an American author, best known for his novel “The Catcher in the Rye,” which became a classic in American literature.
  4. Betsy Ross (Born on January 1, 1752) – Born on January 1, 1752, Betsy Ross is credited with creating the first American flag, according to popular legend.
  5. J. M. W. Turner (Born on January 1, 1775) – Born on January 1, 1775, J. M. W. Turner was an English Romantic painter known for his landscape and marine paintings. He is considered one of the greatest painters of his time.
  6. E. M. Forster (Born on January 1, 1879) – Born on January 1, 1879, E. M. Forster was an English novelist known for his works such as “A Room with a View” and “Howards End.”
  7. Paul Revere (Born on January 1, 1735) – Born on January 1, 1735, Paul Revere was an American silversmith, engraver, and patriot who played a key role in the American Revolution, most notably for his midnight ride to warn of the British coming.
  8. Verne Troyer (Born on January 1, 1969) – Born on January 1, 1969, Verne Troyer was an American actor and stunt performer, best known for his role as Mini-Me in the “Austin Powers” film series.
  9. Colin Morgan (Born on January 1, 1986) – Born on January 1, 1986, Colin Morgan is a Northern Irish actor known for his roles in the TV series “Merlin” and the film “Testament of Youth.”
  10. Grandmaster Flash (Born on January 1, 1958) – Born on January 1, 1958, Grandmaster Flash is a pioneering American hip hop DJ and rapper, known for his contributions to the development of hip hop music.

Go back to the Famous People’s Birthday page, or check out our Top 10 Countdown lists.