Born This Day October 20th

There’s something a little magical about sharing a birthday with someone famous, right? Maybe you and that legendary scientist both blew out candles on the same day—except they were making groundbreaking discoveries while you were just hoping your cake had extra frosting. Or perhaps some world-changing leader entered the world on your special day, and now you get to claim a tiny slice of their greatness by association (totally counts). Every day on the calendar has its roster of icons, geniuses, rebels, and artists—proof that whatever day you were born, you’re in pretty interesting company.

Alphonso Smith

Football player, 2009 NFL Draft pick
Born
October 20th, 1985 41 years ago

Played as a cornerback in American football. Entered the NFL after being selected in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions. Played for the Lions and the Denver Broncos during his professional career. Also contributed to teams at the collegiate level while at Wake Forest University, showcasing significant defensive skills.

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Marie Sophie Hingst

Historian and Holocaust descendant blogger
Born
October 20th, 1987 39 years ago
Died
July 17th, 2019 7 years ago — 31 years old

Engaged in historical research and maintained a blog that discussed historical topics. Claimed descent from Holocaust survivors, which later generated significant controversy due to the inaccuracy of this claim. This assertion drew attention to the discussions around personal narratives related to historical events. The situation sparked debates about authenticity and representation in historical discourse.

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ASAP Ferg

American rapper and Trap Lord creator
Born
October 20th, 1988 38 years ago

Born in 1988, the artist is a prominent figure in the hip hop scene. Gained recognition as a member of the A$AP Mob collective. Released debut mixtape, "Trap Lord," in 2013, which included hits like "Shabba". Followed up with several projects, including "Always Strive and Prosper" in 2016. Collaborated with artists such as Kanye West and Missy Elliott, contributing to a range of tracks that showcase a blend of Trap and Eastern influences. The artist's work incorporates diverse themes and establishes a distinctive sound within contemporary rap.

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Candice Swanepoel

Supermodel and philanthropist, Victoria's Secret
Born
October 20th, 1988 38 years ago

Born in 1988 in South Africa, this supermodel began her modeling career at a young age and gained prominence through runway shows and advertising campaigns. Gained recognition as a Victoria's Secret Angel, representing the brand between 2010 and 2018. Additionally, involved in various philanthropic efforts, particularly focusing on issues like education and wildlife conservation. Active in multiple fashion events and magazines, including Vogue and Harper's Bazaar.

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Jamie Collins

American football linebacker
Born
October 20th, 1989 37 years ago

Played as a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL), primarily with the New England Patriots. Achieved success in professional football, contributing to the team's defense strategies. Claimed a victory in Super Bowl XLIX with the Patriots, showcasing skills and performance in high-stakes games. Later played for the Cleveland Browns and the Detroit Lions, continuing to demonstrate defensive capabilities on the field.

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Jess Glynne

English singer-songwriter with hits.
Born
October 20th, 1989 37 years ago

Born in England, a singer-songwriter gained prominence in the music industry with a distinctive voice and a blend of pop and soul genres. The debut single, 'Hold My Hand,' topped the UK Singles Chart, followed by the chart-topping album 'I Cry When I Laugh.' Collaborations with major artists, including Clean Bandit on 'Rather Be' and Tinie Tempah on 'Not Letting Go,' further solidified a successful career in music. Numerous awards include a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording and several BRIT Awards, showcasing significant contributions to contemporary music.

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Sam Mataora

Rugby league player from Cook Islands
Born
October 20th, 1990 36 years ago

This rugby league player represented the Cook Islands in international competitions. Mataora played in the National Rugby League (NRL) for the Newcastle Knights and was active in various representative matches. His contributions included participation in the Rugby League World Cup qualifying tournaments, showcasing skills and leadership on the field.

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Rodney Hood

Basketball player and NBA contributor
Born
October 20th, 1992 34 years ago

Played college basketball at Duke University, leading the team to the NCAA Championship game in 2015. Entered the NBA Draft in 2014 and was selected by the Utah Jazz. Played as a shooting guard and small forward, contributing to multiple teams, including the Cleveland Cavaliers and Portland Trail Blazers. Achieved career highs in scoring and assists during his time in the league.

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Kyle Wiltjer

Basketball player and NBA champion
Born
October 20th, 1992 34 years ago

Born in 1992, a Canadian-American basketball player gained recognition for playing at the University of Kentucky, where he was part of the 2012 NCAA Championship team. Following college, played professionally in several leagues, including the NBA and overseas in Europe. Achievements include playing in the NBA for the Houston Rockets and contributing to the Chinese Basketball Association team Zhejiang Guangsha Lions. His skill set includes shooting and scoring, which established a successful professional career across various teams.

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Ferhat Yazgan

Turkish footballer with Çaykur Rizespor
Born
October 20th, 1992 34 years ago

Born in 1992, this Turkish footballer began his career in youth football with Karamürselspor before joining the senior team. Yazgan played as a midfielder and achieved notable success in the Turkish Süper Lig, signing with clubs such as Çaykur Rizespor. Throughout his career, he contributed significantly to his teams, showcasing skill and dedication on the pitch. He had a spell with the Turkish national youth teams, representing his country at various levels.

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Ksenia Semyonova

Russian artistic gymnast and Olympian
Born
October 20th, 1992 34 years ago

Competed in artistic gymnastics representing Russia. Achieved significant success in international competitions, including the World Championships. Won the all-around title and multiple individual event medals, establishing a prominent position in the sport during the late 2000s. Participation in the 2012 London Olympics contributed to the team's overall performance and medal tally.

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Anthony Sinisuka Ginting

Indonesian badminton player, Asian Games gold
Born
October 20th, 1996 30 years ago

A badminton player from Indonesia achieved significant success in international competitions. Ginting gained recognition for his exceptional skills on the court and his ability to compete at the highest levels. At the 2018 Asian Games, secured a gold medal in men's singles. Participated in multiple prestigious events, including the BWF World Championships, where he consistently demonstrated strong performances. Competing on the BWF tour, claimed several titles, including the Indonesia Masters and the Thailand Open, showcasing a high level of competitiveness and talent in badminton.

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