Born This Day September 23rd

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.

Frank Cottrell-Boyce

English author and screenwriter
Born
September 23rd, 1959 66 years ago

An author and screenwriter born in 1959. Worked on children's literature and television screenplays. Wrote the adaptation of the 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony, which was directed by Danny Boyle. Authored several acclaimed children's books, contributing to literature for young readers.

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Karen Pierce

English diplomat with UN leadership
Born
September 23rd, 1959 66 years ago

A distinguished diplomat, recognized for serving as the Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom to the United Nations. Held various positions within the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, contributing to policy making on international issues. Worked extensively on projects related to peacekeeping and security. Played key roles in UK representation during critical global discussions, enhancing British diplomatic relations through negotiations and advocacy.

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Luis Moya

Spanish rally co-driver and champion
Born
September 23rd, 1960 65 years ago

Born in 1960, a prominent Spanish rally co-driver achieved significant success in the World Rally Championship. Partnered with Carlos Sainz, the duo captured the 1990 and 1992 WRC titles. Moya contributed to numerous victories during rallies, showcasing exceptional navigation skills and teamwork. The partnership with Sainz lasted for many years, with notable performances in prestigious events.

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Chi McBride

American actor, 'Boston Public'
Born
September 23rd, 1961 64 years ago

An American actor born in 1961, played notable roles in television and film. Gained recognition for the role of Harold Hawthorne in the television series 'Boston Public', which aired from 2000 to 2004. Portrayed the character Nick McNeil in the show 'Pushing Daisies', known for its unique narrative style. Had significant roles in films such as 'I, Robot' alongside Will Smith and 'Gone in 60 Seconds' starring Nicolas Cage. McBride's performances have encompassed both dramatic and comedic roles, showcasing versatility in character portrayal.

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William C. McCool

American astronaut and pilot
Born
September 23rd, 1961 64 years ago
Died
2003 23 years ago — 42 years old

Served as a NASA astronaut and commander on the Space Shuttle Columbia during the STS-107 mission, which ended tragically with the shuttle's re-entry accident. Prior to joining NASA, worked as a pilot in the U.S. Navy and also served as a test pilot, contributing to various aerospace projects. Completed significant training in flight operations and gained experience in various aircraft. Achieved distinction as a member of the astronaut class of 1996.

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Anne-Marie Cadieux

Canadian actress and director, 'The Exception'
Born
September 23rd, 1963 62 years ago

Born in 1963, Cadieux works in film, television, and theater. She studied at the National Theatre School of Canada. Cadieux gained recognition for her performances in a range of productions, including the film 'The Exception' and the television series 'Série Noire'. As a director, Cadieux has also contributed to numerous theatrical productions, showcasing her versatility in the arts.

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Alex Proyas

Film director of 'The Crow', 'Dark City'
Born
September 23rd, 1963 62 years ago

A director, producer, and screenwriter with a background in both Egypt and Australia. Gained recognition for crafting visually distinctive films and exploring dark themes. Debuted with the film 'Spirits of the Air, Gremlins of the Clouds' in 1989. Achieved significant acclaim with 'The Crow' in 1994, which became a cult classic and is notable for its tragic production history. Directed 'Dark City' in 1998, a neo-noir science fiction film celebrated for its innovative narrative structure and visual style. Continued to work in the film industry with various projects, maintaining a focus on genre films.

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Katie Mitchell

Theatre director and producer
Born
September 23rd, 1964 61 years ago

A prominent theatre director and producer, noted for innovative interpretations of classic and contemporary plays. Focused on new writing and works that highlight social issues. Collaborated with various acclaimed theatres across the UK and internationally. Directed productions such as 'The Seagull' at the Royal Court Theatre and 'The Blue Room' at the Donmar Warehouse. Received multiple awards for contributions to the performing arts.

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Larry Krystkowiak

Basketball player and coach
Born
September 23rd, 1964 61 years ago

A professional basketball player and coach with a significant career in the NBA and college basketball. Played college basketball at the University of Montana, earning accolades in his collegiate years. Played for teams such as the Chicago Bulls and the Golden State Warriors during an eight-year NBA career. Transitioned to coaching, taking over as head coach for the University of Utah men's basketball team, bringing the team back to prominence with notable achievements in the NCAA tournaments.

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Koshi Inaba

Japanese singer-songwriter and musician
Born
September 23rd, 1964 61 years ago

A singer-songwriter active since the 1980s, this artist gained prominence as the lead vocalist of the rock band B'z. The band has achieved commercial success with numerous chart-topping albums and singles in Japan. In addition to work with B'z, this artist has released solo music, contributing to the Japanese music scene. The unique blend of rock and pop in the music resonated widely with audiences, leading to high album sales and sold-out concerts.

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Julian Parkhill

Biologist and academic
Born
September 23rd, 1964 61 years ago

An English biologist contributed to microbial genetics and genomics. Significant research focused on the bacterium Bacillus subtilis, which served as a model organism for studying bacterial gene regulation. Served as a professor at the University of Warwick and led initiatives in advanced studies for biological sciences. Authored numerous scholarly articles and was involved in various scientific collaborations, enhancing the understanding of bacterial systems.

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Clayton Blackmore

Welsh footballer and manager, played for Manchester United
Born
September 23rd, 1964 61 years ago

A footballer and manager, began professional career in the early 1980s and played as a defender. Achieved notable success with Manchester United, winning two FA Cups and the Football League Cup. Later, transitioned to management and continued to be involved in football, coaching at various levels. Recognized for contributions to Welsh football and participation in national team competitions.

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