What Happened This Year 1980

Born in 1980

Matt Holliday

Baseball player and All-Star outfielder
Born
January 15th, 1980 45 years ago

Played Major League Baseball as an outfielder from 2004 to 2018. Started professional career with the Colorado Rockies, where he became a two-time All-Star and won a batting title in 2007. Contributed significantly to the Rockies' run to the World Series in 2007. Later played for the St. Louis Cardinals, winning a World Series championship in 2011. Known for offensive prowess, earning Silver Slugger Awards and multiple All-Star selections throughout career.

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Seydou Keita

Malian footballer and La Liga champion
Born
January 16th, 1980 45 years ago

A professional footballer from Mali played primarily as a midfielder. Gained recognition for time spent with FC Barcelona, contributing to several successful campaigns in La Liga and UEFA Champions League. Also represented the Mali national team, earning over 100 caps and participating in multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. Achieved notable club success during stints with clubs in France, Spain, and Italy.

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Lin-Manuel Miranda

Actor, playwright, composer of Hamilton
Born
January 16th, 1980 45 years ago

An influential figure in theater, created the musical Hamilton, which redefined the genre by incorporating hip-hop into the narrative of American history. Wrote and starred in the musical In the Heights, which also received critical acclaim. Served as a composer and lyricist for various projects in film and television, including contributions to Disney's Moana. Involved in numerous advocacy efforts for arts education and disaster relief efforts.

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Albert Pujols

Baseball player, three-time MVP
Born
January 16th, 1980 45 years ago

A Dominican-American baseball player with a professional career spanning over two decades. Played primarily for the St. Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles Angels, and Los Angeles Dodgers. Achieved significant success in Major League Baseball, winning two World Series titles with the Cardinals in 2006 and 2011. Experienced extensive success individually, capturing three Most Valuable Player Awards between 2005 and 2008. Developed a reputation as one of the most prolific hitters in the history of the sport, achieving milestones such as 700 career home runs and numerous All-Star selections.

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Zooey Deschanel

Actress and singer-songwriter, 'New Girl'
Born
January 17th, 1980 45 years ago

An American singer-songwriter and actress. Achieved prominence through a leading role in the television series 'New Girl', which aired from 2011 to 2018. Starred in films such as '500 Days of Summer' and 'Elf'. Collaborated as a musician in the folk music duo She & Him, releasing multiple albums. Recognized for distinct voice and unique style, contributing to both the music and film industries.

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Maksim Chmerkovskiy

Dancer and choreographer from 'Dancing with the Stars'
Born
January 17th, 1980 45 years ago

Born in 1980, a Ukrainian-American dancer and choreographer. Gained prominence through participation in the television series 'Dancing with the Stars' as a professional dancer and choreographer. Played a significant role in popularizing ballroom dancing in the United States. Operated a dance studio that contributed to the education and training of aspiring dancers. Involved in various charitable endeavors related to the arts and dance.

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Robert Green

English footballer and goalkeeper
Born
January 18th, 1980 45 years ago

Played as a goalkeeper, with notable stints at Norwich City, West Ham United, and Queens Park Rangers. Represented the England national team in various competitions, including the FIFA World Cup. Competed in over 400 professional matches throughout a career spanning nearly two decades, achieving recognition for solid performances in both club and international fixtures.

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Jason Segel

Actor and screenwriter, co-created 'How I Met Your Mother'
Born
January 18th, 1980 45 years ago

An American actor and screenwriter, contributed significantly to television and film. Gained recognition for co-creating and starring in the sitcom 'How I Met Your Mother', which aired from 2005 to 2014. Starred in the movies 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall' and 'The Muppets', showcasing both comedic and musical talents. Played a variety of roles that highlighted skills in comedy and drama, earning acclaim from both audiences and critics.

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Julius Peppers

American football player, defensive end
Born
January 18th, 1980 45 years ago

A professional football player, excelled as a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL). Played for the Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, and New Orleans Saints. Established a reputation for versatility and athleticism on the field. Achieved significant success during a career spanning nearly two decades, including selections to multiple Pro Bowls and All-Pro teams. Contributed to teams reaching the playoffs and securing division titles.

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