Famous People Born in 1954
List of famous people born in 1954, with photos when available. This list of celebrities born in 1954 is loosely ordered by popularity, so the most well-known people are at the top. All sorts of men and women are featured on this list, including actors, singers, musicians and athletes born in 1954. Various bits of information are available for these prominent people whose birth year is 1954, such as what schools they went to and where they were born. If you're looking for a particular famous person born in 1954 you can type their name into the "search" bar and it will take you right to them.
List features Oprah Winfrey, John Travolta and more.
If you're trying to answer the question, "Which celebrities were born in 1954?" then this list should be a perfect resource for you.- Christie Brinkley, born on February 2, 1954, in Monroe, Michigan, is a renowned American model and actress who has made a significant impact in the entertainment industry. Her career took off in the late 1970s when she landed a record 20-year contract with CoverGirl, one of the longest modeling contracts in history. This partnership propelled her to international fame, making her face recognizable across the globe. Beyond her CoverGirl success, Brinkley has appeared on over 500 magazine covers worldwide, including Vogue, Rolling Stone, and Esquire, demonstrating her versatility as a model. Brinkley's influence extends beyond the realm of modeling. She ventured into the world of acting and showcased her talent in various television shows and films. Notably, she had a significant role in National Lampoon's Vacation and its sequel, Vegas Vacation. Brinkley also showcased her theatrical talents on Broadway, participating in the musical Chicago, where she played Roxie Hart. This diverse range of roles highlights Brinkley's versatility as an entertainer, proving her ability to transcend different forms of media. In addition to her entertainment career, Brinkley is also recognized for her entrepreneurship and humanitarian work. She launched her skincare line, Christie Brinkley Authentic Skincare, and eyewear collection, both of which have been successful in the market. Brinkley is also a dedicated environmental activist and animal rights advocate, using her platform to champion for these causes. She has received numerous awards for her charitable efforts, including the Humanitarian Award from the United Nations Environment Programme. Christie Brinkley's remarkable journey from a small-town girl to a global icon is testament to her talent, resilience, and compassion, making her a truly inspirational figure.
- Birthplace: Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Denzel Washington, a name synonymous with dynamic performances and compelling storytelling, is widely recognized as one of the most prolific actors in Hollywood. Born on December 28th, 1954 in Mount Vernon, New York, the son of a Pentecostal minister and a beauty shop owner, his early life was marked by discipline and structure which later influenced his approach to acting. After graduating from Fordham University, he advanced his craft at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco before making his professional acting debut. Washington's career has been consistently marked by accolades and critical acclaim. His first significant success came with his role in the television series St. Elsewhere, where he played Dr. Philip Chandler for six years, setting the stage for his transition into film. His prowess in front of the camera was acknowledged when he won his first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1989 for his role in Glory. This was followed by another Oscar win in 2001 for Best Actor in Training Day, solidifying his position as a versatile actor capable of delivering powerful performances in diverse roles. In addition to his acting career, Washington has also made notable contributions behind the scenes. He took on the role of director for the critically acclaimed films Antwone Fisher and The Great Debaters. His philanthropic efforts are equally remarkable, including substantial donations to educational institutions and advocacy for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Denzel Washington's legacy is one of immense talent, dedication, and unwavering commitment to his craft. His journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring actors and filmmakers worldwide, proving that with passion and perseverance, one can carve their own path in the world of cinema.
- Birthplace: Mount Vernon, New York, USA
Denzel Washington's Best Movies, RankedSee all
- 1American Gangster1,230 Votes
- 2Man on Fire1,706 Votes
- 3Remember the Titans1,342 Votes
- Al Sharpton, whose full name is Alfred Charles Sharpton Jr., was born on October 3, 1954, in Brooklyn, New York. He is a renowned American civil rights activist, Baptist minister, television/radio show host, and former White House advisor. Sharpton's interest in activism began at the tender age of four when he was licensed as a Pentecostal minister. His flair for advocacy continued to burgeon during his teenage years as he became the youth director of New York's Operation Breadbasket, an organization focused on promoting economic fairness for African Americans. Sharpton's influence grew in the 1980s and 1990s as he led several high-profile protests that exposed racial and social injustices. He played significant roles in advocating for justice in cases like the Central Park Jogger case, the Crown Heights Riot, and the case of Amadou Diallo, a Guinean immigrant shot by the New York City Police Department. His relentless activism led to the establishment of the National Action Network (NAN) in 1991, an organization dedicated to promoting political and economic justice, maintaining a direct action approach against racism, and providing extensive support to victims of crime. Apart from his activist role, Sharpton has made significant strides in politics and media. In 2004, he sought the Democratic nomination for President, where he used his platform to raise issues affecting African Americans. On the media front, Sharpton had a stint as a radio talk show host before transitioning to television. He hosted PoliticsNation, a night-time talk show on MSNBC, where he discussed American politics and civil rights. Through his multifaceted career, Sharpton has left an indelible mark on American society, solidifying his legacy as a prolific civil rights leader and influential public figure.
- Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, USA
- Annie Lennox, a name that resonates with the rhythm of pop and soul music, was born on December 25, 1954, in Aberdeen, Scotland. From her early years, she was immersed in music, studying at the Royal Academy of Music in London from 1971 to 1973. However, it was not classical music but the vibrant world of pop where Lennox found her true calling. She began her illustrious career as the lead singer of The Tourists, a British pop band in the late 70s. Despite their moderate success, it was the formation of Eurythmics with fellow band member Dave Stewart in 1980 that propelled Lennox into the international spotlight. As a part of Eurythmics, Lennox's distinctive voice and androgynous image became popular symbols of the 1980s music scene. The duo released numerous hits, such as "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" and "Here Comes the Rain Again", that topped charts worldwide. Their eclectic style of music, blending elements of pop, new wave, and soul, was lauded by critics and fans alike. After a decade of success, Eurythmics disbanded in 1990, marking the beginning of Lennox's solo career. Venturing out as a solo artist, Lennox continued to enchant audiences with her unique blend of musical styles. Her debut album, Diva, released in 1992, was a commercial success and established her as a leading figure in pop music. Her subsequent albums, including Medusa and Songs of Mass Destruction, further cemented her reputation and garnered her numerous accolades, including eight Brit Awards, four Grammys, and an Academy Award. Beyond her musical accomplishments, Lennox is also known for her philanthropic work, particularly in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
- Birthplace: Aberdeen, Scotland
- Born on April 9, 1954, in Houston, Texas, Dennis Quaid's journey to stardom began in the late 1970s after completing his studies at the University of Houston. His breakout role came in 1979 when he starred in Breaking Away, which earned him widespread acclaim and set the tone for his future in the film industry. Quaid is known for his versatility, having played in a variety of genres from drama and comedy to suspense and action. Some of his notable performances include roles in The Right Stuff (1983), Innerspace (1987), and The Parent Trap (1998). The actor's portrayal of Jerry Lee Lewis in Great Balls of Fire! (1989) showcased his musical talents as well as his acting prowess. His dedication to his craft was further demonstrated when he lost a significant amount of weight for his role in Far from Heaven (2002), earning him a Golden Globe nomination. Beyond his acting career, Quaid is also recognized for his contributions to music. He is the lead singer and guitarist of the band Dennis Quaid and the Sharks, which specializes in rock/country standards and original songs penned by Quaid himself. Despite facing personal challenges, including struggles with addiction and several high-profile relationships, Quaid has remained a constant fixture in the entertainment world.
- Birthplace: Houston, Texas, USA
The 30 Best Dennis Quaid Movies, Ranked By FansSee all- 1Frequency452 Votes
- 2The Rookie330 Votes
- 3Enemy Mine285 Votes
- Catherine O'Hara, a highly revered figure in the Canadian film and television industry, boasts an illustrious career that spans over four decades. Born on March 4, 1954, in Toronto, Ontario, O'Hara's narrative is one of immense talent, tenacity, and versatility. Her unique blend of comedic timing, dramatic flair, and enchanting screen presence has cemented her status as an entertainment powerhouse. O'Hara's acting journey kicked off with The Second City, a renowned improvisational theater troupe based in Toronto. It was here that she honed her distinct style of comedy and formed lifelong collaborations with future comedy legends like Eugene Levy and John Candy. It wasn't long before her talents were recognized by the creators of sketch comedy show SCTV, which catapulted her to stardom and earned her an Emmy Award. However, it was O'Hara's foray into film that truly broadened her appeal and showcased her range as an artist. She delivered memorable performances in films such as Home Alone, Beetlejuice, and Best in Show. The pinnacle of O'Hara's career arguably came with her portrayal of Moira Rose in the critically acclaimed series Schitt's Creek, for which she won an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. Throughout her career, O'Hara has deftly combined her knack for comedy with a profound ability to portray complex characters, making her one of the most celebrated artists of her generation.
- Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Condoleezza Rice, an accomplished scholar and diplomat, is known for her pivotal role in American politics. Born on November 14, 1954, in Birmingham, Alabama, Rice's early life was marked by the tumultuous era of the civil rights movement, deeply influencing her perspective and determination to succeed. She excelled acadically, completing a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Denver, a master's degree from the University of Notre Dame, and a PhD from the Graduate School of International Studies at the University of Denver. Rice's scholarly pursuits led her to Stanford University in 1981, where she served as a professor of political science. Her expertise in Soviet and East European affairs caught the attention of the political sphere, leading to her appointment as the National Security Council's senior director of Soviet and East European Affairs under President George H.W. Bush. After returning to Stanford in 1991, she became the university's first female, first minority, and youngest Provost in 1993, holding the position for six years. The year 2001 saw Rice stepping into one of the most prominent roles of her career as she became the first African-American woman to serve as the U.S. National Security Advisor under President George W. Bush. Four years later, she shattered another glass ceiling as she took office as the Secretary of State, once again, the first African-American woman to hold this position. Throughout her tenure, Rice played a critical role in shaping American foreign policy and navigated complex international issues with aplomb. Post her political career, she returned to academia, continuing her work as a political scientist and educator at Stanford University.
- Birthplace: Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Al Roker, born Albert Lincoln Roker Jr., is an accomplished American weather forecaster, television presenter, author, and actor. He was born on August 20, 1954, in Queens, New York, showcasing a deep interest in broadcasting from an early age. His education at the State University of New York at Oswego, where he received a degree in communications, further solidified his passion for media. Roker's career has been marked by significant accomplishments in the world of television. His longstanding tenure as a weather anchor on NBC's The Today Show began in 1996, following an initial period as a fill-in. Roker's amiable personality and professionalism established him as a household name. He additionally gained recognition for reporting on some of the most destructive hurricanes in U.S. history. Beyond his weather-forecasting duties, Roker pioneered innovative programming as the CEO of Al Roker Entertainment, a leading producer of original TV content. In addition to his television career, Roker has made his mark as an author. He has penned several non-fiction books, including an acclaimed memoir titled Never Goin' Back: Winning the Weight Loss Battle For Good, which details his personal journey with weight loss and health. His noteworthy contributions have earned him multiple Emmy Awards, further attesting to his impact on the entertainment industry.
- Birthplace: Queens, New York, USA
- The curvaceous brunette whose donning of denim short-shorts in the 1970s helped create a timeless fashion statement was best-known for her role as the feisty cousin of "good ole' boys" John Schneider and Tom Wopat on the popular CBS family-friendly series, "The Dukes of Hazzard" (1979-1985). Her homespun appeal captured on popular posters of the time - complete with hay bales, cut-offs and cowboy hat - gave other pin-up queens of the time like Loni Anderson and Farrah Fawcett a run for their money. Though her career would wind down once the reign of the Duke Boys ended in the mid-1980s, Bach would forever hold a sentimental place in many a young boy's heart throughout the decades.
- Birthplace: Warren, Ohio, USA
- Following in the footsteps of the late Charles Ludlum, founder of New York's Ridiculous Theatre Company, which honed camp and cross-dressing into a comic art in the 1960s and '70s, self-described "gender illusionist" Charles Busch drew inspiration from movie and stage divas of yore and created complex female characterizations, not just a cabaret drag persona. In 1984, he formed Theatre-in-Limbo with a group of friends and began performing his wonderfully-titled plays like "Kiss the Blood Off My Castanets" at NYC's Limbo Lounge. "Vampire Lesbians of Sodom" became such a hit there that it moved in 1985 to the historic Provincetown Playhouse, where it played for five years, becoming one of the longest-running non-musicals in Off-Broadway history. A 2000-year-old lesbian in that one, he also scored as Chicklet, a teenager with a multiple personality disorder, in "Psycho Beach Party" (1987), which he would retool for his first screenwriting credit in 2000.
- Birthplace: New York, New York, USA
- Imposing in stature, Chris Noth is readily identified with his roles as Detective Mike Logan on the long-running series "Law & Order" (NBC, 1990-2010) and, perhaps even more famously, as the charming rogue Mr. Big on "Sex and the City" (HBO, 1998-2004). Learning his craft in Yale's drama program and on the stages of New York City and Los Angeles, the young actor found work on various television series, including a recurring turn on the seminal police ensemble drama "Hill Street Blues" (NBC, 1981-87) in 1986. After a series of forgettable made-for-TV movies, Noth landed his career-making role on "Law & Order," which he maintained for five years before a desire for artistic change prompted his departure in 1995. A few years of forgettable television and indie film projects followed before Noth signed on for what would arguably become his signature role - the rich, commitment-phobic Mr. Big for six seasons of the hugely popular "Sex and the City" series. Seemingly destined to reprise his most popular roles, he went back to work as Logan for three seasons of the spin-off series "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" (NBC, 2001-07; USA, 2007-11), then back into arms of Carrie Bradshaw for the big screen adaptation of "Sex and the City" (2008). He continued his lucky streak on television as Julianna Margulies' scandalous politician husband on the legal drama "The Good Wife" (CBS, 2009-16). The hallmark of Noth's respectable career by now had become portrayals of strong, direct, often callous men - usually with an irrepressibly rakish twinkle in their eye.
- Birthplace: Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Angela Dorothea Merkel (, German: [aŋˈɡeːla ˈmɛɐ̯kl̩]; née Kasner; born 17 July 1954) is a German politician serving as Chancellor of Germany since 2005. She served as the leader of the centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) from 2000 to 2018. Merkel has been widely described as the de facto leader of the European Union, the most powerful woman in the world, and, following the election of Donald Trump as U.S. President, by many commentators as the new leader of the Free World.Merkel was born in Hamburg in then-West Germany and moved to East Germany as an infant when her father, a Lutheran clergyman, received a pastorate in Perleberg. She obtained a doctorate in quantum chemistry in 1986 and worked as a research scientist until 1989. Merkel entered politics in the wake of the Revolutions of 1989, and briefly served as a deputy spokesperson for the first democratically elected East German Government headed by Lothar de Maizière in 1990. Following German reunification in 1990, Merkel was elected to the Bundestag for the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and has been reelected ever since. As the protégée of Chancellor Helmut Kohl, Merkel was appointed as the Federal Minister for Women and Youth in Kohl's government in 1991, and became the Federal Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety in 1994. After her party lost the federal election in 1998, Merkel was elected Secretary-General of the CDU before becoming the party's first female leader two years later in the aftermath of a donations scandal that toppled Wolfgang Schäuble. Following the 2005 federal election, Merkel was appointed Germany's first female chancellor at the head of a grand coalition consisting of the CDU, its Bavarian sister party the Christian Social Union (CSU), and the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD). In the 2009 federal election the CDU obtained the largest share of the vote, and Merkel was able to form a coalition government with the Free Democratic Party (FDP). At the 2013 federal election, Merkel's CDU won a landslide victory with 41.5% of the vote and formed a second grand coalition with the SPD, after the FDP lost all of its representation in the Bundestag. After the 2017 federal election the CDU was again the largest party, and she was reelected to her fourth term on 14 March 2018.In 2007, Merkel was President of the European Council and played a central role in the negotiation of the Treaty of Lisbon and the Berlin Declaration. One of Merkel's consistent priorities has been to strengthen transatlantic economic relations. Merkel played a crucial role in managing the financial crisis at the European and international level, and she has been referred to as "the decider". In domestic policy, health care reform, problems concerning future energy development and more recently her government's approach to the ongoing migrant crisis have been major issues during her Chancellorship. In 2009 she succeeded George W. Bush as the senior G7 leader and in 2014 she became the longest-serving incumbent head of government in the European Union. In October 2018, Merkel announced that she would not seek reelection as leader of the CDU at the party convention in December 2018 and as Chancellor in 2021.
- Birthplace: Hamburg, Germany
Carol Meyrowitz
Age: 71Carol M. Meyrowitz is the Executive Chairman of the Board and the Chairman of the Executive Committee of TJX Companies, the leading off-price retailer in the United States. As of 2015, she is listed as the 76th most powerful woman in the world by Forbes. As of 2014, she was also ranked as the 12th most powerful woman in the world by Fortune.- Cass Robert Sunstein FBA (born September 21, 1954) is an American legal scholar, particularly in the fields of constitutional law, administrative law, environmental law, and law and behavioral economics, who was the Administrator of the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs in the Obama administration from 2009 to 2012. Earlier, as a professor at the University of Chicago Law School for 27 years, he wrote influential works on among other topics, regulatory and constitutional law. Since leaving the White House, Sunstein is the Robert Walmsley University Professor at Harvard Law School.
- Birthplace: Concord, Massachusetts, USA
- Caroline Cossey (born 31 August 1954) is a transgender British model. She has appeared in the James Bond film For Your Eyes Only, and in 1991 was the first trans woman to pose for Playboy. Following her appearance in the Bond film in 1981, she was outed by British tabloid News of the World. Cossey has since then fought for her right to legally marry and be legally recognised as a woman.
- Birthplace: Brooke, England
- David Lee Roth, best known as the flamboyant frontman of Van Halen, is a quintessential figure in the world of rock and roll. Born on October 10, 1954, in Bloomington, Indiana, Roth found his calling in music at an early age. His exposure to the sounds of the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and other rock outfits of the era fostered his love for the genre, leading him to pursue a career in music. In 1974, Roth's destiny intertwined with that of the Van Halen brothers, Eddie and Alex, culminating in the formation of one of the most revered rock bands in history - Van Halen. Over the course of the next decade, Roth's charismatic stage presence coupled with Van Halen's innovative guitar work produced numerous chart-topping hits including Jump, Panama, and Hot for Teacher. Roth's tenure with the band, however, ended in 1985 after creative differences led to his departure. Notwithstanding, he has since rejoined and left the group on multiple occasions, contributing significantly to their enduring legacy each time. Apart from his exploits with Van Halen, Roth's solo career also merits mention. His debut solo album, Eat 'Em and Smile released in 1986, was met with critical acclaim, proving Roth's ability to hold his own outside of Van Halen. Throughout his career, Roth's contributions to rock have earned him numerous accolades, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Van Halen in 2007.
- Birthplace: Bloomington, USA, Indiana
- A bona fide teen idol of the 1970s, Barry Williams was the once and future Greg Brady, oldest son and erstwhile ladies' man of "The Brady Bunch" (ABC, 1969-1972). The show's simplistic plots and humor made it an enduring favorite among younger viewers, who boosted Williams to pin-up status in his teenaged years, which he repaid with pop singles and tours with his co-stars. When the series came to an end, Williams was largely relegated to regional musical theater, though he frequently resurfaced with various "Brady" reunions. Unlike many of his co-stars, Williams accepted the fact that he and Greg Brady were largely one and the same, and exploited his past pop stardom with good humor and a hearty dose of cheek, including a very memorable autobiography that brought a bit of scandal to the "Brady" universe . Regardless of his efforts to demystify the too-good-to-be-true series, Williams remained a model example for post-childhood stardom for over three decades.
- Birthplace: Santa Monica, California, USA
- Adam Ant, born Stuart Leslie Goddard on November 3, 1954, is a renowned English singer and musician who became a star during the punk rock explosion of the late 1970s. A pivotal figure in the New Wave movement, Ant's eccentric style, both musically and visually, set him apart from his contemporaries. His distinct blend of pop and punk music, as well as his unique fashion sense characterized by flamboyant, tribal-inspired costumes and heavy makeup, became synonymous with the Adam and the Ants band. Ant's journey into music began at London's Hornsey College of Art, where he studied graphic design before forming the band Bazooka Joe. It was eventually rebranded as Adam and the Ants in 1977, marking the formal beginning of Ant's illustrious career. The band's first album Dirk Wears White Sox was released in 1979, introducing listeners to a fresh, innovative sound that blended punk's raw energy with an arty intellect. However, it was the consecutive releases of Kings of the Wild Frontier and Prince Charming in 1980 and 1981 respectively that propelled Adam and the Ants to international stardom. Beyond his success with Adam and the Ants, Ant also achieved considerable acclaim as a solo artist. After disbanding Adam and the Ants in 1982, he released his debut solo album, Friend or Foe, which produced several hits including the unforgettable Goody Two Shoes. His venture into acting further broadened his creative landscape. He starred in various films and television series, adding another layer to his expansive career. Ant's enduring influence on music and culture remains indisputable, solidifying his place as a distinguished icon in entertainment history.
- Birthplace: England, London
- Born in Liverpool, England, David Morrissey is a critically acclaimed actor and director whose career has spanned over three decades. After his early education in St Margaret Mary's Junior School, he joined the Everyman Youth Theatre at the age of 14, where he developed his passion for acting. His first professional acting role was in the television series One Summer in 1983, but it was his performances in State of Play and The Deal that brought him to the forefront of British television, earning him praise and recognition for his powerful portrayals. Morrissey's career took an international turn when he was cast as The Governor in the popular American television series The Walking Dead. His portrayal of the complex and brutal character won him further acclaim and expanded his fan base globally. Alongside his acting career, Morrissey has also demonstrated his skills behind the camera. He directed two short films, Sweet Revenge and Passer By, which were well received and showcased his ability to deliver compelling narratives. Morrissey is one of the co-founders of the production company High Bridge Productions, which aims to produce high-quality drama while providing opportunities for new talent. He is also a patron of the charity Creative Arts Schools Trust, demonstrating his dedication to nurturing the next generation of artists.
- Birthplace: Everton, Liverpool, England, UK
- Christine Marie Evert (born December 21, 1954), known as Chris Evert Lloyd from 1979 to 1987, is a retired American World No. 1 tennis player. She won 18 Grand Slam singles championships and three doubles titles. She was the year-ending World No. 1 singles player in 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1980, and 1981. Overall, Evert won 157 singles championships and 32 doubles titles. Evert reached 34 Grand Slam singles finals, more than any other player in the history of professional tennis. She holds the record of most consecutive years (13) to win at least one Grand Slam title. In singles, Evert reached the semifinals or better 52 of the 56 Grand Slams she played, including the semifinals or better of 34 consecutive Grand Slams entered from the 1971 US Open through the 1983 French Open. Evert never lost in the first or second round of a Grand Slam singles tournament and lost in the third round only twice. In Grand Slam women's singles play, Evert won a record seven championships at the French Open and a co-record six championships at the US Open (tied with Serena Williams). Evert's career winning percentage in singles matches of 89.97% (1309–146) is the highest in the history of Open Era tennis, for men or women. On clay courts, her career winning percentage in singles matches of 94.55% (382–22) remains a WTA record. Evert served as president of the Women's Tennis Association during eleven calendar years, 1975–76 and 1983–91. She was awarded the Philippe Chatrier award and inducted into the Hall of Fame. In later life Evert was a coach and is now an analyst for ESPN and has a line of tennis and active apparel.
- Birthplace: Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
- Alan Dennis Kulwicki (December 14, 1954 – April 1, 1993), nicknamed "Special K" and the "Polish Prince", was an American auto racing driver and team owner. He started racing at local short tracks in Wisconsin before moving up to regional stock car touring series. Kulwicki arrived at NASCAR, the highest and most expensive level of stock car racing in the United States, with no sponsor, a limited budget and only a racecar and a borrowed pickup truck. Despite starting with meager equipment and finances, he earned the 1986 NASCAR Rookie of the Year award over drivers racing for well-funded teams. After Kulwicki won his first race at Phoenix International Raceway, he debuted what would become his trademark "Polish victory lap". Kulwicki won the 1992 Winston Cup Championship by what was then the closest margin in NASCAR history. He died early in 1993 in a light aircraft accident and therefore never defended his championship. He has been inducted into numerous racing halls of fame and was named one of NASCAR's 50 greatest drivers.Kulwicki was known for being a perfectionist and doing things his own way. An engineer by trade, his scientific approach to NASCAR racing inspired the way teams are now run. Despite lucrative offers from top car owners, he insisted on driving for his own race team, AK Racing, during most of his NASCAR career. Described by his publicist as "a real hard type of person to get to know", he remained a bachelor throughout his life.
- Birthplace: Greenfield, Wisconsin
- An accomplished character performer who also excelled in leading roles, actor Dennis Haysbert quietly amassed a long résumé that included a wide array of television and movies that often benefited greatly from his assured presence. After getting his start as a guest star and eventually regular player on episodic television, Haysbert delivered a memorable performance as a Cuban baseball player who practices voodoo and is unable to hit a curveball in the hit comedy "Major League" (1989), a role he reprised in its two sequels. More supporting parts in big movies like "Heat" (1995) and "Absolute Power" (1997) preceded arguably his most recognized character, playing the President of the United States on the hit series "24" (Fox, 2001-2010). While on the show, Haysbert was hailed for his performance as a compassionate gardener who strikes up a too-close-for-comfort relationship with a 1950s white woman in "Far From Heaven" (2002). After leaving "24," Haysbert returned to the small screen for a starring role on "The Unit" (CBS, 2006-09), while serving as the spokesman for Allstate insurance - all of which underscored the actor's unique ability to bring a calming assurance and comfortable presence to just about any project he chose.
- Birthplace: San Mateo, California, USA
- Ang Lee OBS (Chinese: 李安; pinyin: Lǐ Ān; born 23 October 1954) is a Taiwanese film director and screenwriter. Born in the Pingtung County of southern Taiwan, Lee was educated in the United States. His filmmaking career has seen him experience international critical and popular acclaim and a range of accolades. Lee garnered success with Pushing Hands (1991), The Wedding Banquet (1993), and Eat Drink Man Woman (1994), which explored the relationships and conflicts between tradition and modernity, Eastern and Western; the three films are informally known as the "Father Knows Best" trilogy. The films garnered Lee success both in his native Taiwan and internationally, precipitating his arrival in Hollywood with Sense and Sensibility (1995), for which he received critical praise and a number of accolades. He went on to direct films in a broad range of genres, including the drama The Ice Storm (1997); the Western Ride with the Devil (1999); the martial arts wuxia drama Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000); the superhero blockbuster Hulk (2003); the romantic drama Brokeback Mountain (2005); the erotic espionage period drama Lust, Caution (2007); and the magic realist survival film Life of Pi (2012). Much of Lee's work is known for its emotional charge and exploration of repressed, hidden emotions, which commentators believe is responsible for his success in offsetting cultural barriers and achieving international recognition.Lee has been nominated for nine Academy Awards, of which he has won three: Best Foreign Language Film for Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon and Best Director for Brokeback Mountain and Life of Pi, becoming the first non-white person to win the latter. For The Wedding Banquet and Sense and Sensibility, Lee won the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival; for Brokeback Mountain and Lust Caution, he won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival. Lee is one of four directors to win the Golden Lion twice and the sole filmmaker to have been awarded the Golden Bear twice. Lee has also been awarded Directors Guild of America, Golden Globe and British Academy Film Awards, among others, and is the recipient of the Order of Brilliant Star, the second highest civilian honor bestowed by the Government of the Republic of China.
- Birthplace: Taiwan, Chaojhou, Pingtung
The Best Movies Directed by Ang LeeSee all- 1Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon75 Votes
- 2Sense and Sensibility46 Votes
- 3Life of Pi63 Votes
- Bruce Hornsby, an American singer-songwriter and pianist, has carved an indelible niche in the world of music with his diverse style and remarkable talent. Born in Williamsburg, Virginia, on November 23, 1954, Hornsby showcased an affinity for music from a young age which later transformed into a compelling career. His journey began at the University of Miami's School of Music, where he studied jazz piano before transferring to the University of Richmond. He also spent time at Berklee College of Music in Boston, further nurturing his musicianship. Hornsby's breakthrough came in the mid-1980s when he formed Bruce Hornsby and the Range. The band achieved notable success, particularly with their debut album The Way It Is which topped the charts in 1986. The title track not only became a global hit but also won the Grammy Award for Best New Song in 1987, establishing Hornsby as a significant influence in the music industry. He continued to make waves by experimenting with different genres like bluegrass, jazz, blues, and jam band music in his subsequent albums. In addition to his solo career, Hornsby's collaborations have been equally consequential. He played over a hundred shows with the Grateful Dead between 1988 and 1995, significantly enriching their performances with his keyboard skills. He has also worked with other renowned artists such as Bonnie Raitt, Bob Dylan, Bela Fleck, and Elton John, cementing his reputation as a versatile and respected musician. Despite the shifts in music trends over the decades, Bruce Hornsby's unswerving commitment to his craft and his ability to create thought-provoking, genre-blending music ensures that he remains a pillar in the ever-evolving music landscape.
- Birthplace: USA, Virginia, Williamsburg
- Robert Francis McDonnell (born June 15, 1954) is an American politician and lawyer who served as the 71st Governor of Virginia, from 2010 to 2014. A member of the Republican Party, McDonnell also served on the executive committee of the Republican Governors Association. McDonnell was a lieutenant colonel in the United States Army Reserve. He served in the Virginia House of Delegates from 1992 to 2006, and was Attorney General of Virginia from 2006 to 2009. McDonnell was elected Governor of Virginia after using the campaign slogan "Bob's for Jobs." He defeated Democratic state Senator Creigh Deeds by a 17-point margin in the 2009 general election, which was marked by the severe recession of the late 2000s. McDonnell succeeded Democrat Tim Kaine who was term-limited by Virginia law.After taking office as governor, McDonnell advocated privatization and promoted offshore drilling for Virginia. He moved to extend a contract to outsource the state's computer operations and sought to fund transportation improvements from asset sales, including a proposal to auction off liquor stores operated by the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. The state's unemployment rate declined from 7.4% in January 2010, when McDonnell took office, to 5.2% in December 2013, comparable to the decline in the national unemployment rate from 9.8% to 6.7% during the same period. McDonnell's governorship ended with a 55% to 32% approval to disapproval rating among registered voters.On January 21, 2014, McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, were indicted on federal corruption charges for receiving improper gifts and loans from a Virginia businessman. They were convicted on most counts by a federal jury on September 4, 2014. McDonnell, the first Virginia governor to be indicted or convicted of a felony, was sentenced on January 6, 2015, to two years in prison, followed by two years of supervised release. However, he was free on bond during the subsequent appeals process.On June 27, 2016, the United States Supreme Court unanimously overturned McDonnell's conviction and remanded the case back to a lower court. Less than three months later, the Justice Department announced that they would not prosecute the case again, and moved to dismiss the charges against the former governor and his wife. The case racked up over $27 million in legal bills, and McDonnell has taken four jobs to pay them off.McDonnell currently serves as a professor at Regent University and runs The McDonnell Group, a real estate consulting firm, with his sister.
- Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- William Nelson Joy (born November 8, 1954) is an American computer engineer. He co-founded Sun Microsystems in 1982 along with Scott McNealy, Vinod Khosla, and Andy Bechtolsheim, and served as chief scientist at the company until 2003. He played an integral role in the early development of BSD UNIX while a graduate student at Berkeley, and he is the original author of the vi text editor. He also wrote the 2000 essay Why The Future Doesn't Need Us, in which he expressed deep concerns over the development of modern technologies.
- Birthplace: Detroit, Michigan
- Alexander Grigoryevich Lukashenko (Belarusian: Алякса́ндар Рыго́равіч Лукашэ́нка, romanized: Alyaksándr Ryhóravich Lukashénka, IPA: [alʲaˈksand(a)r rɨˈɣɔravʲitʂ lukaˈʂɛnka]; Russian: Алекса́ндр Григо́рьевич Лукаше́нко, IPA: [ɐlʲɪˈksandr ɡrʲɪˈɡorʲjɪvʲɪtɕ ɫʊkɐˈʂɛnkə]; born 30 August 1954) is a Belarusian politician serving as President of Belarus since the office was created on 20 July 1994. Before launching his political career, Lukashenko worked as director of a collective farm (kolkhoz) and spent time with the Soviet Border Troops and the Soviet Army. He was the only deputy to vote against the independence of Belarus from the Soviet Union. Lukashenko opposed Western-backed shock therapy during the post-Soviet transition. He has supported state ownership of key industries in Belarus. Lukashenko's government has also retained much of the country's Soviet-era symbolism, especially related to the victory in the Second World War. Western opponents of Lukashenko have described Belarus as 'Europe's last dictatorship'. Since 2006, Lukashenko and other Belarusian officials have also been the subject of on-and-off sanctions imposed by the European Union and the United States for human rights violations. He responds that his policies are the only alternative to instability and have spared Belarus from the poverty and oligarchy seen elsewhere in the former Soviet republics. Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, under Lukashenko's leadership Belarus has maintained government control over key industries and eschewed large-scale privatizations seen in other former Soviet republics.
- Birthplace: Kopys, Belarus
Colin Ireland
Dec. at 57 (1954-2012)Colin Ireland (16 March 1954 – 21 February 2012) was a British serial killer known as the Gay Slayer because his victims were homosexual. Criminologist David Wilson believes that Ireland was a psychopath.Ireland suffered a severely dysfunctional upbringing. He committed various crimes from the age of 16 and had served time in borstals and prisons. While living in Southend, he started frequenting the Coleherne pub, a gay pub in Earl's Court. Ireland sought men who liked the passive role and sadomasochism, so he could readily restrain them as they initially believed it was a sexual game.Ireland said he was heterosexual – he had been married twice – and that he pretended to be gay only to befriend potential victims. Ireland claimed that his motives were not sexually motivated. He was highly organised, and carried a full murder kit of rope and handcuffs and a full change of clothes to each murder. After killing his victim he cleaned the flat of any forensic evidence linking him to the scene and stayed in the flat until morning in order to avoid arousing suspicion from leaving in the middle of the night.He was jailed for life for the murders in December 1993 and remained imprisoned until his death in February 2012, at the age of 57.- Birthplace: Dartford, United Kingdom
- Andrew Klavan (; born July 13, 1954) is an American writer of crime and suspense novels. Dubbed by Stephen King "the most original American novelist of crime and suspense since Cornell Woolrich", Klavan has been nominated for the Edgar Award five times and has won twice. Klavan has also worked in film and as an essayist and video satirist. He hosts "The Andrew Klavan Show" podcast on The Daily Wire.
- Birthplace: New York City, New York
- The younger brother of actor Murray Head, Anthony Stewart Head enjoyed a successful acting career in his native England before coming to the attention of American audiences as the intriguing romantic lead in a series of Taster's Choice coffee commercials, each tracing the budding romance between two neighbors who share a love for the same brew. The handsome actor got his first show business break playing Jesus in a West End production of "Godspell" and went on to play in a number of theater productions, including "The Rocky Horror Show" and Peter Shaffer's "Yonadab" at the Royal National Theatre. Among his many British TV productions, Head starred in the series "Love in a Cold Climate," which aired in the USA on PBS in 1982. He was a regular cast member on Fox's short-lived sci-fi series "VR.5" (1995) and also acted in an episode of ABC's critically-acclaimed "NYPD Blue" and the Showtime movie "Royce" (1994), starring James Belushi. He upped his American profile considerably by landing the regular role of Rupert Giles, the school librarian who doubles as mentor to "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" (The WB, 1997-2001; UPN, 2001-03).
- Birthplace: London, England, UK
- Catherine Jean Crier (born November 6, 1954) is an American journalist and author of A Deadly Game and The Case Against Lawyers. She was the youngest elected state judge in Texas history at age thirty and served as a Texas State District Judge for the 162nd District Court.Crier is currently a managing partner in Cajole Entertainment developing television, film, and documentary projects. She regularly appears as a guest contributor and panelist on various news programs, conducts speaking engagements across the country, and blogs for The Huffington Post. Her fifth book, Patriot Acts: What Americans Must Do to Save the Republic, was published in 2011. Her current events blog was launched to coincide with publication of the book.
- Birthplace: Dallas, Texas, USA
- Cindy Lou Hensley McCain (born May 20, 1954) is an American businesswoman, philanthropist, and humanitarian. She is the widow of United States Senator and 2008 Republican presidential nominee John McCain from Arizona. She was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona as the daughter of wealthy beer distributor Jim Hensley. After receiving bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Southern California, she became a special education teacher. She married John McCain in 1980, and the couple moved to Arizona in 1981, where her husband was elected to the United States Congress the following year and reelected five more times. The couple had three children together, in addition to adopting another. From 1988 to 1995, she founded and operated a nonprofit organization, the American Voluntary Medical Team, which organized trips by medical personnel to disaster-stricken or war-torn third-world areas. Upon her father's death in 2000, she inherited majority control and became chair of Hensley & Co., one of the largest Anheuser-Busch beer distributors in the United States. She participated in both of her husband's presidential campaigns and, in 2008, drew both positive and negative scrutiny for her appearance, demeanor, wealth, spending habits, and financial obligations. She continues to be an active philanthropist and serves on the boards of Operation Smile, Eastern Congo Initiative, CARE, and HALO Trust, frequently making overseas trips in conjunction with their activities. During the 2010s, she has become prominent in the fight against human trafficking. From 2017 until his death, she dealt with her husband's battle against glioblastoma.
- Birthplace: Phoenix, Arizona, USA
- Solid-looking African-American character player, known mostly for his work on TV. Born in Philadelphia, Johnson moved to Toronto when he was a teenager and he has returned regularly to Canada to appear in features including "Iron Eagle II" (1988) and "Soul Survivor" (1994). Work in Hollywood began in the early 1980s with a few small roles in features and TV. Things began to improve in mid-decade with a regular role in the Canadian-produced CBS crime series, "Hot Shots" (1986), as the smart staff researcher for CrimeWorld magazine. Feature work began to pick up, too, as with his gang leader in "Adventures in Babysitting" (1987) and other modest but noticeable roles in "Wild Thing" (1987) and "Colors" (1988).
- Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Alan James Hollinghurst FRSL (born 26 May 1954) is an English novelist, poet, short story writer and translator. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including the 1989 Somerset Maugham Award, the 1994 James Tait Black Memorial Prize and the 2004 Booker Prize.
- Birthplace: Stroud, United Kingdom
- Dennis Lee Eckersley (born October 3, 1954), nicknamed "Eck", is an American former professional baseball pitcher. Between 1975 and 1998, he pitched in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Oakland Athletics, and St. Louis Cardinals. Eckersley had success as a starter, but gained his greatest fame as a closer, becoming the first of two pitchers in MLB history to have both a 20-win season and a 50-save season in a career. He is the pitcher who gave up a dramatic walk-off home run (a phrase Eckersley coined) to the injured Kirk Gibson in Game 1 of the 1988 World Series. Eckersley was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2004, his first year of eligibility. He works with New England Sports Network (NESN) as a part-time color commentator for Red Sox broadcasts, and is also a game analyst for Turner Sports for their Sunday MLB Games and MLB Post Season coverage on TBS.
- Birthplace: Oakland, California
- Bruce Franklin Reed (born July 11, 1954) is an American former professional wrestler and football player, better known by the ring name Butch Reed. He is best known for his appearances with the World Wrestling Federation and World Championship Wrestling between 1986 and 1992.
- Birthplace: Warrensburg, Missouri
- Robert Gerard Sands (Irish: Roibeárd Gearóid Ó Seachnasaigh; 9 March 1954 – 5 May 1981) was a member of the Provisional Irish Republican Army who died on hunger strike while imprisoned at HM Prison Maze after being sentenced for firearms possession. He was the leader of the 1981 hunger strike in which Irish republican prisoners protested against the removal of Special Category Status. During Sands's strike, he was elected to the British Parliament as an Anti H-Block candidate. His death and those of nine other hunger strikers was followed by a new surge of Provisional IRA recruitment and activity. International media coverage brought attention to the hunger strikers, and the Republican movement in general, attracting both praise and criticism.
- Birthplace: Newtownabbey, United Kingdom
- Alan Poul is an American film and television producer and director, who is best-known for his work on the Golden Globe-award winning television drama "Six Feet Under." In 1985, Poul earned his first film credits on director Paul Schrader's drama "Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters," on which Poul worked as an actor and associate producer. Two years later, Poul added second unit director to his résumé on another Schrader drama, "Light of Day." Through the '90s, he built his reputation as a producer on TV shows, including the iconic teen drama series "My So-Called Life." By 2001, Poul was executive producing the HBO series "Six Feet Under," created by acclaimed "American Beauty" screenwriter Alan Ball. Poul made his directorial debut on the series, and his work earned him numerous accolades, including Emmy and Directors Guild of America Award nominations. He went on to direct two other HBO dramas, "Rome" and "Big Love." In 2008, he executive produced and directed numerous episodes of the bicentennial-set drama, "Swingtown." In 2010, Poul took his skills to the big screen, directing the Jennifer Lopez vehicle "The Back-up Plan," a romantic comedy about having a baby before meeting Mr. Right. Poul has continued to be active as executive producer for "MotherFatherSon", "Tales of the City" and "The Eddy." He is revisiting his Japanese roots as Executive Producer and director of HBO Max's upcoming "Tokyo Vice." He serves on the Boards of Directors of Film Independent and Playwrights Horizons, and on the International Outreach Committee of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS). Previous board service includes The Producers Guild of America, Outfest, and GLAAD.
- Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Cheryl Rixon is an actress who appeared in "Plugg," "Not Quite Hollywood: The Wild, Untold Story of Ozploitation," and "Used Cars."
- Birthplace: Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Daniel Kottke () was a college friend of Steve Jobs and one of the first employees of Apple Inc.
- Birthplace: Bronxville, New York
- Amparo Muñoz Quesada (Vélez-Málaga, 21 June 1954 – Málaga, 27 February 2011) was a Spanish actress, model and controversial beauty queen who won the Miss Universe 1974 competition, being the first and only Spaniard titleholder in this line of pageants. Muñoz surrendered both the title and crown after six months due to refusal to follow organizational regulations. During that time, no successor was willing nor assigned to officially take her vacated placement. After her shortened reign, Muñoz became a popular actress and starred in several comedies, including Mama Turns 100, and in the dramas Clara es el Precio, The Other Bedroom and Dedicatory. She died on 27 February 2011 due to undeclared issues. Among pageant connoisseurs, her life events were often tangled in mysterious claims, leading to conspiracy theories of mental depression, and urban legend hysteria.
- Birthplace: Spain, Vélez-Málaga
- Corbin Dean Bernsen (born September 7, 1954) is an American actor and director, known for his work on television. He is known for his roles as divorce attorney Arnold Becker on the NBC drama series L.A. Law, as Dr. Alan Feinstone in The Dentist, as retired police detective Henry Spencer on the USA Network comedy-drama series Psych, and as Roger Dorn in the films Major League, Major League II, and Major League: Back to the Minors. He has also appeared regularly on other shows, including General Hospital and Cuts.
- Birthplace: North Hollywood, California, USA
- Andrew Neil Hamilton (born 28 May 1954) is a British comedian, game show panellist, television director, comedy screenwriter, radio dramatist, and novelist.
- Birthplace: England, London
- Cynthia Morris Sherman (born January 19, 1954) is an American artist whose work consists exclusively of photographic self-portraits, depicting herself in many different contexts and as various imagined characters. Her breakthrough work is often considered to be "Complete Untitled Film Stills," a series of 70 black-and-white photographs of herself in many of the roles of women in performance media (especially arthouse films and popular B-movies). In the 1980s, Sherman used color film and large prints, and focused more on costume, lighting and facial expression. In 1995, Sherman was the recipient of a MacArthur Fellowship. In 2013 she received an honorary doctorate degree from the Royal College of Art, London.
- Birthplace: USA, Glen Ridge, New Jersey
Dominic McGlinchey
Dec. at 40 (1954-1994)Dominic McGlinchey (1953/1954 – 10 February 1994) was an Irish republican militant, who moved from the Provisional IRA to become head of the Irish National Liberation Army (INLA) paramilitary group. He was the first Republican extradited from Ireland. He was shot dead by unidentified perpetrators in 1994.- Birthplace: Bellaghy, United Kingdom
- Daniel Eugene Butler (born December 2, 1954) is an American actor known for his role as Bob "Bulldog" Briscoe on the TV series Frasier.
- Birthplace: Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA
- David Michael Wojnarowicz ( VOY-nə-ROH-vitch; September 14, 1954 – July 22, 1992) was an American painter, photographer, writer, filmmaker, performance artist, songwriter/recording artist and AIDS activist prominent in the New York City art world.
- Birthplace: Red Bank, New Jersey
- Dieter Bohlen (German pronunciation: [ˈdiːtɐ ˈboːlən]; born Dieter Günter Bohlen on 7 February 1954) is a German musician, songwriter, record producer, and television personality. Often referred to as the "Pop-Titan" in the German-speaking press, he first achieved fame as a member of pop duo Modern Talking in the 1980s, and has since produced numerous German and international artists. He is also a judge on casting shows Deutschland sucht den Superstar and Das Supertalent, having been present on all seasons of both shows.
- Birthplace: Berne, Germany
- Adam Nagourney (born October 10, 1954) is an American journalist and the Los Angeles bureau chief for The New York Times.
- Birthplace: New York City, New York
- Dafydd Rhys "Dave" Williams OC OOnt CCFP FCFP FRCPC FRCP (born May 16, 1954) is a Canadian physician, public speaker, CEO, author and a retired CSA astronaut. Williams was a mission specialist on two space shuttle missions. His first spaceflight, STS-90 in 1998, was a 16-day mission aboard Space Shuttle Columbia dedicated to neuroscience research. His second flight, STS-118 in August 2007, was flown by Space Shuttle Endeavour to the International Space Station. During that mission he performed three spacewalks, becoming the third Canadian to perform a spacewalk and setting a Canadian record for total number of spacewalks. These spacewalks combined for a total duration of 17 hours and 47 minutes.In 1998, Williams became the first non-American to hold a senior management position within NASA, when he held the position of Director of the Space and Life Sciences Directorate at the Johnson Space Center and Deputy Associate Administrator of the Office of Spaceflight at NASA Headquarters.
- Birthplace: Saskatoon, Canada
- Keith A. Franke, Jr. (September 15, 1953 – July 4, 1988) was an American professional wrestler, better known by his ring name, Adrian Adonis. He was best known for his appearances with the American Wrestling Association and World Wrestling Federation throughout the 1980s.
- Birthplace: USA, Buffalo, New York
- David Alexander Paterson (born May 20, 1954) is an American politician who served as the 55th Governor of New York, succeeding Eliot Spitzer and serving out nearly three years of Spitzer's term from March 2008 to the end of 2010. He is the first African American to hold that position and the second legally blind governor of any state after Bob C. Riley, who was Acting Governor of Arkansas for 11 days in January 1975.Following his graduation from Hofstra Law School, Paterson worked in the district attorney's office of Queens County, New York and on the staff of Manhattan borough president David Dinkins. In 1985, he was elected to the New York state senate to a seat once held by his father, former New York secretary of state Basil Paterson. In 2003, he rose to the position of Senate minority leader. Paterson was selected as running mate by then-New York attorney general and Democratic Party gubernatorial nominee Eliot Spitzer in the 2006 New York gubernatorial election. Spitzer and Paterson were elected in November 2006 with 69 percent of the vote, and Paterson took office as lieutenant governor on January 1, 2007.After Spitzer resigned in the wake of a prostitution scandal, Paterson was sworn in as Governor of New York on March 17, 2008. Paterson held the office of governor during the Great Recession, and he implemented state budget cuts. Paterson also made two significant appointments; in January 2009, he appointed then-U.S. Representative Kirsten Gillibrand to a vacant U.S. Senate seat, and in July 2009, he appointed Richard Ravitch as lieutenant governor. Paterson launched a brief campaign for a full term as governor in the 2010 gubernatorial election, but announced on February 26, 2010 that he would bow out of the race. Since leaving office, Paterson has been a radio talk show host and served as chairman of the New York Democratic Party from May 2014 to November 2015.
- Birthplace: New York City, New York, USA
- Benjamin D. Brantley (born October 26, 1954) is an American journalist and the chief theater critic of The New York Times.
- Birthplace: Durham, North Carolina
- Andre Nolan Dawson (born July 10, 1954), nicknamed "The Hawk" and "Awesome Dawson", is an American former professional baseball player and inductee into the Baseball Hall of Fame. During a 21-year baseball career, he played for four different teams as a center and right fielder, spending most of his career with the Montreal Expos (1976–1986) and Chicago Cubs (1987–1992). An 8-time National League (NL) All-Star, he was named the league's Rookie of the Year in 1977 after batting .282 with 19 home runs and 65 runs batted in (RBI), and won the Most Valuable Player Award in 1987 after leading the league with 49 homers and 137 RBI; he had been runner-up for the award in both 1981 and 1983. He batted .300 five times, drove in 100 runs four times and had 13 seasons of 20 home runs. A strong baserunner early in his career, he also stole 30 bases three times. He is one of eight MLB players with at least 300 home runs and 300 stolen bases during his career. Dawson was a center fielder until knee problems – worsened by the artificial surface at Olympic Stadium – forced his shift to right field, followed by his move to a team which played on grass. He led the NL in outfield putouts three consecutive years (1981–1983), and won eight Gold Glove Awards for fielding excellence. Dawson was known for his incredible work ethic and study of the game. He was often seen in the dugout with a clipboard in-hand documenting pitches and pitcher tendencies. This was long before such practices were common-place and such information was readily available. Upon his retirement, his NL totals of 409 home runs and 962 extra base hits both ranked tenth in league history; he also ranked seventh in NL history in games as an outfielder (2,303), and sixth in both outfield putouts (5,116) and total chances (5,366). He set Expos franchise records for career games, at bats, runs scored, hits, doubles, triples, home runs, runs batted in, extra base hits, total bases and steals, all of which have since been broken variously by Tim Raines, Tim Wallach and Vladimir Guerrero. Dawson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on July 25, 2010.
- Birthplace: USA, Florida, Miami
Boze Hadleigh
Age: 70Boze Hadleigh (born May 15, 1954) is the author of several books that cover LGBT culture, popular culture, and show business. His 22 books have been translated into 14 languages. He holds a master's degree in journalism.- David John Lesar (born May 30, 1953) is an American businessman who is the former Chairman of Halliburton Energy Services. He was the CEO of Halliburton for 17 years from 2000 to 2017. Trained as a Certified Public Accountant, Lesar spent 16 years at Arthur Andersen. He had spent most of his career at Andersen, where he worked on their Halliburton account. In 1995, Lesar was hired by Halliburton as a new vice president. July 24, 2019 David Lesar was named the interim CEO of HCSC.
- Birthplace: Madison, Wisconsin
- Hailed as a wunderkind on the American midnight movie circuit in 1984 for his punk rock-fueled cult hit "Repo Man," expatriate British filmmaker Alex Cox was already pushing 30 years old and a graduate of the UCLA Film School by way of Oxford University. Balancing a love of European exploitation fare with a no less passionate admiration for the cinema of Luis Bunuel, Akira Kurosawa, Robert Aldrich and John Ford, the trenchantly funny, fiercely intelligent Cox stood poised to become Hollywood's go-to guy for major studio releases with an urgently anarchic bent. He followed "Repo Man" with the punk biopic "Sid and Nancy" (1986), which made a star of Gary Oldman, but it was the unabashedly political "Walker" (1987) that got him blacklisted in the States. Unconcerned with temptations of fame and fortune, Cox turned his hand to a string of personal projects financed with funds cadged from around the globe, including the Spanish language "Highway Patrolman" (1991), "Three Businessmen" (1998), and the micro-budgeted "Searchers 2.0" (2007), a lean and mean rejoinder to John Ford's Western classic. Marginalized but never invisible or afraid to speak his mind, Cox remained a formidable presence in world cinema, disseminating his views via the Internet and academic volumes devoted to his cinematic passions, as a film curator dedicated to the inexhaustible uses of cinema.
- Birthplace: Liverpool, England, UK
- Adrian George Zmed (born March 14, 1954) is an American actor, singer and television personality, noted for the roles of Johnny Nogerelli in Grease 2 and Officer Vince Romano in the T.J. Hooker television series.
- Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, USA
- David Emmanuel Paymer (born August 30, 1954) is an American character actor, comedian, and television director. He has been in films such as Mr. Saturday Night, Quiz Show, Searching for Bobby Fischer, City Slickers, Crazy People, State and Main, Payback, Get Shorty, Carpool, The American President, Ocean's Thirteen, and Drag Me to Hell. Paymer was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1992 for Mr. Saturday Night. He played the lead role as the Boss in Bartleby, an adaptation of Herman Melville's "Bartleby, the Scrivener." He played a mob boss in the television series Line of Fire.
- Birthplace: USA, New York, Oceanside
David Barton
Age: 71David Barton (born January 28, 1954) is an evangelical Christian political activist and author. He is the founder of WallBuilders, LLC, a Texas-based organization that promotes unorthodox theories about the religious basis of the United States. He has been described as a Christian nationalist; his work is devoted to advancing the idea that the United States was founded as an explicitly Christian nation and rejecting the consensus view that the United States Constitution calls for separation of church and state. Scholars of history and law have described his research as highly flawed, "pseudoscholarship" and spreading "outright falsehoods".Barton is the former vice chair of the Republican Party of Texas and served as director of Keep the Promise PAC, a political action committee that supported the unsuccessful 2016 presidential campaign of US senator Ted Cruz.- Birthplace: Aledo, Texas, USA
- Al Laurence Di Meola (born July 22, 1954) is an American guitarist. Known for his works in jazz fusion and world music, he began his career as a guitarist of the group Return to Forever in 1974. Between the 1970s and 1980s, albums such as Elegant Gypsy and Friday Night in San Francisco earned him both critical and commercial success.
- Birthplace: USA, New Jersey, Jersey City
- Darla Dee Moore (born August 1, 1954) is an American investor and philanthropist. She is the former president and a partner of the private investment firm Rainwater Inc. and was married to Richard Rainwater, who founded the firm.
- Birthplace: Lake City, South Carolina
- Carter Benedict Burwell (born November 18, 1954) is an American composer of film scores. He has frequently collaborated with the Coen brothers, having scored 15 of their films. Burwell has also scored three of Todd Haynes' films and all the films of director Martin McDonagh. He has received Oscar nominations for Best Original Score for Haynes' Carol (2015) and McDonagh's Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017). Other notable film scores include the Spike Jonze films Being John Malkovich (1999), Adaptation (2002), and Where the Wild Things Are (2009), David O. Russell's Three Kings (1999), Lisa Cholodenko's Olive Kitteridge (2014), and Charlie Kaufman's Anomalisa (2015).
- Birthplace: New York City, USA, New York
Charlene de Carvalho-Heineken
Age: 70Charlene de Carvalho-Heineken (born 30 June 1954) is a Dutch-English businesswoman and the owner of a 25% controlling interest in the world's second-largest brewer, Heineken International. She is the richest woman in the UK, with a net worth of £12 billion as of May 2019, according to the Sunday Times Rich List.- Birthplace: Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Charlie Barnett (born February 4, 1988) is an American actor from Sarasota, Florida. He starred as Peter Mills, a firefighter/paramedic on the NBC drama Chicago Fire from 2012 to 2015. Currently, he stars as Alan Zaveri on the Netflix comedy series Russian Doll. Recently, he starred as Ben Marshall on the Netflix series Tales of the City. He has an upcoming role as Gabe in the Netflix thriller series You.
- Birthplace: Bluefield, West Virginia, USA
- Bruno Manser (25 August 1954 – 10 March 2005) was a Swiss environmental activist. From 1984 to 1990, he stayed with the Penan tribe in Sarawak, Malaysia, organising several blockades against timber companies. After he emerged from the forests in 1990, he engaged in public activism for rainforest preservation and the human rights of indigenous peoples, especially the Penan, which brought him into conflict with the Malaysian government. He also founded the Swiss non-governmental organization (NGO) Bruno Manser Fonds in 1991. He disappeared during his last journey to Sarawak in May 2000 and is presumed dead.
- Birthplace: Basel, Switzerland
Donald Tyson
Age: 71- Birthplace: Nova Scotia, Canada
- Robert William Ney (born July 5, 1954) is an American politician from the U.S. state of Ohio. In 2007, he was convicted on charges of corruption and sentenced to 30 months in jail. A Republican, Ney represented Ohio's 18th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1995 until November 3, 2006, when he resigned. Ney's resignation took place after he pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy and making false statements in relation to the Jack Abramoff Indian lobbying scandal. Before he pleaded guilty, Ney was identified in the guilty pleas of Jack Abramoff, former Tom DeLay deputy chief of staff Tony Rudy, former DeLay press secretary Michael Scanlon and former Ney chief of staff Neil Volz for receiving lavish gifts in exchange for political favors. Ney's best-known congressional work was on the election reform efforts founded in the wake of the confused 2000 voting in Florida, and his support and backing for the "Stand Up For Steel" crusade and resulting laws. From 2001 to 2006, Ney was Chairman of the House Administration Committee. As chair of that committee, he oversaw operations in the Capitol complex and was sometimes known as the "Mayor of Capitol Hill".
- Birthplace: USA, West Virginia, Wheeling
- Risa J. Lavizzo-Mourey (born 1954) is an American doctor and executive who served as President and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation from 2003 to 2017. She was the first woman and the first African-American to head the Foundation, which has an endowment of about $8 billion and distributes more than $400 million a year. She has been named one of the 100 Most Powerful Women by Forbes several times, and one of The Grio's History Makers in the Making. She was elected a Member of the American Philosophical Society in 2016.
- Birthplace: Seattle, Washington
David Edward Maust
Dec. at 51 (1954-2006)David Edward Maust (April 5, 1954 – January 20, 2006) was an American serial killer of male teenagers age 13 to 19. His murders occurred in West Germany (now Germany) and the U.S. In 1994 he was sentenced to 35 years in prison, he was released under probation in June 1999. Once released and off of probation he continued murdering, leading to his final arrest and sentencing to three life terms without the possibility of parole. In January 2006, about a month after his last sentencing, Maust committed suicide by hanging himself in his jail cell. Jail workers found a suicide note in his cell in which he confessed to five killings, and apologized to the victims' families. Maust was 51 years old.- Birthplace: Connellsville, Pennsylvania
- Cara Carleton "Carly" Fiorina (formerly Sneed; born September 6, 1954) is an American businesswoman and political figure, known primarily for her tenure as CEO of Hewlett-Packard (HP). She subsequently served as Chair of the philanthropic organization Good360. Fiorina ran unsuccessfully for the United States Senate in 2010 and the Republican presidential nomination in 2016. As Chief Executive Officer of HP from 1999 to 2005, Fiorina was the first woman to lead a Top-20 company as ranked by Fortune Magazine. In 2002, Fiorina oversaw what was then the largest technology sector merger in history, in which HP acquired rival personal computer manufacturer, Compaq. The transaction made HP the world's largest seller of personal computers. HP subsequently laid off 30,000 U.S. employees in order to save 80,000 jobs. The company then grew to 150,000. In February 2005, she was forced to resign as CEO and Chair following a boardroom disagreement.Fiorina was an adviser to Republican Senator John McCain's 2008 presidential campaign. In 2010, she won the Republican nomination for the United States Senate in California, but lost the general election to incumbent Democrat Barbara Boxer. Fiorina was a candidate in the 2016 Republican presidential primary, and was for seven days the vice-presidential running mate of Ted Cruz until he suspended his campaign, setting the record for shortest vice presidential candidacy in modern U.S. history.
- Birthplace: Austin, Texas, USA
Derwin Brown
Dec. at 46 (1954-2000)Derwin Brown (June 22, 1954 – December 15, 2000) was an American police captain and the sheriff-elect of DeKalb County, Georgia, who was assassinated on the evening of December 15, 2000, on the orders of defeated rival Sidney Dorsey.- Condredge Holloway Jr. (born January 25, 1954) is a former quarterback for the University of Tennessee and later in the Canadian Football League. Holloway was one of the first African-American quarterbacks to receive national exposure. His nickname at Tennessee was "the artful dodger."
- Birthplace: Huntsville, Alabama
- A strikingly lovely brunette actress, Krige was born in South Africa and completed a degree in psychology and drama before moving to the UK at age 22 to study acting further and pursue her career. Her delicate, high-cheekboned beauty, poise and crisp speaking voice have made her ideal for period drama, and she made a vivid impression as a woman who becomes involved with a runner in the 1924 Olympics in her first film, "Chariots of Fire" (1981). She was also lovely as the demure Lucie Manette in her US TV-movie debut, an adaptation of "A Tale of Two Cities" (1980). Krige, though, has also been called upon to convey a seductive, sometimes feline aloofness, as in "Ghost Story" (1981), in which she adeptly combined a sense of nostalgia and danger as the woman who haunts four elderly ex-beaus.
- Birthplace: Upington, South Africa
- Christopher Paul Gardner (born February 9, 1954) is an American businessman and motivational speaker. During the early 1980s, Gardner struggled with homelessness while raising a toddler son. He became a stock broker and eventually founded his own brokerage firm Gardner Rich & Co in 1987. In 2006, Gardner sold his minority stake in the firm and published a memoir. That book was made into the motion picture The Pursuit of Happyness starring Will Smith.
- Birthplace: USA, Wisconsin, Milwaukee
- Many successful child actors leave the business after puberty, not always willingly, and some come to tragic ends due to psychological problems exacerbated by their early success. Conversely, Bill Mumy moved from life as a child actor into an adult career that was less public but perhaps even more successful. A southern California native who wanted to act from an early age, Mumy began doing guest appearances on TV shows and small roles in movies at the age of 6. He first gained notice for several roles on the cult anthology "The Twilight Zone," including the famous 1961 episode "It's A Good Life," in which Mumy played a six-year-old sociopath who controls the adults in his small town with his mind-reading and telekinetic abilities. For three seasons, the pre-adolescent Mumy played Will Robinson, star of the family science fiction series "Lost In Space." Following that success, a teenage Mumy played the lead roles in the Disney nature film "Rascal" and Stanley Kramer's social commentary "Bless the Beasts & Children." But as he matured, Mumy began acting only occasionally (most notably as a recurring character in the 1990s science fiction series "Babylon 5") and devoted most of his time to voiceover work for cartoons and commercials and an improbably successful music career. Mumy is one-half of the experimental comedy-rock duo Barnes and Barnes, whose 1979 single "Fish Heads" is a perennial junior-high favorite.
- Birthplace: San Gabriel, California, USA
- Amy Heckerling (born May 7, 1954) is an American film director. An alumna of both New York University and the American Film Institute, she directed the commercially successful films Fast Times at Ridgemont High, National Lampoon's European Vacation, Look Who's Talking, and Clueless. Heckerling is a recipient of AFI's Franklin J. Schaffner Alumni Medal celebrating her creative talents and artistic achievements.
- Birthplace: New York City, USA, New York
- Dennis Wayne Johnson (September 18, 1954 – February 22, 2007), nicknamed "DJ", was an American professional basketball player for the National Basketball Association's (NBA) Seattle SuperSonics, Phoenix Suns and Boston Celtics and coach of the Los Angeles Clippers. He was an alumnus of Dominguez High School, Los Angeles Harbor College and Pepperdine University.A prototypical late bloomer, Johnson overcame early struggles and had a successful NBA playing career. Drafted 29th overall in 1976 by the Seattle SuperSonics, Johnson began his professional career as a shooting guard. He eventually led the Sonics to their only NBA championship in 1979, winning the Finals MVP Award. After a short stint with the Phoenix Suns, he became the starting point guard for the Boston Celtics, with whom he won two more championships. Johnson was voted into five All-Star Teams, one All-NBA First and one Second Team, and nine consecutive All-Defensive First and Second Teams. Apart from his reputation as a defensive stopper, Johnson was known as a clutch player who made several decisive plays in NBA playoffs history.The Celtics franchise has retired Johnson's #3 jersey, which hangs from the rafters of the TD Garden, the home arena of the team. On April 5, 2010, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame officially announced that Johnson had been posthumously elected to the Hall. He was formally inducted on August 13. He is considered by several sports journalists to be one of the most underrated players of all time.
- Birthplace: San Pedro, Los Angeles, California
- Angela Webber (2 December 1954 – 10 March 2007) was an Australian author, TV writer, producer and comedian.
- Birthplace: Sydney, Australia
- Tennessee-born and bred with a handsome broad face and solid build, David Keith has frequently excelled playing virile, Southern characters at home in his own native idiom. He began his career as a member of the Clarence Brown Theatre Company at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, where he earned his Equity card appearing in musicals like "Brigadoon" and "The Music Man." After graduation, Keith moved to NYC and acted at Connecticut's Goodspeed Opera House in the country and western musical "The Red Bluegrass Western Flyer Show" (1977). Relocating to L.A., he landed a guest shot on the popular ABC sitcom "Happy Days" in 1978 and then co-starred in the extremely short-lived sitcom "Co-Ed Fever" (CBS, 1979), a knock-off of the hit feature "Animal House" that aired only once. Keith appeared in support of Carol Burnett and Ned Beatty in the award-winning drama "Friendly Fire" (ABC, 1979) and starred as an American athlete romancing a Soviet gymnast (Stephanie Zimbalist) in the 1980 NBC miniseries "The Golden Moment--An Olympic Love Story."
- Birthplace: Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
- Diane L. Carey-Brodeur (born October 2, 1954) is an American fiction writer, publishing under the pen names Lydia Gregory, Diane Carey, and D. L. Carey.
- Birthplace: Flint, Michigan
- Susan Arnold (born 1954) is an American businesswoman.
- Birthplace: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Andrés Pastrana Arango (born August 17, 1954) was the 30th President of Colombia from 1998 to 2002, following in the footsteps of his father, Misael Pastrana Borrero, who was president from 1970 to 1974. As of 2017, he is the last president to come from the Conservative Party.
- Birthplace: Bogotá, Colombia
- Anthony Minghella, (6 January 1954 – 18 March 2008) was a British film director, playwright and screenwriter. He was chairman of the board of Governors at the British Film Institute between 2003 and 2007. He won the Academy Award for Best Director for The English Patient (1996). In addition, he received three more Academy Award nominations; he was nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay for both The English Patient (1996) and The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999), and was posthumously nominated for Best Picture for The Reader (2008), as a co-producer.
- Birthplace: Ryde, Isle of Wight, England, UK
- Adrian Anthony Gill (28 June 1954 – 10 December 2016) was a British writer and critic. Best known for food and travel writing, he was The Sunday Times' restaurant reviewer as well as a television critic. He also wrote for Vanity Fair, GQ and Esquire, and published numerous books. Gill wrote his first piece for Tatler in 1991, and joined The Sunday Times in 1993.Known for his sharp wit, and often controversial style, Gill was widely read and won numerous awards for his writing. On his death he was described by one editor as "a giant among journalists." His articles were the subject of numerous complaints to the Press Complaints Commission.
- Birthplace: Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Alexander English (born January 5, 1954) is an American retired basketball player. He was most recently an assistant coach with the Sacramento Kings of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball at the University of South Carolina. Upon his arrival in Denver in 1980, English commenced an assault on the NBA scoring books. With the erratic, fast-paced, and high-scoring Nuggets, he averaged 21 points through the final 24 games of the 1979-80 season, then proceeded with averages of 24, 25, 28, 26, 28, nearly 30 (in the 1985–86 season), 29, 25, 27, and 18 points per game during his decade-long scoring spree. He also led the Nuggets to nine consecutive playoff appearances, two Midwest Division titles, and the 1985 Western Conference Finals. English set 31 team records throughout his decade in Denver, and was the leading scorer in 55% of the games he played for the Nuggets. In total, English played 15 seasons in the NBA for four teams, averaging 21.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game during his NBA career. He was named to eight NBA All-Star teams and made the All-NBA Second Team three times. His number 2 jersey was retired by the Denver Nuggets in 1992 and he was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1997.
- Birthplace: Columbia, South Carolina
- Brian Arthur Smith (born 27 November 1954) is an English alternative comedian and writer.
- Birthplace: London, England
- Abdul Rashid Dostum ( (listen) AHB-dəl rə-SHEED dohs-TOOM; Dari: عبدالرشید دوستم, Uzbek Latin: Abdul Rashid Do‘stum, Uzbek Cyrillic: Абдул Рашид Дўстум; born March 25, 1954) is an Afghan politician and general in the Afghan National Army who has served as Vice President of Afghanistan since 2014. An ethnic Uzbek, he is a former communist general and warlord known for siding with winners during different wars in Afghanistan. He is the founder of the political party Junbish-e Milli (National Islamic Movement of Afghanistan). During the Soviet–Afghan War in the 1980s, Dostum was part of the Afghan National Army and the regional commander of the country's north, commanding about 20,000 mostly Uzbek soldiers participating in battles against mujahideen rebels. In 1992, he deserted the Mohammad Najibullah government shortly before its collapse, joining the mujahideen, forming his Junbish-e Milli party and militia and becoming an independent warlord. He subsequently became the de facto leader of Afghanistan's Uzbek community, controlling the country's northern provinces and Mazar-i-Sharif, effectively creating his own proto-state with an army of up to 40,000 men with tanks supplied by Uzbekistan and Russia and jets. He initially supported the new government of Burhanuddin Rabbani in Kabul but in 1994 switched sides and allied with Gulbuddin Hekmatyar. In 1995, he switched sides again and backed Rabbani. In 1997, he was forced to flee after his former aide Abdul Malik Pahlawan took Mazar-i-Sharif, before he fought back and regained control. In 1998, the city was overrun by the Taliban and he fled again. Dostum returned to Afghanistan in 2001 and joined the Northern Alliance after the US invasion, leading his faction in the Fall of Mazar-i-Sharif.After the fall of the Taliban, he joined Hamid Karzai's presidential administration but spent most of his time in Turkey. He also served as Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Afghan Army, a role often viewed as ceremonial. From 2011, he was part of the leadership council of the National Front of Afghanistan along with Ahmad Zia Massoud and Mohammad Mohaqiq. In 2014, he joined Ashraf Ghani's presidential administration as a vice president, but was forced to flee again in 2017 after being accused of sexually assaulting a political rival. In 2018, he narrowly escaped a suicide bombing by ISIL-KP as he returned to Afghanistan at Kabul airport. In 2019, he escaped an hours-long attack by the Taliban on a convoy he was travelling in.
- Birthplace: Jozjan Province, Afghanistan
- Bradley James Sherman (born October 24, 1954) is an American politician serving as a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives since 1997. He currently represents California's 30th congressional district within the San Fernando Valley, in Los Angeles County and the eastern Simi Hills in Ventura County. He previously represented the state's 24th and 27th congressional districts, located in Los Angeles County. He currently resides in Sherman Oaks.
- Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, USA
- Donna Pescow (born March 24, 1954) is an American film and television actress and director. She is known for her co-starring roles as Annette in the 1977 film Saturday Night Fever, Angie Falco Benson in the 1980s sitcom Angie, Donna Garland in the sitcom Out of This World, and Eileen Stevens in the Disney Channel sitcom Even Stevens.
- Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, USA
- Alexander Fu Sheng (simplified Chinese: 傅声; traditional Chinese: 傅聲; pinyin: Fù Shēng; Jyutping: Fu6 Sing1) (born Cheung Fu-sheng (simplified Chinese: 张富声; traditional Chinese: 張富聲; pinyin: Zhāng Fùshēng); 20 October 1954 – 7 July 1983), also known as Fu Sheng was a Hong Kong martial arts film star in the 1970s.
- Birthplace: Hong Kong, China
- Robert Jenns Rock (born April 19, 1954) is a Canadian musician, sound engineer, and record producer, best known for producing rock bands and music artists such as Metallica, the Tragically Hip,Aerosmith, the Cult, Bon Jovi, Mötley Crüe, 311, Our Lady Peace, Bryan Adams, the Offspring, Michael Bublé, Black Veil Brides, David Lee Roth, and Ron Sexsmith.
- Birthplace: Winnipeg, Canada
- Aleksander Kwaśniewski (Polish pronunciation: [alɛˈksandɛr kfaɕˈɲɛfskʲi] (listen); born 15 November 1954) is a Polish politician and journalist. He served as the President of Poland from 1995 to 2005. He was born in Białogard, and during Communist rule, he was active in the Socialist Union of Polish Students and was the Minister for Sport in the Communist government during the 1980s. After the fall of Communism, he became a leader of the left-wing Social Democracy of the Republic of Poland, successor to the former ruling Polish United Workers' Party, and a co-founder of the Democratic Left Alliance. Kwaśniewski was elected to the presidency in 1995, defeating the incumbent, Lech Wałęsa. He was re-elected to a second and final term as president in 2000 in a decisive first-round victory. Although he was praised for attempting to further integrate Poland into the European Union, he faced criticism for involving the country in the Iraq War. His term ended on 23 December 2005, when he handed over power to his elected successor, conservative Lech Kaczyński.
- Birthplace: Białogard, Poland
- Bill Applebaum is an American actor and writer. He started working on stage in Chicago at The Second City Theater, where he helped start the Second City ETC Theater in 1984. He has worked in hundreds of commercials, tv shows, films and on stage. In addition to writing TV pilots for Second City, he wrote on "The Carol Burnett Show" and for the television version of the film "Nothing In Common".. Applebaum also had brief roles in the movie "Pretty Woman" and has guest starred on many television shows, including The Pez Dispenser, and The Pick of the television series "Seinfeld". He founded and runs ActorsImprovStudio helping people to better harness and use their creativity learning techniques whether one is a writer, actor, voice-actor, or non-actor. He also works as a consultant for touring authors and works with corporations helping executives prepare to give speeches and to be interviewed by the media.
- Birthplace: USA, Cleveland, Ohio
- Carlos Ghosn, KBE (; French: [kaʁlɔs ɡon], born March 9, 1954) is a Brazilian-born French businessman of Lebanese ancestry. Ghosn formerly served as the CEO of Michelin North America, chairman and CEO of Renault, chairman of AvtoVAZ, chairman and CEO of Nissan, and chairman of Mitsubishi Motors. Ghosn was also chairman and CEO of the Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance, a strategic partnership between those automotive manufacturers through a complex cross-shareholding agreement. The venture has held an approximately 10% market share since 2010, and as of 2017 was reckoned to be the largest automobile group worldwide.In 1996, Renault's CEO Louis Schweitzer hired Ghosn as his deputy and charged him with the task of turning the company around from near bankruptcy. Ghosn elaborated a plan to cut costs for the period 1998–2000, reducing the workforce, revising production processes, standardising vehicle parts and pushing the launch of new models. The company also undertook organisational changes, introducing a lean production system with delegate responsibilities inspired by Japanese systems (the "Renault Production Way"), reforming work methods and centralising research and development at its Technocentre to reduce vehicle conception costs while accelerating such conception. Ghosn became known as "Le Cost Killer". In the early 2000s, for orchestrating one of the auto industry's most aggressive downsizing campaigns and spearheading the turnaround of Nissan from its near bankruptcy in 1999, he earned the nickname "Mr. Fix It".Following the Nissan financial turnaround, in 2002 Fortune awarded him Asia Businessman of the Year. In 2003 Fortune identified him as one of the 10 most powerful people in business outside the U.S., and its Asian edition voted him Man of the Year. Surveys jointly published by the Financial Times and PricewaterhouseCoopers named him the fourth most respected business leader in 2003, and the third most respected business leader in 2004 and in 2005. He quickly achieved celebrity status in Japan and in the business world, and his life has been chronicled in Japanese comics.Ghosn stepped down as CEO of Nissan on 1 April 2017, while remaining chairman of the company. He was arrested at Haneda Airport on 19 November 2018, on allegations of under-reporting his earnings and misuse of company assets. On 22 November 2018, Nissan's board made an unanimous decision to dismiss Ghosn as Nissan's chairman. It was followed by Mitsubishi Motors' board on 26 November 2018. Renault and the French government continued to support him, presuming him innocent until proven guilty. However, Ghosn retired as chairman and CEO of Renault on 24 January 2019. While out on bail, Ghosn was re-arrested in Tokyo on 4 April 2019 over new charges of misappropriations of Nissan funds. On 8 April 2019 Nissan shareholders voted to oust Ghosn from the company's board. He was released on bail on 25 April.
- Birthplace: Porto Velho, Brazil
- Allan Havey is an actor and producer who appeared in "Bombshell," "Blonde," and "Top Five."
- Birthplace: St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Auto Shankar (January 21, 1954 – April 27, 1995) is the nickname of Indian serial killer Gowri Shankar.
- Birthplace: Chennai, India
- Donald Revell (born 1954 in Bronx, New York) is an American poet, essayist, translator and professor. Revell has won numerous honors and awards for his work, beginning with his first book, From the Abandoned Cities, which was a National Poetry Series winner. More recently, he won the 2004 Lenore Marshall Award and is a two-time winner of the PEN Center USA Award in poetry. He has also received the Gertrude Stein Award, two Shestack Prizes, two Pushcart Prizes and fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as from the Ingram Merrill and Guggenheim Foundations. His most recent book is Drought-Adapted Vine (Alice James Books, 2015). He also recently published his translation of Arthur Rimbaud's A Season in Hell (Omnidawn Publishing, 2007). Revell has taught at the Universities of Tennessee, Missouri, Iowa, Alabama, Colorado, and Utah. He currently teaches at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He lives in Las Vegas with his wife, poet Claudia Keelan, and their children. In addition to his writing, translating, and teaching, Revell was Editor of Denver Quarterly from 1988–94, and has been a poetry editor of Colorado Review since 1996.Revell received his B.A. in 1975 and his M.A. in 1977 from Binghamton University, and his Ph.D. from the University at Buffalo in 1980.
- Birthplace: New York City, New York
- Brian David Teacher (born December 23, 1954) is a right-handed American former professional male tennis player. He reached a career-high ranking World No. 7 in 1981. Teacher is best remembered for his singles championship at the Australian Open in 1980. His career-high world singles ranking was No. 7 in 1981, and his world doubles ranking was No. 5, both in 1981. He won 8 career singles titles, and 16 doubles titles. Following his playing career, he became an ATP & WTA touring coach. He currently runs the Brian Teacher Tennis Academy in South Pasadena, California.
- Birthplace: San Diego, California
- Raymond Ian Burns (born 24 April 1954), known by the stage name Captain Sensible, is an English singer, songwriter and guitarist. Sensible co-founded the punk rock band The Damned, originally playing bass before switching to guitar. He embarked on a solo career during the 1980s, following a UK number one hit with his cover of "Happy Talk". Sensible's signature headwear is a red beret.
- Birthplace: England, London
Barry Blair
Dec. at 56 (1954-2010)Barry Blair (1954 – January 3, 2010) was a Canadian comics publisher, artist and writer, known for launching Aircel Comics (publisher of titles such as Samurai, Elflord, Dragonforce, and Men in Black) in the 1980s. From early on, Blair's art style was influenced by the comics he had seen living in East Asia, at a time when manga and other Asian comics were largely unknown in North America. His art was typically characterized by childlike figures, and included nudity and partial nudity. This continued into the erotica which became his main focus later in his career, and these attributes were a common criticism of his work.- Birthplace: Ottawa, Canada
- Robert Earl Brenly (born February 25, 1954) is an American baseball sportscaster and a former professional baseball player, coach and manager. He played the majority of his Major League Baseball career as a catcher with the San Francisco Giants. After retiring as a player, he worked as a broadcaster with the Chicago Cubs, then as a coach with the Giants, then as a broadcaster for Fox. He was hired to manage the Arizona Diamondbacks for the 2001 season, and won the franchise's only championship his first year. In 2004, he was released by the Diamondbacks and again became a broadcaster with the Cubs until 2012. He now serves as a color commentator for Diamondbacks broadcasts.
- Birthplace: Coshocton, Ohio, USA
- Michael Bruce Sterling (born April 14, 1954) is an American science fiction author known for his novels and work on the Mirrorshades anthology. This work helped to define the cyberpunk genre.
- Birthplace: Texas, USA, Brownsville
- Anne Margaret Diamond (born 8 September 1954) is a British journalist and broadcaster. She hosted Good Morning Britain for TV-am and the similarly titled Good Morning... with Anne and Nick for BBC One, both with Nick Owen as her co-presenter. She has also worked previously for Loose Women, BBC London, and is a regular columnist for the Daily Mail. Since 2003, she has made regular appearances on Channel 5's topical discussion show The Wright Stuff and now its successor, Jeremy Vine.In 1991, following the death of her third son Sebastian, Diamond successfully campaigned for research into cot death. The campaign, which she co-founded, is reported to have cut the incidence of cot death in the UK from 2,000 a year to around 300.
- Birthplace: England
- Cleve Jones (born October 11, 1954) is an American AIDS and LGBT rights activist. He conceived the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt which has become, at 54 tons, the world's largest piece of community folk art as of 2016. In 1983, at the onset of the AIDS pandemic Jones co-founded the San Francisco AIDS Foundation which has grown into one of the largest and most influential People with AIDS advocacy organizations in the United States.
- Birthplace: Wabash Township, USA, Indiana, West Lafayette
- Brian Houston ( (listen) HEW-stən, born 17 February 1954) is an Australian pastor and evangelist. He is the founder and senior pastor at Hillsong Church, based in Sydney with locations around the world. He was the National President of the Australian Christian Churches, the Australian branch of the Assemblies of God, from 1997 to 2009.
- Birthplace: Auckland, New Zealand
Danny Rolling
Dec. at 52 (1954-2006)Danny Harold Rolling (May 26, 1954 – October 25, 2006), also known as the Gainesville Ripper, was an American serial killer who murdered five students in Gainesville, Florida over four days in late August 1990. Rolling later confessed to raping several of his victims, committing an additional November 4, 1989, triple homicide in Shreveport, Louisiana, and attempting to murder his father in May 1990. In total, Rolling confessed to killing eight people. Rolling was sentenced to death for the five Gainesville murders in 1994. He was executed by lethal injection in 2006.- Birthplace: Shreveport, Louisiana
- David Grossman (Hebrew: דויד גרוסמן; born January 25, 1954) is an Israeli author. His books have been translated into more than 30 languages, and have won numerous prizes. He addressed the Israeli–Palestinian conflict in his 2008 novel, To the End of the Land. Since that book's publication he has written a children's book, an opera for children and several poems. His 2014 book, Falling Out of Time, deals with the grief of parents in the aftermath of their children's death. In 2017, he was awarded the Man Booker International Prize in conjunction with his frequent collaborator and translator, Jessica Cohen, for his novel A Horse Walks Into a Bar. In 2018, he was awarded the Israel Prize for literature.
- Birthplace: Jerusalem, Mandatory Palestine
- Balachandra Menon (born 11 January 1954) is an Indian film actor, director and script writer. He made a number of films in the 1980s and 1990s. He has directed 40 films and has acted in over 100 films. He won the National Film Award for Best Actor for his performance as station master Ismail the 1998 film Samaantharangal, which was also directed by him. He has also worked as distributor, editor, composer, singer and producer in the Malayalam film industry. He has found space in the Limca Book of Records for the maximum number of films directed, scripted and acted in. Menon has introduced many actors into the Malayalam film industry. Actors who made their debut in his films include Shobhana in April 18, Parvathy in Vivahithare Ithile Ithile, Maniyan Pillai Raju in Maniyan Pillai Athava Maniyan Pillai, Karthika in Manicheppu Thurannappol, Annie in Ammayane Sathyam, and Nandini in April 19.
- Birthplace: India, Ambalappuzha
- Robert Weinstein (born October 18, 1954) is an American film producer. He is the founder and head of Dimension Films, former co-chairman of Miramax Films, and The Weinstein Company, both of which he co-founded with his brother Harvey. He has focused on making commercially successful action and horror films.
- Birthplace: Flushing, New York City, New York
- Bibiana Fernández, also known as Bibí Andersen (born 13 February 1954) is a Spanish actress, singer, TV presenter and model.
- Birthplace: Tangier, Morocco
- Christopher Mayer (born George Charles Mayer III; February 21, 1954 – July 23, 2011), also known as Chip Mayer, was an American film and TV actor who was best known for portraying Vance Duke on The Dukes of Hazzard for 19 episodes.
- Birthplace: New York, New York, USA
- Barry Greenstein (born December 30, 1954 in Chicago, Illinois) is an American professional poker player. He has won a number of major events, including three at the World Series of Poker and two on the World Poker Tour. Greenstein donates his profit from tournament winnings to charities, primarily Children, Incorporated, earning him the nickname "the Robin Hood of poker". He was elected into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2011.
- Birthplace: USA, Chicago, Illinois
- Cynthia Jean Cameron Breakspeare (born October 24, 1954) — known as Cindy Breakspeare — is a Canadian-Jamaican jazz singer, musician and former model. Breakspeare was crowned Miss World 1976. Breakspeare is the mother of reggae musician Damian Marley, through her relationship with Bob Marley, who remained married to Rita Marley until his death. Bob Marley is said to have written the song "Turn your lights down low" about her.
- Birthplace: Toronto, Canada
Mario A. Rivas
Age: 70Mario A. Rivas is former president and CEO of semiconductor company ANADIGICS,Inc. He has worked 30 years in the semiconductor business, he has spent much of his career in the wireless industry.- Birthplace: San Salvador, El Salvador
Bill Irwin
Age: 70Barney William Irwin (born September 17, 1954) is an American former professional wrestler, better known by his ring name, "Wild" Bill Irwin. Irwin is also known for his appearances with the World Wrestling Federation as The Goon in 1996. He is the brother of the late Scott Irwin.- Birthplace: Duluth, Minnesota
- David Louis Newman (born March 11, 1954) is an American composer and conductor known particularly for his film scores. In a career spanning more than thirty years, he has composed music for nearly 100 feature films. He received an Academy Award nomination for writing the score to the 1997 film Anastasia, contributing to the Newmans being the most nominated Academy Award extended family, with a collective 92 nominations in various music categories.
- Birthplace: Los Angeles, California
- Brinke Stevens (born Charlene Elizabeth Brinkman; September 20, 1954) is an American actress, model and writer.
- Birthplace: USA, California, San Diego
- Horace Swaby (21 June 1954 – 18 May 1999), known as Augustus Pablo, was a Jamaican roots reggae and dub record producer, melodica player and keyboardist, active from the 1970s till his death. He popularised the use of the melodica (an instrument at that time primarily used in Jamaica to teach music to schoolchildren) in reggae music. His album King Tubbys Meets Rockers Uptown (1976) is often regarded as one of the most important examples of dub.
- Birthplace: Saint Andrew Parish, Jamaica
- Cynthia Rylant (born 6 June 1954) is an American author and librarian. She has written more than 100 children's books, including works of fiction (picture books, short stories and novels), nonfiction, and poetry. Several of her books have won awards, including her novel Missing May, which won the 1993 Newbery Medal, and A Fine White Dust which was a 1987 Newbery Honor book. Two of her books are Caldecott Honor Books. Many of Rylant's books are about her childhood in Appalachia, her pets, the joys and hardships of family life, and the feelings of loners. Many of her books are written in series.
- Birthplace: Virginia
