Karen Blixen
1885 – 1962Danish author famous for 'Out of Africa,' her memoir about running a coffee plantation in colonial Kenya, later adapted into an Academy Award-winning film.
short story writerDenmark
Famous Birthdays on April 17
7 notable people were born on April 17.
April 17 is the birth date of several notable individuals across history. Among them are Danish author Karen Blixen (1885), known by her pen name Isak Dinesen, and Sri Lankan politician Sirimavo Bandaranaike (1916), the world's first female prime minister. Also born on this date are Mexican singer Chavela Vargas (1919), Senegalese novelist Mariama Bâ (1929), and Sri Lankan cricket legend Muttiah Muralitharan (1972).
19th Century1 person
20th Century6 people
Sirimavo Bandaranaike
1916 – 2000Sri Lanka's first female Prime Minister who made history as the world's first woman to serve as head of government, leading the country through three separate terms from 1960-2000.
Mariama Bâ
1929 – 1981Pioneering feminist novelist whose work "So Long a Letter" won the first Naguib Mahfouz Medal and addressed women's rights in post-colonial Africa.
Muttiah Muralitharan
1972Legendary spin bowler who holds the world record for most Test wickets (800) and most One Day International wickets (534) in cricket history.
cricketerSri Lanka
Chavela Vargas
1919 – 2012Costa Rican-born Mexican singer who became an icon of ranchera music with her distinctive interpretations of traditional songs. She was known for her androgynous appearance, bohemian lifestyle, and passionate performances over a career spanning seven decades.
Medhi Benatia
1987Former Moroccan centre-back who played for top European clubs including Bayern Munich and Juventus. He served as captain of the Morocco national team and was known for his defensive prowess and leadership.
association football playerMorocco
Samira Efendi
1991Pop singer who was selected to represent Azerbaijan at Eurovision 2020 with "Cleopatra" before the contest's cancellation due to COVID-19.
singerAzerbaijan
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the most famous person born on April 17?
Karen Blixen, a Danish author known for "Out of Africa," is likely the most internationally recognized person born on April 17, 1885. Her memoir about life in Kenya became a classic work of literature and was adapted into an Academy Award-winning film.
Are there any world leaders born on April 17?
Yes, Sirimavo Bandaranaike was born on April 17, 1916. She became the world's first female Prime Minister when she took office in Sri Lanka in 1960, serving three separate terms and playing a major role in Sri Lankan history.
What famous athletes were born on April 17?
Muttiah Muralitharan, born on April 17, 1972, is considered one of the greatest cricket bowlers. The Sri Lankan spinner holds the record for most wickets in both Test and One Day International cricket.