Chinua Achebe
1930 – 2013Nigerian novelist best known for 'Things Fall Apart' (1958), one of the most widely read books in modern African literature. His work explored the effects of colonialism on traditional African society.
Famous Birthdays on November 16
12 notable people were born on November 16.
November 16 is the birth date of several influential figures in literature, politics, and entertainment. Notable individuals born on this day include Filipino President Elpidio Quirino (1890), Nigerian independence leader Nnamdi Azikiwe (1904), Nobel Prize-winning Portuguese author José Saramago (1922), acclaimed Nigerian novelist Chinua Achebe (1930), and video game designer Shigeru Miyamoto (1952). These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, such as political leadership in post-colonial nations, impactful literature, and innovations in digital entertainment.
20th Century11 people
José Saramago
1922 – 2010Portuguese novelist who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1998 for works including "Blindness" and "The Gospel According to Jesus Christ."
Guillermo Lasso
1955Former banker who became Ecuador's 55th President from 2021 to 2023, representing conservative economic policies before being forced to resign amid impeachment proceedings.
Shigeru Miyamoto
1952Japanese video game designer who created the Super Mario and The Legend of Zelda franchises at Nintendo. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in video game history.
Nnamdi Azikiwe
1904 – 1996Nigerian statesman who became the country's first President after independence in 1963. Known as the 'Father of Nigerian Nationalism,' he was a key figure in the independence movement and pan-African politics.
politicianNigeria
Santiago Peña Palacios
1978Paraguayan economist and politician who became President of Paraguay in August 2023. He previously served as Finance Minister under Mario Abdo Benítez.
Marcelo Brozović
1992Croatian central midfielder who plays for Inter Milan and the Croatia national team, serving as vice-captain and competing in multiple World Cups.
association football playerCroatia
Sanna Marin
1985Finnish politician who served as Prime Minister from 2019 to 2023, becoming the world's youngest sitting head of government at age 34. She led Finland through the COVID-19 pandemic and the country's successful NATO membership bid.
politicianFinland
André-Frank Zambo Anguissa
1995Cameroonian midfielder who plays for Napoli in Serie A and has become a key player for the national team. He helped Cameroon reach the Round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
association football playerCameroon
Mustapha Hadji
1971Moroccan footballer who played as an attacking midfielder for clubs including Coventry City and AS Nancy, representing Morocco in multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and the 1998 FIFA World Cup.
association football playerMorocco
Serik Sapiyev
1983Kazakhstani boxer who won the welterweight gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics and claimed multiple World Championship titles.
boxerKazakhstan
19th Century1 person
Elpidio Quirino
1890 – 1956President of the Philippines from 1948 to 1953 who oversaw post-war reconstruction and economic recovery following World War II.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the most famous person born on November 16?
Among those born on November 16, José Saramago, the Portuguese Nobel Prize-winning author, and Chinua Achebe, the Nigerian novelist known for 'Things Fall Apart', are internationally recognized.
Which world leaders were born on November 16?
Two world leaders born on November 16 are Elpidio Quirino, President of the Philippines from 1948 to 1953, and Nnamdi Azikiwe, Nigeria's first President after independence in 1963.
Are there any famous video game creators born on November 16?
Yes, Shigeru Miyamoto, the Nintendo game designer who created Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Donkey Kong, was born on November 16, 1952.