Oscar Wilde
1854 – 1900Irish writer best known for his wit, plays like 'The Importance of Being Earnest,' and his novel 'The Picture of Dorian Gray.' He was imprisoned for homosexuality and died in exile in Paris.
Famous Birthdays on October 16
14 notable people were born on October 16.
October 16 is the birthday of several notable figures in history. Irish writer Oscar Wilde was born on this day in 1854, as was David Ben-Gurion, Israel's first Prime Minister, in 1886. German author Günter Grass, a Nobel Prize winner, was born in 1927. Japan's first Prime Minister, Itō Hirobumi, was born on October 16, 1841. In 1948, celebrated Indian actress Hema Malini joined the list of distinguished individuals born on this date.
19th Century3 people
David Ben-Gurion
1886 – 1973First Prime Minister of Israel (1948–1963) and founding father who proclaimed Israel's independence in 1948. He led the establishment of the Israeli state and its early development during two separate terms as prime minister.
Itō Hirobumi
1841 – 1909Japan's first Prime Minister who served four terms and played a key role in drafting the Meiji Constitution that modernized Japan's government.
20th Century10 people
Günter Grass
1927 – 2015German novelist and Nobel Prize winner in Literature (1999) known for "The Tin Drum" and other works examining Germany's Nazi past and postwar identity.
Manute Bol
1962 – 2010Professional basketball player who stood 7 feet 7 inches tall, making him one of the tallest players in NBA history during his career from 1985 to 1995.
Flea
1962Australian-born bassist and founding member of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, known for his energetic stage performances and funk-influenced playing style.
Loreen
1983Swedish singer who won the Eurovision Song Contest twice, in 2012 with 'Euphoria' and again in 2023 with 'Tattoo', becoming the second performer to achieve this feat.
Hema Malini
1948Indian actress, classical dancer, and politician who was known as the "Dream Girl" of Bollywood and later served as a Member of Parliament.
Naomi Osaka
1997Four-time Grand Slam singles champion who became the first Asian player to reach world No. 1 in tennis rankings.
tennis playerJapan
Jóhanna Guðrún Jónsdóttir
1990Icelandic singer who represented Iceland in the Eurovision Song Contest 2014 with the song 'Heartbreak on the Map.' She has released multiple albums and is known for her pop and electronic music style.
singerIceland
Cristian Riveros
1982Paraguayan midfielder who played for clubs including Sunderland and Kayserispor, earning over 40 caps for his national team.
association football playerParaguay
Rony Martínez
1988Rony Martínez is a Honduran former professional footballer who played as a forward and has transitioned into coaching after his playing career ended.
Kim Myong-gil
1984North Korean striker who plays for April 25 and the national team. He represented North Korea at the 2010 World Cup and has been a key player in domestic competitions.
association football playerNorth Korea
21st Century1 person
Willian Pacho
2001Ecuadorian central defender who plays for Paris Saint-Germain and the Ecuador national team, having transferred from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2024.
association football playerEcuador
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the most famous person born on October 16?
Oscar Wilde, the Irish playwright and author born in 1854, is among the most internationally famous people born on October 16. His works, such as 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' and 'The Importance of Being Earnest', continue to be widely read and performed.
What political leaders were born on October 16?
Two political leaders share this birthday: David Ben-Gurion, Israel's first Prime Minister born in 1886, and Itō Hirobumi, Japan's first Prime Minister born in 1841. Both played crucial roles in founding and shaping their modern nations.
Are there any Nobel Prize winners born on October 16?
Yes, Günter Grass, the German novelist and playwright born in 1927, won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1999. He is known for his novel 'The Tin Drum' and contributions to post-war German literature.