Many moguls and entrepreneurs have put themselves in the spotlight for reasons apart from their bread-winning professions. They have earned the title of humanitarian by risking the public’s cynicisms and going the mile to lend a helping hand to those in dire need of help, around the world. Some of them have even taken the step to bid their glamorous careers goodbye and switch gears to spend every waking hour doing their bit to change the world for the impoverished. True humanitarianism shows no boundaries- age, gender, sexual orientation, religious views, nationality, and with these established names doing their bit to reach out, sets an example to the rest of the world. With their untiring dedication and efforts, these famous celebs have helped throw light on critical issues- both domestic and international, inspiring the rest of the world to help spread joy and health. There are tons of charities and initiatives that dig deep into the crucial matters of the poverty-stricken and the resource-deprived, which are either headed by famous celebs or play an important role in it. Stars like Angelina Jolie, Shakira, Bill Gates, and Warren Buffett are known for their selfless approach when it comes to humanitarianism. There are humanitarians who also spare no time to help those affected by disasters and natural calamities; one being the famous actor Jackie Chan who has raised millions during cases like these. From initiatives that help prevent HIV to trusts and charities that bring education to the forgotten lands, it is the sole efforts of these humanitarians that help restore complete faith in humanity.

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Birthdate: December 23, 1867

Sun Sign: Capricorn

Birthplace: Delta, Louisiana, United States

Died: May 25, 1919

Madam C.J. Walker is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the first female self-made American millionaire. She manufactured and promoted a cosmetic-and-hair-care line catering to black women, through the Madam C. J. Walker Manufacturing Company. She was also the richest African-American businesswoman when she died.

Birthdate: October 11, 1942

Sun Sign: Libra

Birthplace: Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India

The megastar of Indian film industry, Amitabh Bachchan’s body of work is awe inspiring. From Zanjeer to Sholay and from Black to Paa, he has delivered performances that have become iconic. He is the host of KBC, the Indian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? and has also lent his baritone voice to some super hit songs.

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(Persian polymath the most significant physiciansand writers of the Islamic Golden Age, and the father of early modern medicine.)

Birthdate: 0980 AD

Birthplace: Afshona, Uzbekistan

Died: May 31, 1037

Renowned as father of early modern medicine, Avicenna was an illustrious Persian polymath. He is specifically distingusihed for his contributions in the fields of medicine and Aristotelian philisophy. He is best-known for his works namely, The Canon of Medicine and The Book of Healing. The corpus of his writings also include alchemy, geology, psychology, geography, physics, poetry and Islamic theology.

 4 

(Canadian Activist Who Became a National Hero and an Inspirational Figure for His Battle Against Cancer)

Birthdate: July 28, 1958

Sun Sign: Leo

Birthplace: Winnipeg, Canada

Died: June 28, 1981

Terry Fox was a popular cancer research activist and humanitarian. Despite suffering from cancer and having lost one of his legs to cancer, he embarked on a cross-country run to raise money for cancer research. Although he died at the age of 22, his efforts resulted in a worldwide legacy and gave rise to the annual Terry Fox Run.

Birthdate: March 17, 1955

Sun Sign: Pisces

Birthplace: Blue Island, Illinois, United States

Gary Sinise is best known for his Golden Globe-winning performance as Harry S. Truman in Truman and his Academy Award-nominated role in Forrest Gump. Fans also loved him in the movie Apollo 13 and the series CSI: NY. He co-established the Steppenwolf Theatre Company and formed the Lt. Dan Band.

Birthdate: January 28, 1980

Sun Sign: Aquarius

Birthplace: Jamestown, New York, United States

Nick Carter is an American singer, musician, and actor. Best known for his association with the popular vocal group the Backstreet Boys, Carter achieved popularity as a teen idol throughout the mid and late-1990s. Also known for his charity work, Nick Carter has been playing an important role in raising awareness about the environment and its oceans.

Birthdate: August 24, 1759

Sun Sign: Virgo

Birthplace: Kingston upon Hull

Died: July 29, 1833

William Wilberforce, an independent MP from Yorkshire, was a champion for the British anti-slavery movement and made a significant contribution to the passage of the 1807 Slave Trade Act and the 1833 Slavery Abolition Act. He supported missionaries in India, founded the Church Mission Society, and was against animal cruelty.

Birthdate: February 24, 1965

Sun Sign: Pisces

Birthplace: Boulder, Colorado, U.S

Kristin Davis is an American actress best known for portraying Charlotte in the popular comedy-drama TV series Sex and the City. Also renowned for her philanthropic work, she has campaigned in support of Oxfam's work as the confederation's global ambassador since 2004. As part of her philanthropic work, Kristin Davis has traveled to places like South Africa, Haiti, and Mozambique.

 9 

(English Musician and Son of the 'Beatles' Member John Lennon)

Birthdate: April 8, 1963

Sun Sign: Aries

Birthplace: Liverpool, United Kingdom

John Lennon’s son Julian Lennon, who spent his childhood in oblivion, inspired Beatles tracks such as Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds. He has dabbled in photography, won a Grammy for his album Valotte, written a best-selling trilogy, produced documentaries, and founded a charity for environmental and humanitarian causes.

Birthdate: January 26, 1944

Sun Sign: Aquarius

Birthplace: Birmingham

Activist, philosopher, academic and author, Angela Davis is a founding member of the Committees of Correspondence for Democracy and Socialism (CCDS). She has worked in the areas of feminism, class, race and the US prison system. She has also received criticism for supporting the erstwhile Soviet Union and has been accused of supporting political violence.

Birthdate: May 27, 1907

Sun Sign: Gemini

Birthplace: Springdale

Died: April 14, 1964

Rachel Carson was a conservationist, marine biologist, and author. She is credited with authoring an influential book titled Silent Spring, which played a significant role in advancing the global environmental movement. Carson is also remembered for her book, The Sea Around Us, which earned her a U.S. National Book Award. She was posthumously honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Birthdate: November 23, 1805

Sun Sign: Sagittarius

Birthplace: Kingston, Jamaica

Died: May 14, 1881

Mary Seacole was a British-Jamaican nurse, businesswoman, and healer. She played a major role during the Crimean War, providing aid for wounded servicemen and nursing them back to health. In 1991, Seacole was posthumously honored with the Jamaican Order of Merit. In 2004, she was named the greatest black Briton for her contribution during the war.

Birthdate: September 16, 1963

Sun Sign: Virgo

Birthplace: Chicago

Richard Marx is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer. In 1987, his self-titled debut album was certified triple-platinum, following which he went on to work on several chart-busting hits. As a songwriter, Marx worked on Luther Vandross' Dance with My Father, which earned him the Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 2004.

Birthdate: August 31, 1970

Sun Sign: Virgo

Birthplace: Kuwait City

Queen Rania of Jordan is the current queen consort of Jordan. Since her marriage to Abdullah II of Jordan, Rania has focused on improving education and health in Jordan. In 2005, Queen Rania joined hands with the Ministry of Education to launch the Queen Rania Award for Excellence in Education, an annual teachers’ award.

Birthdate: August 13, 1926

Sun Sign: Leo

Birthplace: Birán, Cuba

Died: November 26, 2016

Serving as the Cuban prime minister from 1959 to 1976 and as president from 1976 to 2008, Fidel Castro was one of the most prominent Cuban leaders in the history. As the longest-reigning non-royal head of the 20th and 21st centuries, Castro was responsible for making Cuba a communist state.

Birthdate: September 13, 1961

Sun Sign: Virgo

Birthplace: La Mesa

Dave Mustaine performed as the lead guitarist of the heavy metal band Metallica and later left the band due to substance abuse issues. He then co-founded Megadeth and performed as its lead guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter. He also launched a metal festival named Gigantour. He is also a cancer survivor.

Birthdate: June 4, 1943

Sun Sign: Gemini

Birthplace: St. Louis

Charismatic Christian author, televangelist, and motivational speaker Joyce Meyer is the president of Joyce Meyer Ministries. She has written countless self-help and religious books, including The Penny: A Novel. She is also known for her widely broadcast TV program Enjoying Everyday Life. She owns many homes and a private jet.

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(American Social Activist, Journalist, and Anarchist)

Birthdate: November 8, 1897

Sun Sign: Scorpio

Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, United States

Died: November 29, 1980

Dorothy Day was an American social activist, journalist, and anarchist. She is best remembered for co-founding the Catholic Worker Movement along with French activist Peter Maurin. She also co-founded a newspaper called Catholic Worker and served as its editor between 1933 and 1980. In 2001, Dorothy Day was made an inductee of the National Women's Hall of Fame.

Birthdate: February 15, 1910

Sun Sign: Aquarius

Birthplace: Warsaw, Poland

Died: May 12, 2008

Polish social worker and nurse Irena Sendler was part of the Polish Underground Resistance in German-occupied Poland, during World War II. She was arrested for smuggling Jewish children out of Poland but never revealed much about her work. She had received many awards, such as Israel’s Righteous Among the Nations.

Birthdate: February 12, 1884

Sun Sign: Aquarius

Birthplace: New York City

Died: February 20, 1980

Author and socialite Alice Roosevelt Longworth was the eldest child of American president Theodore Roosevelt, and his only child with his first wife, Alice Hathaway Lee. Though Alice was married to Republican leader Nicholas Longworth III, she had a child through an affair with Senator William Edgar Borah. 

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(American Civil Rights Activist and Founder of the 'National Council of Negro Women')

Birthdate: July 10, 1875

Sun Sign: Cancer

Birthplace: Mayesville, South Carolina, United States

Died: May 18, 1955

Mary McLeod Bethune was an American civil rights activist, educator, womanist, humanitarian, and philanthropist. She is credited with founding the National Council of Negro Women. Bethune also played a key role in the creation of the Black Cabinet while serving as an adviser to Franklin Roosevelt. In 1973, Bethune was made an indutee of the National Women's Hall of Fame.

 22 

Milos Raonic

(Canadian Professional Tennis Player)

Birthdate: December 27, 1990

Sun Sign: Capricorn

Birthplace: Podgorica, Montenegro

Milos Raonic is a professional tennis player who became world No. 3, his career-high singles ranking, in 2016. One of the most accomplished Canadian singles male players in the history of tennis, Milos Raonic is the first Canadian man to reach the Wimbledon final, the French Open quarterfinals as well as the Australian Open semifinals in the Open Era.

 23 

Gloria Allred

(American Feminist Lawyer Known for Taking Controversial and High Profile Cases for Women's Rights)

Birthdate: July 3, 1941

Sun Sign: Cancer

Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

A pioneering female lawyer, Gloria Allred is known for fighting cases involving violation of women’s rights and has turned into an icon for women and people from minority communities. A civil rights advocate, too, she has also been a TV and radio commentator and host.

Birthdate: May 19, 1909

Sun Sign: Taurus

Birthplace: Hampstead, London, England, United Kingdom

Died: July 1, 2015

Nicholas Winton was a British humanitarian and banker best remembered for founding an organization to save children at risk from Czechoslovakia. He is credited with overseeing the rescue of 669 children from Czechoslovakia just before the commencement of the Second World War. This rescue mission came to be known as the Czech Kindertransport.

Birthdate: February 28, 1928

Sun Sign: Pisces

Birthplace: Bantva, Gujarat, India

Died: July 8, 2016

Abdul Sattar Edhi was a Pakistani ascetic, philanthropist, and humanitarian. He is credited with founding the Edhi Foundation, which operates a volunteer ambulance network as well as several animal shelters, orphanages, homeless shelters, and rehabilitation centres across Pakistan. He was often nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize during his lifetime.

 26 

Vlade Divac

(Serbian Former Basketball Player Who Played as a Center)

Birthdate: February 3, 1968

Sun Sign: Aquarius

Birthplace: Prijepolje, Serbia

Vlade Divac is a Serbian former basketball player and one of only seven players in the history of NBA to record 13,000 points, 3,000 assists, 9,000 rebounds, and 1,500 blocked shots. In 2010, he was made an inductee of the FIBA Hall of Fame. In 2019, Vlade Divac was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

 27 

Chiranjeevi

(Indian Actor Known for His Powerful Dialogue Delivery and Impeccable Acting Skills)

Birthdate: August 22, 1955

Sun Sign: Leo

Birthplace: Mogalthur, Andhra State, India

Chiranjeevi is an Indian actor best known for his work in the Telugu film industry. In an illustrious career spanning more than four decades, Chiranjeevi has received many prestigious awards for his contribution to Indian cinema. In 2006, he was honored with India's third-highest civilian award, the Padma Bhushan. He is often considered one of the biggest stars in India.

Birthdate: May 17, 1940

Sun Sign: Taurus

Birthplace: Springfield, Massachusetts

Birthdate: May 16, 1983

Sun Sign: Taurus

Birthplace: Achrafieh

Nancy Ajram is a Lebanese singer and businesswoman. She began performing as a child and was just 15 when she released her debut album. As a young woman, she became known as a sex symbol. She has sold millions of records worldwide and is one of the best-selling Middle Eastern music artists. She has numerous accolades to her name.

Birthdate: March 7, 1955

Sun Sign: Pisces

Birthplace: Riyadh

Saudi Arabian businessman and philanthropist Al Waleed bin Talal Al Saud is part of the Saudi royal family. Son of The Red Prince Talal bin Abdul-Aziz, he founded the conglomerate Kingdom Holding Company. Named by Time as the Arabian Warren Buffett, he was also arrested for corruption once.

 31 

(British Nurse Who Saved the Lives of Soldiers from Both Sides During the First World War)

Birthdate: December 4, 1865

Sun Sign: Sagittarius

Birthplace: Swardeston, Norfolk, England

Died: October 12, 1915

Edith Cavell was a British nurse best remembered for saving the lives of many soldiers from both camps without discrimination. She helped nearly 200 Allied soldiers escape from Belgium during World War I. Her decision to help both German and Allied soldiers without discrimination landed her in trouble; Edith Cavell was accused of treason and sentenced to death.

Birthdate: March 12, 1685

Sun Sign: Pisces

Birthplace: County Kilkenny, Ireland

Died: January 14, 1753

George Berkeley was an Anglo-Irish philosopher who is credited with popularizing a theory called immaterialism, which claims that material substance like tables and chairs can't exist without being perceived by the mind. Berkeley influenced several philosophers like David Hume. Also remembered for his humanitarian work, George Berkeley worked towards creating homes for abandoned children in London.

Birthdate: July 24, 1725

Sun Sign: Leo

Birthplace: Wapping, London

Died: December 21, 1807

John Newton was an English Anglican cleric. As a young man, he was forcefully recruited into the navy and worked on slave ships in the slave trade for several years. He later converted to Christianity, following which he denounced slavery and became an abolitionist. He was then ordained as a Church of England cleric. 

 34 

(Wife of James Madison, the Fourth President of the United States)

Birthdate: May 20, 1768

Sun Sign: Taurus

Birthplace: Guilford County

Died: July 12, 1849

Birthdate: January 30, 1909

Sun Sign: Aquarius

Birthplace: Chicago

Died: June 12, 1972

Birthdate: May 8, 1895

Sun Sign: Taurus

Birthplace: El Paso, Illinois

Died: December 9, 1979

Catholic bishop Fulton J. Sheen was also a prominent radio and TV personality. Known for his stint on the NBC radio show The Catholic Hour, he also hosted the popular TV programs Life Is Worth Living and The Bishop Fulton Sheen Show. He also wrote extensively on communism, love, and peace.

 37 

Cindy McCain

(Businesswoman)

Birthdate: May 20, 1954

Sun Sign: Taurus

Birthplace: Phoenix, Arizona, United States

Height: 5'7" (170 cm)

Birthdate: October 8, 1927

Sun Sign: Libra

Birthplace: Portland, Oregon

Died: January 8, 1956

 American Christian missionary Jim Elliot was one of five people killed during Operation Auca. He is still remembered for his selfless devotion to God and his zeal, tempered by love, to guide people. The Journals of Jim Elliot contains volumes of documents written over many years by Jim Elliot in which the missionary has detailed his mission work.

Birthdate: March 4, 1992

Sun Sign: Pisces

Birthplace: Palm Springs, California, United States

Birthdate: August 26, 1941

Sun Sign: Virgo

Birthplace: Butte, Montana, United States

Birthdate: June 21, 1985

Sun Sign: Gemini

Birthplace: Jacksonville, Arkansas

Height: 5'8" (173 cm)

 42 

Eddie Cantor

(comedian)

Birthdate: January 31, 1892

Sun Sign: Aquarius

Birthplace: New York City, New York, USA

Died: October 10, 1964

Height: 5'8" (173 cm)

Birthdate: November 26, 1832

Sun Sign: Sagittarius

Birthplace: Oswego

Died: February 21, 1919

Mary Edwards Walker, or Dr. Mary Walker, was the only female surgeon who served injured soldiers during the American Civil War. A dress reform supporter, she believed women should value comfort more than tradition when it came to clothes. She was also the first and only Medal of Honor winner.

Birthdate: October 26, 1959

Sun Sign: Scorpio

Birthplace: North Adams, Massachusetts

Died: February 21, 2022

Paul Farmer was a medical anthropologist and physician, who was a co-founder of Partners In Health (PIH), an international non-profit organization. He was a proponent of liberation theology and wrote extensively on health and human rights. 

 45 

Jil Sander

(German Minimalist Fashion Designer and the Founder of the 'Jil Sander Fashion House')

Birthdate: November 27, 1943

Sun Sign: Sagittarius

Birthplace: Wesselburen, Germany

German designer Jil Sander had been a fashion editor for Petra before she launched her own boutique. She is known for her signature minimalist aesthetic and her association with Prada, which had acquired 75% shares of her company. She later collaborated with Fast Retailing to design for Uniqlo.

 46 

Martin Bayfield

(English Actor and Former Rugby Union Player)

Birthdate: December 21, 1966

Sun Sign: Sagittarius

Birthplace: Bedford, Bedfordshire, England

Height: 6'10" (208 cm)

Birthdate: December 22, 1696

Sun Sign: Capricorn

Birthplace: Surrey

Died: June 30, 1785

Remembered as the founder of the British colony of Georgia in the US, James Oglethorpe was a renowned British soldier, MP, and social reformer. Educated at Oxford, he initially fought for the Austrian army against the Turks. As an MP, he brought in prison reforms. He was also the governor of Georgia.

Birthdate: October 15, 1880

Sun Sign: Libra

Birthplace: Edinburgh

Died: October 2, 1958

Apart from being a successful botanist, Marie Stopes was also a popular activist, known for her contribution to the feminist cause. A leading supporter of birth control, she established the UK’s first clinic for family planning. She was also known for her books Married Love and Wise Parenthood.

Birthdate: July 28, 1902

Sun Sign: Leo

Birthplace: Hermannsburg

Died: August 8, 1959

Born Elea, Albert Namatjira was rechristened after converting to Christianity. The Australian aboriginal painter, known for his watercolor paintings, couldn’t build a house in Alice Springs because of his aboriginal origin, leading to public outrage, which eventually led the government to make him and his wife full citizens.

Birthdate: November 21, 1936

Sun Sign: Scorpio

Birthplace: Shanghai

Died: July 4, 1991

Born to Australian-born Chinese parents in Shanghai, cardiac surgeon Victor Chang grew up in Hong Kong, Myanmar, and Sichuan, in the aftermath of the Second Sino-Japanese War. His mother’s death from breast cancer made him study medicine. The pioneer of heart transplantation, Chang was killed in an extortion attempt.