Famous People Born in the Year of the Rat

People born in the Year of the Rat are said to be smart, resourceful and optimistic.

Naturally curious, they’re keen to seek out knowledge. And because they’re so adaptable, they can fit in pretty much anywhere.

Judging by the famous people from history and the present day who share this sign, there’s more than a hint of truth.

Let’s start with William Shakespeare, also known as ‘The Bard’, who is considered one of the greatest playwrights that’s ever lived.

You’ll find a strong royal connection too. His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales and His Royal Highness The Duke of Sussex, better known as Prince Harry, are notable additions to our list.

Mark Zuckerberg, the man who gave us Facebook and was portrayed by Jesse Eisenberg in The Social Network, was born in the Year of the Rat.

And a host of great musicians and composers share this sign. Chief amongst them are Cat Stevens, Andrew Lloyd Webber and former Led Zeppelin bandmates Robert Plant and the late John Bonham. Plus, a very different kind of prince – Ozzy Osbourne, the Prince of Darkness himself.

The world of sport gives us tennis ace Ivan Lendl, Britain’s most successful Formula 1 driver, Lewis Hamilton, and Diego Maradona –  the footballing legend whose infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal knocked England out of the 1986 World Cup.

If you were born in 1960 and turn 60 in 2020, congratulations – you’re in good company! These famous faces are all turning 60 in the Year of the Rat:

His Royal Highness The Duke of York

Known as The Prince Andrew until his marriage in 1986, The Duke of York is the third child of Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. A former Navy helicopter pilot, these days The Duke of York devotes his time and energy to promoting economic growth and skilled job creation.

Bono

U2 frontman Bono might be turning 60, but he’s still as sprightly as they come. Founded in Dublin in 1976 by four school friends, 14 albums later the band are still going strong. Bassist Adam Clayton celebrates this landmark birthday this year too.

Colin Firth

The award-winning actor has carved a successful career playing characters with a stiff upper lip, whose reserved exterior gives way to show their true emotional warmth – Mark Darcy in the Bridget Jones movies being a classic example.

Linford Christie

In 1992, Linford Christie became the third British man to win the 100m at the Olympics. Running a time of 9.96 seconds in the final, at 32, he is the oldest man to win the gold in this event.

Jeremy Clarkson

Best known for presenting Top Gear with co-hosts Richard Hammond and James May until 2015, the motormouth journalist fronts The Grand Tour on Amazon Prime as well as writing regular columns for The Sun and The Sunday Times.

Hugh Grant

Catapulted to international stardom by the 1994 hit movie Four Weddings and a Funeral, Hugh Grant has become one of Britain’s best-known actors. Often found playing a romantic lead in films such as Notting Hill, he recently popped up in Paddington 2 as the dastardly Phoenix Buchanan.

Tilda Swinton

British actress Tilda Swinton is best known for her role as the White Witch in The Chronicles of Narnia movies. She recently starred in Avengers: Endgame.

Jonathan Ross

Jonathan Ross first appeared on TV in a Rice Krispies advert aged 10, before rising to fame fronting The Last Resort on Channel Four. After a long stint at the BBC, he now presents The Jonathan Ross Show on ITV.

Gary Lineker

Former football ace, better known to some as the face of Walkers Crisps, Gary Lineker’s career took in stints at Leicester City, Everton, Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur, finishing with two seasons in Japan with Nagoya Grampus Eight. Just like Harry Kane in 2018, he won the Golden Boot at the Mexico World Cup and is the only other Englishman to do so.