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 30 Famous People from the 90s

Originally published by Ronny on February 2023 Updated in February 2024 by Julius R

The best thing about this world is that no one can match another person’s blessings. That is why we are blessed in so many areas. It could be in the intellectual realm, education, sports, medicine, or music, among other areas. The world was said to be in a growing phase in the 1990s. There are people who have put their strengths and mind to the test in society. They dedicated themselves to charity work as well as their profession, and as a result, they became famous not only in their countries but all over the world. This article will take a close look at famous people from the 1990s to the present.
Let’s get this party started.

1. Michael Jordan

Picture of Michael Jordan at a basketball game. By Joshua Massel.

The GOATs of basketball are being debated, and one of the big names to emerge is none other than Michael Jordan. Michael Jeffrey Jordan is abbreviated as MJ.

Jordan joined the Bulls as the third overall draft pick in 1984 and quickly became a league star, entertaining crowds with his prolific scoring while also establishing himself as one of the game’s best defensive players.

His leaping ability earned him the nicknames “Air Jordan” and “His Airness,” which he demonstrated by performing slam dunks from the free-throw line in Slam Dunk Contests.

Jordan became the focal point of many people’s sporting lives, and by the time the 1990s arrived, he had become one of the most famous people on the planet. Jordan was made famous by the NBA, but it was his sponsors who made him famous.

2. Celine Dion

Picture By Anirudh Koul – Flickr.

Music is another lucrative career option that has made people like Celine famous. Without her, the list would be incomplete. Canadian singer-songwriter whose distinctive voice and heartfelt ballads helped propel her to the top of the best-selling and most successful artists of all time.

Celine rose to prominence as a teen star in her home country before winning the 1988 Eurovision Song Contest as Switzerland’s representative.

She quickly signed with Epic Records in the United States, and by 1993, she had established herself as a global superstar.

She is regarded as one of pop music’s most influential and successful singers, with over 200 million record sales. Celine is also known as the ‘Priestess of Pop,’ having won five Grammy Awards.

Read Amazing Facts about Celine Dion

3. Spice Girls

Dance songs were popular throughout the world in the 1990s. The songs and dance made singers famous, and one of the most famous groups from the 1990s is Spice Girls. The Spice Girls’ first single, “Wannabe,” was released in 1996.

It reached number one in more than 30 countries. The song aided the group’s global success. The group is credited with launching the commercial success of teen pop in the late 1990s.

Spice, their debut album, sold more than 28 million copies worldwide. It is the best-selling album by a female group in music history. They have sold over 75 million records worldwide.

This makes them the best-selling female group of all time. It also makes them the most successful British band since the Beatles.

4. Robin Williams

Acting and comedy appear to be the fastest-growing arts in the industry today. However, it did not start recently; in the 1990s, people were still making a living from it.

Robin Williams is a well-known actor and comedian from the 1990s. Williams had previously appeared on TV shows such as The Richard Pryor Show, Laugh-In, and Eight Is Enough before becoming better known to American audiences as the alien Mork.

Robin went on to have a string of successful film roles that showcased both his stellar comedic talents and his ability to take on serious work. Williams, 63, committed suicide in 2014. He had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, but an autopsy revealed that he did not have it.

5. Yvonne Chaka Chaka

Yvonne Chaka Chaka. Courtesy of World Economic Forum.

Africans! Here is your favorite. I’m not sure if you ever listened to the radio or watched a music program on those white and black televisions from the 1990s, but the most popular song in all African media was “I’m in Love with a DJ.”
Yvonne Chaka Chaka was the singer of the hit song.

She was born in Dobsonville, Soweto, South Africa. She became South Africa’s first Black child to appear on television. A talent show called “Sugar Shack” introduced her to the South African public in 1981.

Chaka’s subsequent award-winning albums include “Burning Up,” “Sangoma,” “Who’s The Boss,” “Motherland,” “Be Proud to be African,” “Thank You, Mr. DJ,” “Back on my Feet,” “Rhythm of Life,” and “Who’s Got the Power?” among others. was known for her girly pop music.

She now devotes her time to her work as a United Nations Goodwill ambassador and representative of Africa. Yvonne holds several positions in South Africa currently including a Limousine Company with her husband.

6. Michael Jackson

Photo by Mathew Browne on <a href=”http://Photo by on ” data-wplink-url-error=”true”>Unsplash

The 1990s saw some of the most bizarre and bizarre trends in our lifetimes. The mere mention of the 1990s elicits a flood of memories. One memory that stands out is the music produced during the decade. Michael Jackson’s talent and passion will undoubtedly inspire the music industry for the rest of his life.

Jackson began his career as the lead singer of the Jackson 5 family band. Success taught him dedication and hard work, but at the expense of childhood, which he could never reclaim. Jackson single-handedly redefined pop music in the early 1990s with smash hits like “Thriller” and “Beat It.” He enthralled us with iconic dance moves like “the moonwalk.”

His musical style struck a chord with many and is widely regarded as the most influential of the twentieth century.

He tragically died in 2009 as a result of a drug overdose.

Read Outstanding Facts about Michael Jackson

7. Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston, dubbed “The Voice,” set the standard for musicians.

Houston was born into the music industry, with family ties to Dionne Warwick and Aretha Franklin. She sang in a gospel choir and briefly worked as a model.

In the 1980s, she released two albums. Whitney, her second album, was the first female album to debut at number one.

Houston was still going strong in the 1990s. She performed an iconic rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner,” starred in the film The Bodyguard, and went on to have hit singles like “I’m Every Woman” and “I Will Always Love You.”

Houston remains an influential figure in the music industry despite her untimely death.

8. Tupac Shakur

Photo by Wassim Chouak on

He’s known as the Rapfather. Tupac Shakur is regarded as one of the most talented and influential rappers of all time. The rapper was raised by his mother, who was an active member of the Black Panther Party.

Shakur studied poetry in high school in Maryland before moving to California. Before earning his GED, he continued his pursuits in stage performance.

Shakur’s career was marred by gang warfare. After rivalries between coastal hip-hop scenes heated up, Shakur was shot and killed in September 1996 by an unknown assailant.

Read Remarkable Facts about Tupac Shakur

9. Ben Carson

Benjamin Solomon Carson Sr. is a retired neurosurgeon and politician from the United States who served as the 17th Secretary of Housing and Urban Development from 2017 to 2021.

He was a candidate for President of the United States in the Republican primaries in 2016.  Carson is a pioneer in the field of neurosurgery.Ben specialized in traumatic brain injuries, brain and spinal cord tumors, achondroplasia, neurological and congenital disorders, craniosynostosis, epilepsy, and trigeminal neuralgia during his career as a surgeon. He rose to prominence In 1987.

Carson led a 70-member surgical team that separated conjoined twins Patrick and Benjamin Binder, who had been joined at the back of the head (craniopagus twins). Because the twin boys had separate brains, the separation surgery held promise.

Read Interesting Facts about Ben Carson

10. Oprah Winfrey

As previously stated, acting is a skill that will not only feed you but also make you famous as you appear on screen on a regular basis. This is Oprah’s case. Oprah Winfrey is a talk show host, media executive, actress, and philanthropist worth billions of dollars.

She is best known for hosting her own, hugely popular show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, which aired for 25 seasons from the early 1990s to 2011. Winfrey launched her own television network, the Oprah Winfrey Network, in 2011. (OWN).

With talk shows becoming more trashy and exploitative, Winfrey pledged in 1994 to keep her show free of tabloid topics. Although her ratings initially dropped, she quickly gained the respect of her viewers and was rewarded with an increase in popularity. Winfrey announced in 2011 that she would be ending her show when her contract with ABC expired.

11. Tiger Woods

Picture By KA Sports

I will continue to emphasize that it is not our academic or professional achievements that have made us famous. What distinguishes us is the extra effort we put into what we do.

Eldrick Tont “Tiger” Woods is a professional golfer from the United States. He is tied for first on the PGA Tour in wins, second in men’s major championships, and holds a number of golf records.

Woods is widely regarded as one of the greatest golfers of all time, as well as one of modern history’s most famous athletes. He is a World Golf Hall of Fame, the inductee. Woods turned professional in 1996, at the age of 20, after an outstanding junior, college, and amateur golf career.

He had won three PGA Tour events by the end of April 1997, in addition to his first major, the 1997 Masters, which he won by 12 strokes in a record-breaking performance. Legend!

12. Brazil’s Ronaldo

Football fans would have aggressively retracted the articles if the legend had not been mentioned. For those born between 1995 and 2000, the name Ronaldo means Cristiano Ronaldo.

But, for those of us who remember football in the 1990s and early 2000s, Ronaldo makes a reference to R9. That’s Ronaldo from Brazil. During his career, Ronaldo was the biggest star in Brazil, the biggest star in Europe, and the lynchpin of Real Madrid, the biggest football team in the world.

In 1997 and 2002, he won the Ballon d’Or. He also won the World Cup in 1994 and 2002, and in 1998 he led a relatively inexperienced Brazil team to the final.

13. Leonardo DiCaprio

He is an actor and film producer from the United States. DiCaprio has received numerous awards for his work in biopics and period pieces, including an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, and three Golden Globe Awards. His films have grossed over $7.2 billion worldwide as of 2019, and he has been named to the annual list of the world’s highest-paid actors eight times.

DiCaprio, who was born in Los Angeles, began his career in television commercials in the late 1980s. In the early 1990s, he appeared in a number of television shows, including the sitcom Parenthood, and had his first major film role as author Tobias Wolff in This Boy’s Life (1993). With the star-crossed romances Romeo + Juliet (1996) and Titanic (1997), he rose to international prominence (1997).

14. Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise. By Gage Skidmore.

Within 5 years, Tom Cruise was starring in some of the top-grossing films of the 1980s, including Top Gun (1986), The Color of Money (1986), Rain Man (1988), and Born on the Fourth of July (1988). (1989).

By the 1990s, he was one of the world’s highest-paid actors, earning an average of $15 million per film in blockbuster hits such as Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles (1994), Mission: Impossible (1996), and Jerry Maguire (1996), for which he received an Academy Award nomination for best actor.

Mission Impossible, Tom Cruise’s most successful franchise, has also grossed over $3 billion worldwide. Tom Cruise has also expressed an interest in producing, with his most notable producer credits coming from the Mission Impossible franchise. A thoughtful and kind man known for his compassion and generosity.

15. Jeff Gordon

Hendrick Motorsports’ Vice Chairman is an American former professional stock car racing driver. From 1993 to 2015, he raced full-time for Hendrick Motorsports in the former NASCAR Winston Cup Series and Sprint Cup Series (now called NASCAR Cup Series), and he also served as a substitute driver for Dale Earnhardt Jr. in select races during the 2016 season in the No. 88 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports.

He is widely regarded as one of the most influential drivers in NASCAR history, having contributed to the sport’s mainstream popularity. Race car drivers from the United States dominated the sport in the 1990s and early 2000s.

His aggressive driving style and knack for publicity aided in the popularization of stock car racing in the United States.

16. Naomi Campbell

Naomi Campbell, a British model, began her catwalk career at the age of 15, quickly rising to become one of the most sought-after faces of the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Along with Christy Turlington, Linda Evangelista, Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer, and Kate Moss, the iconic beauty was one of six elite models of the era dubbed “supermodels” by the fashion industry and international press.

Naomi was a Versace muse, and she was frequently photographed in minuscule mini-dresses, body con creations, and string-like lingerie, cementing her status as a ’90s fashion icon.

17. Will Smith

Photo by Aniestla on

He is an actor, comedian, producer, rapper, and songwriter from the United States. He has achieved fame in television, film, and music. “Hollywood’s most powerful actor,” according to some. Smith has received five Golden Globe nominations, two Academy Award nominations, and four Grammy nominations.

Smith rose to prominence as a rapper under the moniker The Fresh Prince in the late 1980s. When he starred in the popular television series The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air in 1990, his popularity skyrocketed. Smith set the goal of becoming “the biggest movie star in the world,” after researching the characteristics of box office successes.
Smith was inducted into the Guinness Book of World Records in 2005 for attending three premieres in a 24-hour period.

18. Eminem

Photo by Mahdi Bafande on

Marshall Bruce Mathers III, better known as Eminem, is an American rapper, record producer, and actor who was known as one of the most controversial and best-selling artists of the early twenty-first century.

Eminem’s big break came in 1997 when Dr. Dre spotted him at a rap battle in Los Angeles, which he unfortunately lost. The Big Ego’s singer, on the other hand, took him to record for his music label.

Eminem is well-known for creating his own battles and telling them in his rap songs. In 1996, Eminem released his debut solo album, Infinite, as an underground rapper. After the release of his major-label debut album The Slim Shady LP in 1999, he rose to mainstream prominence. Eminem also received his first Grammy Award for Best Rap Album.

19. Jerry Seinfeld

After graduating from college, he began performing stand-up comedy shows in local clubs, making witty observations about everyday life. His career took off after he appeared in “Rodney Dangerfield’s H.B.O. Special.” Seinfeld then became a more frequent guest on television shows, landing a role on the sitcom “Benson,” but was fired after only four episodes.

The opportunity to create his television show arrived in 1990. Seinfeld was hired by N.B.C. to co-create a sitcom with his friend and fellow comedian Larry David. They collaborated on the sitcom “Seinfeld,” in which Seinfeld played a character based on himself. The series was a huge hit with both audiences and critics. Many of the show’s catchphrases have become ingrained in popular culture in the United States.  

20. Steven Spielberg

By Romain DUBOIS

Steven Allan Spielberg KBE is a film director, writer, and producer from the United States. He is the most commercially successful director of all time, a major figure of the New Hollywood era, and a pioneer of the modern blockbuster.

Spielberg is the recipient of various accolades, including three Academy Awards, a Kennedy Center honor, four Directors Guild of America Awards, two BAFTA Awards, a Cecil B. DeMille Award, and an AFI Life Achievement Award.

Seven of his films have been inducted into the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant”. Spielberg was an executive producer on the NBC science fiction series seaQuest DSV in 1993.

21.  Aaliyah

Aaliyah, is a talented R&B singer who became a star in the late ’90s with her smooth voice and catchy songs. Born in 1979, she started her music career early, releasing her debut album at just 15. Aaliyah’s hit songs like “Try Again” and “Are You That Somebody” showcased her unique style and earned her widespread recognition. Apart from her music, Aaliyah also ventured into acting, appearing in the film “Romeo Must Die.”

Her charm and talent captured the hearts of many fans. Tragically, her promising career was cut short when she passed away in a plane crash in 2001 at the age of 22. Aaliyah’s impact on the music industry is lasting, and her influence can still be felt today. Her legacy lives on through her timeless music, and she remains a beloved figure in the hearts of those who appreciate soulful R&B sounds from the ’90s.

22. Denzel Washington

, , via Wikimedia Commons

Denzel Washington is a highly respected actor known for his captivating performances in various films. In the ’90s, he starred in some significant movies that showcased his talent. One notable film was “Malcolm X,” where Washington portrayed the influential civil rights leader Malcolm X. His portrayal earned him critical acclaim and cemented his reputation as a versatile actor. Another important film from that decade was “Philadelphia,” where Washington played alongside Tom Hanks.

The movie tackled important social issues, particularly HIV/AIDS and discrimination, and Washington’s performance added depth to the storyline. His portrayal of a homophobic lawyer who learns compassion and understanding was both powerful and poignant. Throughout the ’90s, Denzel Washington’s acting prowess shone brightly, earning him accolades and admiration from audiences and critics alike. His ability to bring complex characters to life on the screen contributed to the success and impact of these memorable films.

23. Princess Diana

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Princess Diana, born Diana Frances Spencer on July 1, 1961, captured the hearts of people around the world during the 1990s. As the first wife of Prince Charles and the mother of Princes William and Harry, she became an icon of grace, compassion, and style. Known as the “People’s Princess,” Diana was admired for her philanthropic work and her dedication to charitable causes. She was actively involved in campaigns to raise awareness about issues like landmines, AIDS, and homelessness.

Her hands-on approach, often visiting hospitals and engaging with those in need, endeared her to the public. Diana’s personal life was often in the spotlight, and her marriage to Prince Charles ended in divorce in 1996. Despite the challenges, she remained a symbol of resilience and kindness. Tragically, Princess Diana’s life was cut short in a car crash in Paris on August 31, 1997, leading to an outpouring of grief worldwide.

24. Madonna

, , via Wikimedia Commons

Madonna, often referred to as the “Queen of Pop,” was a prominent and influential figure in the 1990s. Born on August 16, 1958, Madonna Louise Ciccone became a cultural icon and a trailblazer in the music industry. In the ’90s, Madonna continued to reinvent herself, maintaining her status as a pop sensation. She released critically acclaimed albums like “Ray of Light” (1998), which showcased a more electronic and introspective sound. The album’s success, featuring hits like “Frozen” and “Ray of Light,” demonstrated Madonna’s ability to stay relevant and experiment with her musical style.

Beyond music, Madonna was known for her provocative image, groundbreaking music videos, and bold performances. Her impact extended to fashion and popular culture, influencing a generation of artists. Madonna’s contributions to the ’90s cultural landscape were not confined to music; she also ventured into acting with roles in films like “A League of Their Own” (1992) and “Evita” (1996), showcasing her versatility.

25. Nelson Mandela

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Nelson Mandela, a towering figure in the fight against apartheid and a symbol of peace and reconciliation, was a key global figure in the 1990s. Born on July 18, 1918, Mandela became an international symbol of resistance to racial oppression. In the early ’90s, Mandela’s influence was particularly evident as apartheid in South Africa began to crumble. After spending 27 years in prison for his anti-apartheid activities, Mandela was released in 1990. His release marked a crucial turning point, leading to negotiations that eventually dismantled the discriminatory apartheid system.

In 1994, Mandela made history by becoming South Africa’s first black president in the country’s first fully representative democratic election. His presidency was characterized by a commitment to reconciliation, forgiveness, and the dismantling of institutionalized racism. Mandela’s leadership and advocacy for unity earned him global admiration. He used his influence to promote peace, human rights, and the fight against poverty.

26. Jay-Z

, , via Wikimedia Commons

Jay-Z, born Shawn Corey Carter on December 4, 1969, is a highly influential and successful rapper and businessman. In the 1990s, Jay-Z rose to prominence with the release of his debut album, “Reasonable Doubt,” in 1996. “Reasonable Doubt” marked the beginning of Jay-Z’s career as a solo artist. The album, featuring tracks like “Can’t Knock the Hustle” and “Dead Presidents,” showcased his lyrical prowess, storytelling ability, and distinctive flow. Despite initially modest commercial success, the album gained critical acclaim and laid the foundation for Jay-Z’s future success.

Throughout the late 1990s and beyond, Jay-Z continued to release hit albums and singles, establishing himself as a rap icon. His subsequent albums, such as “In My Lifetime, Vol. 1” (1997) and “Vol. 2… Hard Knock Life” (1998), solidified his status as one of the leading figures in hip-hop. Beyond his music career, Jay-Z has become a successful entrepreneur, with ventures in fashion, sports management, and technology. His influence extends beyond the music industry, making him a cultural and business icon.

27. Dwayne “The Rock”Johnson

, , via Wikimedia Commons

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, born on May 2, 1972, first gained widespread recognition as a professional wrestler in the 1990s. Initially known for his charismatic persona in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE), The Rock quickly became one of the most popular and iconic figures in the wrestling world. Debuting in the WWF in 1996, The Rock’s entertaining interviews and catchphrases, such as “Can you smell what The Rock is cooking?” endeared him to fans.

His wrestling career peaked in the late ’90s as he became a multiple-time WWF Champion and a central figure in the “Attitude Era.” Transitioning from wrestling to acting, The Rock made his film debut in “The Mummy Returns” (2001) and later starred in “The Scorpion King” (2002). Throughout the 2000s, he balanced his wrestling career with a growing presence in Hollywood. By the 2010s, Dwayne Johnson had become one of the highest-paid and most bankable actors in the industry, featuring in blockbuster films like “Fast & Furious” franchise, “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle,” and “Moana.”

28. Mike Tyson

, , via Wikimedia Commons

Mike Tyson, born on June 30, 1966, rose to prominence as a dominant force in the world of heavyweight boxing during the 1990s. Known for his exceptional power, speed, and aggressive fighting style, Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion in history. In 1986, at the age of 20, Tyson won the WBC heavyweight title, and shortly afterward, he became the undisputed heavyweight champion by unifying the WBA, WBC, and IBF titles.

His rapid ascent to the top of the boxing world was marked by a series of quick and devastating victories, earning him the nickname “Iron Mike.” Tyson’s presence in the boxing ring and his larger-than-life persona outside of it made him a global sports icon. However, his career also faced controversies, including legal issues and a high-profile defeat to Buster Douglas in 1990.

29. Keanu Reeves

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Keanu Reeves, born on September 2, 1964, is a Canadian actor who gained widespread recognition and popularity during the 1990s. Known for his versatile roles and down-to-earth personality, Reeves became a prominent figure in Hollywood. In the early ’90s, Reeves starred in a series of successful films that contributed to his rise to fame. Some notable movies from that period include “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure” (1989) and its sequel “Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey” (1991), where he played the iconic character Ted Theodore Logan.

Reeves achieved even greater success with action films such as “Speed” (1994), in which he starred alongside Sandra Bullock, and “The Matrix” (1999), directed by the Wachowskis. “The Matrix,” in particular, became a groundbreaking film, showcasing Reeves’ action skills and establishing him as a sci-fi and action star. Throughout the ’90s, Keanu Reeves’ performances were characterized by a combination of action roles and more dramatic work, showcasing his versatility as an actor.

 30. Chris Rock

, , via Wikimedia Commons

Chris Rock, born on February 7, 1965, is a highly successful comedian, actor, writer, and producer who rose to prominence in the 1990s. Known for his sharp wit, observational humor, and social commentary, Rock became one of the most influential comedians of his generation. In the ’90s, Rock gained widespread recognition through his work on “Saturday Night Live” and his HBO comedy specials, including “Bring the Pain” (1996), which earned him critical acclaim. The special addressed various social and cultural issues, showcasing Rock’s ability to blend humor with insightful commentary.

On the big screen, Rock took on roles in films like “New Jack City” (1991) and “Boomerang” (1992). His appearance in “Lethal Weapon 4” (1998), alongside Mel Gibson and Danny Glover, further expanded his visibility, demonstrating his ability to seamlessly transition between stand-up comedy and acting. Beyond the ’90s, Chris Rock continued to thrive in the entertainment industry, hosting the Academy Awards, starring in more films, and continuing his successful stand-up career. His impact on comedy and his ability to address societal issues with humor have solidified his status as a comedy icon.

In conclusion, The 1990s saw the emergence of numerous celebrities and groundbreaking figures who have left an indelible mark in their fields. From legendary athletes like Michael Jordan who redefined greatness to monumental leaders like Nelson Mandela who dismantled apartheid, the 90s were a breeding ground for progress and stardom.