From Twice’s Tzuyu to Lionel Messi, here are celebrities, politicians, scientists born in the Year of the Rabbit

Taiwanese K-pop idol Chou Tzu-yu is a rabbit. Born on June 14, 1999, the youngest member of Twice debuted with her group in 2015. While she is known for her beauty, she has said she also wants her talent to be recognised.

“I have heard many say that they think I am pretty, but I hope when they watch my final performance, they can say I have talent as well,” she said on Sixteen, a televised idol contest to select the members of Twice.

Other musicians born in the Year of the Rabbit include “daughter of Hong Kong” Anita Mui (1963), Australian pop star Sia (1975), as well as American singers Whitney Houston (1963) and Lil Nas X (1999).

Lionel Messi dominated headlines last year when he finally made his dreams come true at the Qatar World Cup. The Argentinian football star was born on June 24, 1987, and his unparalleled skills on the pitch have propelled him to worldwide fame. As a forward for the Paris Saint-Germain club and captain of Argentina’s national team, Messi is regarded by many as the greatest player in 21st-century football.

Other athletes born in the year of rabbit include two of the Big Fours in tennis, Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic (both 1987), as well as former English footballer David Beckham and American basketball legend Michael Jordan (1963).

Johnny Depp was born on June 9, 1963. Best known for playing Captain Jack Sparrow in the Disney film series Pirates of the Caribbean, the decorated actor has portrayed a diverse array of roles. Known for his eclectic performances, the American actor has starred as Willy Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Sweeney Todd in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street – which earned him a Golden Globe award – and the Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland.

Interestingly, Lily-Rose Depp, his daughter, was also born in the Year of the Rabbit. Other Rabbit-born actors include Spider-Man’s Tobey Maguire (1975), Batman’s Michael Keaton (1951), Brad Pitt (1963), Blake Lively (1987) and Angelina Jolie (1975).

Albert Einstein, one of the most influential physicists of all time, was born on March 14, 1879. Best known for developing the theory of relativity, the man with an estimated IQ of 160 also made significant contributions to the field of quantum mechanics. He received a Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921.

Marie Curie, also an influential physicist and chemist, was born on November 7, 1867. The Polish-French scientist was the first woman ever to win a Nobel Prize, and she is the only person to have won a Nobel Prize in two scientific fields. In 1903, she was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for developing the theory of radioactivity, and in 1911, she won the prize in chemistry for her discovery of the elements polonium and radium.

Liz Truss, a British politician, was born on July 26, 1975. She became the prime minister of the United Kingdom and leader of the Conservative Party last September but quickly stepped down on her 50th day in office, making her the country’s shortest-serving prime minister.

Two wives of former and current presidents of the United States were also born in the Year of the Rabbit. Michelle Obama, aged 59, has remained a highly influential figure even after the end of her husband’s presidency. Jill Biden, now 71, was a teacher and professor before becoming First Lady, and in 2020, she published a picture book about her spouse, US President Joe Biden.

Three well-known American fashion designers – Marc Jacobs (1963), Tommy Hilfiger (1951) and Ralph Lauren (1939) – were all born in the Year of the Rabbit. They helm their own namesake brands, which have all developed into successful multinational enterprises. These three high-achieving designers have all been honoured with lifetime achievement awards from the Council of Fashion Designers of America.