This article originally appeared on our sister website, Urban Family Shanghai.

By Natalie Foxwell

With Spring Festival fast approaching, another animal is preparing to become our symbol for the year. February 16, 2018 until February 4, 2019, will be Year of the Dog — a man's best friend, displaying loyalty and courage. In the 12 year cycle of the Chinese lunar calendar, the auspicious dog takes position as the 11th sign.

Like all animals in the Chinese zodiac, special personality traits are said be attributed to those born during the Year of the Dog — they possess the best qualities in human nature, are considered independent, sincere and loyal. 

It seems many born into this sign have contributed to making the world around them a brighter place; they have entertained us, educated us and brought music to our ears. Let's see the impressive line-up of those who represent the Year of the Dog.

1910

Mother Theresa

Born August 20, Mother Theresa was a Catholic nun who made it her life's work to care for the sick and disadvantaged. She received a Nobel Peace Prize for her humanitarian work, and was declared a saint in front of a large crowds in the Vatican.

1922

Betty White

Born January 17, Betty White is a much-loved American actress and comedian who some consider a pioneer for women in television, we also know her as the delightful Rose from The Golden Girls.

Ava Gardner

Born on December 24, Ava Gardner is undeniably one of the original Hollywood beauties, an admired actress and singer. She married Frank Sinatra in the 50s and is listed 25th among the American Film Institute's 25 Greatest Female Stars of Classic Hollywood Cinema.

1934

Jane Goodall

Born April 3, Jane Goodall is an iconic British primatologist, ethnologist and anthropologist. She lived with chimpanzees in East Africa, and undertook long-term research on their existence. She became a UN Messenger of Peace and spent her life trying to protect her beloved chimps.

Dame Judi Dench

Born December 9, Dame Judi Dench is an Oscar-winning British theatre and film actress known for many roles, in particular, playing the famous M in multiple James Bond movies.

1946

Bill Clinton

Born August 19, Bill Clinton is an American politician who served as the 42nd President of the United States from 1993 to 2001.

Alan Rickman

Born February 21, Alan Rickman was an accomplished British actor famously known as the villain Hans Gruber from the Die Hard series.

Sally Field

Born November 6, Sally Field is one of the most celebrated actresses of her generation and an accomplished director. Known for her roles as the Flying Nun in the 60s or Forrest Gump's mother in 1994, she's been a house-hold name for many decades.

Susan Sarandon

Born October 4, Susan Sarandon is an American actress and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, Academy Award and BAFTA Award winner who is also known for her social and political activism, and of course, when she drove off a cliff in Thelma and Louise.

Cher

Born May 20, Cher is so well known, she only needs one name! As an American actress and musician who is often referred to as the "Godess of Pop," she has developed an impressive career spanning four decades that survived long after the Sonny & Cher days.

1958

Michael Jackson

Born August 29, "King of Pop" Michael Jackson and his iconic dance moves, influential lyrics and stylish fashion statements, will always be known as one of the most popular entertainers in the world, and sadly missed.

Madonna

Born August 16, Madonna is the undoubted "Queen of Pop," and this material girl is a steadfast symbol of innovation and boundary pushing that has shaped a generation of music and style. She is a singer, songwriter, actress, business woman and has sold more than 300 million records worldwide.

Prince

Born June 7, Prince is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, guitarist, actor and director who possessed an eclectic, flamboyant and extravagant style. His influence on music and pop culture is immeasurable and a loss that is felt throughout the industry.

Alec Baldwin

Born April 3, Alec Baldwin is an American actor, writer, producer and comedian who recently received worldwide attention for his portrayal of Donald Trump on the long-running sketch series Saturday Night Live.

1970

Uma Thurman

Born April 29, Uma Thurman is an American actress and model who has performed in a variety of films ranging from romantic comedies and dramas to science fiction and action - we all remember her as The Bride, AKA the deadliest woman in the world, in Kill Bill.

Queen Latifah

Born March 18 and known professionally by the stage name Queen Latifah, she is an American rapper, songwriter, singer, actress, model, television producer, record producer and talk show host. Many in the industry consider her hip-hop's first lady.

Vince Vaughn

Born March 28, Vince Vaughn is an American actor known for his comedic roles in movies such as Old School, Anchorman and Wedding Crashers. He's also had presence in selected television including 1989's China Beach and 2015's True Detective.

1982

Li Na

Born February 26 in Wuhan, Li Na is a retired Chinese professional tennis player, who achieved a career-high WTA-ranking of world No.2. If you visit Element Fresh, you may also know her from the 'Vitality Series,' where she teamed up with the restuarant chain to deliver healthy menu items.

Kelly Clarkson

Born April 24, Kelly Clarkson is an American singer, songwriter, actress and author whose rise to fame came in 2002 after winning the inaugural season of the television series American Idol.

Prince William

Born June 21, Prince William is a Member of the British royal family, elder son of Charles, Prince of Wales, and Diana, Princess of Wales, and is second in the line of succession to the British throne, after his father.

1994

Dakota Fanning

Born February 23, Dakota Fanning is American actress whose talent was recognized from a young age from her breakout role in I am Sam opposite Michelle Pfeiffer. She has gone on to perform in a steady stream of roles, in particular, her brilliant performance alongside Denzel Washington in Man on Fire. 

Justin Bieber

Born March 1, this Canadian singer and songwriter was discovered in 2008 through his YouTube videos covering songs of various artists and he has since gathered quite the following of 'Beliebers.'

2006

Jacob Tremblay

Born October 5, Jacob Tremblay is a Canadian action whose breakout performance in Room received critical acclaim. He most recently portrayed Augie in the brilliant movie Wonder, making him a talent to in the years to come.

Suri Cruise

Born April 18, Suri Cruise is the daughter of American actor Tom Cruise and actress Katie Holmes.

Shiloh Jolie-Pitt

Born May 27, Shiloh Jolie-Pitt is the daughter of famous parents Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, and she is also making a name for herself following her role in Kung Fu Panda 3.

2018

Expected arrivals this year...

Michael Phelps Olympic swimmer and wife Nicole Johnson are anticipating the arrival of their second child.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, are anticipating the arrival of their third child.

Alec Baldwin and his wife Hilaria Baldwin are expecting a baby boy in the spring.

Read more on Chinese New Year Spring Festival 2018 here.

This article was originally published by our sister magazine Urban Family Shanghai. For more articles like this, visit the Urban Family website, or follow the Urban Family WeChat account (ID: urbanfamilyshanghai).