Famous people and celebrities born in May 1901

Welcome to our dedicated page for celebrating the notable individuals born in May 1901! This month and year saw the birth of many influential figures who have made significant contributions to various fields, including entertainment, sports, politics, and more. Explore the biographies and achievements of these famous personalities and see how their talents have shaped the world. Join us in honoring the stars born in this memorable time.

• May 1 Sterling Brown

  Sterling Brown was a prominent African American poet, literary critic, and academic who significantly contributed to the Harlem Renaissance and African American literary studies.

• May 1 Simon Kuznets

  Simon Kuznets was a Nobel Prize-winning economist who made groundbreaking contributions to economic growth theory and national income accounting.

• May 1 Antal Szerb

  Antal Szerb was a distinguished Hungarian scholar, literary historian, and novelist known for his profound intellectual works and tragic fate during World War II.

• May 1 Heinz Roemheld

  Heinz Roemheld was a notable American pianist, composer, and conductor who made significant contributions to film and concert music during the mid-20th century.

• May 3 Gino Cervi

  Renowned Italian actor who was famous for his stage and screen performances, particularly known for his role as Inspector Jules Maigret in popular television movies. He came from a theatrical family and began his acting career in 1924, becoming a significant figure in Italian cinema during the mid-20th century.

• May 5 Blind Willie McTell

  Legendary blues musician and singer known for his distinctive guitar style and influential recordings in the early blues genre.

• May 6 Albert Decaris

  Albert Decaris was a renowned French artist and engraver known for his exceptional printmaking skills and contributions to 20th-century graphic arts.

• May 7 Gary Cooper

  Legendary Hollywood actor of the Golden Age, Gary Cooper was a prominent leading man known for his iconic roles in Western and war films. He won an Academy Award for his performance in 'Sergeant York' and was nominated for several other prestigious acting awards. Cooper was one of the most recognizable and respected actors of his era.

• May 7 Marcel Poot

  Influential Belgian composer and music historian who served as director of the Brussels Conservatory from 1949 to 1966. Poot composed numerous works across various musical genres, including operas, symphonies, and ballet music, contributing significantly to 20th-century classical music.

• May 8 Turkey Stearnes

  Legendary Negro League baseball player known for his exceptional hitting skills and playing primarily for the Detroit Stars. He was a key figure in the history of African American baseball before integration.

• May 10 John Desmond Bernal

  A pioneering British scientist who made groundbreaking contributions to X-ray crystallography and molecular biology, significantly advancing our understanding of biological structures.

• May 10 Max Lorenz

  A renowned German heldentenor who was celebrated for his exceptional performances in Wagnerian operas, particularly known for his powerful and dramatic vocal interpretations.

• May 11 Rose Ausländer

  A prominent Jewish poet who survived the Holocaust and wrote powerful poetry reflecting her traumatic experiences. Her works are considered significant contributions to Holocaust literature and German-language poetry.

• May 14 Witold Pilecki

  A heroic Polish resistance fighter during World War II who voluntarily entered Auschwitz concentration camp to gather intelligence about Nazi atrocities. He was the first to provide detailed reports about the Holocaust to the Western Allies. After the war, he was executed by the communist regime for his resistance activities.

• May 15 Luis Monti

  Renowned Argentine-Italian footballer who played as a midfielder and later became a successful soccer manager. He was part of the legendary Argentina national team and also represented Italy in international competitions.

• May 18 Vincent du Vigneaud

  CHE - American biochemist and academic, nobel prize laureate (d. 1978)

• May 18 Henri Sauguet

  French composer, musician, and critic known for his diverse musical compositions including operas, ballets, symphonies, concertos, chamber, choral, and vocal works.

• May 20 Max Euwe

  Max Euwe was a prominent Dutch chess grandmaster who became World Chess Champion in 1935, defeating Alexander Alekhine. He was a significant figure in chess history and remained influential in the chess world long after his championship.

• May 21 Suzanne Lilar

  Prominent Belgian playwright and author who made significant contributions to literature and theater.

• May 22 Maurice J. Tobin

  Maurice J. Tobin was an influential American politician who served as the 6th United States Secretary of Labor and later as Governor of Massachusetts. He was a prominent Democratic Party figure in mid-20th century politics.

• May 24 José Nasazzi

  José Nasazzi was a legendary Uruguayan footballer and national team captain, known for his exceptional defensive skills and leadership during the golden era of Uruguayan football in the 1920s and 1930s.

• May 28 François Jaffré

  French World War I veteran and one of the last surviving soldiers from the conflict. He passed away in Viroflay, France in 2006, representing a significant historical generation.

• May 30 Cornelia Otis Skinner

  Renowned American actress, author, and humorist known for her witty autobiographical works and solo performances, particularly her book 'Our Hearts Were Young and Gay'.