Famous people and celebrities born in May 1909

Welcome to our dedicated page for celebrating the notable individuals born in May 1909! 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 Yiannis Ritsos
Renowned Greek poet who was a prominent communist and literary figure, nominated nine times for the Nobel Prize and winner of the Lenin Peace Prize.
May 2 Teddy Stauffer
Swiss-American bandleader and entrepreneur who popularized cliff diving as a tourist attraction in Acapulco. He owned Villa Vera resort hotel and a notable nightclub, becoming a significant figure in Mexican tourism during mid-20th century.
May 4 Howard Da Silva
Versatile American actor and director known for significant stage and screen performances, including roles in 'Oklahoma!' and notable television productions.
May 5 Miklós Radnóti
A renowned Hungarian poet and translator who wrote profound and haunting poetry during the Holocaust, documenting the human suffering and tragedy of World War II. His works are considered significant testimonies of the Jewish experience during Nazi persecution.
May 6 Akhmad Kadyrov
Prominent Chechen political leader who served as President of the Chechen Republic and played a significant role in the region's complex political landscape.
May 9 Gordon Bunshaft
Renowned American architect known for modernist design, particularly the iconic Solow Building in New York City. He was a significant figure in 20th-century architectural innovation.
May 9 Eugenio Garin
Prominent Italian Renaissance historian and philosopher who made significant contributions to understanding cultural history. He was a distinguished professor at Florence University and Scuola Normale di Pisa.
May 10 Maybelle Carter
Pioneering American country music artist and autoharpist, a key member of the legendary Carter Family who significantly influenced the development of country and folk music in the 20th century.
May 11 René Bousquet
Controversial French government official who played a significant role in the Vichy regime during World War II, responsible for collaborating with Nazi authorities and organizing deportations of Jews.
May 13 Pierre Bourdan
French journalist who played a crucial role in radio broadcasting from England to France during World War II, providing critical communication and resistance support.
May 15 James Mason
Renowned British actor known for iconic roles in classic films like 'Lolita', 'Bloodline', and 'The Boys from Brazil'. He was a prominent Hollywood star with a distinguished career spanning several decades.
May 16 Margaret Sullavan
Renowned Hollywood actress of the 1930s and 1940s, known for her distinctive voice and compelling stage performances. She was a prominent figure in Broadway and film, with a notable career spanning multiple genres.
May 16 Luigi Villoresi
Legendary Italian racing driver who was a prominent figure in motorsports during the 1940s and 1950s. He competed in Formula One and was known for his skill and passion for racing.
May 17 Magda Schneider
German actress and singer who was prominent in musicals and operatic films during the mid-20th century. She was the mother of famous actress Romy Schneider, who became an international cinema icon.
May 19 Fred Perry
Fred Perry was a legendary British tennis player who dominated the sport in the 1930s, becoming the first player to achieve the Grand Slam in tennis by winning all four major tournaments. He was a three-time consecutive Wimbledon champion and a pivotal figure in British tennis history.
May 20 Nicholas Winton
A humanitarian hero who saved 669 Jewish children from Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia during World War II, known as the 'British Schindler'.
May 21 Guy de Rothschild
Guy de Rothschild was a prominent French banker from the famous Rothschild banking dynasty. He played a significant role in the French Resistance during World War II and was a key leader in the family's international banking business.
May 24 Wilbur Mills
Prominent Democratic congressman from Arkansas who served in the U.S. House of Representatives for over three decades, notably as Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee. He was a key figure in shaping U.S. fiscal policy during the mid-20th century.
May 25 Alfred Kubel
German politician who served as the 5th Prime Minister of Lower Saxony from 1961 to 1970, playing a significant role in post-war German regional politics.
May 26 Matthew Busby
Sir Matt Busby was a legendary Scottish football manager who transformed Manchester United into a global powerhouse, leading the club to unprecedented success and international recognition.
May 26 Adolfo López Mateos
Adolfo López Mateos was a prominent Mexican politician who served as the 48th President of Mexico from 1958 to 1964, playing a significant role in the country's political development.
May 27 Dolores Hope
Wife of comedian Bob Hope, she was an American singer, actress, and philanthropist who dedicated her life to supporting various charitable causes.
May 27 Juan Vicente Pérez
Venezuelan supercentenarian recognized as the world's oldest living man, born in the last year of the 1900s decade.
May 28 Red Horner
Red Horner was a prominent Canadian professional ice hockey player who played as a defenseman in the National Hockey League (NHL) during the 1930s and 1940s, primarily with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
May 30 Benny Goodman
Benny Goodman was a legendary jazz clarinetist and bandleader who revolutionized American music during the swing era. Known as the 'King of Swing', he played a pivotal role in popularizing big band jazz and breaking racial barriers in music. His Carnegie Hall concert in 1938 was a landmark moment in jazz history.
May 31 René Lefèvre-Bel
Prominent French actor who worked extensively in theatre and film during the mid-20th century, known for his versatile performances across multiple entertainment mediums.