Famous people and celebrities born in May 1911

Welcome to our dedicated page for celebrating the notable individuals born in May 1911! 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 3 Yank Lawson

    Yank Lawson was a prominent American jazz trumpeter known for his performances in the swing era, particularly famous for his work in 'Stormy Weather'.

  • May 7 Ishirō Honda

    Renowned Japanese film director famous for creating the Godzilla film series and pioneering the kaiju genre in cinema. He significantly influenced science fiction and monster movies worldwide.

  • May 7 Rıfat Ilgaz

    Prominent Turkish author, poet, and educator who made significant contributions to Turkish literature. Known for his social realist works and commitment to educational reform.

  • May 8 Robert Johnson

    Legendary Delta blues musician who profoundly influenced rock and blues music, known for mythical stories about selling his soul to the devil at a crossroads to gain extraordinary guitar skills.

  • May 9 Harry Simeone

    Harry Simeone was a renowned American music arranger, conductor, and composer best known for his work in popular music during the mid-20th century. He was particularly famous for his Christmas music arrangements and conducting choral groups. His musical contributions significantly influenced the American music landscape of his era.

  • May 10 Bel Kaufman

    Renowned Jewish-American author best known for her novel 'Up the Down Staircase', which provided a humorous and insightful look into the challenges of teaching in urban public schools during the 1960s.

  • Phil Silvers
    May 11 Phil Silvers

    Renowned American comedian and actor best known for his iconic role in 'Sergeant Bilko', a popular TV comedy series that showcased his exceptional comedic talents.

  • May 11 Mitchell Sharp

    Prominent Canadian politician who served in multiple ministerial roles from 1963 to 1978.

  • May 15 Max Frisch

    Max Frisch was a renowned Swiss novelist and playwright who significantly influenced post-World War II German-language literature. He explored complex themes of human identity, individuality, and social responsibility through his innovative and ironic literary works. Considered the most important Swiss writer of the 20th century, Frisch's writings continue to be studied and celebrated internationally.

  • May 16 Zoë Fontana

    Prominent Italian fashion designer who co-founded the renowned Sorelle Fontana fashion house in Rome in 1946 with her sisters Micol and Giovanna, significantly influencing post-war Italian haute couture.

  • Maureen O'Sullivan
    May 17 Maureen O'Sullivan

    Maureen O'Sullivan was a prominent Irish-American actress famous for her iconic role as Jane in the classic Tarzan film series, appearing alongside Johnny Weissmuller in multiple movies during the 1930s and 1940s.

  • Sigrid Gurie
    May 18 Sigrid Gurie

    Norwegian-American actress known for her roles in classic films like 'Algiers' during Hollywood's golden age, with a notable career in the 1930s and 1940s.

  • May 18 Big Joe Turner

    Legendary blues and rhythm & blues singer, known as the 'Boss of the Blues', who significantly influenced rock and roll music.

  • May 20 Gardner Fox

    Gardner Fox was a legendary comic book writer who significantly shaped the DC Comics universe, creating foundational superhero teams like the Justice Society of America and contributing to the Golden Age of comics.

  • May 20 Annie M. G. Schmidt

    Annie M. G. Schmidt was a renowned Dutch author and playwright, famous for her children's literature and significant contributions to Dutch cultural arts.

  • May 21 Maurice Nadeau

    Maurice Nadeau was a prominent French writer, editor, and literary critic known for his influential book 'History of Surrealism'. He played a crucial role in discovering and promoting literary talents like Michel Houellebecq and J.M. Coetzee.

  • May 22 Anatol Rapoport

    Renowned Russian-born mathematician, psychologist, and systems theorist who made significant contributions to game theory, conflict resolution, and mathematical modeling of social interactions.

  • May 24 Luciano Minguzzi

    Luciano Minguzzi was a prominent Italian sculptor and artist known for his significant contributions to 20th-century Italian art. He created numerous public sculptures and was recognized for his innovative sculptural techniques. His work often explored themes of human emotion and movement.

  • Vincent Price
    May 27 Vincent Price

    Iconic American actor renowned for his distinctive voice and sophisticated horror film roles. A true Renaissance man, he was also a respected art collector, gourmet cook, and prolific author of art and culinary books.

  • May 27 Hubert Humphrey

    Prominent American politician who served as Vice President under Lyndon B. Johnson from 1965-1969. A long-serving Senator from Minnesota, he was a key figure in the Democratic Party and ran for president in 1968.

  • Thora Hird
    May 28 Thora Hird

    Renowned British actress who gained fame through comedy television series, particularly 'Last of the Summer Wine', with a career spanning several decades in film and television.

  • May 28 Jean-Pierre Lévy

    Prominent French Resistance leader during World War II, heading the significant resistance movement Franc-tireur, who played a crucial role in fighting Nazi occupation.

  • May 31 Maurice Allais

    Maurice Allais was a renowned French economist who won the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 1988 for groundbreaking research in market theory and resource optimization. His work significantly influenced economic thinking in the 20th century.