Famous people and celebrities born in May 1914
Welcome to our dedicated page for celebrating the notable individuals born in May 1914! 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 Georges-Emmanuel Clancier
Prominent French journalist, author, and poet who made significant contributions to French literature and journalism throughout the 20th century.
- May 4 Emmanuel Roblès
Prominent Algerian-French playwright and novelist who served as a translator and war correspondent during World War II, contributing significantly to Franco-Algerian literature.
- May 5 Tyrone Power
Tyrone Power was a legendary Hollywood actor of the Golden Age, known for his exceptional looks, talent, and versatility. He was a third-generation performer who began his stage career at seven and became a major film star in the 1930s and 1940s. His breakthrough came with the film 'Girl's Dormitory' in 1936, launching a remarkable 22-year career in entertainment.
- May 7 Randall Jarrell
Renowned American poet, literary critic, and essayist known for his significant contributions to mid-20th century American literature and poetry.
- May 7 Arthur Snelling
British diplomat who served as ambassador to South Africa during the mid-20th century, contributing to diplomatic relations during a complex political period.
- May 8 Romain Gary
Renowned French novelist, diplomat, and film director, uniquely distinguished as the only author to win the prestigious Prix Goncourt twice under different names.
- May 9 Hank Snow
Legendary Canadian-American country western singer and guitarist who was a prominent member of the Grand Ole Opry, famous for his hit song 'I'm Movin' On'.
- May 11 Haroun Tazieff
Renowned French geologist and vulcanologist who made significant contributions to understanding volcanic processes and conducted pioneering research in volcanology worldwide.
- May 12 Howard K. Smith
Prominent American journalist and television news anchor who played a significant role in broadcast journalism during the mid-20th century. He was known for his coverage of major historical events and political debates.
- May 13 Joe Louis
Legendary African American heavyweight boxer who dominated the ring from 1937 to 1949, breaking racial barriers and becoming a national icon. He successfully defended his title 25 times, a record that stood for decades.
- May 14 William Tutte
Renowned British mathematician and codebreaker who played a crucial role in breaking German Enigma codes during World War II, significantly contributing to the Allied war effort.
- May 16 Tenzing Norgay
Legendary Nepalese Sherpa mountaineer who, along with Sir Edmund Hillary, was the first person to reach the summit of Mount Everest on May 29, 1953. His historic achievement symbolized human endurance and international cooperation in mountaineering.
- May 16 Edward T. Hall
Prominent American anthropologist who pioneered the study of proxemics, exploring how cultural differences influence personal space and non-verbal communication. His groundbreaking work significantly impacted cross-cultural understanding.
- May 18 Pierre Balmain
Renowned French fashion designer who founded his own haute couture house in 1945 after working for Christian Dior. He was a significant figure in post-war fashion, known for elegant and sophisticated designs.
- May 19 Max Perutz
Renowned British biochemist who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1962 for groundbreaking research on protein structure, specifically hemoglobin. His X-ray crystallography work revolutionized understanding of molecular biology and protein mechanisms.
- May 19 Max Ferdinand Perutz
Nobel Prize laureate for their studies of the structures of globular proteins
- May 22 Sun Ra
Pioneering avant-garde jazz musician, composer, and bandleader known for his innovative and experimental approach to music, blending jazz, space themes, and Afrofuturism.
- May 22 Vance Packard
Influential American social critic and author who explored the psychological manipulation in advertising and consumer culture, most famously in his groundbreaking book 'The Hidden Persuaders'.
- May 24 Lilli Palmer
Renowned German-born actress who had a successful international career in film and theater, known for her beauty, talent, and marriages to Rex Harrison and Carlos Thompson.
- May 24 Hedley Donovan
Influential American media executive who served as editor-in-chief of major Time Inc. magazines and later advised President Jimmy Carter.
- May 26 Frankie Manning
Legendary African American dancer and choreographer who was a pivotal figure in the Lindy Hop swing dance movement during the Harlem Renaissance era. He was instrumental in developing and popularizing the dance style at the Savoy Ballroom in New York City.
- May 30 Akinoumi Setsuo
The 37th yokozuna in sumo wrestling history, a highly respected and accomplished professional sumo wrestler who competed in the mid-20th century.
- May 31 Akira Ifukube
Renowned Japanese composer famous for creating iconic film scores, particularly for the Godzilla franchise, and for his significant contributions to classical music composition.