Famous people and celebrities born in May 1916

Welcome to our dedicated page for celebrating the notable individuals born in May 1916! 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 Glenn Ford
Renowned Canadian-American actor who starred in over 200 films, particularly famous for his Western movies and notable works like 'Blackboard Jungle' and 'The Rounders'.
May 1 Jack Paar
Pioneering American television talk show host who significantly influenced late-night entertainment in the 1950s and 1960s, preceding Johnny Carson.
May 2 Ivanoe Fraizzoli
Prominent Italian soccer executive who served as president of a major soccer team from 1968 to 1984, leading the club to significant national victories including two national championships and two Italian cups.
May 3 Pierre Emmanuel
Renowned French poet with Christian inspiration who was a prominent literary and cultural figure, serving in key leadership roles in French literary and media institutions.
May 3 Léopold Simoneau
Celebrated Canadian tenor and music educator known for his exceptional vocal performances and contributions to classical music.
May 4 Jane Jacobs
Jane Jacobs was a groundbreaking urban theorist who revolutionized modern city planning through her influential writings and community-focused approach. Her seminal work 'The Death and Life of Great American Cities' challenged prevailing urban design paradigms and advocated for human-scale, diverse urban environments. She was a pivotal figure in urban studies and community development.
May 5 Zail Singh
Zail Singh was an influential Indian politician who served as the 7th President of India from 1982 to 1987, playing a significant role in the country's political landscape during a crucial period of its post-independence history.
May 6 Robert H. Dicke
Renowned American physicist and astronomer who made significant contributions to cosmology and experimental physics.
May 7 Huw Wheldon
Prominent Welsh-English broadcaster known for his significant contributions to British media and television during the mid-20th century.
May 8 João Havelange
Prominent Brazilian sports administrator who served as FIFA President from 1974 to 1998, significantly transforming global football's commercial landscape.
May 8 Chinmayananda Saraswati
Renowned Indian spiritual leader who founded the Chinmaya Mission and significantly contributed to Hindu philosophy and education.
May 9 William Pène du Bois
William Pène du Bois was a renowned American children's book author and illustrator, known for his creative and whimsical works. He won the Caldecott Medal in 1957 for his book 'The Lion'.
May 11 Camilo Cela
Same as previous entry - Spanish writer associated with the Generation of '36.
May 11 C J Cela
Same as previous entry - Spanish writer.
May 15 Vera Gebuhr
Renowned Danish actress known for her significant contributions to Danish cinema and theater during the mid-20th century.
May 16 Adriana Caselotti
Famous voice actress best known for being the original voice of Snow White in Disney's first animated feature film.
May 16 Ephraim Katzir
Fourth president of Israel, renowned biophysicist and prominent political figure who significantly contributed to Israeli science and governance.
May 21 Harold Robbins
Renowned American novelist known for his bestselling fiction works that have sold over 750 million copies worldwide in 32 languages. He was one of the most commercially successful authors of the 20th century, famous for his dramatic and often controversial novels.
May 21 Helen Willis Moody Roark
Prominent American tennis player who dominated women's tennis in the 1920s, winning multiple US Open titles between 1923 and 1931. She was a significant figure in early 20th-century tennis.
May 24 Roden Cutler
Prominent Australian military officer and politician who served as the 32nd Governor of New South Wales, recognized for his distinguished service and leadership.
May 25 Brian Dickson
Prominent Canadian jurist who served as the 15th Chief Justice of Canada. A distinguished lawyer and captain who made significant contributions to Canadian law and governance.
May 28 Walker Percy
Prominent Southern American novelist and philosopher who explored existential themes in works like 'The Moviegoer', winning the National Book Award in 1962 and significantly contributing to 20th-century philosophical literature.
May 31 Battle of Jutland
Significant naval battle during World War I between the British Grand Fleet and the German Deep Sea Fleet, marking a crucial maritime confrontation.
May 31 Bert Haanstra
Renowned Dutch documentary filmmaker who won multiple international awards, including the Cannes Grand Prix and an Oscar for his short documentary 'Glas'. He was a versatile artist who worked as a photographer, painter, and filmmaker, capturing unique perspectives of Dutch culture and society.
May 31 Bernard Lewis
Prominent historian and author specializing in Middle Eastern studies, known for his extensive scholarly work and influential writings on Islamic history and culture.