Famous people and celebrities born in May 1917

Welcome to our dedicated page for celebrating the notable individuals born in May 1917! 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 Danielle Darrieux

  Renowned French actress who was a prominent screen star from 1930, surviving World War II as a resistance figure. She was internationally famous and continued performing on stage and screen for decades.

• May 1 Jack Paar

  Pioneering American television host who significantly influenced late-night talk show format from 1957-1962. He was a groundbreaking comedian and conversationalist, nominated for five Emmy Awards.

• May 2 Văn Tiến Dũng

  Prominent Vietnamese military general and politician who served as the 6th Minister of Defence for Vietnam from 1976 to 1991.

• May 4 Betty Comden

  Betty Comden was a renowned American lyricist, playwright, and actress who significantly contributed to musical theater, particularly famous for her work on the classic film 'Singin' in the Rain'.

• May 5 Pío Leyva

  Renowned Cuban singer and songwriter, famous for his participation in the legendary Buena Vista Social Club, a musical collective that revived traditional Cuban son music and gained international recognition in the late 1990s.

• May 6 Channel Tunnel

  The Channel Tunnel is a 50.45-kilometer underwater rail tunnel connecting England and France beneath the English Channel. It is considered an engineering marvel that allows high-speed train travel between the two countries. Opened in 1994, it is one of the longest underwater tunnels in the world.

• May 7 David Tomlinson

  British actor best known for his iconic role in Disney's 'Mary Poppins', where he played Mr. Banks. He was a versatile performer in film and television during the mid-20th century.

• May 15 Lou Harrison

  Lou Harrison was an influential American composer known for his innovative work in minimalist and world music, blending Western and Asian musical traditions.

• May 16 George Gaynes

  Finnish-American actor best known for his roles in 'Punky Brewster' and 'Police Academy' film series, who had a successful career in television and film.

• May 17 Juan Rulfo

  Juan Rulfo was a renowned Mexican novelist, short story writer, and photographer, best known for his influential works 'Pedro Páramo' and 'El Llano en Llamas', which profoundly impacted Latin American literature.

• May 19 James Donald

  James Donald was a distinguished Scottish actor renowned for his memorable performances in iconic war films like 'Bridge on the River Kwai' and 'The Great Escape', where he often portrayed authoritative and intelligent characters.

• May 20 Guy Favreau

  Canadian lawyer, judge, and politician who served as the 28th Minister of Justice, making significant contributions to Canadian legal and political landscape.

• May 21 Raymond Burr

  Raymond Burr was a renowned actor famous for his iconic roles in TV series Perry Mason and Ironside, and was also known for his humanitarian work and advocacy.

• May 23 Edward Norton Lorenz

  Pioneering meteorologist who developed chaos theory and the butterfly effect, fundamentally transforming our understanding of complex dynamic systems.

• May 24 Theodore Hesburgh

  Renowned Catholic priest and president of the University of Notre Dame for 35 years, who was a significant civil rights advocate and influential academic leader.

• May 25 Ramesh Balsekar

  Ramesh Balsekar was a prominent Indian spiritual philosopher who significantly contributed to the understanding of Advaita Vedanta, offering profound insights into non-dualistic spirituality and consciousness.

• May 27 Yasuhiro Nakasone

  Prominent Japanese politician who served as Prime Minister of Japan from 1982 to 1987, known for his conservative policies and close relationship with Ronald Reagan.

• May 28 Papa John Creach

  Renowned American violinist known for his work with Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna, a significant figure in rock and folk music scenes.

• May 28 Barry Commoner

  Prominent American biologist, environmental activist, and political candidate who was a leading voice in ecological science and sustainability.

• May 29 John Fitzgerald Kennedy

  35th President of the United States, serving from 1961 until his assassination in 1963. A pivotal figure in Cold War politics and civil rights, known for his charismatic leadership and tragic death. [bio]

• May 29 Fred Ascani

  American military officer, major-general, and test pilot in the US Air Force. He was also a notable record-setting air racer who contributed to aviation history.

• May 29 Élie Rothschild

  French banker and guardian of the Rothschild's French branch. He managed the Château Lafite Rothschild winery from 1946 to 1974 and was a key figure in the family's banking and wine business.

• May 31 Jean Rouch

  Jean Rouch was a pioneering French filmmaker and anthropologist who significantly influenced documentary filmmaking. He was a key figure in the cinéma-vérité movement, which revolutionized documentary film techniques by capturing unscripted, spontaneous moments. His work bridged ethnographic research and innovative cinematographic approaches.