Famous people and celebrities born in May 1919
Welcome to our dedicated page for celebrating the notable individuals born in May 1919! 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 Manna Dey
Manna Dey was a legendary Indian playback singer renowned for his versatile voice and significant contributions to Hindi and Bengali cinema music.
- May 4 Pete Seeger
Legendary American folk singer, songwriter, and social activist who played a crucial role in the American folk music revival and civil rights movement.
- May 4 Dory Funk
Professional wrestler and trainer from Texas, part of the famous Funk wrestling family with significant influence in professional wrestling.
- May 4 Mary Ann McCall
American jazz and big band singer known for her work with prominent orchestras during the swing era.
- May 5 Georgios Papadopoulos
Greek military officer who led a coup in 1967 and established a military dictatorship in Greece, ruling as a controversial authoritarian leader until 1974.
- May 7 Eva Perón
Eva Perón was an iconic Argentine political figure and actress who became First Lady of Argentina. She was a powerful advocate for women's suffrage and workers' rights, transforming the political landscape of Argentina. Known affectionately as 'Evita', she remains a legendary and controversial figure in Latin American history.
- May 8 Lex Barker
American actor famous for portraying Tarzan in multiple films and starring in German Western adaptations of Karl May's novels. He was a prominent Hollywood actor during the 1940s and 1950s.
- May 8 Evita Peron
Argentine political leader, wife of President Juan Perón, and a powerful advocate for women's suffrage and labor rights. She was an iconic figure in Argentine politics and a beloved public figure.
- May 10 Ella T. Grasso
First woman elected governor of Connecticut, serving from 1975 to 1980, and a pioneering female political leader.
- May 10 André Diligent
French lawyer and politician who was active in regional politics and was buried in Villeneuve-d'Ascq in 2002.
- May 11 Daniel Bell
Influential American sociologist known for his work on post-industrial society and social theory, who significantly contributed to understanding modern social transformations.
- May 12 John Michael Hayes
John Michael Hayes was an accomplished American screenwriter known for his collaborations with Alfred Hitchcock, writing screenplays for classic films like 'Rear Window' and 'To Catch a Thief'.
- May 13 Pierre Sudreau
French politician and resistance fighter who served as education minister under Charles de Gaulle. He was a notable figure in post-World War II French politics, known for his principled stance against constitutional changes. During the war, he was arrested and deported to Buchenwald concentration camp.
- May 16 Liberace
Liberace was a legendary American pianist, entertainer, and television personality known for his extravagant performances and flamboyant style. He was a pioneering media star who popularized classical and pop music through his unique showmanship. His influence on entertainment and popular culture was significant during the mid-20th century.
- May 17 Antonio Aguilar
Renowned Mexican actor, screenwriter, and producer who significantly influenced Mexican music and cinema during the mid-20th century.
- May 17 Liberac Liberace
Iconic American pianist, singer, and entertainer known for his flamboyant performances and elaborate costumes.
- May 18 Boris Christoff
Boris Christoff was a distinguished Bulgarian opera singer widely recognized as one of the most significant bass voices of the 20th century. He was renowned for his powerful vocal range and dramatic interpretations, particularly in Russian operatic repertoire. His contributions significantly influenced classical vocal performance.
- May 19 Margot Fonteyn
Legendary British prima ballerina, considered one of the most famous and influential dancers of the 20th century, particularly known for her partnership with Rudolf Nureyev.
- May 19 Mitja Ribičič
Prominent Slovenian communist politician who served as the 25th Prime Minister of Yugoslavia from 1969 to 1974, playing a significant role in the country's political landscape.
- May 20 George Gobel
George Gobel was a popular American comedian and television personality known for his deadpan humor and self-deprecating style. He was a prominent entertainer in the 1950s and 1960s, frequently appearing on variety shows and comedy programs. His catchphrase 'Well, I'll tell ya...' became widely recognized in American pop culture.
- May 20 Gerhard Barkhorn
Gerhard Barkhorn was a highly decorated German Luftwaffe fighter pilot during World War II, considered one of the most successful fighter pilots in history. He was credited with shooting down 301 enemy aircraft during the war, second only to Erich Hartmann in the German Air Force.
- May 21 George P. Mitchell
George P. Mitchell was a pioneering American businessman and philanthropist who significantly contributed to the energy industry, particularly in shale oil extraction techniques.
- May 22 Paul Vanden Boeynants
Belgian businessman and politician who served as the 55th Prime Minister of Belgium. He was a prominent figure in Belgian politics during the mid-20th century.
- May 23 Betty Garrett
Versatile American actress with a remarkable 60-year career in Broadway musicals, film, and television. She worked with MGM and starred alongside notable actors like Jack Lemmon and Frank Sinatra in various productions.
- May 23 Gayatri Devi
Prominent Indian royal and princess, born in London, representing a lineage of distinguished and progressive Indian women with international background and Western influences.
- May 26 Rubén González
Legendary Cuban pianist known for his pivotal role in the Buena Vista Social Club and Estrellas de Areito, who significantly contributed to preserving and popularizing traditional Cuban music.
- May 30 Eric Lomax
Scottish author known for his powerful memoir 'The Railway Man', which recounts his traumatic experiences as a prisoner of war during World War II and his later journey of reconciliation.
- May 30 René Barrientos
Bolivian military officer and politician who served as the 55th President of Bolivia, known for his significant political and military career during the mid-20th century.