Famous people and celebrities born in May 1921

Welcome to our dedicated page for celebrating the notable individuals born in May 1921! 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 2 Satyajit Ray

  Legendary Indian filmmaker who revolutionized world cinema through his profound storytelling and artistic vision. He was a pioneering director of the Bengali cinema and internationally acclaimed for his humanistic approach to filmmaking.

• May 3 Sugar Ray Robinson

  Widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time, Sugar Ray Robinson was a five-time world champion with an extraordinary professional record of 173 wins, 19 losses, and 6 draws. He revolutionized boxing with his exceptional speed, technique, and ring intelligence.

• May 4 Edo Murtić

  Edo Murtić was a renowned Croatian artist, sculptor, and illustrator who made significant contributions to modern art in Yugoslavia. His work was characterized by abstract expressionism and a unique visual language that captured the post-war artistic spirit.

• May 5 Arthur Schawlow

  Arthur Schawlow was a pioneering American physicist who co-invented the laser and won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1981 for groundbreaking work in laser spectroscopy.

• May 5 Arthur Leonard Schawlow

  Nobel Prize laureate for their contribution to the development of laser spectroscopy

• May 7 Gale Robbins

  American actress known for her roles in 'Fuller Brush Girl' and 'Mr. Hex', active in mid-20th century Hollywood comedy films.

• May 7 Gaston Rebuffat

  Renowned French alpinist, mountain guide, and influential author who made numerous first ascents in the French Alps and significantly contributed to mountaineering literature.

• May 8 Saul Bass

  Legendary graphic designer and film title sequence pioneer who revolutionized visual communication in cinema and created iconic movie posters for directors like Alfred Hitchcock and Martin Scorsese.

• May 9 Sophie Scholl

  Sophie Scholl was a courageous young German student and resistance fighter against the Nazi regime, who was part of the White Rose non-violent resistance group. She and her brother Hans were executed by the Nazis for distributing anti-Nazi leaflets, becoming powerful symbols of moral resistance during World War II.

• May 10 Bert Weedon

  Influential English guitarist who popularized guitar playing in the UK and inspired many famous musicians like Eric Clapton and Paul McCartney through his instructional books and recordings.

• May 12 Farley Mowat

  Prominent Canadian author and naturalist who wrote extensively about wildlife conservation, particularly in the Arctic. His bestselling books like 'Never Cry Wolf' brought global attention to environmental issues and indigenous cultures.

• May 12 Joseph Beuys

  Influential German artist who was a key figure in the Fluxus movement, known for radical performance art and social sculpture. His work challenged traditional art concepts and explored themes of creativity, democracy, and social transformation.

• May 14 Richard Deacon

  American character actor known for his comedic roles in television shows like 'The Dick Van Dyke Show' and 'The Mothers-in-Law'. He was a versatile performer with a distinctive appearance and comedic timing.

• May 16 Harry Carey

  Prominent American actor in Western films, featured in classics like 'Red River' and frequently used by director John Ford.

• May 20 Wolfgang Borchert

  Influential post-World War II German writer known for his anti-war literature and existentialist themes. His short stories and plays powerfully depicted the trauma of war and its impact on German youth.

• May 22 Andrei Sakharov

  Renowned Soviet physicist, human rights activist, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate who was a key figure in developing the Soviet hydrogen bomb and later became a prominent dissident.

• May 24 Humphrey Lyttelton

  Renowned British jazz trumpeter, bandleader, broadcaster, and comedian who was a significant figure in the UK jazz scene and later became famous for his radio comedy work.

• May 25 Jack Steinberger

  PHY - German-swiss physicist and academic, nobel prize laureate (d. 2020)

• May 27 Caryl Chessman

  Notorious criminal known as the 'Red Light Bandit' who committed a series of rapes, robberies, and kidnappings in California during the late 1940s. He gained significant public attention due to his multiple death row appeals and became a controversial figure in the debate about capital punishment.

• May 28 Heinz G. Konsalik

  Prolific German journalist and novelist known for his war-themed and dramatic works, who wrote extensively during the mid-20th century.

• May 29 Clifton James

  American character actor known for his distinctive roles in films, particularly in James Bond movies where he played Sheriff J.W. Pepper.

• May 31 Alida Valli

  Renowned Italian actress of international fame, Alida Valli was a prominent figure in European cinema during the mid-20th century. Born in Pola, she began her acting career at 16 and quickly became known for her exceptional beauty and dramatic talent. Her performances in films like 'The Third Man' solidified her status as a significant actress of her era.