Famous people and celebrities born in May 1923

Welcome to our dedicated page for celebrating the notable individuals born in May 1923! 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 Joseph Heller

  Renowned American novelist and satirist best known for his groundbreaking anti-war novel 'Catch-22', which became a landmark work of 20th-century literature and a powerful critique of military bureaucracy.

• May 2 Patrick Hillery

  Patrick Hillery was an Irish physician and politician who served as the 6th President of Ireland from 1976 to 1990, playing a significant role in the country's political landscape during a transformative period.

• May 3 Ralph Hall

  Ralph Hall was an American politician who served as a Democratic Representative from Texas, known for his long congressional career spanning several decades.

• May 4 Eric Sykes

  Renowned British comedian, actor, writer, and director who was a significant figure in British comedy during the mid-20th century, known for his distinctive humor and numerous television and film appearances.

• May 6 Elizabeth Sellars

  Scottish actress known for her role in the play 'The Chalk Garden', a notable theatrical performance of her era.

• May 7 Anne Baxter

  Acclaimed Hollywood actress who won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in 'The Razor's Edge' and was nominated for 'All About Eve'. She was also the daughter of renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright and starred in over 50 films throughout her career.

• May 13 Red Garland

  Renowned jazz pianist who was a key member of Miles Davis's First Great Quintet, known for his distinctive block chord piano style and significant contributions to bebop and hard bop jazz.

• May 14 Bea Arthur

  Emmy and Tony Award-winning actress best known for her iconic roles in 'Maude' and 'The Golden Girls', she was a groundbreaking comedic performer who challenged social norms.

• May 15 Richard Avedon

  Legendary American photographer renowned for transformative fashion and portrait photography. His work revolutionized visual storytelling in 20th-century photography. Captured iconic images of celebrities, politicians, and everyday people.

• May 16 Merton Miller

  Merton Miller was a prominent American economist who won the Nobel Prize in Economics for his groundbreaking research on corporate finance and capital structure theory. His work significantly influenced modern financial economics and corporate financial strategies.

• May 19 Peter Wildeblood

  Pioneering gay rights activist and journalist who played a crucial role in the decriminalization of homosexuality in the United Kingdom. His personal story and advocacy were instrumental in social change during the 1950s.

• May 22 Ara Parseghian

  Legendary college football coach who led Notre Dame to three national championships and is considered one of the most influential coaches in American football history.

• May 23 Alicia de Larrocha

  Renowned Spanish classical pianist known for her exceptional interpretations of Spanish composers like Granados and Albéniz, and her remarkable technical precision.

• May 24 Siobhan McKenna

  Renowned Irish stage actress famous for her portrayal of Saint Joan, known for her powerful theatrical performances.

• May 26 James Arness

  Iconic American actor best known for playing Marshal Matt Dillon in the legendary western television series 'Gunsmoke', which ran for 20 years and became one of the most successful TV shows in history.

• May 26 Roy Dotrice

  Actor from the Channel Islands, known for his theatrical and screen performances, particularly in fantasy and dramatic roles.

• May 26 Horst Tappert

  Prominent German actor with an extensive career in television and film, appearing in over 280 productions and known for significant roles in movies like 'Wir Wunderkinder' and 'Der Kapitan'.

• May 27 Henry Kissinger

  Renowned German-American diplomat who served as U.S. Secretary of State under President Nixon, significantly influencing Cold War foreign policy. A Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Harvard professor, he was a key strategic thinker in international relations during the 20th century.

• May 29 Gyorgy Ligeti

  Renowned Hungarian composer of contemporary classical music, known for his innovative and avant-garde compositional techniques that significantly influenced 20th-century music.

• May 31 Rainier III

  Rainier III was the Prince of Monaco from 1949 to 2005, known for modernizing the principality and his famous marriage to Hollywood actress Grace Kelly.

• May 31 Ellsworth Kelly

  Ellsworth Kelly was a prominent American abstract artist known for his minimalist paintings, sculptures, and innovative geometric compositions that significantly influenced modern art.