Famous people and celebrities born in May 1926

Welcome to our dedicated page for celebrating the notable individuals born in May 1926! 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 Cloris Leachman

  Acclaimed American actress with multiple Emmy and Oscar awards, known for diverse roles in film and television.

• May 3 Ann Davis

  American actress and comedian who starred in 'The Bob Cummings Show' as Schultzy, winning an Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1957. She had a successful career in theater and television since 1948.

• May 4 Milton Thompson

  Pioneering NASA test pilot who flew the X-15 rocket plane and was instrumental in developing lifting body aircraft and space shuttle technology.

• May 8 David Attenborough

  A world-renowned British naturalist, broadcaster, and documentary filmmaker who has significantly contributed to public understanding of natural history and environmental conservation. [bio]

• May 8 Don Rickles

  Don Rickles was a legendary American comedian renowned for his sharp, insult-based comedy style, who became an iconic figure in stand-up comedy and entertainment.

• May 10 Hugo Banzer

  Bolivian military dictator and politician who served as president from 1971 to 1978 and again democratically from 1997 to 2001. He played a significant role in Bolivian political history.

• May 13 Beatrice Arthur [Frankel] in New York City

  Emmy Award-winning actress famous for her iconic roles in 'Maude' and 'The Golden Girls', known for her sharp comedic timing.

• May 13 James S. Coleman

  Influential American sociologist known for his groundbreaking work in educational sociology and social theory.

• May 13 George C. Williams

  Prominent evolutionary biologist who made significant contributions to understanding natural selection and evolutionary theory.

• May 14 Eric Morecambe

  Eric Morecambe was a legendary British comedian who formed the iconic comedy duo Morecambe and Wise with Ernie Wise. Their comedy partnership spanned decades and became a beloved part of British entertainment, with their Christmas specials drawing massive audiences. [bio]

• May 15 Peter Shaffer

  Renowned British playwright famous for critically acclaimed works like 'Equus' and 'Amadeus', who masterfully explored human psychology through dramatic storytelling.

• May 15 Anthony Shaffer

  Accomplished British playwright and screenwriter best known for the mystery thriller 'Sleuth', which won a Tony Award and was adapted into a film.

• May 19 Fernand Raynaud

  Famous French comedian, actor, and singer known for his comedic performances. Tragically died in a car accident in 1973.

• May 19 Swami Kriyananda

  Renowned spiritual leader, disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda, prolific writer with over 70 books on spirituality and personal growth.

• May 21 Kay Kendall

  British actress known for her roles in comedies, who tragically died young from leukemia at the age of 32.

• May 22 Robert Creeley

  Influential American poet associated with the Black Mountain School of poetry, known for his minimalist and conversational style.

• May 24 Stanley Baxter

  Renowned Scottish comedian and actor famous for his annual one-man comedy shows featuring elaborate sketches and impressions. His extravagant performances were celebrated in a TV tribute in 2001, marking his significant contribution to British comedy.

• May 25 Miles Davis

  Legendary jazz trumpeter and composer who revolutionized jazz music through multiple innovative styles, profoundly influencing 20th-century music across cool jazz, hard bop, modal jazz, and free jazz. [bio]

• May 25 Claude Akins

  Claude Akins was a prominent American character actor known for his distinctive voice and roles in westerns, war films, and television series like 'Sheriff Lobo'.

• May 25 Bill Sharman

  Bill Sharman was a legendary basketball player and coach who played a pivotal role in the Boston Celtics' dynasty during the 1950s, revolutionizing coaching techniques with the introduction of morning shootarounds.

• May 27 Bud Shank

  Renowned jazz multi-instrumentalist who was a pivotal figure in West Coast jazz, known for his exceptional skills on flute and saxophone and collaborations with legendary musicians across multiple genres.

• May 29 Charles Denner

  French actor known for notable roles in films like 'Mado Stella' and 'Z Landru', who had a successful career in cinema and passed away at 69.

• May 29 Louis Velle

  French actor with a versatile career spanning film, television, and theater, contributing significantly to French performing arts.

• May 30 Christine Jorgensen

  Christine Jorgensen was a pioneering transgender woman who underwent gender reassignment surgery in Denmark in the early 1950s, becoming one of the first widely known recipients of such a procedure and a significant figure in transgender visibility.