Famous people and celebrities born in May 1938

Welcome to our dedicated page for celebrating the notable individuals born in May 1938! 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 Larry Niven
Renowned science fiction author famous for his 'Ringworld' series and significant contributions to hard science fiction literature, known for scientifically rigorous and imaginative storytelling.
May 2 Marc Blondel
French trade union leader who served as general secretary of Force Ouvrière (F.O.), a prominent right-wing, anti-communist labor union in France from 1989.
May 3 Omar Abdel-Rahman
Radical Islamic cleric known as the 'Blind Sheikh' who was convicted for his role in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing and planning terrorist attacks in the United States.
May 8 Jean Giraud
Jean Giraud, also known as Moebius, was a legendary French comic book artist and illustrator who revolutionized the graphic novel and science fiction art. He co-founded the influential magazine Métal Hurlant and created iconic works like 'Blueberry' and 'The Incal'. His innovative style influenced generations of artists across comics, animation, and film design.
May 8 Pierre Claverie
Pierre Claverie was a courageous French Catholic bishop in Algeria who dedicated his life to interfaith dialogue and peace. He was tragically assassinated in 1996 during the Algerian Civil War, symbolizing the struggle for understanding and reconciliation in a conflict-ridden region.
May 9 Charles Simić
Serbian-American poet, Pulitzer Prize winner, and National Book Award finalist known for his surreal and minimalist poetry exploring themes of memory, history, and human experience.
May 10 Marina Vlady
Renowned French actress and international star who won the Cannes Award for Best Actress for her role in 'The Conjugal Bed'. She began her film career at age 10 after ballet training, becoming a prominent figure in European cinema.
May 12 Millie Perkins
American actress best known for her powerful portrayal of Anne Frank in the 1959 film adaptation of the famous Holocaust diary.
May 12 Carla Bley
Renowned jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader who has been a significant innovator in avant-garde and experimental jazz music.
May 13 Giuliano Amato
Prominent Italian politician who served multiple terms as Prime Minister and played a significant role in Italian politics during the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
May 14 Francine Pascal
Francine Pascal is a renowned American author best known for creating the Sweet Valley High book series and numerous young adult novels that have been widely popular.
May 15 Mireille Darc
Prominent French actress known for her roles in iconic films and her close friendship with Alain Delon. She was a major figure in French cinema during the 1960s and 1970s, starring in notable movies like 'The Blonde from Peking'.
May 16 Ivan Sutherland
Pioneering computer scientist who created Sketchpad, the first graphical user interface, and is widely considered the founder of computer graphics.
May 22 Susan Strasberg
Renowned actress and daughter of acting teacher Lee Strasberg, she made her film debut in 1954 and famously portrayed Anne Frank on stage. Her early career was marked by significant theatrical and film performances.
May 22 Richard Benjamin
American actor and director known for his comedic roles and dark humor, who rose to prominence in the late 1960s and 1970s. He was married to actress Paula Prentiss and directed several notable films.
May 23 Johnny Ball
Johnny Ball is a popular English television presenter known for educational children's programming and making science and mathematics entertaining for young audiences.
May 24 Tommy Chong
Iconic comedian and actor famous for the groundbreaking comedy duo 'Cheech & Chong', known for their counterculture humor and marijuana-themed comedy routines.
May 24 David Viscott
Renowned American psychologist, best-selling author, and influential radio personality who hosted a popular national syndicated radio show and television program.
May 25 Raymond Carver
Raymond Carver was a seminal American short story writer and poet who revolutionized minimalist fiction in the late 20th century. His works profoundly influenced contemporary literature through collections like 'What We Talk About When We Talk About Love'. He is considered a master of the short story form.
May 26 Teresa Stratas
Renowned Canadian opera soprano of Greek heritage, Teresa Stratas was a celebrated lyrico spinto soprano at the Metropolitan Opera. She was known for her exceptional vocal skills, dramatic intensity, and musical sensitivity, making significant contributions to opera in the 1960s and beyond.
May 27 William Bolcom
William Bolcom is a distinguished American composer, pianist, and professor, known for his diverse musical compositions and Pulitzer Prize-winning works.
May 27 Richard Lederer
Richard Lederer is a renowned American author known for his witty books about language, wordplay, and linguistics.
May 28 Jerry West
Hall of Fame basketball player known as 'The Logo' for his silhouette being used in the NBA logo. He was a legendary point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers and is considered one of the greatest players in NBA history.
May 28 Prince Buster
Influential Jamaican ska and reggae musician and producer who significantly impacted the development of Jamaican music and inspired bands like Madness.
May 29 Fay Vincent
Fay Vincent served as the Commissioner of Major League Baseball from 1989 to 1992, leading the organization during a significant period of baseball history.
May 31 Peter Yarrow
Peter Yarrow is an American folk musician, singer, and songwriter, best known as a member of the iconic folk group Peter, Paul and Mary. He graduated from Cornell University with a psychology degree and was a significant figure in the 1960s folk music revival.
May 31 Johnny Paycheck
Johnny Paycheck was a prominent American country music singer-songwriter known for his hit song 'Take This Job and Shove It'. He was a significant figure in outlaw country music during the 1970s and early 1980s.