Famous people and celebrities born in 1939

We celebrate the remarkable individuals born in 1939. This year gave rise to a new generation of talent, including actors, musicians, athletes, politicians and more who have significantly impacted our world. Dive into the stories of these famous personalities, explore their journeys, and see how they've shaped culture and society since their birth year. Join us as we take a nostalgic trip back to 1939 and honor the stars who continue to shine brightly today.

Jan. 1 Michèle Mercier
Michèle Mercier is a renowned French actress famous for her iconic role as Angélique in the popular 'Angélique' film series during the 1960s, which made her an international star.
Jan. 10 Sal Mineo
Iconic American actor known for his roles in 'Rebel Without a Cause' and 'Exodus', who was part of a tragic group of young Hollywood stars and was murdered at the age of 37.
Jan. 29 Germaine Greer
Prominent Australian-born feminist, academic, and writer who revolutionized feminist thought with her groundbreaking book 'The Female Eunuch' in 1970, challenging traditional views on women's roles in society.
Feb. 6 Mike Farrell
American actor best known for his iconic role as B.J. Hunnicutt in the legendary TV series M*A*S*H. He was a prominent television actor and activist during the 1970s and 1980s, appearing in numerous TV shows and films.
March 3 Kieu Chinh
Vietnamese-American actress renowned for her significant role in 'The Joy Luck Club', a landmark film representing Asian-American experiences in cinema.
April 2 Marvin Gaye
Legendary Motown singer and songwriter who revolutionized soul music, known for his powerful social commentary and innovative musical style. He was a pivotal figure in R&B and soul music during the 1960s and 1970s, creating groundbreaking albums like 'What's Going On'.
April 7 Francis Ford Coppola
Francis Ford Coppola is a legendary American film director, producer, and screenwriter who revolutionized cinema with iconic films like 'The Godfather' trilogy and 'Apocalypse Now'. He is considered one of the most influential filmmakers of the 20th century.
April 13 Seamus Heaney
Renowned Irish poet and Nobel Prize in Literature laureate, widely considered one of the most important poets of the 20th century.
April 13 Paul Sorvino
Versatile American actor known for iconic roles in films like 'Goodfellas' and TV series 'Law & Order', also a talented singer and director.
April 15 Marty Wilde
Prominent English rock and pop singer who was a significant figure in the British music scene of the late 1950s and early 1960s, known for his influential rock and roll performances.
April 16 Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield was a legendary British pop and soul singer who significantly influenced music in the 1960s, known for her distinctive vocal style and emotional performances.
April 23 Lee Majors
Iconic American television actor famous for starring in 'The Six Million Dollar Man' and 'The Fall Guy', who became a major television star in the 1970s and 1980s.
May 13 Harvey Keitel
Renowned American actor known for iconic roles in Martin Scorsese's Taxi Driver, Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs, and Jane Campion's The Piano. He has been nominated for Oscar and Golden Globe awards and is considered a significant figure in independent cinema.
June 18 Amanda Lear
A multifaceted artist known for her diverse career in entertainment, Amanda Lear is a singer, actress, TV host, and model who was closely associated with David Bowie in the 1970s. She gained significant popularity in Europe, particularly in Italy, as an entertainer and media personality.
July 1 Karen Black
Acclaimed American actress known for her memorable roles in 1970s cinema, including 'Five Easy Pieces' and 'Nashville'. She was nominated for an Oscar and won the New York Film Critics Award for Best Supporting Actress.
July 14 Karel Gott
Karel Gott was a legendary Czech schlager singer known as the 'Czech Nightingale', who sold between 50-100 million records worldwide and was immensely popular in Central Europe.
July 30 Peter Bogdanovich
Renowned American film director who rose to prominence with his critically acclaimed film 'The Last Picture Show' in 1971. Known for his innovative filmmaking style and personal controversies, he was a significant figure in the New Hollywood era of cinema.
Aug. 4 Frank Vincent
Renowned American actor and producer known for his roles in Martin Scorsese films and as a character actor in mob-related movies.
Aug. 12 George Hamilton
Iconic American actor known for his perpetual tan and charming Hollywood presence, famous for roles in comedy and romantic films.
Aug. 22 Valerie Harper
Emmy Award-winning actress best known for her iconic roles in 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show' and its spin-off 'Rhoda', which made her a beloved television star in the 1970s. She was a pioneering comedic actress who broke ground for women in television comedy.
Sept. 1 Lily Tomlin
Lily Tomlin is a renowned American actress, comedian, and writer known for her groundbreaking work on 'Laugh-In' and in films like '9 to 5' and 'Grace and Frankie'. She has won multiple Emmy and Tony Awards, and is celebrated for her distinctive comedic style and memorable character performances.
Oct. 5 Marie Laforêt
Renowned French actress and singer who had a successful career in film and music, and later relocated to Switzerland, obtaining Swiss citizenship in 1978.
Oct. 8 Paul Hogan
Australian actor and screenwriter famous for the 'Crocodile Dundee' film series, which became an international hit and helped popularize Australian culture globally.
Oct. 18 Mike Ditka
Mike Ditka is a legendary NFL player and coach who led the Chicago Bears to their iconic Super Bowl XX victory in 1985, becoming one of the most recognizable figures in American football history.
Oct. 25 F. Murray Abraham
Acclaimed American actor who won an Academy Award for his portrayal of Antonio Salieri in the film Amadeus. He is known for his powerful character performances in film and theater.
Oct. 27 John Cleese
Legendary British comedian, actor, and writer, best known as a key member of Monty Python comedy troupe. He is renowned for his unique comedic style, towering height, and influential work in comedy sketches and films.
Nov. 10 Russell Means
Prominent Native American activist, actor, and leader of the American Indian Movement (AIM). He played a crucial role in indigenous rights advocacy, notably leading the 1973 Wounded Knee occupation. His autobiography 'Where White Men Fear to Tread' documents his significant life experiences.
Nov. 20 Dick Smothers
Famous American comedian and performer, one half of the iconic comedy duo The Smothers Brothers, known for their groundbreaking comedy variety show in the late 1960s.
Nov. 26 Tina Turner
Legendary American singer who revolutionized rock and soul music, known for her powerful voice and electrifying performances with Ike Turner and later as a solo artist.
Dec. 27 John Amos
Renowned African American actor famous for his roles in 'Good Times' and 'Coming to America', a significant figure in television and film during the 1970s and 1980s.