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. 24 Ray Stevens
Ray Stevens is a renowned American country music singer, comedian, and songwriter known for his humorous novelty songs and musical comedy.
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.
Feb. 23 Majel Barrett
Majel Barrett was a prominent American actress best known for her roles in Star Trek, including Christine Chapel and the voice of the Enterprise computer. She was also married to Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry.
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.
March 13 Neil Sedaka
Renowned pop singer and pianist known for hit songs like 'Breaking Up Is Hard to Do' and 'Calendar Girl' who was a significant figure in the 1960s pop music scene.
March 29 Terence Hill
Famous Italian-German actor known for his iconic roles in Spaghetti Western comedies like 'Trinity' series. He became a major star in Europe and gained international recognition for his unique comedic style in Western films.
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 10 Michael Learned
Michael Learned is an acclaimed American actress best known for her Emmy Award-winning role as Olivia Walton in the beloved family drama 'The Waltons', which aired from 1972 to 1981.
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 9 Pierre Desproges
Renowned French comedian and satirist famous for his sharp, intellectual humor and biting social critiques that challenged societal norms and political correctness.
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.
May 19 Nancy Kwan
Hong Kong-American actress who was a pioneering Asian performer in Hollywood, known for breaking racial barriers in film during the 1960s.
May 22 Paul Winfield
Acclaimed African American actor known for roles in films like 'Sounder' and television series, who received Emmy and Oscar nominations during his distinguished career.
May 25 Ian McKellen
Renowned British actor and stage performer, known for his exceptional Shakespearean roles and Oscar-nominated performance in 'Gods and Monsters'. He is a celebrated theater and film actor with a distinguished career spanning decades.
May 30 Michael Pollard
Distinctive character actor known for his Oscar-nominated supporting role in 'Bonnie and Clyde' and appearances in numerous TV shows like 'Gunsmoke' and 'I Spy'.
June 1 Cleavon Little
Renowned African American actor best known for his iconic role in the Mel Brooks comedy 'Blazing Saddles', who tragically died of colon cancer at age 53.
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.
July 31 France Nuyen
French-Chinese actress who rose to international fame through her Broadway and Hollywood roles, particularly in 'The World of Suzie Wong' and 'South Pacific'. She was a prominent actress in the late 1950s and 1960s, also appearing in television series like 'St. Elsewhere'.
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. 5 Carmen Salinas
Renowned Mexican actress and politician who had a significant career in entertainment and public service, serving as a legislator in the Mexican Congress.
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.
Aug. 29 Joel Schumacher
Renowned American film director, screenwriter, and producer known for directing films like 'St. Elmo's Fire', 'The Lost Boys', and 'Batman Forever'.
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.
Sept. 18 Frankie Avalon
American pop singer and teen idol of the 1950s and 1960s, best known for his hit single 'Venus' which topped the Billboard charts in 1959.
Sept. 19 Fred Willard
Fred Willard was a renowned American comedian and actor famous for his improvisational comedy and memorable roles in mockumentary films like 'Best in Show' and 'Anchorman'.
Sept. 26 Ricky Tomlinson
English comedian, actor, and writer best known for his role in the popular sitcom 'The Royle Family' and his political activism during the 1970s.
Oct. 1 Len Cariou
Len Cariou is a renowned Canadian actor celebrated for his Tony Award-winning performance in Sweeney Todd and his significant contributions to stage and screen acting.
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. 22 Tony Roberts
American actor and comedian known for his collaborations with Woody Allen, particularly in films like Annie Hall.
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. 27 Tina Turner
Legendary rock and roll singer known as the 'Queen of Rock 'n' Roll', with a groundbreaking career spanning several decades. [bio]
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.