Famous people and celebrities born in December 1939

Welcome to our dedicated page for celebrating the notable individuals born in December 1939! 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.

• Dec. 1 Lee Trevino

  Legendary Mexican-American professional golfer known for his exceptional skills and groundbreaking achievements in golf. He won multiple major championships without formal training, becoming one of the most remarkable athletes in golf history.

• Dec. 2 Harry Reid

  Prominent Democratic politician who served as Senate Majority Leader from 2007 to 2015, representing Nevada and playing a crucial role in national politics.

• Dec. 2 Alain Senderens

  Renowned French chef who was a pioneering figure in nouvelle cuisine, transforming Lucas Carton restaurant into his eponymous establishment in 2005.

• Dec. 3 Terry Cole-Whittaker

  Inspirational religious science pastor, former Miss California (1968), author, and motivational speaker who empowered people with positive messages.

• Dec. 8 Dariush Mehrjui

  Acclaimed Iranian film director known for his influential contributions to Iranian cinema, particularly in the New Wave movement of the 1960s and 1970s.

• Dec. 9 James Galway

  James Galway is a world-renowned Irish flutist, often referred to as 'The Man with the Golden Flute'. He is considered one of the most famous classical flute players of the 20th century, known for his exceptional technique and interpretations of classical and contemporary music.

• Dec. 10 Dick Bavetta

  Renowned NBA referee who officiated over 2,600 consecutive games and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame for his significant contributions to the sport.

• Dec. 11 Tom Hayden

  Prominent American political activist and key member of the Chicago Seven, known for his radical political involvement and marriage to Jane Fonda during the 1970s. He was a significant figure in the anti-war and civil rights movements.

• Dec. 14 Ernie Davis

  Legendary African American football player who was the first Black player to win the Heisman Trophy, tragically dying young from leukemia. His remarkable story was immortalized in the film 'The Express'.

• Dec. 15 Dave Clark

  Dave Clark was a prominent English musician and drummer, best known as the leader of the Dave Clark Five, a key band in the British Invasion of the 1960s.

• Dec. 15 Cindy Birdsong

  Cindy Birdsong was a renowned American singer who was a member of the legendary Motown groups The Supremes and Labelle, contributing significantly to the soul and R&B music scenes.

• Dec. 16 Liv Ullman

  Iconic Norwegian actress, film director, and screenwriter, famous for her collaborations with Ingmar Bergman and international cinema.

• Dec. 16 Philip Langridge

  Renowned English opera tenor and actor known for his exceptional vocal performances and versatility in classical music.

• Dec. 17 Eddie Kendricks

  Legendary Motown singer and founding member of The Temptations, known for his distinctive falsetto and contributions to soul music during the 1960s and 1970s.

• Dec. 17 James Booker

  Influential New Orleans pianist and singer known for his unique style blending jazz, blues, and rhythm and blues, often referred to as the 'Piano Prince of New Orleans'.

• Dec. 18 Harold Varmus

  Renowned American scientist who won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for groundbreaking research on the genetic origins of cancer. His work significantly advanced our understanding of oncogenesis and molecular biology.

• Dec. 18 Michael Moorcock

  Influential British fantasy and science fiction author known for his innovative and genre-bending works. He has been a significant figure in speculative fiction since the 1960s.

• Dec. 20 Kathryn Joosten

  Beloved American actress best known for her roles in 'Desperate Housewives' and 'The West Wing', who passed away in 2012 after battling lung cancer.

• Dec. 24 Dean Corll

  Notorious serial killer from Houston who murdered at least 28 teenage boys between 1970-1973. His horrific crimes shocked Texas and exposed a dark chapter of sexual predation and murder targeting young men.

• Dec. 26 Phil Spector

  Legendary music producer who pioneered the 'Wall of Sound' recording technique and worked with iconic artists like The Ronettes and The Beatles. He was a significant figure in 1960s pop music who later became infamous for his criminal conviction in a murder case.

• 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.

• Dec. 28 Philip Anschutz

  Philip Anschutz is a prominent American billionaire investor known for diverse business interests in energy, sports, entertainment, and media. He owns significant stakes in major companies and sports franchises, including the Los Angeles Lakers and major railroad networks.

• Dec. 29 Ed Bruce

  Ed Bruce was a notable American country music singer-songwriter known for his contributions to the genre, including writing hits for other artists and performing his own music.