Famous people and celebrities born in May 1939

Welcome to our dedicated page for celebrating the notable individuals born in May 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.

May 1 Judy Collins
Renowned American folk singer with a distinctive crystal-clear soprano voice who transitioned from classical piano to folk music. She is known for iconic songs like 'Both Sides Now' and has had a significant impact on the folk music scene for over three decades.
May 1 Max Robinson
Groundbreaking African American television journalist who became the first Black anchor of ABC Evening News. He tragically died from AIDS in 1988, marking a significant moment in media diversity and HIV/AIDS awareness.
May 2 Sumio Iijima
Renowned Japanese physicist and nanotechnology pioneer, famous for his groundbreaking work on carbon nanotubes and electron microscopy.
May 4 Amos Oz
Renowned Israeli novelist, journalist, and intellectual who was a professor at Ben-Gurion University and a prominent voice in Israeli literature and peace advocacy.
May 5 Pierre Wynants
Renowned Belgian restaurateur who inherited and elevated the famous restaurant Comme Chez Soi, maintaining its prestigious reputation and receiving multiple Golden Key awards for culinary excellence.
May 7 Jimmy Ruffin
Renowned Motown soul singer famous for his hit 'What Becomes of the Broken Hearted?', a classic of 1960s rhythm and blues.
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 9 Ion Tiriac
Legendary Romanian tennis player and successful businessman who transformed tennis management and became a prominent sports entrepreneur in Eastern Europe.
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 13 Siegfried Fischbacher
German-American magician and entertainer famous for his spectacular magic performances with partner Roy Horn as the legendary duo Siegfried & Roy. They were renowned for their elaborate Las Vegas shows featuring white tigers and exotic illusions.
May 15 Veruschka von Lehndorff
Iconic German model and actress who became a significant figure in the fashion world during the 1960s and 1970s, known for her striking appearance and avant-garde photographic work.
May 16 Mario Segni
Prominent Italian politician and professor known for his significant role in Italian political reforms during the 1990s, particularly in electoral system changes.
May 18 Giovanni Falcone
Giovanni Falcone was a courageous Italian magistrate who fought against the Mafia and was tragically assassinated in a bomb attack in Palermo, Sicily. His work was pivotal in prosecuting mafiosi and exposing the criminal network, making him a national hero and symbol of resistance against organized crime.
May 18 Gary Paulsen
Gary Paulsen is a renowned American young adult novelist, best known for his survival adventure book 'Hatchet', which has become a classic in children's literature. He has written over 200 books and is celebrated for his realistic and compelling storytelling about wilderness survival and coming-of-age themes.
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 19 Francis Scobee
NASA astronaut and USAF pilot who tragically died in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster on January 28, 1986.
May 19 Samih al-Qasim
Renowned Palestinian poet and political activist who used his powerful poetry to highlight the Palestinian struggle and resistance against occupation.
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 24 Jean-Claude Mas
French businessman who founded Poly Implant Prothèse (PIP), a controversial breast implant manufacturer that was involved in a major public health scandal, leading to its liquidation in 2011.
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 25 Dixie Carter
Beloved American television actress best known for her role in 'Designing Women'. She had a prolific career in television, appearing in multiple series throughout the late 1970s and 1980s.
May 26 Brent Musburger
Legendary sports broadcaster known for his iconic commentary on NFL games and college sports, who significantly influenced sports media in the late 20th century.
May 28 Maeve Binchy
Renowned Irish novelist, journalist, and playwright known for her warm and engaging storytelling about Irish life and culture. She wrote numerous bestselling novels and was widely respected in literary circles.
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'.
May 30 Al Unser
Legendary American race car driver, multiple-time Indianapolis 500 winner, and one of the most successful racers in motorsport history.
May 31 Terry Waite
British humanitarian and negotiator who was held hostage in Lebanon for nearly five years while working to secure the release of other hostages. His extraordinary resilience and commitment to peace became a symbol of courage during the Lebanese hostage crisis.