Famous people and celebrities born in 1940

We celebrate the remarkable individuals born in 1940. 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 1940 and honor the stars who continue to shine brightly today.

Jan. 29 Katharine Ross
Katharine Ross is an acclaimed American actress who rose to prominence in the late 1960s, starring in landmark films like 'The Graduate' and 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid'. She was a key figure in the New Hollywood era of cinema, known for her natural beauty and compelling performances.
Feb. 17 Vicente Fernández
Vicente Fernández was a legendary Mexican ranchera singer, actor, and businessman known as 'El Rey de la Música Mexicana' (The King of Mexican Music). He was a cultural icon who significantly influenced Latin American music and entertainment for decades.
Feb. 19 Smokey Robinson
Smokey Robinson is a legendary Motown singer, songwriter, and record producer who founded the vocal group The Miracles and had a successful solo career, significantly influencing American popular music.
Feb. 23 Peter Fonda
Iconic American actor, filmmaker, and counterculture figure best known for his role in 'Easy Rider'. He was a key member of the Fonda acting dynasty and an influential figure in 1960s cinema.
Feb. 28 Mario Andretti
Legendary Italian-American racing driver who became one of the most successful and versatile drivers in motorsport history, winning races in Formula One, IndyCar, and NASCAR.
March 9 Raul Julia
Raul Julia was a renowned Puerto Rican actor who gained international fame for his versatile performances in film and theater, particularly memorable in 'The Addams Family' and the critically acclaimed 'Kiss of the Spider Woman'.
March 10 Chuck Norris
Legendary martial artist and actor known for his tough-guy roles in action movies like 'Walker, Texas Ranger' and 'Missing in Action'. He popularized martial arts in American cinema and became a global pop culture icon.
March 21 Solomon Burke
Legendary soul and R&B singer who significantly influenced American music, inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001 for his groundbreaking contributions to soul music.
April 6 Pedro Armendáriz
Renowned Mexican-American actor and film producer known for his significant contributions to Latin American cinema in the mid-20th century.
April 12 Herbie Hancock
Legendary jazz pianist and composer who revolutionized jazz fusion and electronic music. He won multiple Grammy Awards and an Oscar for his groundbreaking film soundtrack. Hancock is considered one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.
April 15 Jeffrey Archer
British politician and bestselling novelist who served in Parliament and wrote internationally acclaimed books like 'Kane and Abel', selling over 30 million copies worldwide.
April 25 Al Pacino
Legendary American actor known for iconic roles in films like 'The Godfather', 'Scarface', and 'Scent of a Woman'. He is one of the most celebrated actors of his generation, with eight Academy Award nominations and one win. Despite playing intense characters, he is known for being a private and introspective individual.
April 30 Burt Young
American actor and painter best known for his iconic role as Paulie Pennino in the Rocky film series, who was also a talented visual artist.
May 17 Adel Imam
Adel Imam is a renowned Egyptian comedian and actor who has been a prominent figure in Middle Eastern cinema and television for decades, known for his satirical comedy and social commentary.
May 26 Levon Helm
Legendary drummer and founding member of The Band, a pioneering rock group known for their influential Americana and roots music. He was a Grammy Award winner and critically acclaimed musician who also appeared in films.
June 7 Tom Jones
Tom Jones is a legendary Welsh singer known for his powerful voice and charismatic stage presence. He rose to international fame in the 1960s and 1970s with hits like 'It's Not Unusual' and 'Delilah'. His career spans decades, making him an iconic figure in popular music.
June 20 John Mahoney
Renowned English-American actor best known for his role in the TV series 'Frasier' as Martin Crane, a beloved sitcom character. He had a distinguished career in film and theater spanning several decades.
July 7 Ringo Starr
Legendary drummer of The Beatles, known for his distinctive drumming style and charismatic personality. A key member of one of the most influential bands in music history, he also pursued a successful solo career and acted in films.
July 13 Patrick Stewart
Renowned British-American actor famous for his iconic role as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation. A classically trained Shakespearean actor, he has had a distinguished career in film, television, and theater. Stewart is also known for his roles in X-Men and numerous stage productions.
July 18 James Brolin
Acclaimed American actor known for his breakthrough role in the TV series 'Marcus Welby, M.D.', where he won an Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1970 and a Golden Globe in 1972.
July 22 Alex Trebek
Canadian-American game show host who became an iconic television personality as the long-time host of 'Jeopardy!' from 1984 to 2020, beloved by millions of viewers.
Aug. 3 Martin Sheen
Renowned American actor famous for iconic roles in films like 'Apocalypse Now' and TV series 'The West Wing', where he portrayed President Josiah Bartlet. He survived a near-fatal heart attack during the filming of 'Apocalypse Now' and has had a distinguished career spanning several decades.
Sept. 5 Raquel Welch
Iconic Hollywood sex symbol and actress who rose to fame in the 1960s and 1970s, known for her stunning beauty and memorable roles in films like 'One Million Years B.C.' and 'Myra Breckenridge'.
Sept. 7 Dario Argento
Renowned Italian film director famous for pioneering the giallo horror genre, known for stylized and graphic horror films like 'Suspiria' and 'Deep Red'.
Oct. 9 John Lennon
British singer, lennon is an icon in popular culture. he became a superstar in the rock 'n roll band, "the beatles", and then went on to a solo career reflecting the turbulent times. the beatles, also known as the "fab four," arrived in america and took the country by storm during the "british invasion." with two million copies of "i …
Oct. 19 Michael Gambon
Renowned Irish-English actor famous for his powerful stage and screen performances, including iconic roles in 'The Singing Detective' and as Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter film series.
Nov. 4 Marlène Jobert
French actress and film star born in Algeria to a French military father and Jewish mother. She began her stage career in 1963 and appeared in notable films like 'The Thief in Paris' in 1966.
Nov. 25 Percy Sledge
Legendary soul singer known for his iconic 1966 hit 'When a Man Loves a Woman', which became a timeless classic of romantic R&B music.
Nov. 27 Bruce Lee
Legendary Chinese-American martial artist and actor who revolutionized action cinema, becoming a global icon of martial arts and cultural representation. His groundbreaking films like 'Enter the Dragon' transformed Hollywood's perception of Asian actors and martial arts movies.
Dec. 1 Richard Pryor
Groundbreaking African American comedian and actor who revolutionized stand-up comedy with his raw, unfiltered social commentary and groundbreaking humor. He was a pivotal figure in comedy, known for his brutally honest and provocative performances that addressed race, social issues, and personal struggles.