Famous people and celebrities born in August 1940

Welcome to our dedicated page for celebrating the notable individuals born in August 1940! 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.

• Aug. 2 Will Tura

  Legendary Belgian singer-songwriter and guitarist, considered a national icon in Flemish music with a career spanning several decades.

• 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.

• Aug. 3 Lance Alworth

  Legendary NFL wide receiver nicknamed 'Bambi', who played for the San Diego Chargers and was known for his exceptional pass receptions. He was a tough player who continued playing despite injuries, including two broken hands in 1966.

• Aug. 3 Lance Alworth in Houston

  NFL Hall of Fame wide receiver who played for San Diego Chargers and Dallas Cowboys.

• Aug. 7 Jean-Luc Dehaene

  Prominent Belgian politician and lawyer who served as the 63rd Prime Minister of Belgium, playing a significant role in the country's political landscape during the late 20th century.

• Aug. 8 Dennis Tito

  First private space tourist who paid to visit the International Space Station in 2001, and founder of Wilshire Associates investment management firm.

• Aug. 10 Bobby Hatfield

  Bobby Hatfield was a legendary American singer, best known as one half of the iconic duo The Righteous Brothers. He and Bill Medley revolutionized blue-eyed soul music in the 1960s, with their most famous hit being the timeless "Unchained Melody".

• Aug. 12 Eddie Barlow

  Renowned South African cricketer and cricket coach who made significant contributions to the sport during his lifetime.

• Aug. 14 Alexei Panshin

  Renowned science fiction author who won prestigious Hugo and Nebula Awards, known for innovative works exploring speculative fiction themes.

• Aug. 14 Arthur Laffer

  Influential economist famous for the Laffer Curve, a key concept in supply-side economics that significantly impacted fiscal policy discussions.

• Aug. 15 Gudrun Ensslin

  Gudrun Ensslin was a prominent German far-left terrorist and key member of the Red Army Faction (RAF), also known as the Baader-Meinhof Group. She was a radical activist who participated in terrorist bombings and was involved in the violent revolutionary movement of the 1970s. Ensslin was ultimately arrested and died in prison under controversial circumstances.

• Aug. 16 Bruce Beresford

  Acclaimed Australian film director known for Oscar-nominated films like 'Driving Miss Daisy' and 'Tender Mercies'. He has made significant contributions to international cinema, particularly in character-driven dramas.

• Aug. 18 Adam Makowicz

  Renowned Polish-Canadian jazz pianist and composer known for his exceptional improvisational skills and contributions to jazz music.

• Aug. 19 Jill St. John

  Jill St. John is a renowned American actress famous for her role as Bond girl Tiffany Case in 'Diamonds Are Forever' and her appearances in numerous films and television productions.

• Aug. 19 Johnny Nash

  Johnny Nash was an American singer-songwriter best known for his hit song 'I Can See Clearly Now', which became a global pop music classic in the early 1970s.

• Aug. 22 Valerie Harper in Sufferin

  Acclaimed American actress famous for her roles in 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show' and 'Rhoda', winning multiple Emmy Awards.

• Aug. 23 Galen Rowell

  Renowned nature photographer and mountaineer known for his stunning landscape images and adventurous spirit, capturing breathtaking scenes from around the world before his tragic death in a plane crash.

• Aug. 23 Thomas A. Steitz

  Nobel Prize laureate for studies of the structure and function of the ribosome

• Aug. 25 José Van Dam

  Renowned Belgian operatic bass-baritone celebrated for his exceptional performances in major international opera houses, known for his remarkable vocal range and interpretative skills.

• Aug. 26 Don LaFontaine

  Legendary voice actor known for movie trailer voiceovers, famously saying 'In a world...' in thousands of film previews. He was a pivotal figure in the entertainment industry's promotional landscape.

• Aug. 26 Nik Turner

  Pioneering English musician, saxophonist, and founding member of the space rock band Hawkwind, known for his experimental and psychedelic music.

• Aug. 28 Ken Jenkins

  Accomplished American actor known for his versatile roles in television and film, with a career spanning several decades.

• Aug. 28 William Cohen

  Prominent American politician who served as the 20th United States Secretary of Defense, representing significant leadership in national defense and government.

• Aug. 28 Philippe Léotard

  Versatile French artist known for his multifaceted career as a poet, actor, and singer, contributing significantly to French cultural arts.

• Aug. 29 James Brady

  White House Press Secretary who survived an assassination attempt by John Hinckley during the Reagan presidency. His injury led to significant advocacy for gun control and disability rights.

• Aug. 29 Gary Gabelich

  Legendary land speed record holder who achieved 622 mph on Utah salt flats in 1970, setting a world record. He was a daring motorsport champion known for pushing technological and human speed limits.