Famous people and celebrities born in December 1940

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

• 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.

• Dec. 2 Willie Brown

  Prominent California politician who served as Mayor of San Francisco from 1996 to 2004 and was a powerful Speaker of the California State Assembly for 15 years.

• Dec. 3 Jeffrey R. Holland

  Prominent American religious leader and academic, known for his significant role in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

• Dec. 4 Gary Gilmore

  Gary Gilmore was a notorious American criminal known for his controversial execution in 1977, which restarted capital punishment in the United States after a decade-long moratorium. He gained significant media attention for his murder of two men in Utah and his subsequent demand to be executed.

• Dec. 4 John Cale

  John Cale is a renowned Welsh musician, composer, and record producer, best known as a founding member of the influential rock band The Velvet Underground.

• Dec. 6 Richard Edlund

  Renowned visual effects designer who significantly contributed to groundbreaking films like Star Wars and Indiana Jones, winning multiple Academy Awards for his innovative work in special effects.

• Dec. 7 Gerry Cheevers

  Legendary Canadian ice hockey goaltender who played in the NHL and was known for his distinctive masked style.

• Dec. 11 Donna Mills

  Prominent American actress known for her roles in television and film, particularly in daytime and primetime soap operas during the 1970s and 1980s.

• Dec. 11 David Gates

  Lead singer and songwriter of the soft rock band Bread, known for hit songs like 'Make It with You' and 'Everything I Own'.

• Dec. 11 David Gates in Tulsa

  Musician from Tulsa, Oklahoma, lead of the band Bread.

• Dec. 12 Dionne Warwick

  Renowned American singer and recording artist who achieved significant success in pop and soul music, winning multiple Grammy Awards and releasing numerous hit records throughout her career.

• Dec. 12 Sharad Pawar

  Prominent Indian politician and businessman who made significant contributions to agriculture and cooperative sectors, serving in key leadership roles in Indian politics.

• Dec. 12 André Bercoff

  Franco-Lebanese writer and journalist known for writing under multiple pseudonyms, including Philippe de Commines and Philippe Mura.

• Dec. 15 Nick Buoniconti

  Legendary NFL linebacker who played for the New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins, becoming a Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee in 2001. His son Marc, a quadriplegic, presented his Hall of Fame honor, adding a deeply personal dimension to his remarkable sports legacy.

• Dec. 17 María Elena Velasco

  Prominent Mexican actress, singer, director, and screenwriter known for her significant contributions to Mexican entertainment industry.

• Dec. 19 Phil Ochs

  Influential American folk singer and songwriter known for his protest music during the 1960s counterculture movement. He was a prominent voice in the anti-war movement and wrote powerful songs critiquing social and political issues.

• Dec. 21 Frank Zappa

  Legendary avant-garde musician and composer who revolutionized rock music with his innovative and eclectic style. He was a multi-instrumentalist known for his complex compositions, satirical lyrics, and genre-defying musical approach. Zappa was a prolific artist who challenged musical and cultural norms throughout his career.

• Dec. 24 Anthony Fauci

  A prominent American physician and immunologist who played a crucial role in the United States' response to numerous infectious disease outbreaks, including HIV/AIDS, Ebola, Zika, and most notably, the COVID-19 pandemic. He served as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) from 1984 to 2022 and was a key advisor to multiple US presidents.

• Dec. 24 Jorma Kaukonen in Washington DC

  A renowned rock guitarist and vocalist, best known as a founding member of the influential psychedelic rock band Jefferson Airplane and the blues-rock band Hot Tuna. He is considered a significant figure in the 1960s counterculture music scene.

• Dec. 25 Phil Spector

  Influential American music producer known for the 'Wall of Sound' technique and his work with iconic artists like The Beatles and Ike & Tina Turner.

• Dec. 25 Hilary Spurling

  Renowned English biographer and journalist, known for her critically acclaimed literary biographies of notable figures like Matisse and Anthony Powell.

• Dec. 26 Edward Prescott

  Nobel Prize-winning American economist who made significant contributions to macroeconomics, particularly in real business cycle theory and economic dynamics.

• Dec. 27 David Shepherd

  Renowned English cricket umpire who officiated in international matches and was widely respected in the cricket world. He was known for his distinctive style and contributions to the sport.

• Dec. 28 A. K. Antony

  Prominent Indian politician who served as the Minister of Defence, with a significant career in national politics and public service.

• Dec. 29 Fred Hansen

  Olympic gold medalist pole vaulter who set world records in the 1960s. He represented the United States at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, winning gold and establishing himself as a top athlete in his sport.

• Dec. 30 James Burrows

  Legendary television director and producer, known for creating and directing numerous iconic sitcoms that shaped American television comedy. He has been a pivotal figure in the development of modern television comedy.

• Dec. 30 Philippe Cousteau

  Renowned French oceanographer and underwater filmmaker, continuing his father Jacques Cousteau's legacy of marine exploration and environmental conservation. He was a skilled diver and photographer who contributed significantly to marine documentary filmmaking.