Famous people and celebrities born in February 1940

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

• Feb. 1 Bibi Besch

  Bibi Besch was an Austrian-American actress best known for her roles in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan and other film and television productions.

• Feb. 1 Jean-Marie Périer

  Jean-Marie Périer is a renowned French photographer who captured iconic images of celebrities and musicians during the vibrant 1960s and 1970s cultural era.

• Feb. 2 David Jason

  Beloved British comedy actor known for iconic TV roles in 'Open All Hours' and 'Only Fools and Horses', who received a lifetime achievement award in 1996 for his contributions to television comedy.

• Feb. 3 Fran Tarkenton

  Hall of Fame NFL quarterback who played for the Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants, later became a successful entrepreneur and television personality.

• Feb. 4 George A Romero

  Legendary filmmaker known as the 'Godfather of Zombie Movies', who revolutionized the horror genre with groundbreaking films like 'Night of the Living Dead'.

• Feb. 5 H R Giger

  H.R. Giger was a renowned Swiss artist famous for his groundbreaking biomechanical and surrealist artwork, most notably designing the iconic xenomorph creature for the Alien film series.

• Feb. 6 Tom Brokaw

  Renowned American broadcast journalist who anchored NBC Nightly News and Today Show, becoming one of the most respected news figures of his generation.

• Feb. 6 Jimmy Tarbuck

  Prominent British comedian who rose to fame in the 1970s through stand-up comedy and television shows.

• Feb. 7 Tony Tan

  Singaporean academic and politician who served as the 7th President of Singapore from 2011 to 2017, playing a significant role in the nation's leadership.

• Feb. 8 Ted Koppel

  Renowned American broadcast journalist who anchored ABC's Nightline for 25 years, becoming one of the most respected news personalities in television history.

• Feb. 9 J M Coetzee

  J.M. Coetzee is a renowned South African novelist, winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature, known for critically acclaimed works like 'Disgrace' and 'Life & Times of Michael K'.

• Feb. 10 Mary Rand

  Mary Rand was a pioneering British athlete who became the first British woman to win an Olympic gold medal in the long jump at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. She was a significant figure in British track and field history.

• 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. 17 Gene Pitney

  Gene Pitney was an influential American pop singer and songwriter of the 1960s, known for his distinctive voice and hit songs like 'Town Without Pity'. He was also a successful songwriter who wrote hits for other artists.

• Feb. 18 Fabrizio De André

  Legendary Italian singer-songwriter and poet, known for his profound and poetic lyrics that often addressed social issues, marginalized people, and political themes. He is considered one of the most important and influential musicians in Italian music history.

• 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. 19 Saparmurat Niyazov

  Saparmurat Niyazov was the first president of Turkmenistan, known for his authoritarian rule and eccentric policies that dramatically transformed the country after its independence from the Soviet Union.

• Feb. 21 John Lewis

  Prominent American civil rights leader and long-serving congressman who was a key figure in the Civil Rights Movement.

• Feb. 22 Judy Cornwell

  British-American actress known for her infectious laugh and memorable role as Daisy in the popular sitcom 'Keeping Up Appearances'. She had a successful career in theatre and television, signing a long-term Hollywood contract at age 27.

• 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. 24 Denis Law

  Denis Law is a legendary Scottish footballer who played for Manchester United and Manchester City, and is considered one of the greatest players in British football history.

• Feb. 24 Pete Duel

  Pete Duel was an American actor best known for his role in the TV series 'Alias Smith and Jones'. He tragically died by suicide on December 31, 1971, at the height of his career.

• Feb. 24 Guy Périllat

  Guy Périllat was a prominent French ski racer in the 1960s, winning a bronze medal in downhill and a gold medal in combined at the 1960 Winter Olympics.

• Feb. 25 Ron Santo

  Legendary Chicago Cubs shortstop and third baseman, known for his exceptional play and being the first MLB player with trade veto rights. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2012.

• Feb. 26 Azzedine Alaïa

  Azzedine Alaïa was a highly influential Tunisian-born French fashion designer celebrated for his innovative body-conscious designs and impeccable tailoring. He was known as the 'King of Cling' for his form-fitting garments that celebrated the female silhouette. Alaïa was respected by peers like Yves Saint Laurent and worked with top models and celebrities.

• 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.

• Feb. 28 Joe South

  Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter from Atlanta, Georgia, known for his hit song 'Games People Play' and significant contributions to folk and country rock.

• Feb. 29 Monte Kiffin

  Monte Kiffin is a legendary NFL defensive coordinator who revolutionized defensive strategies with his innovative Tampa 2 defense, primarily during his tenure with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys.