Famous people and celebrities born in January 1940

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

• Jan. 1 Frank Langella

  Acclaimed American actor known for numerous stage and film performances, including his portrayal of Dracula and roles in various critically acclaimed movies.

• Jan. 1 Clifford Olson

  Notorious Canadian serial killer who murdered 11 young victims between 1980 and 1981, becoming one of the most infamous criminals in Canadian history.

• Jan. 1 Leonard Susskind

  Renowned theoretical physicist who made groundbreaking contributions to string theory and quantum mechanics, considered one of the founders of string theory.

• Jan. 1 Yuko Tojo

  Daughter of Hideki Tojo, the infamous Prime Minister of Japan during World War II, who was a key figure in Japan's wartime leadership and later executed as a war criminal.

• Jan. 2 Jim Bakker

  Controversial American televangelist known for his massive PTL ministry and subsequent fraud conviction. He and his wife Tammy Faye were prominent televangelists in the 1970s and 1980s. His career was dramatically derailed by financial and sexual scandals.

• Jan. 3 Thelma Schoonmaker

  Acclaimed film editor renowned for her long-standing collaboration with Martin Scorsese, having edited numerous iconic films including 'Raging Bull', 'Goodfellas', and 'The Departed'.

• Jan. 3 Leo de Berardinis

  Renowned Italian theater actor and director known for his experimental and avant-garde performances, who significantly influenced contemporary Italian theater during the late 20th century.

• Jan. 4 Gao Xingjian

  Nobel Prize winner for literature, Chinese-French author, playwright, and critic known for his innovative works bridging Eastern and Western literary traditions.

• Jan. 4 Brian David Josephson

  Nobel Prize laureate for his theoretical predictions of the properties of a supercurrent through a tunnel barrier, in particular those phenomena which are generally known as the Josephson effects

• Jan. 6 Olga Georges-Picot

  French actress and model from a diplomatic family, who appeared in 18 films and had a notable relationship with Jean Sobiesky from 1966 to 1970.

• Jan. 6 Van McCoy

  Renowned American singer and songwriter famous for disco hits like 'The Hustle', who tragically died at the young age of 35.

• Jan. 9 Ruth Dreifuss

  Prominent Swiss politician who served as the 86th President of the Swiss Confederation, making significant contributions to Swiss political landscape.

• Jan. 10 K. J. Yesudas

  Renowned Indian singer and music director with extensive contributions to classical and playback music.

• Jan. 13 Edmund White

  Edmund White is a renowned American novelist, essayist, and literary critic known for his groundbreaking works exploring LGBTQ+ experiences and identity. He has significantly influenced contemporary literature through his candid and sophisticated writing about gay life and culture. White has received numerous awards, including the National Book Critics Circle Award, and is considered a pivotal figure in queer literature.

• Jan. 14 Julian Bond

  Prominent civil rights leader and politician who served in the Georgia state legislature and as chairman of the NAACP, working to revitalize the organization and advance social justice.

• Jan. 14 Trevor Nunn

  Renowned English theatre and film director, known for his significant contributions to stage productions and adaptations.

• Jan. 15 Anna Hazare

  Prominent Indian social activist known for his anti-corruption campaigns and significant role in India's civil society movements.

• Jan. 15 Arlie Russell Hochschild

  Renowned sociologist and professor known for her groundbreaking work on emotions and social theory, particularly in gender and workplace studies.

• Jan. 18 Pedro Rodriguez

  Legendary Mexican racing driver who tragically died during a motorsport competition in 1971, known for his significant contributions to international motorsports.

• Jan. 18 Graham Wade

  Renowned British musicologist and author specializing in guitar history and biographies of classical musicians, particularly known for his works on Andrés Segovia and Joaquín Rodrigo.

• Jan. 19 Paolo Borsellino

  Renowned Italian magistrate who fought against organized crime and was tragically assassinated by the Mafia in a bomb attack in Palermo, becoming a national symbol of resistance against criminal organizations.

• Jan. 20 Georges Poujouly

  French artist known for his contributions in music, acting, and poetry during the mid-20th century.

• Jan. 21 Jack Nicklaus

  Legendary American professional golfer widely considered the greatest golfer of all time. He won 18 major championships, including a record six Masters Tournament victories. Known as the 'Golden Bear', he dominated professional golf during the 1960s and 1970s.

• Jan. 22 John Hurt

  Acclaimed British actor known for transformative roles in 'The Naked Civil Servant', 'The Elephant Man', and 'Alien'. He was a versatile performer who earned an Oscar nomination and significantly impacted cinema and television.

• Jan. 27 James Cromwell

  James Cromwell is an acclaimed American actor known for his memorable roles in critically acclaimed films like 'Babe' and 'L.A. Confidential', with a career spanning several decades.

• Jan. 28 Carlos Slim

  Carlos Slim is a prominent Mexican business magnate and philanthropist who built a vast business empire across multiple industries in Latin America, becoming one of the wealthiest individuals globally. He has significant investments in telecommunications, technology, retail, and finance sectors. His company Grupo Carso and ownership of América Móvil have been key to his economic success.

• 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.

• Jan. 31 Jessica Walter in Brooklyn

  Acclaimed actress known for her memorable roles in 'Play Misty for Me' and 'Arrested Development', with a career spanning film and television.

• Jan. 31 Stuart Margolin

  Emmy Award-winning American actor and director known for his roles in 'The Rockford Files' and as a versatile television performer.