Famous people and celebrities born in July 1940

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

• July 1 Cahit Zarifoğlu

  Prominent Turkish poet and author known for his significant contributions to modern Turkish literature during the mid-20th century.

• July 1 Ela Gandhi

  South African political activist and granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi, known for her work in social justice and peace movements.

• July 4 Dave Rowberry

  English pianist and keyboardist best known for his work with the iconic rock band The Animals during the 1960s British Invasion.

• July 5 Chuck Close

  Chuck Close is a groundbreaking American photorealist painter famous for his large-scale, highly detailed portraits using innovative grid techniques and challenging traditional portraiture.

• July 6 Nursultan Nazarbayev

  Long-serving president of Kazakhstan who led the country from its independence in 1991 until 2019, playing a crucial role in shaping the nation's post-Soviet political landscape and economic development.

• 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 8 Joe B. Mauldin

  American bass player and founding member of the rock and roll band The Crickets, known for his influential work in early rock music.

• July 11 Jacques Revaux

  French songwriter renowned for composing 'Comme d'habitude', which became the basis for Frank Sinatra's iconic song 'My Way'. He founded Trema Records and wrote numerous hit songs for prominent French artists like Michel Sardou.

• 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 13 Paul Prudhomme

  Renowned American chef who was a pioneer of Cajun cuisine and helped popularize Louisiana cooking worldwide. He was famous for his innovative recipes and cookbooks that brought regional American cuisine to international attention.

• July 14 Susan Howatch

  Susan Howatch is a renowned English novelist known for her complex, psychologically deep novels exploring themes of spirituality, personal transformation, and human relationships, particularly in her acclaimed series of ecclesiastical fiction.

• July 15 Robert Winston

  Renowned British medical scientist, fertility expert, and television presenter who has made significant contributions to reproductive medicine and public understanding of science.

• July 15 Ronald Gene Simmons

  Notorious American mass murderer who killed 16 people, including his own family members, in Arkansas in 1987 before being executed in 1990.

• July 17 Tim Brooke-Taylor

  British comedian best known for the iconic comedy series 'The Goodies', a surreal and innovative comedy show that was popular in the 1970s.

• July 17 Francisco Toledo

  Renowned Mexican artist from Oaxaca, celebrated for his diverse artistic contributions in painting, sculpture, and graphic arts, who significantly influenced contemporary Mexican art.

• 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 18 Joe Torre

  Legendary baseball manager who led the New York Yankees to unprecedented success, becoming one of the most respected figures in Major League Baseball history.

• July 19 Dennis Cole

  Dennis Cole was an American television and film actor known for his roles in 'Felony Squad' and 'Bracken's World'. He began his career as a model for men's magazines before transitioning to acting, starring alongside Rod Taylor in the TV series 'Bearcats!'

• July 20 Tony Oliva baseball player

  Cuban-born American baseball player who won the American League Rookie of the Year award in 1964 and became a batting champion, playing his entire Major League career with the Minnesota Twins.

• July 21 Jim Clyburn

  Prominent African American politician who has served as a U.S. Representative from South Carolina since 1993 and was a key supporter of Joe Biden's presidential campaign. He is the House Majority Whip and a significant figure in Democratic Party leadership.

• 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.

• July 23 Don Imus

  Controversial American radio personality known for his provocative talk shows and polarizing media presence.

• July 24 Dan Hedaya

  Distinctive character actor known for memorable roles in films like 'Cheers', 'Fargo', and 'Clueless', with a career spanning several decades in Hollywood.

• July 25 John Pennel

  American pole vaulter and track & field champion who was a four-time world record holder in pole vault during the 1960s. He was a significant athlete in the sport's history.

• July 26 Mary Jo Kopechne

  American political aide who tragically died in the infamous Chappaquiddick incident involving Senator Ted Kennedy in 1969.

• July 26 Dobie Gray

  Renowned American singer-songwriter known for hits like 'Drift Away' and significant contributions to soul and pop music.

• July 27 Pina Bausch

  Legendary German choreographer who transformed contemporary dance through her innovative work at the Wuppertal Dance Theatre. She was a pioneering figure in post-modern dance, revolutionizing the art form with her unique expressive style and emotional depth.

• July 27 Gary Kurtz

  Influential film producer who played a crucial role in creating iconic movies like 'Star Wars' and 'American Graffiti'. He was a key collaborator with George Lucas during the most creative period of the director's early career.

• July 30 Patricia Schroeder

  Pioneering Democratic congresswoman from Colorado who served from 1973 to 1997, known for her progressive advocacy for women's rights, family policies, and social welfare programs.

• July 30 Clive Sinclair

  Pioneering British inventor and entrepreneur who founded Sinclair Research, known for developing early personal computers like the ZX Spectrum and revolutionary electronic devices.